The House Environment & Agriculture Committee debated two related bills: HB 14 31 to restrict neonic pesticides and HB 10 86 to ban certain neonic-treated seeds. Supporters cited aquatic and soil harms; seed-industry and growers warned a ban could lead to heavier, less-targeted insecticide use and jeopardize crop stands.

Committee members debated options from testing and modeling to moratoria and funds for farmers after testimony that PFAS in biosolids and sludge threaten farms, water and wildlife. Sponsors proposed using settlement funds, health‑based standards, or modeling prior to a broad ban.

The committee approved an amendment to HB 14-31 instructing the Pesticide Control Board to adopt rules reclassifying certain neonicotinoid pesticides as restricted use and to notify registered apiaries; the board and agency witnesses said they are already reviewing neonics. The committee voted the amendment and then moved the bill forward as amended.

Lawmakers debated HB 10-86, a bill to prohibit sale of certain neonicotinoid‑treated commodity seed. Members split between an immediate ban and a study committee to ensure seed supply and waiver processes; committee adopted a study‑committee amendment and advanced the bill.

Lawmakers heard testimony supporting House Bill 13 95 to request an annual gubernatorial proclamation recognizing New Hampshire Day at the Eastern States Exposition. Supporters said the Big E showcases New Hampshire agriculture, tourism and small business and that the measure carries no fiscal cost.

HB 10 86 would ban the sale of certain neonicotinoid-treated corn, wheat and soybean seeds but retain a waiver process for emergency or demonstrated need. Conservation lawyers, farmers and scientists told the committee that Cornell and Quebec studies indicate limited agronomic benefit from prophylactic treated seeds; the Department of Agriculture flagged implementation burdens.

Representatives, agency staff, scientists and dozens of public witnesses told the Environment and Agriculture Committee that neonicotinoids threaten pollinators, aquatic life and human exposure. Sponsor Rep. John T. McDonald urged adoption of an amendment that narrows but restricts certain exterior uses and gives rulemaking authority to the Department of Agriculture.

DES described a Saint-Gobain on-site wastewater treatment train (installed ~2019) that reduced PFAS before discharge; residues were sent to a third party for disposal, not land application. Commissioners discussed land-application risks, a proposed five-year moratorium on agricultural sludge spreading, and DES water-division staff reviewed progress on surface-water PFAS criteria and EPA interaction.

Lawmakers in the Environment and Agriculture Committee reviewed House Bill 396 and an amendment to allow limited intrastate slaughter of beef, swine, sheep and goats for sale in New Hampshire without routine federal inspection. The Department of Agriculture commissioner warned the proposal could undermine food safety and risk federal withdrawal of

Rob Johnson supports a bill on humane society officers during a legislative discussion.

Representative Wheeler attends hearing after resolving car trouble and arriving late.