Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee
Ben Mickens 271-1403
HB 1160, relative to the county-state finance commission.
Hearing Date: March 4, 2026
Time Opened: 9:40 a.m. Time Closed: 9:48 a.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Pearl, McGough, Gannon and Reardon
Members of the Committee Absent : Senator Altschiller
Bill Analysis: This bill amends the membership and the duties of the county-state finance commission.
Sponsors:
Rep. Weyler | Rep. Erf | Rep. Preece |
Sen. Gray |
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Who supports the bill: Senator James Gray, Representative Carol McGuire, Representative David Preece, and Kate Horgan (NHAC).
Who opposes the bill: No one.
Who is neutral on the bill: No one.
Summary of testimony presented in support:
Representative David Preece:
- Representative Preece stated that HB 1160 is a bill that expands oversight and not an expansion government.
- Representative Preece explained that this legislation strengthens the County-State Finance Commission.
- He explained that under RSA 167:18-a counties are required to fund a portion of long-term care. He added that these counties are often not involved in the decisions that determine this cost.
- Representative Preece explained that this bill does not create new spending.
- He stated that HB 1160 is a balanced reform.
Kate Horgan of the New Hampshire Association of Counties
- Ms. Horgan explained that the bill addresses some technical concerns relating to department names.
- This bill also standardizes two-year terms for members which run concurrently, rather than a staggered appointment process.
- Ms. Horgan explained that the bill also allows the Speaker to appoint any member of the House to the commission, rather than limited to a specific committee’s members.
Summary of testimony presented in opposition: None
Neutral Information Presented: None.
BM
Date Hearing Report completed: March 6, 2026