House Session [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with Representative Osborne moving to adjourn the House, which was approved. House Chaplain Reverend Kevin Trombley led a prayer, followed by Representative Hope Damon leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and Madison McNeil singing the national anthem. Requests for leaves of absence were granted, and guests, including local high school students, were introduced. The consent calendar was presented and adopted without any bills removed. Senators Taylor and Berry declared conflicts of interest on specific bills. The House then moved to the regular calendar, where House Bills 1409 and 1596 were special ordered for discussion after lunch. House Bill 1323FN, concerning parental alienation, was reported by the majority of the Committee on Children and Family Law with a recommendation to pass, despite minority opposition citing concerns about court admissibility. A roll call vote resulted in the majority report being adopted. House Bill 1460FN, aimed at prohibiting the sale of sensitive data regarding children, faced opposition from Representative Gregg, who highlighted the lack of public testimony. A motion to return the bill to committee for further consideration was made but ultimately, the majority report was adopted. House Bill 1710, related to child abduction procedures, was recommended to pass by the majority, while the minority called for an interim study. A roll call vote resulted in the majority report being adopted. House Bill 1570, concerning local law enforcement's authority in federal immigration enforcement, was deemed inexpedient to legislate. A roll call vote confirmed this recommendation. House Bill 1642, regarding extreme risk protection orders, was also deemed inexpedient to legislate, despite minority arguments for its passage. A tragic incident involving a mother highlighted the need for preventive measures, but Representative Roy opposed the bill, citing constitutional concerns. Representative Gothright defended it, emphasizing its potential to save lives. A roll call vote resulted in the majority's recommendation being adopted. Further discussions included House Bill 1715, deemed inexpedient to legislate, and House Bill 1701, which was laid on the table. House Bill 1716 faced debate over academic accountability for education freedom accounts, with the majority recommending it be deemed inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 1808, establishing a position for academic research and performance data analysis, was recommended to pass, while House Bill 1678, proposing direct voter registration, was deemed inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 1636, which sought to study options for generating state revenue, faced opposition, highlighting disparities in school tax rates. A motion to declare it inexpedient to legislate passed. House Bill 1584, concerning medical and religious exemptions from immunization requirements, faced concerns about record-keeping but was defended for ensuring transparency. A roll call vote resulted in the committee report being adopted. The meeting included a motion to reprimand Representative Beauchemin for her conduct during the State of the State address, which passed. The committee then addressed special audit bills, starting with House Bill 1409, which was tabled, and House Bill 1596, which faced debate over a proposed tobacco tax increase. A roll call vote resulted in the committee report being adopted. House Bill 1719, regarding hepatitis B immunizations, was adopted, while House Bill 1798 concerning diaper coverage under Medicaid was tabled. House Bill 1067 related to mental health courts was also tabled, and House Bill 1501, aimed at limiting judicial immunity, was reported as inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 1505FN, requiring municipalities to submit compliance documentation, passed with amendments. House Bill 1607FN concerning road salt usage was tabled, while House Bill 1301FN, increasing mooring fees, passed with amendments. House Bill 1426FN, requiring certified personnel in environmental programs, also passed with amendments. House Bill 1530FN, regarding notification of abutters before disturbing beaver dams, was deemed inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 1655FN, establishing a funding source for maintaining state-owned dams, passed with amendments after a failed motion to table. House Bill 1664FN, seeking to remove the Hannah Dustin Memorial, was deemed inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 1768FN, providing free admission to state parks for veterans, passed with an amendment. House Bill 1837FN regarding the New Hampshire Marine Patrol also passed with an amendment. The meeting concluded with discussions on various bills, including House Bill 1002, which aimed to repeal the solar energy system tax exemption and was tabled. House Bill 1542FN regarding renewable energy fund compliance payments was discussed, with a motion to table failing. House Bill 1738FN, concerning ratepayer benefits from the regional greenhouse gas initiative, was recommended to pass. House Bill 1176FN, proposing to allow passenger vehicles to display only one rear license plate, faced concerns about public safety and was ultimately tabled. House Bill 1421, modifying title exemptions for older vehicles, passed with amendments. House Bill 1580, concerning a surcharge on unoccupied non-primary residences, was deemed inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 1810, establishing a salt mitigation fund, faced criticism but was reported as inexpedient to legislate. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn until February 19th, 2026, which was approved, and a recognition of veterans and service members for their contributions.