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

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1596 00:00:00.000 - 9:03:16 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 01:06:37.359 - 10:09:53 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the taxation of non-primary residences.	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D-]2025
HB1707 01:46:43.040 - 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 02:33:47.359 - 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 03:59:20.319 - 1:02:36 PM	Public Hearing	modifying the deposit of revenues collected from video lottery terminals.	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2025
HB559 04:16:59.279 - 1:20:15 PM	Public Hearing	relative to staffing requirements in emergency medical transport vehicles.	Rhodes, Jennifer(R)[B+]2025
HB1338 04:41:24.240 - 1:44:40 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 (Sponsor) Support00:00:00.000 - 9:03:16 AM; The sponsor explains that the cigarette excise tax has not adjusted for inflation since 2008, unlike the meals and rooms tax, requiring periodic legislative updates. HB1596 proposes increasing the tax from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack as a cost-of-living adjustment, keeping New Hampshire's rate the lowest in New England even after Maine's recent $1.50 increase. This maintains competitive advantages for in-state purchases without significant sales disincentives. The bill also repeals an income-based premium tax on certain Medicaid enrollees, which could lead to coverage losses, increased bad debt for providers, and reduced federal funding. Additionally, it restores funding cuts to the University of New Hampshire system, preventing program cancellations and economic impacts in areas like Plymouth and the North Country. Overall, the bill is net positive for state finances while addressing health and education needs.
HB1596: Representative Uler Information Only00:09:04.640 - 9:12:20 AM; During Q&A, Representative Uler questions the sponsor about a 2011-2013 tax reduction due to pre-tax stamps, which was later restored when sales did not increase as expected. The sponsor notes that tobacco companies raised prices by 10 cents immediately after the cut, negating volume gains.
HB1596: Unnamed Representative (Hudson) Information Only00:11:03.200 - 9:14:19 AM; In follow-up, the representative asks if increasing the tax to $2.80 would prompt tobacco companies to raise base prices, making cigarettes more expensive in New Hampshire and potentially driving buyers away. The sponsor counters that companies are more likely to absorb or gradually adjust to maintain volume, and a significant increase aids health goals by visibly raising retail prices to discourage smoking, reducing long-term Medicaid costs.
HB1596: Representative Brier Information Only00:12:32.800 - 9:15:48 AM; Representative Brier inquires about the calculation for the $2.80 rate. The sponsor confirms it is based on Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data from 2008, aligning with the original $1.78 setting, and matches recommendations from health organizations like the American Heart Association.
HB1596: Representative Ors Information Only00:14:01.120 - 9:17:17 AM; Representative Ors suggests amending the increase to 20-22 cents for broader support. The sponsor acknowledges the idea but does not commit.
HB1596: Unnamed Representative Support00:15:13.199 - 9:18:29 AM; The representative notes that even with the proposed increase, New Hampshire remains below other New England states due to their additional sales taxes on cigarettes. They mention that cross-border buying from places like New York City has declined, emphasizing the competitive edge.
HB1596: Unnamed Representative Support00:18:01.120 - 9:21:17 AM; The representative discusses the economic advantages of New Hampshire's lack of sales tax on cigarettes compared to neighboring states like Massachusetts, where sales tax adds to the cost. They address health impacts, noting cigarettes' deadly effects and costs to the health system and businesses due to lost productivity. They emphasize the health benefits of raising the tobacco tax as testified by organizations like the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society, and prefer this over other taxes like the Medicaid premium, while generating surplus revenue.
HB1596: Anna Bettincourt, Londonderry, NH, Director of Category Management, Yatco Energy Oppose00:23:57.360 - 9:27:13 AM; Bettincourt shares her experience moving to New Hampshire for its tax advantages, including low tobacco taxes that attract business from Massachusetts, especially after their flavor ban. She argues that raising the tax would reduce New Hampshire's competitive edge, leading to illicit trade without reducing usage, as seen in Massachusetts where banned products are still available. She notes tobacco companies do not lower prices with tax decreases and always raise them, unfairly burdening smokers amid cost-of-living increases. She suggests education over taxation to discourage use and opposes targeting one group for revenue.
HB1596: Michael Rolo, Director of Government Relations, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Support00:36:02.960 - 9:39:18 AM; Rolo recounts a past failed attempt to reduce the tobacco tax, which led to lost revenue as the industry raised prices. He supports HB1596's $1.12 increase, citing 10,290 annual cancer diagnoses in NH with 30.6% attributable to smoking, costing $847 million in health care and $1.5 billion in lost productivity. Neighboring states have higher taxes, and NH would still be lowest without sales tax. The increase could generate $49.7 million, part of which should fund tobacco control for $55 return per dollar invested. He debunks concerns about industry price adjustments, emphasizing tobacco's addictiveness and lack of benefits.
HB1596: Nancy Vaughn, Government Relations Director, American Heart Association Support00:47:20.480 - 9:50:36 AM; Vaughn supports a substantial cigarette tax increase, at least $1 per pack, for public health impacts like reducing heart disease deaths (25% attributable to smoking). She echoes costs and benefits from Rolo, recommends complementary taxes on other tobacco to prevent switching, and urges restoring $2.4 million to the tobacco control program cut last year, as federal funding also declined. This would provide cessation services, especially for low-income Medicaid users, addressing nicotine's addictiveness and youth usage of e-cigarettes and other products.
HB1596: Mark Hinckley, Wilmington Iron Works, NH, representing Energy North Inc. d/b/a AFNERS Oppose00:51:58.400 - 9:55:14 AM; Hinckley warns that increasing the cigarette tax would erode NH's advantage, driving sales to online and illicit markets, as seen in Rhode Island's recent tax causing 23% sales drop and shifts to neighboring states. He cites Massachusetts' prior increase reducing local sales by 17%, with buyers coming to NH. NH has gained from e-vapor enforcement, but raising taxes would boost illicit trade from low-tax states like Virginia. Border businesses in Nashua, Hudson, Pelham rely on out-of-state buyers who also shop locally, and a slimmer advantage over MA would reduce this traffic.
HB1596: Drew Klein, Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy Oppose00:55:19.920 - 9:58:35 AM; Klein highlights the bill's 57% tax increase from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack, keeping NH lowest in New England but closing gaps with Vermont ($3.08), Maine ($3.50), and Massachusetts ($3.51). This would reduce in-state sales and cross-border traffic, per Tax Foundation studies showing MA loses $28 million annually to high taxes, while 46 million of NH's 146 million tobacco revenue comes from out-of-state buyers. Such a large hike would harm business and revenue.
HB1596: Drew Klein, Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy Oppose00:57:35.440 - 10:00:51 AM; Drew Klein continues his testimony opposing the tobacco tax increase in HB1596, arguing that aligning New Hampshire's tax rate close to Maine and Vermont would significantly impact cross-border sales. He notes that even small past changes had minimal effects, but this large increase would alter consumer behavior, leading to decreased revenue estimates due to reduced purchases from neighboring states. He emphasizes that people will factor in daily commutes and make fewer border trips. Klein warns that this could drive purchases south to low-tax states like Virginia and North Carolina, increasing smuggling and shifting to black markets, which is dangerous. He argues against using taxes to manipulate behavior, noting inconsistencies with other unhealthy products like donuts.
HB1596: Jennifer Ramsey, DRA Information Only01:02:47.200 - 10:06:03 AM; Jennifer Ramsey from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) provides information on the administrative challenges of implementing HB1596. She explains that the agency sells stamps for tobacco tax and receives returns from distributors, requiring coordination with vendors for printing. With the bill's effective date of July 1, 2026, there would be insufficient time for changes. She suggests delaying the tax rate change to January 1, 2027, to allow six months for preparation. In response to questions, she confirms New Hampshire's tax stamps are unique and that the agency conducts retail compliance checks, while the liquor commission handles additional enforcement.
HB1580: Representative Jonah O. Wheeler, Towns of Peterborough and Sharon Support01:06:37.359 - 10:09:53 AM; Representative Jonah O. Wheeler introduces HB1580, which imposes a 75% surtax on non-primary residences valued over $500,000, defined as those occupied less than 180 days per year. He explains the bill aims to address rising property taxes pricing residents out of their homes, based on constituent feedback. The tax targets empty second homes owned by wealthy individuals not contributing fully to communities, while full-time residents struggle. All revenue would return directly to municipalities for property tax relief, avoiding general fund diversion. During questioning, he clarifies the tax applies to unoccupied homes, not short-term rentals or those occupied over 180 days, and argues that even second homes benefit from services like fire and police, justifying the surtax to promote fuller property utilization.
HB1580: Representative Rosemary Rung, Hillsborough District 12 (Marlborough) Oppose01:16:40.400 - 10:19:56 AM; Representative Rosemary Rung opposes HB1580, using her own summer camp in Moultonborough as an example. She notes her unheated, seasonal camp on 27 acres with lake frontage is assessed at $850,500 due to location, higher than her primary home in Marlborough assessed at $474,000, yet she pays more property tax on the primary home ($10,480 vs. $4,532). The surtax would add $6,379, over 40% more than current taxes, despite low tax rates in Moultonborough ($5.33/$1000) compared to Marlborough ($22.10/$1000). She argues it won't relieve high-tax towns or fix school funding disparities, as areas with second homes like lakes regions have higher per-pupil spending ($34,375 vs. state average $22,700). Exemptions for rentals favor corporations, and rising values will soon obsolete the $500,000 threshold. Second-home owners burden services less and can't vote on budgets, exacerbating inequities without addressing root causes like low assessments in high-tax towns.
HB1580: Paul Hazelton Oppose01:25:04.800 - 10:28:20 AM; Paul Hazelton passes on providing testimony, indicating no new points to add to the opposition discussion.
HB1580: Sarah Currid, New Hampshire resident and rental property owner Oppose01:26:38.400 - 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 highlights that it harms small owners who use rentals to offset costs, won't improve housing availability in seasonal areas, adds administrative burdens, and violates property rights principles. She urges finding the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB1580: Marilyn Curtain representing her daughter, owner in New Hampshire Oppose01:30:17.440 - 10:33:33 AM; Marilyn summarizes her daughter's testimony on HB1580. Her daughter, a single mom, bought a large property in 2021 to start two businesses and a short-term rental to support her family and horses. The rental provides unique accommodations for multigenerational families, supports local businesses, and fosters community ties. It's not passive income but a lifeline built with financial and sweat equity, offering an agricultural oasis. She asks the committee not to support the bill.
HB1580: Monica Corville, Norway, NH resident Oppose01:33:14.800 - 10:36:30 AM; Monica opposes HB1580, explaining that she and her police officer husband rely on their Airbnb for $12,000 annual net income as their retirement plan. The 0.75% surcharge would cut 30% of their income based on inflated assessed values, despite unrealized gains. It hurts small 'mom and pop' owners like them, not big investors. She also notes it unfairly burdens her elderly mother-in-law's long-held vacation home in North Conway, valued at $500,000 but bought cheaply decades ago, potentially forcing sales. Owning second homes doesn't mean wealth; it's hard-earned.
HB1580: Chelsea, Northampton, NH resident and property owner Oppose01:37:15.199 - 10:40:31 AM; Chelsea opposes HB1580, sharing her story of buying a unique, large, old property in Northampton nine years ago as a short-term rental, which enabled the purchase and allows her to stay home with her children. It's her only property and retirement plan amid rising insurance ($1,000/month), property taxes, and meals/rooms taxes exceeding $40,000 yearly. The bill penalizes second home ownership, risking sales and loss of state meals/rooms tax revenue ($15,000/year). She views it as punishing small owners; even a $500,000 exemption wouldn't help due to tight margins and doubled property value. Assessed value is about $1.3-1.4 million.
HB1580: Jennifer Ramsey from Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) Information Only01:43:57.760 - 10:47:13 AM; Jennifer provides technical concerns on HB1580 from DRA. Key issues: mismatch between applicability and effective date; differing residency definition from other property tax laws, problematic for BTLA appeals; limitations on municipal spending of funds needing regulation; and need for $75,000 appropriation in FY27 to update the municipal tax rate portal if the bill advances.
HB1707: Representative Ellen Reid, Rockingham 10 (Newmarket and Newfields) Support01:46:43.040 - 10:49:59 AM; Rep. Reid supports HB1707, emphasizing New Hampshire's housing crisis: 0.6% vacancy rate (needs 5%), fastest-rising homelessness (quadrupled since 2019), aging population, and workers unable to afford housing. Bill has two parts: one-time state transfer tax exemption for low/moderate-income buyers/sellers (HUD-based, per household/year) to ease home purchases; and a steep tax equal to municipal rate on vacant or short-term rental residential properties over half the year (adjustable for seasonal units) to incentivize long-term rentals. Targets behavior to add supply without new construction; estimated $600-922M revenue but goal is rental market entry, not punishment. Exemptions for municipalities possible. Addresses emails claiming burden: rent 6 months to avoid tax. Won't lead to corporate sales as they'd face the tax too.
HB1707: Paul Hazelton, Henniker, NH Oppose02:02:08.239 - 11:05:24 AM; Paul opposes HB1707 (and HB1580), focusing on positive Airbnb impacts: unique experiences boosting tourism and small-town economies, preserving his family's 1771 farm (300 acres) via revenue for maintenance. Questions if bills are hotel lobby sops, double taxation, or misguided housing fixes; finds them failing and recommends inexpedient to legislate. Contrasts hesitance to tax cigarettes (for revenue drop fear) with taxing beneficial short-term rentals.
HB1707: Sarah Kurr, Amherst, NH Oppose02:05:53.760 - 11:09:09 AM; Sarah Kurr from Amherst 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 won't solve the housing crisis, as short-term rentals do not provide options for workforce housing.
HB1707: Joanie McIntyre, Concord, NH, New Hampshire Association of Realtors Oppose02:06:50.880 - 11:10:06 AM; Joanie McIntyre, a realtor from Concord representing the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, opposes HB1707, stating it would double the tax burden on second homes, limiting their value. 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, appeals process, and impact on state revenue from short-term rentals and transfer taxes. She notes these properties won't become workforce housing due to high rental costs and urges finding the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB1707: State Representative Heath Howard, Strafford and Barrington, NH Support02:11:47.280 - 11:15:03 AM; State Representative Heath Howard, representing Strafford and Barrington Districts, supports HB1707 as a matter of fairness. He notes the prime sponsor's intent to delay the state transfer tax exemption by one year to avoid upfront costs. The bill imposes a supplemental tax on unoccupied or short-term rental properties for at least six months, equal to existing property taxes, targeting owners who don't contribute year-round. It provides a one-time real estate transfer tax exemption for first-time low- and moderate-income buyers. Howard argues it shifts the burden from working-class families to speculative properties without punishing primary homeowners.
HB1707: Andrew Horn, Amherst, NH Support02:15:03.119 - 11:18:19 AM; Andrew Horn from Amherst supports HB1707, emphasizing decency alongside dollars. He counters opposition by highlighting the struggles of teachers, firefighters, children, and grandparents unable to afford local housing. He calls empty homes 'deadwood' and argues the right to own doesn't include leaving properties vacant. 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 property values, invoking 'Live Free or Die' to support the bill and make houses 'breathe again'.
HB1707: Chelsea Christensen Oppose02:18:37.280 - 11:21:53 AM; Chelsea Christensen opposes HB1707, agreeing on the housing crisis but arguing targeting vacation homes isn't the solution. She notes vacation rentals in resort areas like seacoast and mountains would require prohibitively high long-term rents (e.g., $10,000/month for her house), unaffordable for entry-level workforce housing. She suggests alternatives like ADU laws, building tiny affordable homes on urban sprawl land in places like Epping, rather than penalizing high-end properties.
HB1707: Jennifer Ramsey, DRA Information Only02:21:18.399 - 11:24:34 AM; Jennifer Ramsey from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) notes her intended testimony was covered by Representative Reid. She mentions technical concerns from the bill analysis, including a $300,000 appropriation request to modify RIMS, and offers to work with the sponsor and committee at the work session to address issues. She responds to questions about second home estimates in fiscal analyses for HB1580 and HB1707, explaining differences due to the bill focusing on unoccupied properties, not just second homes, and commits to reviewing and discussing further.
HB1810: Representative W Derby, Hillsboro District 11 (Nashua) Support02:33:47.359 - 11:37:03 AM; Representative Derby introduces HB1810, explaining the environmental impact of road salt on New Hampshire's water sources, including rising chloride and sodium levels in lakes, streams, and groundwater. He cites examples like Merrimack shutting down a well and issues in Greenland's private wells. He discusses the ineffectiveness of current runoff treatments and the need for a 25-45% reduction in salt use per DES. The bill proposes a $4 fee per ton on bulk road salt to fund grants through DES for Green SnowPro certified providers to offset equipment and storage costs, encouraging participation and reducing salt usage. He addresses fiscal concerns, noting the scale of salt use (1 million tons annually) and potential savings.
HB1810: Representative Rosemary Rung, Hillsboro District 12 (Merrimack) Support02:52:55.760 - 11:56:11 AM; Representative Rung supports HB1810, highlighting the salt contamination risk to half of NH homes on private wells and municipal systems. She notes 50 water bodies exceeding EPA chloride standards and shares Merrimack's $2 million cost to decommission and drill a new well due to oversalting. She praises brine sprayers that use 25% less salt and prevent ice formation more effectively. She urges OTP on the bill and mentions a companion bill for regulating salt storage to prevent runoff.
HB1810: Alan Hanscom, NHDOT Information Only02:56:22.399 - 11:59:38 AM; Alan Hanscom from NHDOT provides financial impact details, estimating $785,000-$800,000 annual cost to state highway maintenance from the $4/ton fee, a 5% increase per ton and 2% overall for winter maintenance, which is already underfunded. He notes this excludes other state agencies' costs and is uncertain about grant eligibility for DOT, estimating minimal administrative costs if grants are received.
HB1810: Ted Deers, Assistant Director of Water Division, NH Department of Environmental Services Information Only03:00:25.279 - 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 through training, offering limited liability protection if best practices are followed. The program educates on proper salt application to prevent ice adhesion without excess use, potentially saving 25-70% salt. He noted no good substitutes for chlorides exist widely. If funds from the bill go to DES, they would distribute grants to small businesses, DOT, and municipalities for equipment like brine makers and variable plows to cut salt use. DES has experience managing large grant programs efficiently. He addressed questions on training's role, public expectations, weather challenges, and comparisons to other states' programs. Confirmed the bill provides new funding, with minimal admin costs.
HB1810: Andrea Lamaro, President and Policy Advocate, New Hampshire Lakes Support03:13:34.000 - 12:16:50 PM; Andrea Lamaro supported HB1810, emphasizing its role in providing tools via grants to businesses and state agencies to reduce salt use, aiding water quality. She highlighted emerging science linking increased lake salinity to conditions favoring cyanobacteria blooms, which pose public health and tourism risks. NH Lakes' mission is to restore and preserve lake health, and clean lakes contribute billions to the economy (e.g., $17B for Lake Winnipesaukee, $4.5B for Lake Sunapee).
HB1810: John Pukach, Resident of Moultonborough, NH Support03:16:49.040 - 12:20:05 PM; John Pukach supported HB1810 and related bills to mitigate cyanobacteria. He described issues at Duncan Lake in Moultonborough, a pure spring-fed trout lake with no inlet/outlet, now unusable for four years due to cyanobacteria blooms. He linked this to efficient drainage from Route 16 (near Rt 28/16 intersection) carrying road salt and runoff into the lake, worsening the problem.
HB1810: Jennifer Ramsey, Tax Policy Council, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only03:18:13.600 - 12:21:29 PM; Jennifer Ramsey testified that HB1810 introduces a new administrable tax on road salt, with DRA input on mechanics. Minor technical language concerns noted, but no major issues. Implementation costs include $248,000 for system updates and three new positions (collections, taxpayer services, audit) costing ~$244,000/year in salary/benefits once operational. Existing staff can handle initial setup without additional appropriation.
HB1409: Representative Ames Information Only03:59:20.319 - 1:02:36 PM; Representative Ames introduced HB1409, an act modifying the deposit of revenues from video lottery terminals. He referenced a provided statement and current law from a late amendment to the HB2 trailer bill, planning to go through it and answer questions.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:01:35.840 - 1:04:51 PM; Representative Ames explains that HB1409 amends the gaming statute to require 100% of net video lottery terminal gaming revenue to be deposited into the state's education trust fund, resolving a constitutional conflict under Part 2, Article 6-b, which mandates that all lottery revenues net of administrative costs be used exclusively for state aid to education. He notes that this aligns with the historical practice of depositing all lottery revenues into the education trust fund and estimates a fiscal shift of $93.9 million in FY2027 from the general fund to the education trust fund, which would help reduce reliance on local property taxes while fulfilling constitutional obligations for public school funding. He provides definitions of 'lottery' to support the inclusion of video lottery terminals under the constitutional provision.
HB1409: Committee Member (unnamed) Information Only04:04:26.720 - 1:07:42 PM; The committee member questions Representative Ames on the basis of his assertion regarding the constitutionality of the bill, specifically whether it relies on the modern term 'lottery' or the meaning at the time of the 1990 constitutional amendment.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:05:50.880 - 1:09:06 PM; Representative Ames responds that his assertion embraces both the general historical and modern definitions of 'lottery' as games of chance involving risk, including video lottery terminals, which use similar mechanisms to traditional lotteries despite technological evolution. He references the 1990 constitutional amendment and provides further definitions on the back of his statement to aid understanding, encouraging the committee to consider the term's broader evolution.
HB1409: Committee Member (unnamed) Information Only04:06:45.520 - 1:10:01 PM; The committee member challenges the equivalence between traditional dice-based lotteries and modern machine-based video lottery terminals like slot machines, questioning why they should not be viewed as different.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:08:04.880 - 1:11:20 PM; Representative Ames acknowledges the concern and reiterates that the term 'lottery' has evolved to include machine-based gaming, citing historical examples like slot machines in Reno and the current use of video lottery terminals in New Hampshire, which align with the constitutional language.
HB1409: Committee Member (unnamed) Information Only04:08:04.880 - 1:11:20 PM; The committee member inquires if there are any court cases addressing whether lottery money for education includes video lottery revenues.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:09:25.359 - 1:12:41 PM; Representative Ames states he is unaware of any such court cases but notes that the lottery commission has consistently directed all net revenues to education without complaints from the education sector. He emphasizes the growing annual contributions to education and argues that the high-earning video lottery revenues should continue to support education exclusively.
HB1409: Representative Yiller Information Only04:09:25.359 - 1:12:41 PM; Representative Yiller thanks Ames and asks about the potential impact of increased education trust fund money on the statewide property tax.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:10:55.199 - 1:14:11 PM; Representative Ames explains that the education trust fund and statewide property tax are independent revenue sources, and any adjustments to the property tax are at the legislature's discretion, unlike the constitutionally directed lottery funds.
HB1409: Representative Yiller Support04:10:55.199 - 1:14:11 PM; Representative Yiller agrees, noting that the statewide property tax (swept) currently funds the education trust fund but could be offset by video lottery revenues without necessarily reducing property taxes, given governmental spending tendencies. He contrasts the constitutional mandate for lottery funds with the legislature's broader discretion over taxes.
HB1409: Representative Amos Information Only04:12:18.880 - 1:15:34 PM; Representative Amos asks if, in Ames' opinion, the bill would create a stable, predictable revenue stream for schools to improve budgeting reliability.
HB1409: Representative Ames Support04:13:35.359 - 1:16:51 PM; Representative Ames expresses hope that it would provide stability but cautions that it depends on the success of gaming and management of issues like problem gaming. He recalls that the introduction of the traditional lottery in New Hampshire was intended to establish a stable funding source for education, as driven by figures like Governor Pickles.
HB559: Representative Dale Swanson, Hillsborough District 5, Nashua Ward 1 Support04:16:59.279 - 1:20:15 PM; As co-sponsor, Representative Swanson introduces HB559, which amends RSA to change the distribution of video lottery revenues by allocating 1% of gross revenues to the addiction treatment and prevention fund established under RSA 176-A:1, aiming to support treatment efforts related to gaming.
HB559: Representative Dale Swanson, Nashua Support04:17:47.840 - 1:21:03 PM; Representative Swanson, a facilitator for SMART Recovery, testified in support of increasing the allocation of gaming revenue to problem gaming services from 0.25% to 1%. He explained that SMART Recovery helps individuals with addictive behaviors, including gambling, by providing tools for rational choices and mutual support. He shared personal anecdotes about recovery from substance use disorder and emphasized the societal benefits of adequately funding such programs to alleviate the misery caused by addictions to individuals and their families. He advocated for the increase as a compassionate measure, noting that gambling induces addictive behavior, and suggested that the current allocation should be monitored but increased to ensure support for those affected. He also mentioned hosting free SMART Recovery meetings in Milford and encouraged nonprofits to seek charitable gaming funds.
HB559: Alicia Preston, New Hampshire Charity Gaming Operators Association Oppose04:33:24.958 - 1:36:40 PM; Alicia Preston opposed the bill, arguing that video lottery terminals were just authorized in last year's budget (HB2), with the tax rate and allocation to problem gaming already set. She stated that the full transition from historical horse racing to VLTs is still ramping up, so there is insufficient data to justify a change. She pointed out a mathematical issue: the proposed change to 1% would not balance the current statute's distributions without adjusting other collections or allocations, potentially creating a shortfall. During questioning, she noted that operators follow protocols for addiction treatment and prevention, though details might be known by the lottery commission.
HB559: Valerie King, New Hampshire Lottery Information Only04:36:52.639 - 1:40:08 PM; Valerie King from the New Hampshire Lottery testified in response to questions about programs funded by lottery for addiction treatment and prevention. She explained that the lottery does not supply money to game rooms for advertisements but that regulations require game operators to have a responsible gaming plan to protect players. She noted the transition to video lottery terminals is ongoing but faces backlogs and expenses.
HB1338: Representative Sers Support04:41:24.240 - 1:44:40 PM; Representative Sers introduced HB1338, explaining it was brought forward at the request of constituents due to controversy over charities that provide abortions receiving funds from gaming. The bill adds a provision excluding abortion providers from the definition of charitable organizations. He argued that he and others do not consent to subsidizing such activities through government-enabled gaming, citing constitutional principles of consent and societal good. He emphasized that providing abortions does not align with charitable purposes, which should help the poor, and does not benefit society by ending unborn lives. During questioning, he clarified that while these organizations may provide other services, their abortion services make them ineligible, and the bill targets only this definition without broader moral regulations.
HB1338: Jason Hennessy, New Hampshire Right to Life Support04:53:49.120 - 1:57:05 PM; Jason Hennessy, President of New Hampshire Right to Life, strongly supported HB1338, describing abortion as controversial and historically viewed as immoral or illegal in many societies and religions. He stressed that the bill is not about legality but about whether the government should subsidize abortion providers through charitable gambling, a government-created benefit. He cited precedents like the Hyde Amendment and New Hampshire's 2021 decision not to fund abortions with state dollars. He noted that certain organizations advocate for late-term abortions, which are outside the norm, and argued the legislature has authority to restrict such subsidies, similar to existing RSA exclusions for other organizations. During questions, he distinguished between allowing charities to exist and subsidizing them via government-managed programs, and supported recognizing unborn life rights.
HB1338: Janelle Hall, Executive Director, Equality Health Center, Concord Oppose05:07:02.718 - 2:10:18 PM; Janelle Hall testified providing information about her organization, the Equality Health Center, a 501c3 nonprofit reproductive and sexual health clinic in Concord that has served Granite Staters for over 51 years. She emphasized full compliance with charitable gaming requirements and licensing. HB1338 would exclude organizations like hers from eligibility due to political reasons, not regulatory failures. Charitable gaming funds support essential preventative and life-saving health services, including breast cancer screenings during awareness month, where they've detected cases early. She argued the bill creates a targeted exclusion, threatens healthcare access, and introduces ideological bias into a neutral system, urging the committee to find it inexpedient to legislate.
HB1338: Sandy Denoncour, Executive Director, Lovering Health Center, Greenland Oppose05:11:34.560 - 2:14:50 PM; Sandy Denoncour testified in opposition to HB1338, which targets her organization, a licensed healthcare facility and 501c3 nonprofit operating for 45 years in full compliance with gaming regulations. Charitable gaming funds support their entire mission of providing access to care for low-income and uninsured citizens across all counties. She argued the exclusion is purely political, setting a dangerous precedent that could affect other nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. The system has been free from such attacks historically, and changes should be fair and informed by stakeholders. She urged voting inexpedient to legislate to protect the stability of charitable gaming and community health services.

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