Committee Summary for House Ways and Means (01/12/2026) (Full Stream)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1596 00:06:12.639 - 9:00:48 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the collection of certain health care program premiums; funding for the university system of New Hampshire; and raising the tobacco tax.	Stringham, Jerry(D)[D-]2025
HB1580 01:35:18.320 - 10:29:54 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the taxation of non-primary residences.	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D-]2025
HB1707 01:55:23.040 - 10:49:59 AM	Public Hearing	creating an additional property tax for certain unoccupied properties and creating a housing transfer tax exemption for certain low- and moderate-income home buyers.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025
HB1810 02:42:27.359 - 11:37:03 AM	Public Hearing	relative to a road salt fee to support certified winter road maintenance practices.	Darby, Will(D)[CT]2025
HB1409 04:09:05.760 - 1:03:41 PM	Public Hearing	modifying the deposit of revenues collected from video lottery terminals.	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2025
HB559 04:24:34.880 - 1:19:10 PM	Public Hearing	relative to staffing requirements in emergency medical transport vehicles.	Rhodes, Jennifer(R)[B+]2025
HB1338 04:49:01.520 - 1:43:37 PM	Public Hearing	restricting abortion providers from the definition of charitable organization for the purposes of games of chance.	Sellers, John(R)[A-]2025

HB1596: Representative Jerry Stringham, Woodstock, NH Support00:06:12.639 - 9:00:48 AM; Representative Stringham introduces HB1596, which proposes raising the tobacco tax from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack as a cost-of-living adjustment since 2008, while still keeping NH competitive as the lowest in New England after Maine's recent $1.50 increase. He explains the need for periodic adjustments due to lack of automatic inflation indexing, unlike the meals and rooms tax. The bill also aims to repeal income-based premiums for Medicaid/CHIP programs, which could lead to coverage losses, increased bad debt for providers, and loss of federal funding. Additionally, it restores funding cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, particularly affecting Plymouth State University in the North Country, preventing canceled classes, discontinued majors, and economic impacts on local businesses reliant on students. Overall, the bill is net positive for state finances by reducing harms from these measures.
HB1596: Committee Member (unidentified) Information Only00:17:41.520 - 9:12:17 AM; The committee member questions Representative Stringham about a past reduction in the tobacco tax rate in 2011-2013 due to excess pre-tax stamps, asking if it applies to this bill.
HB1596: Representative Jerry Stringham Information Only00:18:50.480 - 9:13:26 AM; Stringham clarifies the 2011-2013 tax reduction of 10 cents was intended to boost sales volume but failed, as tobacco companies raised prices by 10 cents, negating the effect. A trigger restored the rate to $1.78 when revenues didn't increase as expected. He expresses skepticism that small tax changes significantly impact tobacco sales.
HB1596: Committee Member (unidentified) Information Only00:19:40.000 - 9:14:16 AM; The member follows up, noting the proposed increase to $2.80 and asking if, based on past experience where companies raised prices during a tax cut, they might now increase base prices further to maintain profitability, making cigarettes more expensive in NH compared to other states.
HB1596: Representative Jerry Stringham Information Only00:21:06.640 - 9:15:42 AM; Stringham responds that other states have higher tax rates, so NH remains competitive. He suggests tobacco companies are more likely to reduce base prices to maintain volume rather than increase them when taxes rise.
HB1596: Representative (Q&A continuation) Support00:22:37.679 - 9:17:13 AM; The representative continues answering questions about the bill, explaining the inflation-adjusted calculation for the $1.02 increase from the original $1.78 rate using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. He discusses the health policy benefits supported by the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society, the administrative ease of periodic significant adjustments, and the positive impact on reducing Medicaid and health insurance costs. He considers a smaller 22-cent increase but prefers the larger adjustment for greater effect.
HB1596: Anna Bettincourt, Londonderry, NH, Director of Category Management, Yatco Energy Oppose00:32:37.360 - 9:27:13 AM; Bettincourt opposes the tobacco tax increase, highlighting New Hampshire's competitive tax advantages that attract business and customers from high-tax states like Massachusetts. She notes that flavor bans in Massachusetts drive users to New Hampshire, benefiting local economy. Raising the tax to within 30 cents of Vermont or a dollar of other New England states would erode this edge, unfairly burdening tobacco users without reducing consumption, as tobacco companies never lower prices and illicit trade increases. She argues it's inequitable to target one group for revenue, suggesting alternative funding sources, and emphasizes education over taxation to discourage use.
HB1596: Michael Rolo, Director of Government Relations, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Support00:44:42.880 - 9:39:18 AM; Rolo strongly supports HB1596's tobacco tax increase, citing historical failed attempts to lower the tax that led to revenue loss due to industry price hikes. He provides data on New Hampshire's cancer diagnoses (10,290 annually, 2,980 deaths, 30.6% smoking-related) and economic costs ($847 million in health care, $149.7 million Medicaid, $1.5 billion lost productivity). Even after the increase, New Hampshire remains cheaper than neighbors (Maine $3.50, Massachusetts $3.51, Vermont $3.08) without sales tax. The bill could generate $49.7 million in revenue (for $1 increase), part of which should fund tobacco control and cessation services, yielding $55 in health savings per dollar invested. He refutes concerns about industry price adjustments, noting their adaptability and the product's inherent harm.
HB1596: Nancy Vaughn, Government Relations Director, American Heart Association Support00:56:00.480 - 9:50:36 AM; Vaughn supports a substantial cigarette tax increase of at least $1 per pack for public health impact, echoing data on smoking's role in 25% of cardiovascular deaths and high youth e-cigarette use. She recommends complementary taxes on other tobacco products to prevent switching and restoring $2.4 million to the tobacco control program, cut in last year's budget, to provide cessation services especially for low-income Medicaid users. Increasing costs reduces consumption and health disparities, but support services are essential given nicotine's addictiveness and tobacco's difficulty to quit.
HB1596: Mark Hinckley, resident of Wilmington Ironworks, NH, representing Energy North Incorporated Oppose01:00:38.319 - 9:55:14 AM; Mark Hinckley argues against increasing the cigarette tax in New Hampshire, highlighting the state's current advantage over neighboring states. He cites examples like Rhode Island's recent tax increase leading to a 23% sales drop and surges in neighboring states, and Massachusetts' previous hike causing a 17% decline in local sales with consumers driving to New Hampshire. He warns of migration to online and illicit markets from low-tax states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Carolinas, noting increased enforcement revenue from e-vapor. Hinckley emphasizes the impact on small border businesses in Nashua, Hudson, and Pelham that rely on sales to Massachusetts residents, predicting reduced cross-border traffic and overall revenue despite the tax hike.
HB1596: Drew Klein, Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy Oppose01:03:59.839 - 9:58:35 AM; Drew Klein presents data showing HB1596 would raise New Hampshire's cigarette tax from $1.78 to $2.80, a 57% increase, making it closer to Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts while still the lowest in New England. He argues this would reduce in-state sales and cross-border purchases, citing Tax Foundation research indicating New Hampshire gains $46 million (about a third) of its $146 million tobacco revenue from cross-border sales, and Massachusetts loses $28 million annually due to high taxes. Klein predicts behavioral changes, fewer border trips, and increased smuggling from low-tax states like Virginia (60 cents/pack) and North Carolina (45 cents/pack), shifting purchases to black markets without reducing overall smoking. He opposes using taxes to manipulate behavior, noting no similar taxes on other unhealthy items like donuts.
HB1596: Jennifer Ramsey, DRA Information Only01:11:27.199 - 10:06:03 AM; Jennifer Ramsey from the Department of Revenue Administration explains the agency's role in administering the tobacco tax through stamps for cigarettes and returns for other products. She notes the bill's July 1, 2026 effective date provides insufficient time for implementation, including vendor coordination for new stamps. Ramsey recommends delaying the tax rate change to January 1, 2027, to allow six months for preparation. She confirms New Hampshire's unique tax stamps and aggressive retail compliance checks, in coordination with the liquor commission.
HB1596: Representative Jonah O'Brien Wheeler, representing Peterborough and Sharon Support01:15:17.360 - 10:09:53 AM; Representative Wheeler introduces HB1580, proposing a 75% surcharge tax on non-primary residences valued over $500,000, defined as occupied less than 180 days per year. He aims to address rising property taxes pricing locals out of homes, using examples from his district like long-time residents forced to leave. The tax targets empty second homes owned by wealthy individuals not contributing fully to communities, with all revenue returning directly to municipalities for property tax relief. Wheeler clarifies it exempts actively rented properties and responds to questions on services like fire and police, emphasizing empty homes occupy space needed for full-time residents.
HB1596: Representative Rosemary Rung, representing Hillsborough 12 (Marlborough) Oppose01:25:20.320 - 10:19:56 AM; Representative Rung opposes HB1580, using her unheated summer camp in Moultonborough as an example: assessed at $850,500 due to lake frontage despite low building value ($63,000), it incurs higher assessment than her primary home in Marlborough ($474,000) but lower taxes ($4,532 vs. $10,480). The surcharge would add $6,379, over 40% more than current taxes, exacerbating disparities as Moultonborough has low tax rates ($5.33/$1,000) and high per-pupil spending ($34,375) compared to Marlborough ($22.10/$1,000, $23,849 per pupil). She argues it won't relieve high-tax towns, ignores cooperative school districts, and rising values will obsolete the $500,000 threshold, forcing generational sales to corporations or out-of-staters, altering community character without addressing true ability to pay or service usage.
HB1580: Sarah Kurrid, New Hampshire resident and short-term rental owner Oppose01:35:18.320 - 10:29:54 AM; Sarah opposes HB1580, arguing it imposes a punitive surcharge on non-primary residences, targeting short-term rentals that support local economies through tourism in areas like Moultonborough. She notes it harms small owners by increasing costs, potentially forcing sales or conversions that do not aid housing supply, as many properties are in seasonal or rural locations unsuitable for long-term rentals. The bill adds administrative burdens and violates property rights and local control principles.
HB1580: Marilyn Curtain, representing daughter in Concord, NH Oppose01:38:57.440 - 10:33:33 AM; Marilyn summarizes her daughter's testimony, a single mom who bought a large property in 2021 to run two businesses and a short-term rental supporting her family and horses. The rental provides unique accommodations for multigenerational families, supports local businesses through guest recommendations, and fosters community relations. It represents significant financial and sweat equity, not passive income, and the bill would harm such small-scale operations.
HB1580: Monica Corville, Norway, NH, wife of police officer in Bartlett Oppose01:41:54.800 - 10:36:30 AM; Monica opposes the bill, explaining her Airbnb nets $12,000 annually as their retirement plan, with the 0.75% surcharge reducing income by 30% based on inflated assessed values despite low purchase price. It hurts small 'mom and pop' owners like them, not big investors. She also notes it unfairly burdens her mother-in-law's long-held vacation home in Conway, valued at $500,000 due to location, forcing potential sales without realized gains, punishing families for generational properties.
HB1580: Chelsea Christensen, Northampton, NH resident and short-term rental owner Oppose01:45:55.119 - 10:40:31 AM; Chelsea shares her story of buying a unique, large, old property in Northampton nine years ago as a short-term rental, enabling her to stay home with children and serve as her retirement plan. She pays high property taxes and meals and rooms tax ($40,000+ yearly), with skyrocketing insurance costs making operations tight. The bill acts as a penalty for owning a second property, risking sales and loss of state revenue from taxes; she urges consideration of small owners' burdens.
HB1580: Jennifer Ramsey, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:52:37.760 - 10:47:13 AM; Jennifer presents technical concerns on behalf of DRA: issues with applicability vs. effective date; differing residency definition from other property tax laws, problematic for appeals; limitations on municipal spending of funds requiring regulation; and need for $75,000 appropriation to update the municipal tax rate portal if the bill advances.
HB1707: Representative Ellen Reed, Rockingham 10 (Newmarket and Newfields) Support01:55:23.040 - 10:49:59 AM; Representative Reed supports HB1707 to address the housing crisis (0.6% vacancy rate, rising homelessness, aging population). The bill has two parts: a one-time state transfer tax exemption for low/moderate-income households (per year, based on HUD guidelines) to ease home buying, also incentivizing sellers. Second, a steep tax on vacant or short-term rental residential properties (vacant > half the year) equal to municipal tax burden, to encourage long-term rentals and add supply without new construction. It targets availability for rent in crisis, with revenue (~$600-922M) to help housing; exemptions suggested for seasonal properties and municipalities with back-tax properties. The goal is behavior change, not revenue.
HB1707: Paul Hazelton, Henniker, NH Oppose02:11:00.000 - 11:05:36 AM; Paul opposes HB1707 (and related bills), highlighting positive impacts of Airbnbs like unique experiences boosting tourism and small-town economies, enabling preservation of his family's 1771 farm and 300 acres. He argues the bills fail as sop to hotels, double taxation, or housing solutions, interfering with free market and historical property use; contrasts hesitation to tax smoking with taxing beneficial Airbnbs.
HB1707: Sarah Kurrid, Amherst, NH Oppose02:14:33.760 - 11:09:09 AM; Sarah Kurrid expresses concerns about HB1707, highlighting the high administrative costs estimated at $300,000 by the Department of Revenue Administration, which are not allocated in the bill. She argues that the bill fails to address the housing crisis effectively, as many properties targeted, especially short-term rentals, cannot provide workforce housing due to their nature and location.
HB1707: Joanie McIntyre, Realtor, Concord, NH (on behalf of New Hampshire Association of Realtors) Oppose02:15:30.800 - 11:10:06 AM; Joanie McIntyre opposes HB1707, stating it would double the tax burden on second homes, severely impacting their value and marketability. She provides an example of a property on Lake Winnipesaukee in Hopkinton where taxes rose from $1,500 to $6,000 after reassessment, potentially doubling to $12,000 under the bill, making it unsellable. She questions enforcement mechanisms for occupancy requirements, the impact on short-term rental revenue, and how it affects transfer taxes and overall state revenues. She argues that such properties won't become workforce housing due to high rental costs and urges inexpedient to legislate.
HB1707: State Representative Heath Howard, Strafford and Barrington, NH Support02:20:27.280 - 11:15:03 AM; State Representative Heath Howard supports HB1707, introducing it as a measure for fairness by imposing a supplemental tax on unoccupied residential properties or short-term rentals for at least six months, equal to existing property taxes. He notes the sponsor's suggestion to delay the state transfer tax exemption by one year to avoid upfront costs, using revenues for education, municipal aid, or home loans. He highlights how property taxes burden full-time residents while empty homes proliferate, often bought by corporations, and the bill incentivizes filling vacancies without punishing primary homeowners. It also provides a one-time real estate transfer tax exemption for first-time low- and moderate-income buyers to ease homeownership.
HB1707: Andrew Horn, Amherst, NH Support02:23:42.960 - 11:18:18 AM; Andrew Horn strongly supports HB1707, framing it as a balance of dollars and decency amid New Hampshire's housing crisis. He counters opposition by emphasizing the plight of teachers, firefighters, children, and grandparents unable to afford local housing. He refutes 'double taxation' claims, calling empty homes 'deadwood' that chokes communities, and stresses that property ownership entails community responsibility. Citing statistics like 76% home price increase since 2019, 23,500 unit shortage, 1% rental vacancy rate, 51% cost-burdened renters, and 52% homelessness rise, he urges prioritizing community over lifeless property, invoking the state motto to argue for freedom through affordable living. He calls for an ought to pass vote to make houses 'breathe' again.
HB1707: Chelsea Christensen Oppose02:27:21.760 - 11:21:57 AM; Chelsea Christensen opposes HB1707, agreeing on the housing crisis but arguing that targeting vacation homes is misguided. She notes that vacation rentals in resort areas like the seacoast and mountains have high monthly rental costs prohibitive for entry-level or workforce housing—e.g., $2,000-$3,000 for basic units, or $10,000 for her property. She suggests alternatives like expanding ADU laws for small affordable units on properties, building tiny entry-level homes in areas like Epping, and addressing urban sprawl to create more affordable housing rather than penalizing high-end vacation properties that won't serve the intended market.
HB1707: Jennifer Ramsey, DRA Information Only02:29:58.399 - 11:24:34 AM; Jennifer Ramsey from the Department of Revenue Administration provides information on HB1707's technical and fiscal aspects. She notes that her intended comments were already covered by Representative Reid, including a requested $300,000 appropriation to modify the RIMS system. She expresses willingness to work with the sponsor and committee at the work session to address these issues. In response to questions, she clarifies that the bill targets unoccupied properties, not just second homes, and that DRA used census data for estimates but deemed it less applicable here; she agrees to review and discuss fiscal analyses for HB1580 and HB1707 further.
HB1810: Representative W Derby, Hillsboro District 11 Support02:42:27.359 - 11:37:03 AM; Representative Derby introduces HB1810, explaining the environmental impact of road salt on New Hampshire's waterways and drinking water. He highlights rising chloride and sodium levels in lakes and wells, citing examples like Merrimack shutting down a well and high sodium in Greenland's private wells. He notes that current stormwater treatments are insufficient and that DES recommends a 25-45% reduction in salt use. The bill proposes a $4 fee per ton on bulk road salt to fund grants for Green SnowPro certified operators to offset equipment and storage costs, encouraging participation and reducing salt usage. He emphasizes the carrot approach over regulations and addresses fiscal concerns by noting the massive annual salt usage.
HB1810: Representative Rosemary Rung, Hillsboro District 12, Merrimack Support03:01:35.760 - 11:56:11 AM; Representative Rung supports HB1810, reiterating the salt contamination problem affecting groundwater and surface waters, with 50 NH water bodies exceeding EPA standards. She shares Merrimack's experience of decommissioning a well at over $2 million cost due to salting, plus private well treatment expenses. She praises brine sprayers that use a quarter of the salt and prevent ice formation more effectively. She urges OTP on HB1810 and mentions a companion bill for road salt storage regulations.
HB1810: Alan Hanscom, State Highway Maintenance Engineer, Department of Transportation Information Only03:05:02.399 - 11:59:38 AM; Alan Hanscom discussed the financial impact of the bill, estimating an additional $785,000 to $800,000 annually for winter maintenance on state highways. He noted that salt costs about $82 per ton, making the $4 fee a 5% increase per ton and a 2% increase in the winter maintenance budget, which is often underfunded. These costs are for DOT only and do not include other state agencies. He clarified he is not involved in the collection or grant distribution side.
HB1810: Ted Deers, Assistant Director of Water Division, Department of Environmental Services Information Only03:09:05.200 - 12:03:41 PM; Ted Deers provided data on increasing chloride levels in surface waters (doubling in 30 years) and groundwater (150% increase). He explained the Green Snow Pro program, started in 2013, as a voluntary certification for commercial applicators to reduce oversalting without liability fears, offering training and limited liability protection. The program educates on best practices, potentially saving 25-70% salt through better calibration and equipment. He outlined how DES would distribute grants from the bill's funds to small businesses, DOT, and municipalities for equipment like brine makers and plows to reduce salt use. He emphasized education and best management practices as key, noting societal expectations and weather challenges. He compared to other states' programs.
HB1810: Andrea Lamaro, President and Policy Advocate, New Hampshire Lakes Support03:22:14.000 - 12:16:50 PM; Andrea Lamaro supported the bill, highlighting its role in providing tools via grants to reduce salt use by businesses and state agencies. She noted emerging studies linking increased lake salinity to cyanobacteria blooms, which pose public health and tourism risks. She stressed the economic importance of healthy lakes, citing studies valuing Lake Winnipesaukee at $17 billion and Lake Sunapee at $4.5 billion.
HB1810: John Pukach, Cabin Owner, Duncan Lake, Rochester, NH Support03:25:29.040 - 12:20:05 PM; John Pukach supported the bill and related ones to mitigate cyanobacteria in Duncan Lake, a designated trout lake fed by springs with no inlet/outlet. He attributed recent cyanobacteria issues to improved drainage from Route 16 carrying road salt and runoff into the lake, making it unusable for four years and affecting enjoyment of the property.
HB1810: Jennifer Ramsey, Tax Policy Council, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only03:26:50.560 - 12:21:26 PM; Jennifer Ramsey stated that the new tax is administrable by DRA, with input provided during drafting. Minor technical concerns exist, but no major issues. Implementation costs include $248,000 for system updates and three new positions (collections, taxpayer services, audit) costing $244,000 annually in salary and benefits once operational. Existing personnel can handle initial implementation without additional appropriation.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:09:05.760 - 1:03:41 PM; Representative Ames introduces HB1409, explaining that current law allocates 25% of net video lottery terminal revenues to the education trust fund and 75% to the general fund, which conflicts with the state constitution requiring 100% of lottery revenues to go to education. The bill amends the statute to direct 100% to the education trust fund, aligning with constitutional mandates and historical practice. He notes the fiscal impact of shifting $93.9 million in FY2027 and provides definitions of 'lottery' to support the inclusion of video terminals. He requests committee support.
HB1409: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only04:14:30.880 - 1:09:06 PM; The committee member questions Representative Ames on the basis of the constitutionality assertion, focusing on whether 'lottery' as used in the 1990 constitutional amendment includes video lottery terminals or is limited to traditional forms like dice rolls.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:15:25.520 - 1:10:01 PM; Representative Ames responds that the term 'lottery' broadly encompasses games of chance, including modern video machines, and has evolved with technology. He references historical uses and provides definitions to illustrate the term's scope.
HB1409: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only04:16:45.120 - 1:11:21 PM; The committee member asks about court cases resolving whether video lottery revenues must go to education.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:18:11.040 - 1:12:47 PM; Representative Ames states there are no known court cases, but the lottery commission has consistently directed all net revenues to education, and video lottery should follow suit as a significant revenue source.
HB1409: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only04:19:40.159 - 1:14:16 PM; The committee member inquires about the effect of increased education trust fund money on the statewide property tax.
HB1409: Representative Ames Information Only04:21:04.239 - 1:15:40 PM; Representative Ames explains that the education trust fund and statewide property tax are independent, and the legislature has discretion over property tax allocations, unlike the constitutionally directed lottery funds.
HB1409: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only04:21:49.680 - 1:16:25 PM; The committee member asks if HB1409 would create a stable, predictable revenue stream for schools to budget more reliably.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:23:00.640 - 1:17:36 PM; Representative Ames hopes it would provide stability, noting the original lottery was intended as a stable education funding source, though success depends on gaming outcomes and addressing issues like problem gaming.
HB559: Representative Dale Swanson, Hillsboro 5 Nashua Ward 1 Support04:24:34.880 - 1:19:10 PM; Representative Swanson, as co-sponsor, introduces HB559, which amends RSA to change the distribution of gross video lottery revenues from 0.25% to 1% to the addiction treatment and prevention fund established in RSA 176-A:1.
HB559: Representative Dale Swanson, Nashua Support04:26:28.399 - 1:21:04 PM; Representative Swanson testified as a facilitator for SMART Recovery, a program addressing addictions including gambling through rational choices and mutual support. He highlighted the misery caused by gambling addiction to individuals and families, based on his observations. He supported increasing the allocation of gaming revenue to problem gaming services from 0.25% to 1%, viewing it as a compassionate measure. He provided an anecdotal example of his own recovery from substance use disorder, which allowed him to regain his pilot's license, arguing that funding such programs benefits society. He acknowledged the recent implementation of the 0.25% allocation but advocated for the increase to ensure adequate funding, comparing it to a 'tithing' to address induced addictive behaviors from gambling. He responded to questions by noting the lack of specific metrics or fiscal details but emphasized the intuitive benefits and suggested exploring nonprofit qualifications for direct funding.
HB559: Alicia Preston, New Hampshire Charity Gaming Operators Association Oppose04:42:04.958 - 1:36:40 PM; Alicia Preston opposes HB559 because video lottery terminals were recently authorized in last year's budget, with set tax rates and allocations for problem gaming prevention. The transition from HHR to VLTs is still ramping up, and there is insufficient data to justify changes. She notes that the proposed change would not balance the math in current statutes, as it doesn't adjust collections at 31% or other distributions, requiring the 75% to come from elsewhere.
HB559: Valerie King, New Hampshire Lottery Information Only04:45:32.638 - 1:40:08 PM; Valerie King provides information on lottery-funded programs for addiction treatment and prevention. She explains that the lottery runs TV advertisements with scripts directing those with problems to resources, but does not supply money to game rooms for ads. Regulations require game operators to have responsible gaming plans to protect players. She also notes that video lottery terminal gaming is increasing, with some rooms transitioning despite backlogs, expenses, and time required for alterations.
HB1338: Representative Sers Support04:49:01.520 - 1:43:37 PM; Representative Sers introduces HB1338, prompted by constituents concerned about charities that provide abortions using gaming funds. The bill adds a sentence to the definition of charitable organization excluding abortion providers. He argues that he and others do not consent to government involvement in subsidizing such activities, citing New Hampshire Constitution Part I, Articles 1, 2, and 3 on consent and societal good. He views abortion as killing an unborn child, misaligned with constitutional principles and societal benefit. During questioning, he acknowledges organizations may provide other services but maintains abortion provision disqualifies them as charitable. He defines charitable as helping the poor and opposes state involvement in funding controversial activities via gaming.
HB1338: Jason Hennessy, New Hampshire Right to Life Support05:02:29.120 - 1:57:05 PM; Jason Hennessy supports HB1338, emphasizing abortion's controversial nature and historical immorality across civilizations and religions. The bill is not about legality but subsidizing abortion via charitable gambling, a government-managed benefit. He cites precedents like the Hyde Amendment and New Hampshire's 2021 law restricting state funds for abortions. He notes some organizations advocate late-term abortions, outside societal norms, justifying restrictions. The RSA already excludes certain organizations, and this bill adds abortion providers. During questions, he clarifies it's about subsidizing via government programs, not existence or direct funding, and supports recognizing unborn rights but focuses on this restriction.
HB1338: Janelle Hall, Executive Director, Equality Health Center, Concord Oppose05:15:42.638 - 2:10:18 PM; Janelle Hall testified to provide information on behalf of the Equality Health Center, a 501c3 nonprofit reproductive sexual health clinic in Concord that has provided essential health care to Granite Staters for over 51 years. The organization meets all statutory requirements for charitable gaming and complies fully with licensing, reporting, and oversight by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. HB1338 would exclude organizations like theirs from charitable gaming eligibility not due to any failure to meet legal standards, but based on the lawful scope of services provided, creating a politically targeted exclusion that sets a concerning precedent. Their gaming dates coincide with breast and cervical cancer awareness month in October to educate on early detection, and in the past year, they identified three individuals with breast cancer through early detection. The system already ensures transparency and choice, with publicly posted gaming dates and visible licenses, allowing patrons to decide where to gamble. HB1338 introduces ideological considerations into a neutral framework, putting compliant nonprofits at risk and threatening access to essential health care. She urged the committee to find HB1338 inexpedient to legislate.
HB1338: Sandy Denoncour, Executive Director, Lovering Health Center, Greenland Oppose05:20:14.560 - 2:14:50 PM; Sandy Denoncour testified in opposition to HB1338, stating that the Lovering Health Center, a licensed health care facility and 501c3 nonprofit in good standing for 45 years, is one of two nonprofits specifically targeted by the bill. The center has been a fully compliant partner to gaming operators and the New Hampshire Lottery Commission, positively impacting health and well-being across all NH counties by ensuring access to care for low-income and uninsured citizens. Charitable gaming funds support the entirety of their mission, just like any other eligible charity, and targeting them is purely political. Charitable gaming has long been free from such attacks, and they encouraged keeping it that way. As a benefiting charity for designated gaming days, operators partner with them due to the value of their services. Locally directed funds provide stability to their health center and the nonprofit network serving vulnerable populations. Excluding compliant organizations sets a dangerous precedent, potentially affecting any nonprofit serving constituents. The bill lacks input from the Charitable Gaming Commission, operators, public, or recipients, and future changes should be fair and balanced. She urged voting inexpedient to legislate on HB1338.

Janigian, John(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Ohm, Bill(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Ulery, Jordan(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Almy, Susan(D)[F]2025	Oppel, Thomas(D)[F]2025	Smith, Steven(R)[B]2025
Malloy, Dennis(D)[CT]2025	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2025	Southworth, Thomas(D)[F]2025
Tierney, James(R)[B]2025	Cole, Brian(R)[A-]2025	Aures, Cyril(R)[B+]2025
Bolton, Bill(D)[F]2025	Elberger, Susan(D)[F]2025	Smith, Geoffrey(D)[D-]2025
Soti, Julius(R)[A+]2025	Spahr, Terry(D)[D-]2025	Bryer, Scott(R)[B]2025
Murphy, Mary(R)[B+]2025	Ford, Mary(R)[B+]2025