Senate rejects marine habitat fee, advances health facility licensing and electioneering change in extended session

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Senate concluded an extended session that produced several formal outcomes on bills ranging from a proposed marine habitat fee to changes in electioneering rules and residential care licensing.

The most contested item, Senate Bill 159, which would have authorized a marine habitat fee to raise dedicated funds for coastal and marine habitat projects, failed when the Senate adopted a motion of “inexpedient to legislate” 16-7 after extended floor debate. Supporters, led by Senator Waters, urged the chamber to allow Fish and Game to establish a small per-license fee (approximately $2.50 was discussed) to create matching funds for restoration and to help the agency compete for federal grants. Opponents, including Senator Lang, argued the timing was wrong amid inflation and that adding fees could discourage recreational fishing.

The Senate moved other bills along the legislative process. Senate Bill 37, a Department of Health and Human Services request that revises residential care and health facility licensing requirements, passed out of committee with amendments and was ordered to third reading. The bill, presented by Senator Long, requires licensed residential care facilities to implement quality assurance programs, post the results of investigations and life-safety inspections, and adjusts training terminology in licensing rules. A floor amendment from Senator Pearl changed the requirement to post investigation results from being physically posted in facilities to being posted on the Department of…