Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee
Ben Mickens 271-1403
HB 1328-FN, relative to alcohol and other drug use professionals and relative to the qualifications to obtain certain occupational licenses.
Hearing Date: March 11, 2026
Time Opened: 9:38 a.m. Time Closed: 9:52 a.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Reardon, Pearl, McGough and Gannon
Members of the Committee Absent : Senator Altschiller
Bill Analysis: This bill:
I. Amends the membership of the board of licensing for alcohol and other drug use professionals.
II. Eliminates the license type of licensed clinical supervisor.
III. Modifies the qualifications for licensure for recreational therapists.
IV. Amends the qualifications for speech-language assistants.
Sponsors:
Rep. Grote | Rep. Layon | Rep. C. McGuire |
Rep. Schmidt | Sen. Pearl | Sen. Perkins Kwoka |
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Who supports the bill: Senator Howard Pearl, Representative Erica Layon, Dianne Castrucci (NH ADACA), Madison Kiernan (NH ADACA), Jake Berry (New Futures), Cory Stone, Jennifer Favreau, Karen Burnet-Kurie, and Tami Lanzillo Zeimetz.
Who opposes the bill: No one.
Who is neutral on the bill: Peter Dalpra
Summary of testimony presented in support:
Representative Erica Layon:
- Representative Layon introduced and testified in support of HB 1328-FN
- Representative Layon explained that this bill cleans up statute language based on recommendations from OPLC.
- Representative Layon added that this new language would be comparable with other state licensure programs.
Senator McGough asked about the reasoning for deleting therapeutic requirements in section 5.
Representative Layon explained that this was at the request of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification and asked that any questions be deferred to them.
Diane Castrucci of New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association:
- Ms. Castrucci voiced her support of HB 1328-FN
- Ms. Castrucci explained that this legislation would modify the board of licensing for alcohol and other drug use professionals to include more recovery support workers, a positive change as it accurately reflects the population that is served by the commission.
- Ms. Castrucci explained that her only concern is regarding those who currently hold the LCS credential and ensuring their continuation in the work force. A sunsetting clause for them may be ideal.
- She added that the LCS position is currently written into other administrative rules like Medicaid and opioid treatments programs, however these entities are in support of HB 1328-FN
Senator Pearl asked if Ms. Castrucci recommends a specific time frame to enact a proper sunset period.
Ms. Castrucci responded that 4 years could be appropriate.
Summary of testimony presented in opposition: None.
Neutral Information Presented:
Peter Dalpra:
- Mr. Dalpra stated that he is a LCS holder and it is important for him to hold onto this licensure as the journey to get there was long and arduous.
- Mr. Dalpra added that this license is not a common one, and those who have early license numbers, number 2 for example, appreciate the continued validity of their license.
- He explained that a sunset period for those in LCS positions would be appreciated by all involved.
- Mr. Dalpra explained that people like himself have been paying for the extra license and don’t want to see it vanish quickly.
Senator Pearl asked what Mr. Dalpra’s recommendation would be for this sunsetting period.
Mr. Dalpra responded that it should be at least 2 years.
BM
Date Hearing Report completed: March 12, 2026