House Committee approves $10M settlement for Michael Gilpatrick following state injury claims

The House Finance Division I of the New Hampshire House of Representatives convened on March 24, 2025, to discuss critical amendments related to funding settlements for victims of state employee misconduct. The most significant topic was the introduction of Amendment 1287-H, which proposes a $10 million settlement for Michael Gilpatrick, who suffered severe injuries while at the Youth Development Center (YDC). The amendment received unanimous support from the committee, highlighting a collective acknowledgment of the gravity of Gilpatrick's situation.

Representative Veil, who introduced the amendment, emphasized the importance of funding the settlement and expressed hope for its passage. The funding source for this settlement will come from general funds, a decision that the committee agreed to discuss further.

In addition to the Gilpatrick settlement, the committee reviewed Amendment 1313-H, which aims to ensure that attorney fees and claimant payments are made periodically rather than in lump sums. This amendment seeks to address concerns about fairness in the payment process, with discussions indicating a preference for aligning the payment schedules for both attorneys and claimants. However, some representatives raised concerns about the practicality of extending payment periods, particularly regarding the availability of attorneys willing to work under such conditions.

Another significant proposal discussed was Amendment 1282-H, which suggested bonding $75 million in the first year and $25 million in the second year of the biennium to finance the YDC settlement fund. While some representatives supported the idea of bonding as a means to manage the financial implications of the settlements, others expressed reservations about its potential impact on the state's bond rating and preferred to allocate funds directly from the budget.

The committee ultimately decided to prioritize a more immediate funding approach, with plans to allocate $10 million per year from the budget to support the settlement fund. This decision reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of victims while balancing the state's financial responsibilities.

As the discussions concluded, the committee underscored the importance of ensuring that victims receive timely compensation and that the state manages its financial obligations responsibly. The next steps will involve further deliberations on the proposed amendments and their implications for the state's budget and settlement processes.