Capitol Insight: Weekly Legislative Update 2/13/26
T
he Governor and Executive Council dominated headlines this week after accepting the resignation of an embattled commissioner and swiftly nominating and confirming a replacement the same day. In addition, several high-profile appointments were approved.
The House, the only Legislative chamber in session, held a full slate of committee hearings and advanced a number of significant measures. Meanwhile, the Senate continued moving bills out of committee in preparation for what is expected to be a busy session next week.
House Highlights
In 2019, Governor Chris Sununu allowed the New Hampshire College Graduate Retention Incentive Partnership (NH GRIP) program to become law without his signature after it was passed by a Democratically controlled Legislature. The program was designed to provide financial incentives to encourage recent college graduates to remain in New Hampshire; however, it was repealed in the 2023 budget trailer bill. This week, the House considered legislation to reestablish the program with a recommendation from the Education Funding Committee that the bill be killed. Supporters argued the program would help address ongoing workforce shortages and improve the state’s competitiveness in attracting young professionals. Opponents questioned whether government intervention was necessary, suggesting the free market would be better suited to solve workforce challenges. Others cited the state’s tight fiscal environment and competing budget priorities. Without debate, the House voted to table the bill, where it will remain unless later removed before the end of the session.
Executive Council Action
On Wednesday, the Governor and Executive Council honored outgoing Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Bill Cass at his final meeting before retirement. Cass, appointed commissioner by Governor Chris Sununu in 2022, played a key role in numerous infrastructure initiatives during his nearly four decades with the department, which began in 1986. Later that morning, Governor Ayotte nominated Assistant Commissioner David Rodrigue to succeed Cass. A longtime DOT veteran, Rodrigue has served in several departmental bureaus and most recently as Director of Operations before becoming Assistant Commissioner.
The Executive Council also unanimously confirmed Manchester Media Group President Lucy Lange as the next Commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA). Lange brings two decades of marketing experience to the agency, which oversees community and economic development as well as the promotion of the state’s travel and tourism industry.
New Hampshire Superior Court Associate Justice Daniel Will also received a confirmation vote this week to become the next member of the state’s Supreme Court. As New Hampshire’s former Solicitor General, Will defended New Hampshire’s COVID-19 restrictions, a role that generated some opposition to his nomination. Following a confirmation hearing and individual interviews with Councilors, he was confirmed on a bipartisan 4-1 vote.
Earlier in the week, Governor Ayotte requested the resignation of Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) Commissioner Sarah Stewart after criticism that the department failed to notify the Governor about outreach from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the potential purchase of a property in Merrimack. Stewart was replaced by Department of Environmental Services Assistant Commissioner Adam Crepeau, who was nominated and confirmed Wednesday as Acting Commissioner of DNCR. Prior to his role at DES,
Crepeau served as Policy Director for Governor Chris Sununu and previously worked for former Maine Governor Paul LePage.
ESG Proposal Rejected
New Hampshire’s state retirement system carries a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best financial interest of its participants. This week, the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee unanimously recommended to politely kill legislation that would prohibit the consideration of environmental, social, or governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions. Supporters argued the legislation would ensure investments are made solely to benefit system members and avoid politically motivated considerations. Opponents countered that the proposal could restrict investment flexibility and potentially reduce returns. Although the bill had backing from two out-of-state think tanks, it faced opposition from the Business and Industry Association. With a unanimous committee recommendation, it now heads to the House floor, where it is expected to be dealt with quickly.
Week Ahead
House and Senate committees will hold one final week of hearings before many pause for the winter break observed by most New Hampshire schools. Several House committees have completed initial hearings and will work to act on remaining legislation, while many Senate committees have already begun hearing House passed bills. Both chambers are scheduled to hold floor sessions on Thursday before heading into a slower break week.
About Rath, Young and Pignatelli
Capitol Insight is produced with the support of the Chamber’s government relations consultant: Rath, Young and Pignatelli (RYP). RYP merges traditional legal practice areas with legislative and public policy expertise. They have earned a reputation for achieving client success through skillful and creative advocacy in private party negotiations, before courts, regulatory agencies, and legislatures.
Their professionals are leaders in key sectors of the economy where business and government intersect including business and finance, energy, tax, health care, environmental, and insurance.
About The Greater Manchester Chamber
Incorporated in 1911, the Greater Manchester Chamber (GMC) is the largest business organization in New Hampshire, focusing its efforts primarily on Manchester and the surrounding communities of Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, and Merrimack. It is the Chamber’s mission to bring together business and community to enhance economic success and quality of life in our region. For more information visit www.manchester-chamber.org.
