Committee Summary for House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (03/18/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB507 2024-0939 00:02:46.159 - 9:00:52 AM	Executive Session	relative to the timeline for credentialing of mental health care providers.	Gregg, Alicia(D)[D-]2025
HB276 1033 01:01:27.960 - 9:59:33 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) establishing a liquor license where beverages, wine, and liquor can be sold without food.	Hemingway, Wayne(R)[B]2025
HB467 01:12:57.880 - 10:11:03 AM	Executive Session	defining "social districts" and enabling municipalities to create social districts.	Boyd, Bill(R)[C]2025

HB507 2024-0939: Representative Greg Information Only00:02:46.159 - 9:00:52 AM; Representative Greg mentioned that Representative Spear had to leave the session to attend her own committee's executive session on bills. She apologized for her absence but indicated she was supportive of the amendment.
HB507 2024-0939: Representative Miles Information Only00:03:49.560 - 9:01:55 AM; Representative Miles moved to pass the bill as amended with amendment number 2024-0939. The amendment involves removing section two of the bill and setting the effective date to January 1.
HB507 2024-0939: Representative Spears Information Only00:04:34.800 - 9:02:40 AM; Representative Spears seconded the motion to pass HB507 as amended. The subcommittee members voted in favor of the motion, with six votes in support.
HB507 2024-0939: Committee Chair Information Only00:05:25.560 - 9:03:31 AM; The Committee Chair confirmed the motion to pass HB507 as amended and noted that the amendment and committee report would be executed the following morning. They also mentioned the change in terminology from 'blurb' to 'committee report' or 'majority report'.
HB507 2024-0939: Alex Information Only00:07:02.520 - 9:05:08 AM; Alex explained that the current bill aims to incorporate a Federal Regulation into state law for enforcement purposes. The Federal Regulation involves uniformity of format for pricing information published by insurance companies. The amendment adds a requirement for this information to be provided to the state commissioner.
HB507 2024-0939: Representative Spear Information Only00:08:23.280 - 9:06:29 AM; Representative Spear raised concerns about the timing of the bill's implementation, suggesting a delay or retention until more information on the availability of the required data is known. They discussed the potential costs of implementing changes multiple times.
HB507 2024-0939: Sabrina Dunlap, Director of Government Relations for Anthem Information Only00:09:33.720 - 9:07:39 AM; Sabrina Dunlap shared that Anthem had recently discussed with CMS, indicating that final rules might not be issued within the 90-day period mentioned in the executive order. She expressed concerns about the timing and the potential for discrepancies between state and federal regulations.
HB507 2024-0939: Unnamed Speaker from Anthem Information Only00:11:34.800 - 9:09:40 AM; An unnamed speaker from Anthem elaborated on the complexity of complying with federal transparency requirements and the potential issues with state laws differing from federal regulations. They expressed concerns about the logistical and technical challenges involved.
HB507 2024-0939: Representative Miles Information Only00:12:37.040 - 9:10:43 AM; Representative Miles clarified that the state has the power to regulate insurance companies through licensing and could potentially enforce compliance with federal regulations. They discussed the need for the state law to align with federal standards.
HB507 2024-0939: Committee Members Information Only00:13:46.880 - 9:11:52 AM; Committee members discussed the effective date and applicability of the bill, considering tying the state law's implementation to the finalization of federal guidance. They debated the necessary time frame for insurance companies to adjust to new federal guidelines.
HB507 2024-0939: Sabrina Dunlap, Director of Government Relations for Anthem Information Only00:16:08.240 - 9:14:14 AM; Sabrina Dunlap provided further input on the timing of federal guidance, suggesting that a proposed guidance might be issued within 90 days, but finalization could take months due to a rulemaking process. She recommended a six-month runway after finalization for compliance.
HB507 2024-0939: Committee Members Information Only00:19:20.440 - 9:17:26 AM; The committee discussed the complexity of implementing machine-readable files and the time required for compliance. They debated the adequacy of a three or six-month period post-federal guidance finalization for insurance companies to comply.
HB507 2024-0939: Committee Chair Information Only00:23:14.640 - 9:21:20 AM; The Committee Chair decided to take a short break to allow for the drafting of an amendment that would specify the effective date and applicability of the bill, considering the finalization of federal guidance. They discussed delaying the final vote until the following morning.
HB507 2024-0939: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:28:11.720 - 9:26:17 AM; The speaker raised questions about the availability and timing of data transparency reports related to health insurance, specifically inquiring about the first report's due date and the frequency of subsequent reports. They were concerned about the potential delay in data availability, suggesting that the commissioner might set a delay period of three to six months after the finalization of federal rules.
HB507 2024-0939: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:29:32.000 - 9:27:38 AM; The speaker emphasized the importance of a six-month window for evaluating the data transparency, suggesting that this period is necessary for proper assessment. They expressed concern about the rule-making process, indicating that the same people involved in the discussions might influence the commissioner's rules, potentially affecting the implementation timeline.
HB507 2024-0939: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:31:24.320 - 9:29:30 AM; The speaker expressed skepticism about the necessity of the legislation, questioning the use of the term 'transparency' and suggesting that full disclosure might be a better term. They highlighted that the data is currently available, albeit not user-friendly, and questioned the need for state-specific data when federal data exists.
HB507 2024-0939: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:33:07.760 - 9:31:13 AM; The speaker discussed the importance of uniformity in data reporting, noting that it could save the department money and time. They advocated for the six-month period to be included in the legislation rather than left to the commissioner's rule-making, to ensure consistency and reliability of the data.
HB507 2024-0939: Unidentified Speaker Oppose00:35:10.000 - 9:33:16 AM; The speaker argued against delays in implementing the price transparency, suggesting that insurance companies might want to delay to prevent consumers from accessing this information. They believed that existing data and software could facilitate this without additional delays.
HB507 2024-0939: Representative Gibbs Information Only00:35:58.160 - 9:34:04 AM; Representative Gibbs argued for what they considered a reasonable amount of time for implementation, not viewing it as a delay. They emphasized the importance of considering the intent behind the proposed timeline and data handling.
HB507 2024-0939: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:57:16.960 - 9:55:22 AM; The speaker discussed a proposed amendment to the bill, changing the effective date to six months after the finalization of federal guidance under a presidential executive order. They clarified the timeline and the role of the insurance commissioner in rule promulgation, ensuring that the data would be available in a user-friendly format.
HB276 1033: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:01:27.960 - 9:59:33 AM; The speaker introduced a new proposal to reconsider the original motion of inexpedient to legislate and instead create a new 'Tavern license' for establishments to serve liquor without food requirements. The license would be four times more expensive, and its issuance would require town or city approval.
HB276 1033: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:03:21.319 - 10:01:27 AM; The speaker discussed the operational and cost implications of the Tavern license compared to existing liquor licenses that require food service. They highlighted potential disadvantages to restaurants that already have food service infrastructure and the higher cost of the new license.
HB276 1033: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:05:26.119 - 10:03:32 AM; The speaker elaborated on the justification for the higher cost of the Tavern license, noting that it would cover the additional enforcement needed due to the absence of food service. They also mentioned potential future lobbying by tavern owners to reduce the license fee.
HB276 1033: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:06:25.720 - 10:04:31 AM; The speaker discussed the current statute that allows liquor service without food after 9:00 PM and how the new license would allow liquor service at any time. They noted the potential impact on existing restaurants that invested in food service infrastructure.
HB276 1033: Representative Walsh Support01:08:53.960 - 10:06:59 AM; Representative Walsh supported the Tavern license, arguing that if a business wants to pay for it and the town agrees, it should be allowed. They viewed it as a free market opportunity despite potential opposition from existing restaurants.
HB276 1033: Representative Gibbs Support01:10:07.199 - 10:08:13 AM; Representative Gibbs expressed discomfort with the bill but supported it if the town, after considering opposition from existing restaurants, voted in favor of it. They believed the provision requiring town approval was acceptable.
HB276 1033: Representative Buroughs Support01:11:17.159 - 10:09:23 AM; Representative Buroughs moved to pass the amendment to HB276, which would remove the food requirement for the Tavern license. The motion was seconded, and a vote was taken, with the motion passing.
HB276 1033: Representative Buroughs Vote01:11:17.159 - 10:09:23 AM; Representative Buroughs concluded the discussion on HB276 with amendment 1033, leading to a vote of 5 to 1 in favor of the amendment.
HB467: Representative Wall Information Only01:12:57.880 - 10:11:03 AM; Representative Wall discussed the need for an amendment to be in hand before proceeding with the motion on HB467. He emphasized the importance of clear language in the amendment regarding the commission maintaining a list.
HB467: Representative Wells Support01:14:24.000 - 10:12:30 AM; Representative Wells expressed support for the amendment to HB467, highlighting its potential to benefit the economy in struggling areas by involving all establishments in a community, not just one.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:14:44.520 - 10:12:50 AM; An unnamed speaker raised concerns about the implementation of HB467, specifically the lack of clarity on which governing body would be responsible for managing social districts. They suggested amending the bill to specify the responsible governing bodies such as the board of selectmen, town council, city council, or board of aldermen.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:15:55.800 - 10:14:01 AM; The speaker continued to discuss the need for clarity in HB467 regarding the responsible governing body for social districts, emphasizing the importance of having the amendment clearly written to avoid confusion and delays in implementation.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:16:45.520 - 10:14:51 AM; The speaker further elaborated on the timing issues related to the implementation of social districts, suggesting that municipalities should plan ahead to avoid delays due to infrequent meetings of select boards or city councils.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:17:44.520 - 10:15:50 AM; The speaker discussed the urgency of having the amendment ready for HB467, pointing out the need for clear language to specify the governing body responsible for social districts to prevent confusion and delays.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:18:58.719 - 10:17:04 AM; The speaker confirmed the need to replace the term 'city or town' in HB467 with specific governing bodies to clarify responsibilities for managing social districts.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Oppose01:20:17.480 - 10:18:23 AM; An unnamed speaker expressed opposition to the concept of social districts in HB467, citing concerns about the negative impact on minors who might see adults drinking in public. They argued that this could undermine efforts to teach children about the dangers of alcohol.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:21:27.760 - 10:19:33 AM; The speaker responded to the opposition by comparing social districts to existing practices in restaurants and wineries, suggesting that the behavior in social districts would not be significantly different.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Oppose01:22:28.000 - 10:20:34 AM; The speaker continued to oppose the social districts in HB467, expressing concerns about public behavior and law enforcement challenges, and requested guidance on writing a Minority Report to express their opposition.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:23:25.600 - 10:21:31 AM; The speaker advised the opponent of HB467 on how to write a Minority Report, suggesting they articulate their concerns clearly and submit it for consideration.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:24:25.360 - 10:22:31 AM; The speaker continued to guide the opponent on writing the Minority Report, emphasizing the importance of clearly stating their opposition and the motion for inexpediency.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:25:26.159 - 10:23:32 AM; The speaker encouraged the opponent to prepare the Minority Report in advance and read it during the committee meeting to effectively communicate their stance on HB467.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:26:28.119 - 10:24:34 AM; The speaker provided further instructions on submitting the Minority Report, suggesting both a hard copy and an email submission for HB467.
HB467: Unnamed Speaker Vote01:27:50.920 - 10:25:56 AM; The speaker called for a straw vote on the amendment to HB467, ensuring all committee members understood the amendment's content before voting.

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