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Citizen Portal News New Hampshire
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New Hampshire's commission is diving deep into the world of stablecoins, exploring how they could revolutionize state services while raising crucial questions about consumer protection and fraud recovery.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #FinancialInnovation #NewHampshireCommission
Commission hears pitches from Fortress and Hedera on stablecoins, consumer protections and state options
Presenters from Fortress Global and the Hedera Foundation told New Hampshire’s commission stablecoins can speed payments and enable new state services — but commissioners and consumer‑protection officials pressed for clear policies on custody, fraud recovery and who benefits financially. The panel approved minutes and set the next meeting for Jan. 14.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 1:33 PM
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The ConVal board is making crucial updates to the CTE regional agreement, including a new requirement for a CTE access program by 2026 and addressing a key tuition formula error.

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#NH #EducationAccess #LegislativeChanges #StudentEnrollment #CitizenPortal #NewHampshireCTE
Board reviews amended CTE regional agreement and readies questions for DOE visit; Francistown withdrawal hearing noted
Superintendent shared redlined updates to the ConVal regional CTE agreement requiring a CTE access program by Jan. 1, 2026, flagged a drafting correction to the part-time tuition formula and recommended keeping current 75/25 seat practice pending legal clarification; board members also noted the State Board hearing on Francistown and Temple withdrawal scheduled for the eleventh.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 9:21 AM
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The Concord Zoning Board has given the green light for Unitil's major upgrade at the West Concord Substation, paving the way for improved electrical infrastructure and stormwater management!

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#ConcordMerrimackCounty #NH #CommunityPlanning #ConcordElectric #StormwaterManagement
Concord ZBA clears Unitil to upgrade West Concord substation; grants bluff and grading variances
After deciding the application did not meet the criteria for a Development of Regional Impact, the Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously granted Unitil variances to build a control enclosure in a bluff buffer and to recontour a small ravine area for stormwater management at its West Concord Substation.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 8:28 AM
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Open enrollment is shaking up New Hampshire schools, with potential financial pitfalls and operational challenges that could affect your district's future!

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#NH #EducationReform #FiscalResponsibility #NewHampshireSchools #SpecialEducation #CitizenPortal
Attorney briefs Contoocook Valley board on open enrollment law, steps to limit inflow and outflow
Attorney Dean Eckert told the Contoocook Valley School District board that adopting an open-enrollment designation raises complex fiscal, special-education and admission-process questions—most immediately, districts must study capacity, set inflow/outflow limits, and prepare a warrant article and public hearing if they proceed.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 6:24 AM
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Chief Knutson is proposing a groundbreaking $781,000 advanced life-support program that could revolutionize emergency care in Rockingham County, but will towns step up to the challenge?

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#RockinghamCounty #NH #EmergencyResponse #PublicHealth #CommunitySafety
Rockingham County hears three-tier proposal for countywide ALS service; $781,000 ask and phased buy-in proposed
Chief Knutson presented a countywide advanced life-support (ALS) program and requested a potential county contribution of $781,000 for a full year (or $390,000 for January–June startup). Commissioners raised questions about municipal buy-in, tax mechanics, and oversight; next step is briefing the county delegation and executive committee.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 4:16 AM
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New Hampshire is considering a bold move to centralize commercial vehicle registration, potentially boosting local revenue by targeting out-of-state truckers who currently pay nothing!

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#NH #TransportationReform #DataTransparency #NewHampshireCommercialVehicles
Stakeholders urge interim study on plan to centralize commercial vehicle registration
Industry representatives told the committee a proposal to register commercial motor vehicles centrally could increase municipal revenue by collecting fees from out-of-state truckers, but DMV data needed to estimate revenue is lacking, so stakeholders and the committee agreed to move the bill to interim study.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 2:22 AM
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A bold reorganization plan from Commissioner Bill Hart promises to streamline the Department of Corrections while potentially saving taxpayers up to $1 million in just a few years!

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#NH #CitizenPortal #BudgetAccountability #PublicAdministration #GovernmentReform
Senate committee hears Department of Corrections reorganization amendment, takes no immediate action
A Senate committee heard testimony from Department of Corrections Commissioner Bill Hart on an amendment to Senate Bill 301 that would restructure senior management, create distinct security and professional-operation tracks and, the department says, reduce costs; the committee closed the hearing and did not act on the amendment that day.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 1:19 AM
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New Hampshire takes a bold step towards safer recovery housing by making state certification mandatory for all recovery houses!

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#NH #CommunitySupport #NewHampshireRecoveryHouses #HealthReform #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Committee approves amendment to make DHHS recovery-house certification mandatory
The committee voted to recommend amendment 3103s to SB 298, which would require recovery houses to be certified by DHHS to operate, establish a filing process for houses starting certification and require posting of residents' rights and grievance procedures; proponents said most houses are already certified and staggered effective dates allow time to comply.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 1:16 AM
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Open enrollment in New Hampshire schools could drastically shift funding and student dynamics, with districts facing new financial responsibilities and enrollment rules.

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#NH #EducationPolicy #FiscalResponsibility #NewHampshireSchools #OpenEnrollment #CitizenPortal
ConVal board hears legal briefing on open enrollment and its local fiscal implications
At a Dec. 3 meeting, attorney Dean Eckert briefed the Contoocook Valley School District board on open‑enrollment law (RSA 194‑D), explaining how one district’s decision can trigger 80% tuition obligations, affect special‑education costs and require capacity and admission rules; the board was urged to study inflow/outflow and budget implications before acting.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 11:03 PM
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With elementary schools facing staffing shortages and budget constraints, principals are proposing tough choices that could shape the future of education in the district.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #SpecialEdSupport #StaffingChallenges #NewHampshireEducation #BudgetAccountability
Elementary budget talks center on paraprofessional shortages and staffing trade-offs
District principals presented elementary budgets and reported multiple paraeducator vacancies; administrators proposed removing two budgeted paraprofessional positions rather than cutting a certified teacher, sparking debate about class-size policy, IEP obligations and the risk of default budgets.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 3:28 PM
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The Governor Wentworth Reg School District's finance committee has greenlit a 3.82% budget increase for FY2027, setting the stage for crucial funding decisions that could reshape special education and student wellness initiatives.

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#NH #StudentWellness #CitizenPortal
Finance committee backs proposed FY2027 budget, recommends $250,000 special‑education trust transfer and wellness coordinator funding
The Governor Wentworth Reg School District finance committee recommended the proposed FY2027 budget with a 3.82% spending increase and forwarded warrant articles including a proposal to transfer up to $250,000 from unassigned funds to a special‑education trust and to fund a student wellness coordinator (~$135,300).
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 8:17 AM
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The Governor Wentworth Reg School District is shaking things up by proposing an innovative in-house program, Kingswood Academy, set to save over $300,000 while enhancing student services!

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#NH #StudentWellness #CitizenPortal #SpecialEducation #NewHampshireEducation #BudgetReview
Finance committee previews FY26 budget; proposes bringing Lakeside program in-house as Kingswood Academy
Committee reviewed FY26 personnel proposals and district budget drivers, including a plan to end a >$300,000 ombudsman contract and create an in‑house alternative program called Kingswood Academy. Administrators also proposed new finance and special‑education support positions and a separate warrant for a student wellness coordinator.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 3:18 AM
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New Hampshire's Fiscal Committee reveals a staggering $21 million in interest-and-dividends tax refunds still waiting to be claimed as they navigate the implications for the state's budget!

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#NH #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #TaxPolicy #FiscalResponsibility #NewHampshireRevenue
Revenue office: roughly $21 million in interest-and-dividends refunds remain; most IND refunds processed
Revenue Administration told the Fiscal Committee about remaining interest-and-dividends (I&D) tax refunds of about $21 million for the quarter and that carryforwards have largely been cleared; senators discussed implications for the rainy-day fund and budget estimates.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 5:52 PM
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The New Hampshire Fiscal Committee is raising eyebrows over the selection of a Michigan firm for crucial utility rate-case work, sparking concerns about local expertise and transparency in the RFP process.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #UtilityRateCases #NewHampshireConsumerAdvocates
Consumer Advocate defends hiring Michigan firm for PUC rate-case work; committee questions scope and local availability
The Office of the Consumer Advocate told lawmakers that a Michigan consulting firm was selected for detailed operating-cost review in upcoming utility rate cases after the office narrowed its RFP scope; the office said few or no in-state firms offer that technical capacity.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 5:50 PM
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New Hampshire's Health and Human Services has crafted a financial plan to cover unexpected costs from a late-added federal requirement, but uncertainty looms over property sale proceeds.

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#NH #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #CommunityHealthcare #NewHampshireHealthServices
HHS says late-added federal requirement was covered by a ‘capital stack’; property sale proceeds uncertain
Health and Human Services told the Fiscal Committee it cobbled together a capital stack and lifted a funding restriction to cover a late-added federally required element; officials said proceeds from a planned property sale are speculative and not counted on to meet the facility occupancy date.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 5:27 PM
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Public defenders in New Hampshire are facing a staffing crisis, struggling to fill positions as neighboring states aggressively recruit attorneys away.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #JusticeReform #GovernmentAccountability #NewHampshirePublicDefenders #LegalAid
Judicial Council budget request highlights public defender staffing shortages, committee asks for details
The Judicial Council asked the Fiscal Committee to approve additional budget authority tied to a law change moving payment responsibility; the council’s director described recruitment challenges for public defenders and private conflict attorneys and said collections offices handling recoveries were abolished last year.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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Major construction in a New Hampshire neighborhood is on hold due to design flaws, but an insurance settlement promises to fund crucial fixes and get the project back on track for completion in 2027.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #NewHampshireConstruction
Officials say insurance settlement will fund design fixes; stalled neighborhood project to restart with completion expected in 2027
The Department of Administrative Services told the Fiscal Committee that testing uncovered design errors on a neighborhood construction project; an insurance settlement for engineers will fund remediation, test piles will begin, and the agency projects completion in 2027.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 4:01 PM
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The planning board is at a crossroads, debating whether the town has already hit its housing targets while grappling with critical infrastructure and safety concerns that could shape West Swanzey's future.

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#WestSwanzeyCheshireCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Planning board debates housing targets, service capacity and master plan updates
Board members on Nov. 20 weighed whether Swansea has already exceeded town-plan housing targets, expressed concerns about police, fire and water capacity (noting West Swansea), and discussed whether to update sections of the master plan more frequently; CIPC capital items including a town-hall rehab and a new fire engine were also noted.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 2:33 AM
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New Hampshire's legislative commission is diving deep into the complexities of special-education funding, revealing startling discrepancies in how students with disabilities are identified and supported.

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#NH #DisabilitySupport #CitizenPortal #CostTransparency
Commission examines EFA differentiated aid, data gaps and special-education cost drivers
A New Hampshire commission heard from the Children's Scholarship Fund and Department of Education staff about how EFA differentiates students with disabling conditions, the uneven documentation between MCDs and IEPs, variable transportation/contracted-service costs, and fiscal effects of proposed catastrophic-aid cap changes.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 11:27 PM
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New Hampshire's public health director assures residents that despite recent CDC updates, access to vital vaccines remains strong and uninterrupted for all communities.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #NewHampshirePublicHealth #VaccineAccess #ChildhoodImmunization #PublicHealthGuidance
State public health director outlines vaccine guidance, says supply and federal programs intact
Ian Watt, director of New Hampshire's Division of Public Health, told the committee the CDC updated MMR/varicella recommendations (the combined MMRV not recommended as first dose for children under 4) and that the state continues universal purchase programs and access through providers and pharmacies.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:42 PM
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New Hampshire's Alzheimer's subcommittee is taking crucial steps to improve support for the 26,500 residents affected by dementia and their 48,000 caregivers through a comprehensive needs-assessment and innovative public-health strategies.

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#NH #NewHampshireAlzheimers
Alzheimer's subcommittee outlines needs assessment, recommends integration into state public-health efforts
The Alzheimer's subcommittee reported it will develop a needs-assessment survey to inform a state plan on Alzheimer's, recommended embedding brain-health materials into prevention and aging outreach, and called for adding cognitive measures to the BRFSS to better track long-term impact.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:34 PM
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HHS CFO Nathan White reveals a staggering projected $20 million general fund lapse amid rising vacancy rates and a hiring freeze, raising questions about the agency's future.

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#NH #BudgetTransparency #NewHampshireHHS #CitizenPortal #StaffingChallenges #FiscalResponsibility
HHS CFO warns of vacancy increases and projects just under $20M general fund lapse
HHS chief financial officer Nathan White told the committee that HHS faces an upward vacancy trend, roughly 400 unfunded positions and a current projected general fund lapse just shy of $20 million; federal funds make up ~50% of HHS operating dollars and general funds about 31%.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:31 PM
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New Hampshire's aging population is outpacing its youth, prompting urgent calls for improved transportation and workforce solutions in the latest report from the State Commission on Aging.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #NewHampshireAging #HealthyAging #TransportationNEeds
Commission on Aging highlights AgeWell NH plan; flags transportation and workforce as top issues
The state Commission on Aging presented its annual report and an executive summary of a community transportation needs assessment, said New Hampshire's 65+ population now outnumbers children in the state, and recommended priorities under the AgeWell NH plan including transportation, caregiver respite and workforce development.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:30 PM
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New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services has just submitted a pivotal grant application that incorporates community feedback and sets the stage for a crucial budget negotiation with CMS.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #HealthcareTransparency #NewHampshireHealth
New Hampshire submits BRAIN Health Transformation grant; CMS review, budget talks to follow
DHHS submitted its BRAIN Health Transformation grant on Nov. 4 ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline; Commissioner Lori Weaver told the oversight committee the application reflects almost all community input and that CMS will review and negotiate budgets, with approvals expected by Dec. 31.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:27 PM
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New Hampshire's latest report reveals a startling trend: over half of involuntary emergency admissions involve law enforcement, with restraints being the norm during sheriff transports.

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#NH #NewHampshireHospitals #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MentalHealth #CivicAccountability
SB 177 report: most IEA transports involve law enforcement; restraints common during sheriff transports
A report on involuntary emergency admissions showed an average of 126 transports per month, with about 61.5% by law enforcement and restraints applied before transport in roughly half of cases; presenters said most restraints occur during sheriff transports and cited increases in transports linked to more beds coming online.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 9:26 PM