Committee Summary for House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/28/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1073 00:05:37.199 - 9:04:24 AM	Public Hearing	clarifying when the secretary of state shall complete the registry of New Hampshire decentralized autonomous organizations.	Ammon, Keith(R)[A]2025
HB1015 00:16:13.360 - 9:15:00 AM	Public Hearing	requiring disclosure of Japanese knotweed in real property transactions.	Harvey, Cathryn(D)[F]2025
HB1285 00:52:20.559 - 9:51:07 AM	Public Hearing	establishing an interagency task force to determine if New Hampshire may implement an R-PACER program.	Muns, Chris(D)[CT]2025
HB1023 01:08:15.680 - 10:07:02 AM	Public Hearing	establishing accessory commercial units by right.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1041 03:29:22.640 - 12:28:09 PM	Public Hearing	relative to permitting motor vehicle manufacturers to operate dealerships in market areas also served by franchise dealers.	Farrington, Samuel(R)[A+]2025
HB1146 04:07:09.520 - 1:05:56 PM	Public Hearing	relative to subscription fees for motor vehicle features.	Colby, Eleana (D)[F]2025
HB1353 04:43:14.718 - 1:42:01 PM	Public Hearing	relative to discounted motor vehicle insurance premiums for voluntary safety inspections.	Wade, Alice(D)[F]2025
HB1353 05:30:28.798 - 2:29:15 PM	Public Hearing	relative to discounted motor vehicle insurance premiums for voluntary safety inspections.	Wade, Alice(D)[F]2025
HB1486 amendment drafted with DOI 05:43:59.200 - 2:42:46 PM	Public Hearing	prohibiting insurance companies from considering the driving record of household members not covered by the motor vehicle insurance policy when establishing policy premiums.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025

HB1073: Representative Keith Ammon, District 42 (New Boston, Mount Vernon, Lyndeborough) Support00:05:37.199 - 9:04:24 AM; Representative Ammon introduced HB1073, which extends the deadline from previous 2024 legislation for the Secretary of State to establish a registry for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), blockchain-governed corporations that provide corporate personhood benefits upon registration. He noted collaboration with the Secretary of State's office and previewed an announcement about a partnership with UNH. The extension is to January 1, 2027, at the request of the Secretary of State to allow time for implementation.
HB1073: Tom Connelly, Director of Corporation Division, Secretary of State's Office Support00:09:02.480 - 9:07:49 AM; Tom Connelly thanked Representative Ammon for introducing the bill on behalf of the Secretary of State's office. He explained that the 2024 legislation authorized a DAO registry but provided no initial funding, relying on future filing fees. An RFP issued in December 2024 received two responses that did not meet expectations. They are now partnering with UNH's interoperability lab for a design sprint/hackathon in April to develop open-source blockchain code for the registry. They are also issuing a new RFP to upgrade their business registry system to interface with the DAO registry, aiming for functionality by January 1, 2027. He confirmed New Hampshire remains ahead of other states in this area.
HB1015: Representative Harvey Support00:16:13.360 - 9:15:00 AM; Representative Harvey presented HB1015 to require disclosure of Japanese knotweed, an aggressive invasive species listed by the Department of Agriculture as prohibited from transport or propagation. Knotweed grows rapidly (8 inches per day), with deep and extensive roots, emits toxins that prevent other plant growth, reduces biodiversity, affects ecosystems and the food chain, invades structures, and causes significant economic damage ($26 billion since 2010 nationally, $780-$3,467 per acre in timber loss). Even small fragments can propagate it, limiting property use and creating liability risks, as seen in a 2025 Massachusetts court case awarding $186,000 for non-disclosure. The bill mandates simple disclosure to reduce liability and raise awareness, as knotweed is identifiable year-round by its distinctive leaves, hollow stems, and white flowers.
HB1015: Representative Ammon Support00:21:43.600 - 9:20:30 AM; Representative Ammon, the bill sponsor, explains that Japanese knotweed is identifiable in winter along right-of-ways and stream beds, not dense forests, making it feasible for property owners to check without surveying entire properties. He supports the bill to raise awareness and prevent liability for homeowners by requiring disclosure if known. He offers to amend the bill to include an 'I don't know' option. He discusses knotweed's dormancy, its placement on the severe invasive species list, and compares it to other invasives like burning bush and Asian bittersweet, noting knotweed's aggressive propagation from small fragments. He describes eradication methods: cutting in fall and smothering or using glyphosate-based Rodeo (not Roundup). He mentions knotweed's prevalence in southwest NH towns like Chesterfield, Westmoreland, and Hinsdale, driven by constituent concerns. He addresses litigation hypotheticals, emphasizing disclosure at time of sale protects buyers without retroactive liability.
HB1015: Joanie McIntyre, New Hampshire Realtors Association Oppose00:38:52.320 - 9:37:39 AM; Joanie McIntyre, a real estate agent and vice chair of public policy for the New Hampshire Realtors, opposes the bill due to two main concerns. First, requiring sellers to disclose Japanese knotweed burdens realtors with educating clients on identifying invasive species, which is not their role; most sellers and buyers are unaware of knotweed, and realtors should direct them to agricultural experts. Second, adding knotweed to disclosure forms risks creating an overly long list, like a 'CVS receipt,' including other invasives like autumn olive or burning bush, or even unrelated issues like ticks. She notes knotweed can lie dormant for 20 years, making knowledge unreliable. She suggests education through the Cooperative Extension Service instead. In response to questions, she defends existing disclosures like methamphetamine production as necessary for buyer protection and opposes amendments to remove them.
HB1015: Rob Johnson, New Hampshire Farm Bureau Oppose00:47:52.640 - 9:46:39 AM; Rob Johnson, policy director for the New Hampshire Farm Bureau representing 2,500 farm members, opposes HB1015 despite agreeing on knotweed's invasiveness. He notes 35 species on the invasive list plus a watch list, and landowners, even attentive ones like himself on a Pittsfield farm, may not know what's on their property, potentially requiring expert hires. He clarifies the Massachusetts court case involved a developer knowingly spreading contaminated soil, not disclosure failure, and doubts this bill prevents such deception. He highlights challenges in eradicating invasives, including road crew mowing propagating knotweed, and supports education and communication over mandates. He mentions the legislature's prior creation of an invasive species coordinator and notes the Timberland Owners Association's opposition.
HB1285: Representative Chris Muns Support00:52:20.559 - 9:51:07 AM; Representative Chris Muns from Hampton introduces HB1285 to create an inter-agency task force to study implementing a Residential PACE (RPACER) program for homeowners to finance resiliency upgrades against flooding via property tax assessments. He references recent floods in Hampton (January 2023) and Monadnock region (July 2023), causing millions in damage and disrupting lives, especially for modest summer cottages. He notes increasing flood frequency and the need for public-private partnerships, as government can't fund all resiliency. He contrasts the existing Commercial PACE (CPACER) program, signed into law as SB4, which finances commercial upgrades, with RPACER, available only in California, Florida, and Missouri, requiring consumer protections like ability-to-pay verification. The task force would include NH Business Finance Authority, NH Housing Finance Authority, Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and NH Community Development Finance Authority, reporting by June 30, 2027, for potential 2028 legislation. He urges an Ought to Pass recommendation.
HB1023: Representative Sweenie Support01:08:15.680 - 10:07:02 AM; Representative Sweenie introduces HB1023 to allow accessory commercial units (ACUs) by right on lots with principal residential or commercial uses, up to 1,000 sq ft or 25% of gross floor area (whichever greater), to enable small businesses like home-based bakeries, artist studios, or cafes without disrupting neighborhoods. Modeled after ADU laws, it promotes the American dream of starting in a garage before scaling to commercial spaces. Permitted uses include retail, personal services, and light manufacturing; it's not exhaustive. He emphasizes local property owner control, neighborhood-focused foot traffic, and no intent to override zoning but to fill regulatory gaps. In response to questions, he clarifies it applies to zoned residential/commercial areas, allows towns to charge for infrastructure like sewers, envisions walking patrons not driving traffic, and supports removing the 'whichever greater' clause to prevent large units. He notes examples like denied artist studios or pickle-making in Manchester.
HB1023: Brody Dea, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:38:09.440 - 10:36:56 AM; Brody Dea from the New Hampshire Municipal Association opposes HB1023, calling it a statewide zoning mandate requiring ACUs by right in all districts allowing residential/commercial uses, including grandfathered non-conformities. It mandates a specific list of permitted uses, potentially limiting municipal flexibility, and the size formula allows oversized units (e.g., 2,500 sq ft next to a 10,000 sq ft multifamily). It ties parking to principal uses, prohibiting additional requirements and allowing only one spot per housing unit, exacerbating shortages in dense areas and impacting safety/infrastructure. While enabling inspections, it's unnecessary as most towns allow in-home offices by right; heavier uses require permits with abutter input. He cites NH Planners Association's opposition letter on technical issues and urges Inexpedient to Legislate.
HB1041: Sam Farington, Representative, City of Rochester Support03:29:22.640 - 12:28:09 PM; Representative Sam Farington testified in support of HB1041, emphasizing affordability and competitive markets to combat inflation. He explained that the bill repeals a statute blocking direct sales by manufacturers, allowing free market operation without banning the franchise model. He cited benefits like reduced inventory and transportation costs, a Goldman Sachs study showing 9% price reduction ($4,500 savings), and DOJ/FTC analyses criticizing dealer protections as harming competition and consumers. He referenced partial repeals in other states and Tesla's 2013 exemption, advocating for a level playing field for consumers.
HB1041: Jeremy Olsen, New Hampshire Motorist Freedom Organization Support03:49:52.399 - 12:48:39 PM; Jeremy Olsen testified in support of HB1041, representing the New Hampshire Motorist Freedom Organization founded from prior car inspection efforts. He addressed committee questions on the 'holdup problem,' citing studies showing manufacturers avoid competing with dealers to protect reputation. He noted historical manufacturer lawsuits against such laws (e.g., Ford in 2001) and international examples like GM's Selta in Brazil using direct sales with customization to reduce inventory costs. He clarified existing manufacturers like GM could benefit if allowed, responding to concerns that direct sales might raise prices long-term but evidence shows cost reductions.
HB1041: Dan Bennett, New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association Oppose03:54:51.040 - 12:53:38 PM; Dan Bennett testified in opposition to HB1041, representing over 500 dealerships employing 14,000 New Hampshirites. He argued the bill is unnecessary, opposed by both dealers and manufacturers, with no consumer harm or market inequity. He highlighted healthy competition among dealers driving better prices, service, and choice, contrasting it with vertical monopolies like uniform iPhone pricing. Dealers invest in communities, advocate for consumers on warranties and financing, and provide price transparency via rebates. He addressed questions on dealer profits from services/parts, brand competition, and rebutted direct sales logic, noting symbiotic manufacturer-dealer relationships.
HB1146: Elena Colby, Representative for Hopkinton and Bow Support04:07:09.520 - 1:05:56 PM; Elena Colby testified in support of HB1146, providing lists of manufacturers offering subscription models and paywalled features. She analogized to buying a stove or AC with restricted access post-purchase, arguing vehicles should grant full ownership without ongoing fees for installed hardware like heated seats, steering wheels, cameras, remote starts, and safety features (e.g., lane-keeping assist, emergency braking). She warned of risks like expired subscriptions disabling safety features, leading to accidents, and criticized the trend eroding ownership in a $50,000+ purchase. The bill bans denying access to pre-installed components, excluding updates or third-party services.
HB1146: Dan Bennett, New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association Oppose04:26:02.399 - 1:24:49 PM; Dan Bennett testified in opposition to HB1146, noting no New Hampshire dealers offer hardware subscription services based on his research across franchises. He suggested focusing on disclosure/notice rather than a ban, as services like SiriusXM, navigation, and OnStar are software-based with package levels, not hardware denial (e.g., no NHTSA-approved braking shutdowns). He argued consumers get what they pay for, with no instances of speaker or heated seat denial in NH. He committed to researching Super Cruise (software subscription) and dealer commissions, emphasizing subscription models vary like cable plans.
HB1146: Mark Brown, Alliance for Automobile Innovation Information Only04:40:15.360 - 1:39:02 PM; Mark Brown began testifying as a lobbyist from Concord representing the Alliance for Automobile Innovation, but the transcript cuts off without further details.
HB1353: Jared Sullivan (reading for Representative Wade) Support04:43:14.718 - 1:42:01 PM; Jared Sullivan read the testimony of Representative Wade, the sponsor of HB1353, who was unable to attend due to a doctor's appointment. She discussed the pros and cons of car inspections, noting that they can identify safety issues like worn brakes or tires, potentially preventing accidents, especially in winter. However, inspections can be expensive and sometimes fail for non-safety reasons due to bad shops. She supported repealing mandatory inspections but proposed making them optional with insurance discounts for those who choose to get inspected, similar to good student or anti-theft device discounts. The bill, modeled after Florida's statute, incentivizes inspections without mandating them, ensuring no penalties for those who opt out and preventing costs from being passed to others. Discounts would be justified to the insurance department based on reduced claims, potentially covering the $50 inspection cost with a 5% reduction on premiums over $1,000.
HB1353: Christian Citerella, New Hampshire Insurance Department Information Only04:47:34.320 - 1:46:21 PM; Christian Citerella, chief property and casualty actuary at the NH Insurance Department, provided information on the bill without taking a position, as it is a matter of public policy. He expressed concerns about the language in section 4, noting no examples from other states of discounts for optional safety inspections. He reviewed premiums in states with and without mandatory inspections and found no discernible difference in risk reduction. Implementing the discount would be difficult, as carriers could not justify rate reductions under actuarial principles and statutes like RSA 412:15 and RSA 412:16. Over time, data might show differences, but currently, such discounts are not available. He confirmed that NH carriers already offer discounts for anti-theft devices based on evidence, and he was unaware of Florida's statute until mentioned.
HB1353: Steve Seckki, individual Oppose04:52:03.120 - 1:50:50 PM; Steve Seckki, an individual, opposed the bill briefly, noting that during the inspection repeal debate, mechanical causes accounted for only 1-2% of accidents, many not preventable by inspections like tire blowouts. With a $2,000 premium, 2% for mechanical failures equates to about $40, matching inspection costs, so insurers might raise rates to cover discounts. He found no insurance companies requiring inspections and no opposition from insurance lobbyists to last year's HB649 repeal.
HB1353: Mike Mcloff, All Insurance Oppose04:54:32.080 - 1:53:19 PM; Mike Mcloff, a lawyer and lobbyist for All Insurance, opposed reopening the issue after the legislature repealed mandatory inspections as 'virtually useless.' The bill creates an administrative nightmare, requiring insurers to verify inspections via third parties, involving emissions and computer ties, and needing department-approved forms. With no actuarial value, as per the actuary, it should not be pursued.
HB1353: Lindseay Nato, NH Association of Domestic Insurance Companies and American Property Casualty Insurance Association Oppose04:56:22.560 - 1:55:09 PM; Lindseay Nato, an attorney representing insurance associations, opposed the bill due to lack of data showing actuarial justification for discounts from safety inspections. Insurers use tools for accurate underwriting to ensure fair premiums; unsupported blanket discounts pressure premiums upward, subsidizing higher-risk drivers. Existing underwriting requirements create a fair market. While supporting safety goals, inspections' impact is unclear, and the bill's language is odd, ignoring failed inspections while mandating consideration of passed ones, raising logistical issues. Existing guidelines suffice without mandates.
HB1353: Kirsten Schultz, State Farm Oppose04:59:55.280 - 1:58:42 PM; Kirsten Schultz, attorney for State Farm, opposed HB1353 as a mandated discount interfering with pricing freedom and free market principles. State Farm offers discounts when actuarially sound, but found no examples in other states tied to inspections. No data supports risk reduction, and verification burdens insurers with validating legitimate inspections to state standards, requiring new systems whose costs might outweigh benefits. The bill's motive—safety or cost reduction—is unclear, with no proven causal link. Suggested an ITL recommendation. Noted smaller insurers might struggle or exit the competitive NH market.
HB1353: Representative Terry Roy, sponsor Support05:05:41.280 - 2:04:28 PM; Representative Terry Roy introduced HB1582 at a constituent's request to prohibit using credit history or scores in auto and property insurance underwriting. He doesn't hate the bill after research, highlighting housing barriers for young people with lower credit scores leading to higher insurance and mortgage costs. Other states like Massachusetts ban credit use in insurance. He argued credit use penalizes those without long histories, like young graduates, or facing issues like divorce or illness. The bill ensures credit isn't the sole factor (noting 'solely' in the draft). He advocated discussing fairness, as credit algorithms are opaque and government-regulated, potentially snowballing costs for vulnerable groups. Raised privacy concerns about insurer surveillance like drones for roofs, suggesting other states act against it.
HB1353: DJ Benton Court, NH Insurance Department Commissioner Information Only05:18:01.760 - 2:16:48 PM; DJ Benton Court, NH Insurance Commissioner, appreciated the discussion on credit scores as an underwriting factor, a national topic. He shared Washington's prohibition led to carriers leaving and higher premiums due to reduced supply. Credit scores predict losses accurately in auto and homeowners insurance, supported by decades of studies on claims frequency, severity, at-fault incidents, and fraud. Removing it could cause market exits, less precise rating (relying on age, territory), higher premiums subsidizing high-risk consumers, and blunt tools. NH's competitive markets and low premiums (40% below national auto average) stem from not removing valid tools. The department oversees to prevent abuse. On roofs, a bulletin allows aerial photos but requires on-site inspections if disputed, preventing errors like mistaking neighbors' properties.
HB1353: Mike McLofflin, Lawyer and Lobbyist Oppose05:30:28.798 - 2:29:15 PM; Mike McLofflin testified briefly in opposition to the bill, noting that credit has been established as a valid underwriting tool and removing it would limit insurers' ability to provide the best possible rates.
HB1353: John McLofflin, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Oppose05:31:34.558 - 2:30:21 PM; John McLofflin, representing NAMIC, opposed the bill, stating that credit-based insurance scoring is a valid underwriting factor that keeps the market fair and competitive. He referenced Washington's removal of credit leading to upward pressure on rates and emphasized New Hampshire's healthy insurance market.
HB1353: Lindsay Nato, Orr & Reno, representing New Hampshire Association of Domestic Insurance Companies and American Property Casualty Insurance Association Oppose05:32:34.480 - 2:31:21 PM; Lindsay Nato opposed the bill, highlighting that credit is one of many tools in underwriting, not used solely, and current regulations include strong consumer protections like notice, model reviews, and exceptions for life events such as illness or divorce. She shared a handout on Washington's credit ban causing premium spikes, especially for seniors, and noted regulations on drones with requirements for in-person inspections if needed. She answered questions on drone imagery access, credit sources, consumer notifications, and differences between no credit and bad credit in underwriting for auto and home insurance.
HB1353: Kristen Schultz, Nixon Peabody, representing State Farm Oppose05:37:46.480 - 2:36:33 PM; Kristen Schultz opposed HB1353, framing the use of credit, drones, and satellite imagery as innovation that enables quick policy approvals, especially for younger generations. She noted existing frameworks like Ins-3300 and RSA 417 provide protections against unfair discrimination, and the bill's additions are unclear. She suggested an ITL recommendation. In response to questions, she explained that lack of credit is one factor among many in underwriting, treated differently from bad credit, and confirmed prohibitions on using protected classes like age or sex.
HB1486 amendment drafted with DOI: Representative Ellen Reed, Rockingham 10 (Newmarket and Newfields) Support05:43:59.200 - 2:42:46 PM; Representative Ellen Reed, the bill sponsor, supported the amended bill, explaining it arose from a constituent's experience where her premium doubled after dropping her husband with a suspended license from the policy, despite her perfect record. The amendment requires insurers to notify policyholders of the option for a named excluded driver endorsement, which most companies already offer but do not disclose. She argued this promotes fairness by basing rates on the policyholder's record, not household members, and counters industry profit motives. She addressed questions on household credit, coverage for excluded drivers (minimum limits), and consumer choice.
HB1486 amendment drafted with DOI: Keith Nye, Deputy Commissioner, NH Department of Insurance (on behalf of Commissioner David Bettez-Court) Support05:54:02.000 - 2:52:49 PM; Keith Nye supported the amended bill, noting collaboration with the sponsor. He acknowledged insurers' need to rate household risks but stated the amendment balances this by allowing exclusions while preserving coverage. He deferred technical questions to colleague James Hawks, explaining that excluded drivers receive minimum limits (25/50/25), not zero, per financial responsibility laws, and detailed how named exclusions work across carriers.
HB1486 amendment drafted with DOI: Steve Zak Support06:00:18.558 - 2:59:05 PM; Steve Zak supported the bill's idea, sharing a personal story of Liberty Mutual erroneously adding his landlord's son to his policy, causing a rate spike, and mysterious increases despite his clean record. He suggested possible AI issues with household data and recommended reshoping insurance periodically.
HB1486 amendment drafted with DOI: Joan Pejo, Big I New Hampshire (Independent Insurance Agents) Oppose06:02:27.680 - 3:01:14 PM; Joan Pejo opposed the amended bill, focusing on the notification requirement's burden on independent agents, who may not know of license losses until premiums increase and handle multiple carriers (up to 30-40). This could require customized notifications, cause staffing issues, and raise E&O insurance risks. She argued the market is sound, consumers should shop with agents, and recommended inexpedient to legislate. She suggested alternatives like surplus lines notifications but opposed mandates.
HB1486 amendment drafted with DOI: Lindsay Nato, Orr & Reno, representing New Hampshire Association of Domestic Insurance Companies and American Property Casualty Insurance Association Oppose06:10:38.878 - 3:09:25 PM; Lindsay Nato opposed the amended bill, concerned it mandates named excluded driver endorsements not universally offered (only 40-60 of 100 companies), preventing proper risk assessment for household members with access to vehicles, like those with DUIs. She noted smaller insurers lack this option and urged shopping around rather than legislation, emphasizing undisclosed drivers' risks.
HB1486 amendment drafted with DOI: Kristen Schultz, Nixon Peabody, representing State Farm Oppose06:13:41.840 - 3:12:28 PM; Kristen Schultz opposed HB1486 with or without amendment, viewing it as an unnecessary mandate intruding on business practices. State Farm covers all household members as they may drive vehicles, and exclusions do not prevent driving or ensure no accidents. She noted many insurers offer exclusions, so consumers can shop, and opposed denying coverage to victims of excluded drivers' accidents. She addressed questions on handling bad records (shop elsewhere) and tracking other policies (not feasible).

Hunt, John(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Post, Lisa(Clerk)(R)[A]2025	Potucek, John(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Salvi, Santosh(D)[CT]2025	Chourasia, Manoj(D)[F]2025	Ammon, Keith(R)[A]2025
Herbert, Christopher(D)[D-]2025	Osborne, Jason(R)[A+]2025	Thackston, Dick(R)[B+]2025
Walsh, Lilli(R)[B]2025	Porcelli, Susan(R)[B]2025	Spier, Carry(D)[D-]2025
Burroughs, Anita(D)[F]2025	Gibbs, Merryl(D)[D-]2025	McAleer, Chris(D)[D-]2025
Sullivan, Jared(D)[D]2025	Miles, Julie(R)[A-]2025	Presa, Adam(R)[B]2025