Committee executive‑session outcomes: summary of votes and next steps

The Science, Technology and Energy Committee completed executive work Feb. 4 and recorded outcomes on several bills. Below are the recorded committee decisions and brief notes on next steps.

Votes at a glance

- HCR 4 (offshore wind continuing resolution): Committee majority voted "Ought to Pass" in executive session, 9–6. Chair Vice‑Chair Thomas wrote the majority report; no minority report was filed at that time. (Proponents said the nonbinding resolution would signal caution to federal and regional offshore wind planning.)

- HB 682 (offshore wind / repeal or related measures): Committee recommended "Ought to Pass," 9–6. (Sponsor and proponents argued for greater state caution and removal of certain state authorities; opponents urged continued engagement.)

- HB 166 (telecommunications): Committee voted 'Inexpedient to Legislate' (ITL); bill placed on consent calendar for committee action. Rationale: witnesses said current transitions from copper to fiber are already underway and the committee heard limited support.

- HB 169 (PUC quorum/statutory clarification): Committee voted ITL (10–7). Testimony included concerns about changing hearing practice and the role of hearing examiners; committee rejected the statutory change.

- HB 436 (unidentified bill on agenda): Committee voted ITL and placed on consent.

- HB 504 (state energy policy): Committee adopted amendment 0215‑H (substitute recital) and recommended Ought to Pass as Amended, 10–8. The amendment adds the words 'diverse', references RSA 374‑F (RPS), inserts 'market‑based mechanisms' language, and adds 'public health and safety' to the policy recital. Majority and minority reports were requested by 7 a.m. the next day.

- HB 508 (telephone provider assessment): Committee recommended Ought to Pass, 18–0. Sponsor indicated an intended floor amendment to correct a drafting number and will file the floor amendment for House consideration.

- SB 4 (C‑PACE): Committee recommended Ought to Pass, 15–3. The Business Finance Authority explained two technical Senate edits (owner consent language and an RSA 91‑A citation to protect confidential commercial information); committee directed the BFA to follow up on implementation details.

Ending: Committee staff will prepare majority and minority reports as requested. Sponsors and administrative agencies were asked to provide follow‑up materials, clarifying language and implementation guidance where the bills were recommended for passage.