Committee Summary for House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (10/08/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1290 2024-0290h 00:03:05.760 - 9:01:56 AM	Executive Session	relative to customer energy storage.	McGhee, Kat(D)[CT]2025
HB297 2024-2987h 00:11:12.480 - 9:10:03 AM	Executive Session	relative to providing self-funded employer health benefit plans access to their claims data.	Spier, Carry(D)[D-]2025
HB648 00:20:55.760 - 9:19:46 AM	Executive Session	relative to insurance coverage for glucose monitoring.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025
HB725 01:01:16.400 - 10:00:07 AM	Executive Session	relative to ground ambulance services.	Stringham, Jerry(D)[D-]2025
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment) 03:20:01.600 - 12:18:52 PM	General Working Session	relative to the liquor commission.	Grill, Jessica(D)[D-]2025
HB565 2024-?h (minor accompaniment amendment) 03:56:58.399 - 12:55:49 PM	General Working Session	allowing persons under 21 into veterans' clubs, private clubs, and social clubs under certain conditions.	Notter, Jeanine(R)[A-]2025

HB1290 2024-0290h: Dave Nagel, Belknap County District 6 Support00:03:05.760 - 9:01:56 AM; Dave Nagel, the bill sponsor from Belknap County District 6, expressed support for the amendment, stating that he likes it and that it is better, describing it as almost as good as another version.
HB1290 2024-0290h: Dave Nagel, Belknap County District 6 Information Only00:03:54.720 - 9:02:45 AM; Dave Nagel provided background on the bill's origins from a federal commission under the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act of 2016, aimed at improving access to non-opioid therapies to address the opioid crisis. He explained that the original bill was a significant insurance mandate unaffordable for New Hampshire, leading to stakeholder meetings over the summer. They consulted experts like Cindy Steinberg, who drafted similar legislation for Massachusetts and Maine, which has worked well. The amendment adopts similar language to those states, avoiding a new pilot program since existing ones succeeded. Nagel noted involvement from the Insurance Department and expressed that while not ideal, the amendment is perfect, effective, and unifying among stakeholders.
HB1290 2024-0290h: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:06:03.280 - 9:04:54 AM; An unidentified representative asked for a layman's explanation of Section 5, which addresses prior authorization and step therapy barriers. Nagel explained that it prevents more restrictive requirements for non-alopathic therapies (like chiropractic care or acupuncture) compared to alopathic treatments or opioid therapies, citing examples of approval disparities between spine surgeons and chiropractors despite cost and evidence differences.
HB1290 2024-0290h: Committee Chair Information Only00:08:17.120 - 9:07:08 AM; The committee chair called for a straw vote on adopting amendment 2024-0290h, which passed unanimously with no opposition.
HB297 2024-2987h: Michelle Heaton, Director of Life and Health, NH Insurance Department Support00:11:12.480 - 9:10:03 AM; Michelle Heaton introduced the bill, sponsored by the Insurance Department, which incentivizes self-funded groups to opt into the CHIZ all-payer claims database by providing de-identified aggregated claims data back to them. This helps employers manage risk and shop for TPAs. She noted it's a reintroduction from last session, cannot mandate reporting due to a Supreme Court case, but opt-in is allowed. The bill addresses privacy concerns with de-identification. She invited the committee to the annual cost driver hearing on October 24th.
HB297 2024-2987h: Representative Miles Information Only00:13:16.959 - 9:12:07 AM; Representative Miles sought clarification on the process: self-funded employers opt in to submit data and receive de-identified claims info via a pull-down, not direct access. He raised concerns about Right-to-Know requests, access within the company, and privacy, citing an example of a self-insured company where case managers see all employee claims. Heaton explained oversight by DHHS for disclosures and federal DOL/ERISA for privacy, noting self-funded plans administer their own with segregated departments. Jennifer Smith added that data is aggregated to prevent identifying individuals.
HB297 2024-2987h: Jennifer Smith, Legislative Director, NH Insurance Department Information Only00:16:28.160 - 9:15:19 AM; Jennifer Smith provided historical context, noting the bill stems from efforts to address balance billing issues about 10 years ago, initiated by Tyler Brennan to gather comprehensive cost data on procedures, including hidden bills from anesthesiologists or pathologists.
HB297 2024-2987h: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:18:35.200 - 9:17:26 AM; An unidentified representative expressed concern over privacy airtightness, which was affirmed by the presenters.
HB297 2024-2987h: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:19:36.720 - 9:18:27 AM; An unidentified representative asked about discarding the prior non-germane amendment 0176h from February, which was confirmed as discarded since retaining the bill allows new amendments.
HB297 2024-2987h: Committee Chair Information Only00:19:36.720 - 9:18:27 AM; The committee chair called for a straw vote on amendment 2024-2987h, which passed unanimously with no opposition.
HB648: Representative Spear Information Only00:20:55.760 - 9:19:46 AM; Representative Spear discussed background on glucose monitoring systems, noting increased TV ads and personal relevance due to high A1C levels. He recalled testimony from last session about a $6,000 bill for a type 1 diabetic but noted lack of details on the plan type (e.g., high deductible vs. low). He suggested employers choose plans, and alternatives like HSAs or Medicaid expansion might address issues, citing BAE Systems' self-funded plans with high/low deductible options.
HB648: Representative Miles Oppose00:23:20.799 - 9:22:11 AM; Representative Miles expressed empathy for the prior testimony but stated the bill's intent was not for type 1 diabetics, calling it an unnecessary mandate that could increase premiums. He distinguished it from separate issues like insulin caps.
HB648: Unidentified Speaker (likely Representative) Support00:24:25.279 - 9:23:16 AM; The speaker supported the bill for type 1 diabetics, arguing it's medically necessary and should be mandated like the $100/month insulin cap. They focused on CGMs costing $60-80/month, with the bill allowing up to $30 deductible, netting $40/month insurer cost. Estimating 9% diabetes prevalence and 5% eligible, distributed cost would be $2-3 premium increase per person, not significant. They challenged assumptions on insurer contributions.
HB648: Unidentified Department Representative Information Only00:27:50.799 - 9:26:41 AM; The department provided a cost analysis: $1,383/year per unit, 26% uptake rate, resulting in $48/year per insured member.
HB648: Unidentified Department Representative Information Only00:27:50.799 - 9:26:41 AM; Finishing testimony on the bill, discussing costs per month versus per year, deductibles, and lack of consistent clinical benefits for non-insulin therapies based on diabetes journal findings.
HB648: Representative Spear Oppose00:29:10.080 - 9:28:01 AM; Argues against the mandate due to high costs and lack of proven positive results in reducing A1C levels for non-insulin users, citing studies from the diabetes journal.
HB648: Representative Sullivan Information Only00:30:11.200 - 9:29:02 AM; Questions if the bill requires a doctor's prescription, notes a proposed amendment for that, and inquires why doctors would prescribe if not medically necessary, assuming doctors know best.
HB648: Representative Miles Oppose00:31:12.640 - 9:30:03 AM; Explains doctors often prescribe based on patient requests to be holistic; emphasizes the device is invasive with a needle; argues over-the-counter options exist for monitoring, and coverage should only apply when medically necessary, not blanket for all.
HB648: Representative Sullivan (follow-up) Information Only00:33:23.200 - 9:32:14 AM; Expresses limited knowledge on diabetes; highlights how the healthcare system waits for conditions to worsen, increasing costs; asks if continuous glucose monitors could prevent diabetes progression and if research supports that.
HB648: Unidentified Representative (personal story) Information Only00:34:28.000 - 9:33:19 AM; Shares personal pre-diabetic experience at age 69 with A1C of 6.6; notes traditional finger-prick monitoring is covered by insurance when A1C is high; praises continuous monitors for type 1 diabetics but says finger-pricks suffice for prevention; mentions strips cost nearly a dollar a day.
HB648: Representative Burrows Information Only00:36:40.079 - 9:35:31 AM; Describes a relative using the device, which alerts via phone every half hour; notes it requires a smartphone and Bluetooth.
HB648: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:37:43.200 - 9:36:34 AM; Notes some insurance plans cover monitors as part of preventative health for pre-diabetics through wellness programs, similar to heart monitors.
HB648: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:38:46.160 - 9:37:37 AM; Reminds that insurance mandates apply only to a small segment (about 12%) like small businesses, not Medicare, Medicaid, or self-funded plans; warns added costs could lead businesses to drop coverage or close.
HB648: Representative Herbert Oppose00:39:59.599 - 9:38:50 AM; Lacks knowledge on the issue; prefers a doctor's input before mandating; uncomfortable voting without medical expertise.
HB648: Representative Spear (follow-up) Oppose00:39:59.599 - 9:38:50 AM; Reiterates diabetes association's stance: no consistent A1C reductions for non-insulin therapies; low uptake (26% for type 2, 21% overall); recommends only for type 1, not type 2.
HB648: Michelle Heim, NH Insurance Department Director Information Only00:42:23.200 - 9:41:14 AM; Explains mandate study: bill requires coverage for nearly everyone, estimated 26% uptake; currently covered only when medically necessary (e.g., type 1); no gaps in coverage for those who need it; adds fiscal impact to state for individual/small group markets under ACA; new mandates post-ACA require state to defray costs.
HB648: Unidentified Representative (fiscal note) Information Only00:45:21.520 - 9:44:12 AM; Notes fiscal note says zero but mandate study shows costs; no exact range possible due to uncertain uptake.
HB648: Bill Sponsor (last words) Support00:48:16.000 - 9:47:07 AM; Corrects that doctors and experts testified in favor earlier; device helps control diabetes progression, preventing costlier insulin stage; personal experience with pre-diabetic wife; addresses cost estimates ($2-4/month); describes device as less invasive, alerts for fluctuations/hypoglycemia via app, preventing organ damage; argues insurance waits too long to cover.
HB648: Bill Sponsor (amendment) Support00:54:54.880 - 9:53:45 AM; Requests amendment requiring doctor's prescription to strengthen the bill; wants to debate amended version, not current.
HB648: Unidentified Representative (straw vote) Oppose00:58:46.000 - 9:57:37 AM; Notes $48/year is significant for low-income families; previous witnesses were mostly type 1 diabetics; argues against dropping people from insurance rolls.
HB648: Bill Sponsor (final) Support00:59:56.400 - 9:58:47 AM; Notes CGM reduces need for $30/month prick system costs.
HB725: Committee Chair Information Only01:01:16.400 - 10:00:07 AM; Notes recent legislation addressed the issue with few complaints; no need for further action; seeing no requests for changes, recommends ITL (inexpedient to legislate).
HB725: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:01:16.400 - 10:00:07 AM; Confirms no preclusion of future changes; ITL kills this bill but allows similar future ones; references prior establishment of $325 rate expiring in two years.
HB725: Committee (straw vote) Oppose01:02:42.720 - 10:01:33 AM; Votes in favor of ITL for the bill.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Liquor Commission Representative Support03:20:01.600 - 12:18:52 PM; Explains amendment separates restaurant delivery license (beer/wine/liquor) into RSA 178; adds safeguards like tamper-proof sealed containers with labels for type, brand, ABV, amount; removes complicated ABV monitoring, adds surgeon general warning; mimics original container statutes to avoid open container issues during transport.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Liquor Commission Representative (sealed container) Support03:22:14.720 - 12:21:05 PM; Details tamper-proof seals (e.g., for cans) that show if opened; labels must describe contents; ensures safe transport without violating open container laws.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Committee Chair Information Only03:26:35.359 - 12:25:26 PM; Clarifies social district rules differ (open containers allowed with establishment name); notes consumer education needed on limitations.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Liquor Commission Representative (restaurant definition) Support03:27:49.520 - 12:26:40 PM; Section 1 adds 'generally' to restaurant definition in RSA 178:1, allowing closure for private events while serving alcohol; previously fuzzy, now clarifies not private clubs but permits temporary closures (e.g., holiday parties).
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Unidentified Representative Information Only03:28:45.279 - 12:27:36 PM; Notes past special tastings were not allowed under old law.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Liquor Commission Representative (section 3) Support03:30:02.720 - 12:28:53 PM; Section 3 moves/repeals language from 179:15 to 178 for housekeeping; not a full repeal, just reorganization for clarity.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Representative Sullivan Support03:31:22.479 - 12:30:13 PM; Requests including 2 AM closing option; argues for local control consistency (some dry towns exist); notes 40 states allow 2 AM, neighbors like VT/MA do; dismisses labor concerns as free market issue; cites community requests.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Committee Chair Oppose03:32:35.279 - 12:31:26 PM; Notes prior extension to 2 AM with local vote option; emphasizes local buy-in for enforcement; suggests testing current changes before more.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Unidentified Representative (law enforcement) Information Only03:46:47.680 - 12:45:38 PM; No general demand from restaurants or law enforcement; saturation patrols better than checkpoints; extending hours increases costs for municipalities.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Representative Barrows Information Only03:48:00.080 - 12:46:51 PM; Asks if changes necessitate more sobriety checks; notes personal experience with open container arrest.
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Committee (straw vote on amendment) Support03:51:20.960 - 12:50:11 PM; Votes to accept amendment as presented (one opposed).
HB529 2024-?h (restaurant delivery amendment): Committee Chair Information Only03:51:20.960 - 12:50:11 PM; Notes bill open for further amendments (e.g., 2 AM, tobacco corrections).
HB565 2024-?h (minor accompaniment amendment): Liquor Commission Representative Support03:56:58.399 - 12:55:49 PM; Recommends amendment: under-21 military personnel need valid military ID, not accompaniment; consistent with club membership card requirements in veterans/private/social clubs (RSA 178:22).
HB565 2024-?h (minor accompaniment amendment): Liquor Commission Representative Support03:57:50.399 - 12:56:41 PM; Change 'unless accompanied by a person 21 or older' to 'parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse' for consistency with other cocktail lounge statutes allowing alcohol service without food.
HB565 2024-?h (minor accompaniment amendment): Committee Chair Information Only03:58:57.439 - 12:57:48 PM; Directs drafting of combined amendment; plans subcommittee before exec session on 28th.

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