Capitol Insight: Weekly Legislative Update 5/16/25
T
he Senate was in session on Thursday, voting on many of their final house bills prior to their last bill deadlines before conferences are formed. Legislative committees in both bodies kept busy throughout the week, moving all remaining bills to the floor.
Senate Funds Critical Healthcare Programs
The Senate Finance Committee has started to make their own revisions to the state’s biennial budget. Their first act was to restore funding to the state’s Medicaid providers by eliminating the 3% rate cut proposed by the House. This reduction was admonished by the public during the Senate’s public hearing on the budget and the committee wasted no time in reversing course. In a similar move, the Finance Committee also restored funding for the developmental disabilities waitlist and for community mental health support. The state spent years trying to eliminate the developmental disabilities waitlist and the general consensus was that underfunding the program would cause irreparable harm to a vulnerable population. Community mental health funding, a critical tool for psychiatric emergencies and substance misuse challenges, was another area the Senate believed must be prioritized for the long-term health of Granite Staters. By immediately restoring aid for these three needs, the Senate sent a message that these services are a vital part of the state’s healthcare infrastructure. Governor Kelly Ayotte commended the committee for their actions, which were adopted unanimously and on a bipartisan basis.
Auto Inspection Remain
Just when it looked like a compromise amendment for automobile safety inspection laws was in sight, the Senate re-referred the bill back to committee during their Session. As passed by the House, the bill would have eliminated the requirement for passenger vehicles to obtain an annual safety inspection. The bill came out of Senate Commerce without recommendation while discussions ensued about amending the bill to require a more gradual approach. However, when the bill was called on Thursday, the Committee Chairman made the motion immediately, stating that the bill needed additional time. Many in the Senate agree with the concept of the legislation but believe there are a few issues that still need to be worked out before sending the bill to the Governor’s desk. The motion was adopted 19-3 with one member absent and another declaring a conflict of interest and not participating. Supporters of the bill will have to wait until 2026 to take another run unless the House decides to try and tack it onto another bill.
Immigration Enforcement Heats Up
The New Hampshire Senate took up a bill this week that would mandate New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The legislation, which had been tried for several years, is a top priority of House and Senate Republicans along with Governor Ayotte. Republican Party members have stated that they refuse to allow New Hampshire to become a sanctuary state that allows immigrants in the United States illegally to seek refuge. They believe this legislation will create clarity for law enforcement when dealing with undocumented immigrants and increase the safety of New Hampshire residents. Opponents of the bill believe immigrants are already being apprehended and deported without due process or the opportunity to defend themselves against deportation orders. Senate Democrats unanimously voted against the bill which they believe violates constitutional protections already in place. The bill will now go to the Governor’s desk where she is expected to sign it in short order.
Week Ahead
The Legislature will be busy next week as they look to get ahead of the shortened Memorial Day Week. Senate Finance will meet all 5 days as they continue to work through amendments on the budget. Several House Committees will be busy with work ahead of their May 29th deadline to report all legislation out. Both the House and Senate will be in session next week with the plan for neither to return to their chambers until the final day of Session prior to conference committees on June 5th.
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.
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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.
