Committee Summary for House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/27/2025)

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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB297 2462 00:20:47.280 - 9:19:33 AM	Executive Session	relative to providing self-funded employer health benefit plans access to their claims data.	Spier, Carry(D)[D-]2025
HB297 245 00:51:41.520 - 9:50:27 AM	Executive Session	relative to providing self-funded employer health benefit plans access to their claims data.	Spier, Carry(D)[D-]2025
HB297 2473 01:41:45.920 - 10:40:31 AM	Executive Session	relative to providing self-funded employer health benefit plans access to their claims data.	Spier, Carry(D)[D-]2025
SB24 03:16:31.279 - 12:15:17 PM	Executive Session	allowing students under age 21 to taste wine in educational settings.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB24 03:18:19.160 - 12:17:05 PM	Executive Session	allowing students under age 21 to taste wine in educational settings.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB25 03:19:36.960 - 12:18:22 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) allowing credit union members to pay members of the board of directors for their services as a board member and relative to the use of and disputes over blockchain and digital currencies.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB26 1976 03:21:20.560 - 12:20:06 PM	Executive Session	(Second New Title) allowing the department of justice to authorize the preclosing use of a portion of a deposit held in escrow for the payment of certain construction customizations, upgrades, or change orders.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB47 03:26:29.760 - 12:25:15 PM	Executive Session	requiring certain health insurance policies of a birth mother to provide coverage for a newly born child from the moment of birth.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB52 03:28:06.479 - 12:26:52 PM	Executive Session	relative to default provisions in New Hampshire trusts.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB79 03:29:47.920 - 12:28:33 PM	Executive Session	enabling the use of self-pour automated systems by liquor commission licensees.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB80 03:31:16.479 - 12:30:02 PM	Executive Session	consolidating licensing, auditing, and enforcement responsibilities for wholesale and retail e-cigarettes sales under the liquor commission.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
A5 03:33:06.960 - 12:31:52 PM	Executive Session	Chartered Bank lending limits	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB87 2293 03:37:45.279 - 12:36:31 PM	Executive Session	relative to one day liquor license requirements and making salons and barber shops eligible for on-premise licenses.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB89 03:42:04.600 - 12:40:50 PM	Executive Session	enabling non-citizens who are legally authorized to work in the United States to deliver alcohol.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB121 1945 03:45:45.720 - 12:44:31 PM	Executive Session	requiring notice to the insurance department of the discontinuance of certain types of insurance, including Medicare Advantage Plans.	Avard, Kevin(R)[B]2025
SB124 03:50:10.160 - 12:48:56 PM	Executive Session	relative to continuing care retirement communities.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB162 2467 03:53:28.560 - 12:52:14 PM	Executive Session	relative to restrictions on acquisition of ownership, controlling, and occupancy interests in real property by certain foreign principals on or around certain military installations, and criminal penalties and civil forfeiture procedures for illegal acquisition.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB164 2222H 04:15:17.040 - 1:14:03 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to homeowners and prohibiting certain types of listing agreements.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB245 04:20:24.080 - 1:19:10 PM	Executive Session	prohibiting surprise ambulance billing and regulating ground ambulance reimbursement.	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
SB247 04:25:22.840 - 1:24:08 PM	Executive Session	prohibiting network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense a prescription of the PBM reimbursement that is below the pharmacy's acquisition cost.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB280 04:26:32.479 - 1:25:18 PM	Executive Session	requiring a food delivery service to enter into an agreement with a food service establishment or food retail store before offering delivery service from that restaurant.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB297 2473 04:28:08.600 - 1:26:54 PM	Executive Session	relative to pooled risk management programs.	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025

HB297 2462: Chair Information Only00:20:47.280 - 9:19:33 AM; The chair apologizes for being late and explains that they will start with bill HB297 and discuss amendment 2462. The amendment includes the original bill as sent over by the Senate, an additional amendment requested by the Senate, and a new section, 420R, which proposes an alternative regulatory system for healthcare.
HB297 2462: Representative Gibbs Information Only00:22:16.640 - 9:21:02 AM; Representative Gibbs asks for clarification on the amendment, specifically on what was added that they are asking for. The chair explains that the amendment includes the original bill, the Senate's requested amendment, and the new section 420R for an alternative regulatory system.
HB297 2462: Representative Spear Information Only00:23:12.400 - 9:21:58 AM; Representative Spear inquires about comments related to section 420J of the healthcare statute and its implications for town ownership of trusts. The chair clarifies that 420R, the new section, allows for flexibility in how health trusts are regulated and owned, either as standalone or member-owned organizations.
HB297 2462: Lisa Ducette, Executive Director for School Care Oppose00:26:09.840 - 9:24:55 AM; Lisa Ducette, the executive director of School Care, spoke against the amendment to HB297. She emphasized School Care's long history of serving New Hampshire's public entities and her personal experience in public entity risk pooling. She opposed the dual regulation proposed in the amendment, arguing that it would introduce costly and unnecessary oversight, create duplicative administrative burdens, and potentially jeopardize the nonprofit status of public entity risk pools. She highlighted the missteps of other pools like NHIT and Health Trust, which she believes drove the amendment, but maintained that School Care manages its operations prudently. She urged the committee to support HB297 with the Carson amendment, which she believes strengthens the current framework and preserves the autonomy and nonprofit status of pools.
HB297 245: Representative Gibbs Information Only00:51:41.520 - 9:50:27 AM; Representative Gibbs discussed the time periods for contract negotiations between insurance companies and ambulance providers under amendment 245. He noted that insurance companies have more staff and might not have issues with a shorter 45-day period, while ambulance providers were given a longer 60-day period to ensure good faith in contract negotiations. He pointed out the historical context and the unique nature of the legislation forcing insurance companies to fix reimbursement rates.
HB297 245: Representative Spear Information Only00:58:15.839 - 9:57:01 AM; Representative Spear expressed concerns about the sustainability of ambulance services beyond the two-year period covered by the bill. He highlighted that a significant portion of ambulance users are covered by Medicare and other government programs, suggesting that the current legislation only addresses a small part of a larger issue. He mentioned the creation of a commission aimed at addressing issues with CMS, but remained skeptical about its effectiveness.
HB297 245: Representative Porcel Support00:54:49.160 - 9:53:35 AM; Representative Porcel supported the amendment, particularly the 325% of the medical rate for ambulance services, which he had advocated for from the beginning. He acknowledged the compromise nature of the bill and the two-year limit on the rate, expressing optimism about its impact on banning balance billing and the potential for future adjustments based on cost studies.
HB297 245: Representative Miles Information Only01:00:37.440 - 9:59:23 AM; Representative Miles clarified the reasoning behind the different time periods given to insurance companies and ambulance providers for contract negotiations. He noted that the shorter period was given to insurance companies due to their larger back-office operations, while the longer period was provided to accommodate the diverse sizes and resources of ambulance providers.
HB297 2473: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:41:45.920 - 10:40:31 AM; The speaker clarified that page 13 of the document, labeled as an amended analysis, is not part of the amendment and is leftover from original amendments. They also corrected the RSA number to 97 and noted that the amendment involves renumbering from the original bill.
HB297 2473: Unnamed Speaker Support01:43:39.760 - 10:42:25 AM; The speaker expressed gratitude for the diligent work on the amendment and the bill, stating that it addresses a serious problem identified by the Secretary of State. The amendment adds regulation by the Department of Insurance based on corporate structure, strengthens structural boundaries, ensures clarity and accountability, and supports long-term sustainability of public infrastructure risk pools.
HB297 2473: Unnamed Speaker Support01:44:51.679 - 10:43:37 AM; The speaker echoed the sentiment of support for the amendment, appreciating the flexibility it provides to risk pools to succeed under different models.
HB297 2473: Representative Miles Vote01:45:44.080 - 10:44:30 AM; Representative Miles, seconded by Representative Spears, moved to pass the amendment 2473. The vote was unanimous among the subcommittee members.
SB24: Representative Patusk Vote03:16:31.279 - 12:15:17 PM; Representative Patusk, seconded by Representative Burroughs, moved to pass Senate Bill 24. There was no amendment discussed.
SB24: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:17:17.920 - 12:16:03 PM; The speaker confirmed there was no amendment to Senate Bill 24 and asked for any discussion or clarification.
SB24: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:18:19.160 - 12:17:05 PM; The speaker sought clarification on the educational setting in Senate Bill 24, confirming that testing would occur in a classroom setting without swallowing allowed.
SB24: Unnamed Speaker Vote03:18:19.160 - 12:17:05 PM; The speaker called the roll for voting on Senate Bill 24. The vote resulted in a majority 'Yes' with one 'No' from Representative Herbert.
SB24: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:18:19.160 - 12:17:05 PM; The speaker was finishing a discussion on Senate Bill 24, but the content of their testimony is not provided in the snippet.
SB25: Representative Mleier Support03:19:36.960 - 12:18:22 PM; Representative Mleier moved to pass Senate Bill 25, which was seconded by Representative Patusk. There was no discussion on the motion, and the vote was unanimous with 15 in favor.
SB26 1976: Unnamed Speaker Support03:21:20.560 - 12:20:06 PM; The speaker moved to pass Senate Bill 26 with amendment 1976, which removes contradictory paragraphs to clarify the House's position on the law. The vote was unanimous with 16 in favor.
SB26 1976: Unnamed Speaker Support03:24:49.279 - 12:23:35 PM; The speaker moved to pass Senate Bill 26 as amended. The vote was unanimous with 16 in favor.
SB47: Representative Burroughs Support03:26:29.760 - 12:25:15 PM; Representative Burroughs moved to pass Senate Bill 47, seconded by Representative Patusk. There was no discussion on the motion, and the vote was unanimous with 16 in favor.
SB52: Representative Mleier Support03:28:06.479 - 12:26:52 PM; Representative Mleier moved to pass Senate Bill 52, seconded by Representative Hunt. The bill was described as housekeeping, and the vote was unanimous with 16 in favor.
SB79: Representative Patusk Support03:29:47.920 - 12:28:33 PM; Representative Patusk moved to pass Senate Bill 79, seconded by Representative Sullivan. There was no discussion on the motion, and the vote was unanimous with 16 in favor.
SB80: Unnamed Speaker Support03:31:16.479 - 12:30:02 PM; The speaker moved to pass Senate Bill 80, which designates the liquor commission as the regulatory authority over vaping equipment. The vote was unanimous with 16 in favor.
A5: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:33:06.960 - 12:31:52 PM; The speaker explained that Senate Bill A5 relates to Chartered Bank lending limits, discussing the historical increase from 10% to 20% of a bank's loaning capability in New Hampshire. The speaker also mentioned concerns about monopolies and the absence of an amendment, despite earlier indications.
A5: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:33:06.960 - 12:31:52 PM; The speaker was finishing their statement about the bill concerning banking, but no specific content was provided in the snippet.
A5: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:34:45.800 - 12:33:31 PM; The speaker asked if anyone had a copy of the bill and mentioned 'Pleasant,' likely referring to a location or individual.
A5: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:35:34.080 - 12:34:20 PM; The speaker confirmed there was no problem with the bill concerning chartered landing lending limits and that every dollar was accounted for. A motion to pass the bill was made and seconded by Representative Mleier, with a unanimous vote of 16-0 to pass the bill out.
SB87 2293: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:37:45.279 - 12:36:31 PM; The speaker discussed the amendment to Senate Bill 87, which introduces a new $100 license for businesses to give away one free drink without charging. The amendment extends the eligibility to any business in New Hampshire, not just licensed professionals in the barber profession. The speaker clarified that no license is required for businesses to participate in this scheme, and it does not interfere with existing food requirements. There were questions about provisions for underage drinking, and it was confirmed that businesses must track what they serve and to whom.
SB87 2293: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:41:13.680 - 12:39:59 PM; The speaker facilitated a vote on the amendment to Senate Bill 87, which passed unanimously with a vote of 16-0. A subsequent motion to pass the bill as amended was also passed unanimously, and it was decided to keep the bill on the regular calendar due to the creation of a new fee.
SB89: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:42:04.600 - 12:40:50 PM; The speaker discussed Senate Bill 89, which involves enabling a liquor bill for legal aliens. There was some confusion about whether the bill assumes that legal aliens with a right to work can drive, which was clarified. The bill passed with a vote of 16-0 and was placed on the consent calendar.
SB121 1945: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:45:45.720 - 12:44:31 PM; The speaker introduced an amendment to Senate Bill 121, which changed the dates to align with federal regulations. The amendment passed unanimously with a vote of 16-0.
SB121 1945: Representative Burroughs Support03:46:50.000 - 12:45:36 PM; Representative Burroughs spoke in favor of Senate Bill 121 as amended, highlighting its importance for the insurance department to handle calls related to Medicare advantage plans and other insurance cancellations. The bill enables the department to provide consumers with valuable information. The bill passed as amended unanimously with a vote of 16-0 and was placed on the consent calendar.
SB124: Representative Miles Support03:50:10.160 - 12:48:56 PM; Representative Miles supported Senate Bill 124, explaining its comprehensive update to the statute governing continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The bill addresses the financial instability of these communities by strengthening licensing processes, requiring regular financial reporting, protecting entrance fees, establishing a resident's bill of rights, ensuring timely refunds, and giving the department authority to act early on signs of insolvency. The bill was developed with industry stakeholders and passed unanimously with a vote of 16-0, placed on the consent calendar.
SB162 2467: Representative Wwood Support03:53:28.560 - 12:52:14 PM; Representative Wwood supported the amendment to Senate Bill 162, which removed the listing of military facilities, the 10-mile radius, and applied it to the entire state of New Hampshire. The amendment aims to scrutinize businesses owned by foreign interests from countries listed as potential foreign agents, allowing the attorney general's office to take action if necessary. There was significant discussion and debate on the implications of the bill, particularly regarding foreign companies purchasing land and potential impacts on due process and economic development.
SB162 2467: Representative Spear Oppose03:54:47.520 - 12:53:33 PM; Representative Spear opposed the amendment, expressing concerns about its impact on a potential Chinese company's purchase in Nashua, which is needed to upgrade the water system. He argued that the bill could make such purchases illegal and recommended killing the bill.
SB162 2467: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:09:23.600 - 1:08:09 PM; The speaker facilitated further discussion on the amendment, addressing questions about due process, the scope of the bill, and its potential impact on existing and future businesses. The amendment was ultimately voted on and resulted in a tie, failing to pass. A subsequent motion to retain the bill was made and passed.
SB162 2467: Unnamed Speaker Vote04:09:23.600 - 1:08:09 PM; The speaker proposed a motion to retain the bill, which was seconded and followed by a roll call vote. The vote resulted in 11 in favor and 5 opposed, leading to the bill being retained.
SB164 2222H: Representative Spear Support04:15:17.040 - 1:14:03 PM; Representative Spear discussed the issue of entrapment and illegal activities related to real estate listings and future lease agreements. They highlighted a practice where individuals are coerced into signing agreements that allow liens to be placed on their property for extended periods, up to 40 years. The bill aims to prohibit such practices by preventing any listing that requires a lien on property. The amendment was described as simplifying the bill to focus on the core issue, which was appreciated by the ARP.
SB164 2222H: Committee Vote04:17:13.040 - 1:15:59 PM; The committee voted on the amendment 2222H to SB164, resulting in a unanimous decision to pass the amendment. The bill, as amended, was then placed on the consent calendar.
SB245: Representative Miles Support04:20:24.080 - 1:19:10 PM; Representative Miles, speaking as a legislator and nurse with experience in emergency care, supported SB245. They emphasized the critical role of ambulance services and the issues caused by the exclusion of EMS from the federal No Surprises Act, leading to patients facing surprise bills. The bill aims to prohibit balance billing by out-of-network ambulance providers, ensure fair payment rates, and include a cost study for future planning. They stressed the importance of the bill for the sustainability of ambulance services and patient care.
SB245: Committee Vote04:23:19.760 - 1:22:05 PM; The committee voted unanimously to pass SB245 as amended and placed it on the consent calendar.
SB247: Unnamed Speaker Vote04:25:22.840 - 1:24:08 PM; The speaker proposed a motion to retain SB247 due to the complexity and unanswered questions it raised. The motion to retain was seconded and passed with a vote of 16 in favor and none opposed.
SB280: Representative Petusk Support04:26:32.479 - 1:25:18 PM; Representative Petusk moved to pass SB280, which was seconded by Representative Burroughs. The bill focused on repealing a sunset provision related to food service letter agreements.
SB280: Committee Vote04:27:18.960 - 1:26:04 PM; The committee voted unanimously to pass SB280 and placed it on the consent calendar.
SB297 2473: Representative Miles Support04:28:08.600 - 1:26:54 PM; Representative Miles supported SB297, which addresses oversight and regulation of pooled risk management programs used by public entities. The bill differentiates regulation based on the corporate structure of the pools, ensuring member-owned pools under RSA 5B are regulated by the Secretary of State, and those under RSA 420R by the Department of Insurance. The amendment strengthens these distinctions, adding protections and ensuring financial stability and accountability. They urged the committee to support the bill as amended.
SB297 2473: Committee Vote04:31:22.319 - 1:30:08 PM; The committee voted unanimously to pass SB297 as amended and placed it on the consent calendar.
SB297 2473: Chairman Vote04:33:12.958 - 1:31:58 PM; The Chairman conducted a vote on the bill SB297 with amendment 2473, resulting in a unanimous decision of 16 to 0 to pass the bill. The Chairman then asked if the bill should be placed on the consent calendar, to which the committee agreed unanimously. The meeting was concluded with a mention of the next meeting scheduled for the following Thursday.