LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
The NH Association of Counties Legislative Committee held the inaugural Legislative Conference on Monday, February 26th at the Holiday Inn Downtown Concord. The Association brought together county officials, policy makers, and community leaders to engage in constructive dialogue regarding pressing legislative issues.
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The Conference aimed to address and find solutions for the most critical challenges facing our counties and communities. The Conference program included panel discussions and networking opportunities, designed to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas among our attendees.
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Agenda
(this is a past event)
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8:30 AM
Registration
9:00 AM
Transforming Governance: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in County Administration
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Rita Reynolds, CIO, National Association of Counties
ChatGPT, ClickUP, Jasper, interactive robots. What is artificial intelligence? What policies should your county be considering? How can the county use artificial intelligence effectively in county government? This informative presentation will focus on what is artificial intelligence and how it can interact with county government, ensuring that county government is prepared for the newest technological wave.
10:30 AM
Session 1: Legislative Insights: Unraveling the Latest Legislative Developments
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Senator Daryl Abbas, Member Election Law & Municipal Affairs Committee
Senator Shannon Chandley, Member, Judiciary Committee
Keith Erf, Vice Chair House Finance Committee
Laurel Stavis, Ranking Member Municipal & County Government
Moderated by Cathy Ann Stacey, Register of Deeds Rockingham County
Decisions made at the state legislature often impact how county government operates. This panel will highlight the work of the Senate Election Law & Public Affairs Committee, House Municipal & County Government Committee, and the House Finance Committee. two of the most powerful committees for county government. Leadership from both parties will discuss priority bills that have come through their committees and what they see for the second half of session.
11:45 AM
Break for lunch and visiting with sponsors
Lunch will be provided.
1:00 PM
Session 2: Bridging Gaps in County Corrections, Behavioral Health, & Legislation County
Senator Sharon Carson, Chair, Judiciary
Representative Terry Roy, Chair, Criminal Justice
Superintendent Travis Cushman, Merrimack County
Director Kimberly Rose, Medical Compliance, Merrimack County
Moderated by Superintendent Joseph Costanzo, Hillsborough County
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Correctional Facilities have been faced with increasing behavioral health issues and how to care for them. County officials will report on what they are seeing within their walls and how counties are best able to serve this growing population. Senator Carson, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Representative Roy, chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee, will also join this panel to discuss what legislative changes they are seeing potentially in their committees.
2:00 PM
Session 3: Navigating Change: Rate Increases, Federal Staffing Regulations & The Impact on County Nursing Homes
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Director Henry Lipman, NH Medicaid, NH Department of Health & Human Services
Moderated by Administrator Matt Lagos, Sullivan County Nursing Home
Nursing Homes care for some of the most vulnerable populations in New Hampshire and face workforce challenges, funding challenges and now additional staffing mandates from the federal government. Experts from both DHHS and county nursing homes will outline the challenges and successes nursing homes have experienced in recent years.
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3:00 PM
Closing Remarks
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Cathy Ann Stacey, Register of Deeds Rockingham County
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