Committee Summary for House Ways and Means (03/23/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB511 00:01:32.147 - 9:00:43 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to state park fee discounts for state residents.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB652 00:46:32.147 - 9:45:43 AM	General Working Session	changing the maximum award of tax credits for overpayment of due taxes.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB542 01:26:00.000 - 10:25:11 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) limiting the game dates available to charities at gaming facilities.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB633 01:41:00.000 - 10:40:11 AM	General Working Session	(New Title) relative to donations received by the granite patron of the arts fund.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB542 02:04:49.806 - 11:04:00 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) limiting the game dates available to charities at gaming facilities.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB652 02:07:00.000 - 11:06:11 AM	Executive Session	changing the maximum award of tax credits for overpayment of due taxes.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025

SB511: Senator Keith Murphy, District 16 (Goffstown, Raymond, Hooksett, Candia, North Manchester) Support00:01:32.147 - 9:00:43 AM; Senator Murphy introduces SB 511, which allows the commissioner to establish separate fee structures for New Hampshire residents and non-residents for state park entry and specific uses, with resident fees not exceeding 50% of non-resident fees. He provides a chart showing New Hampshire's low fees compared to other New England states and argues the increase from $4 to $8 for out-of-staters would generate up to $2.2 million in revenue without deterring visitors, as it remains lower than neighboring states like Massachusetts ($20+). He addresses prior objections by adding provisions for discounted or waived fees for veterans and student groups. Murphy shares personal experiences of residents being turned away due to out-of-state reservations and criticizes the fiscal note's revenue loss estimates as biased. He emphasizes the bill's flexibility, allowing the commissioner to adjust fees proportionally while maintaining resident benefits, and responds to committee questions on impacts to annual passes, historic sites, camping, Hampton Beach parking, and comparisons to other states.
SB511: Colin Capell, Chief of Staff, DNCR; Darian Messer, Deputy Supervisor of Park Operations, New Hampshire State Parks Information Only00:16:32.147 - 9:15:43 AM; Capell and Messer from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources provide details on current park operations and fee structures. They explain tiered pricing based on amenities, from primitive tent sites at $29 (no flush toilets) to high-end like Hampton Beach with full hookups. They note high-use parks already charge $5 vs. $4 minimum and highlight $100 million in deferred maintenance. The department expresses concerns over the fiscal note's projected 5-20% drop in out-of-state attendance leading to up to $1.5 million revenue loss, equivalent to operating several parks or services. They discuss implementation challenges for per-person fees at busy sites like Hampton Beach, current flexibility to set market rates, but hesitation due to operational difficulties in verifying residency. Historic sites already have a $1 differential for non-residents but low visitation. They affirm the need for revenue but worry about outpricing low-income border visitors without residents filling gaps, especially mid-week. Priorities for additional funds would focus on infrastructure, safety, and maintenance.
SB652: Treasury Department Representative Information Only00:46:32.147 - 9:45:43 AM; The representative discusses the state's declining cash balances, from $2.1 billion two years ago to $1.7 billion last year and $1.2 billion as of March 20th, attributing it to lower cash receipts, repeal of the interest and dividends tax, steady ARPA and program spending, and increased Medicaid expenditures. They explain cash management practices, maintaining liquidity for obligations like payroll and provider payments while investing surplus in short- to intermediate-term U.S. Treasuries for income above inflation. The cash cycle is consistent year-to-year, with peaks and dips tied to tax receipts and payments like education adequacy. Upcoming April 15th income and other tax receipts, including proprietorships, are expected to provide a boost, though the amnesty program's impact was minimal as payments were received earlier. Pre-pandemic, lower cash levels were managed on a cash basis with minimal investing; current higher spending relative to revenues poses risks. No specific threshold for legislative action is given, but maintaining revenues to match spending and monitoring the 30-40% year-over-year decline is advised, with potential acceleration noted.
SB652: Chairman Information Only01:01:32.147 - 10:00:43 AM; Introduces the work session on SB 652, explains the bill's purpose to gradually decrease the overpayment threshold from 500% to avoid a sudden run on refunds, mentions concerns about maintaining interest generation versus risk of runs, and invites questions for the Treasurer.
SB652: Representative Chamber Information Only01:03:00.000 - 10:02:11 AM; Asks about liquidity and reserves, specifically the portion reserved for refunds and sufficiency under stress; questions operational limits on quick refunds and impacts; inquires if current authority is adequate or if SB 652 improves stability.
SB652: Treasurer Mesopeli Information Only01:05:00.000 - 10:04:11 AM; Explains pooled cash investment, notes refunds handled by DRA, estimates $50 million refund could hurt treasury but smaller ones not; states current law allows affording large payments but trends may limit; supports extending time for cash retention as policy helps treasury; notes improved liability reporting.
SB652: Representative Elmi Information Only01:08:00.000 - 10:07:11 AM; References Great Recession experience, asks safest way to prevent treasury run, expresses concern over unpredictability of recessions.
SB652: Treasurer Mesopeli Information Only01:09:00.000 - 10:08:11 AM; Acknowledges unpredictability, notes current uncertain times with higher bond rates; sees benefit in gradual refund extension as policy decision; emphasizes maintaining strong reserves like rainy day fund for recessions.
SB652: Representative Southworth Information Only01:12:00.000 - 10:11:11 AM; Notes Treasurer's answers, suggests communication on red flags ahead of issues, prefers monitoring over the bill but sees value in smoothing.
SB652: Chairman Information Only01:13:00.000 - 10:12:11 AM; Agrees on needing both communication and gradual approach, asks for more questions.
SB652: Representative Elmi Information Only01:14:00.000 - 10:13:11 AM; Asks about delaying 250% drop and risk of over-investing in long-term if not gradual.
SB652: Treasurer Mesopeli Information Only01:15:00.000 - 10:14:11 AM; Notes predictability helps investment planning, contrasts with ARPA funding uncertainty; stresses knowing plans aids management.
SB652: Chairman Information Only01:16:32.147 - 10:15:43 AM; Continues discussion on interest and alternatives like rainy day use, notes gradual drop starts 2029; mentions Representative Sparr's amendment on dedicated account for interest.
SB652: Treasurer Mesopeli Information Only01:18:00.000 - 10:17:11 AM; Explains dedicated account is accounting mechanism, doesn't change investment; interest would be allocated but invested same as general funds.
SB652: Representative Almy Information Only01:20:00.000 - 10:19:11 AM; Expresses worry over past misuse of dedicated funds, references Dan McGuire's actions and Great Recession transfers.
SB652: Treasurer Mesopeli Information Only01:21:00.000 - 10:20:11 AM; Notes advising against touching certain funds like rainy day; recalls Great Recession outreach to large account holders before transfers.
SB652: Representative (unnamed) Information Only01:23:00.000 - 10:22:11 AM; Asks if overpayments are like escrow with interest tracking; Treasurer clarifies treated as revenue, not custodial, tracked by DRA without escrow.
SB652: Chairman Information Only01:25:00.000 - 10:24:11 AM; Thanks Treasurer, closes work session on SB 652.
SB542: Chairman Information Only01:26:00.000 - 10:25:11 AM; Opens work session on SB 542, invites initial thoughts.
SB542: Representative Southworth Oppose01:27:00.000 - 10:26:11 AM; Expresses long-term work on issue, concerns over operators picking charities without fair lists, questions true benefit and control over pecking order.
SB542: Chairman Information Only01:28:00.000 - 10:27:11 AM; Updates on Charitable Gaming Commission: 3-3 vote on increasing/decreasing dates and tiered approach; no recommendation due to new growth like video lottery; notes regional disparities in revenue, risk of blackouts in low-revenue areas; sympathetic to waiting charities but suggests more time needed; discloses as cosponsor but timing not right.
SB542: Representative Ohm Information Only01:31:32.147 - 10:30:43 AM; Adds conundrum, notes bill's two parts including host communities; introduces study on casino impacts showing increased crime costs ($75/adult/year); suggests local control for compensation, questions fixed days versus pilot or zero if no impact; proposes debate on host compensation referencing other states.
SB542: Chairman Information Only01:35:00.000 - 10:34:11 AM; Notes bill allows potential zero days for hosts; suggests issue for Gaming Commission; questions timing for details.
SB542: Committee Members Vote01:37:00.000 - 10:36:11 AM; Straw poll: majority wants to skip detailed hearing now, refer to Charitable Gaming Commission.
SB542: Chairman Information Only01:38:00.000 - 10:37:11 AM; Invites Mr. Monahan to Commission; notes items for agenda like community compensation and reserve pool; closes work session.
SB542: Representative Elmi Information Only01:40:00.000 - 10:39:11 AM; Highlights differences in municipalities like Nashua vs. Lebanon regarding visitor impacts.
SB633: Chairman Support01:41:00.000 - 10:40:11 AM; Kicks off discussion: bipartisan bill for $700K aggregate tax credit to encourage private donations to arts fund; notes 50% credit requires $1.4M donations; small treasury impact, helps offset cuts without direct spending.
SB633: Representative Elmi Oppose01:42:00.000 - 10:41:11 AM; Questions excessive bureaucracy (governor/council, fiscal, dedicated fund committees) for small fund; asks why arts need special suspicion.
SB633: Chairman Information Only01:43:00.000 - 10:42:11 AM; Suggests question for public hearing; notes time for amendment and committee of conference.
SB633: Representative Hacking Phillips Support01:44:00.000 - 10:43:11 AM; Notes past budget cuts to arts; supports as no taxpayer cost, aids arts mission via private support.
SB633: Chairman Support01:45:00.000 - 10:44:11 AM; Agrees with small impact and value.
SB633: Representative Almy Oppose01:46:32.147 - 10:45:43 AM; Concerns over dedicated funds misuse, timing issues allowing one donor to monopolize credit; suggests amendment like tax expenditure review for allocation.
SB633: Committee Discussion Information Only01:48:00.000 - 10:47:11 AM; Debates fiscal note (no impact confusing for tax credit); clarifies $350K/year limit from HB2; notes first-come-first-served; questions distribution once in fund.
SB633: Representative Lane Information Only01:52:00.000 - 10:51:11 AM; Asks purpose of >$50K approval threshold.
SB633: Jennifer Ramsey, Tax Policy Counsel, DRA Information Only01:53:00.000 - 10:52:11 AM; Explains existing credit from HB2, first-come-first-served; bill raises gift threshold from $10K to $50K for governor/council approval; fund supports arts council/division; no change to distribution.
SB633: Representative Elmi Oppose01:55:00.000 - 10:54:11 AM; Suggests removing fiscal committee approval as redundant with dedicated fund committee.
SB633: Jennifer Ramsey Information Only01:56:00.000 - 10:55:11 AM; Uncertain on fiscal committee inclusion; notes HB2 created dedicated fund; clarifies donations >$10K needed approval, bill raises to $50K.
SB633: Committee Discussion Information Only02:01:32.147 - 11:00:43 AM; Confirms distribution not legislated; suggests holding for more info on fiscal role and donor allocation; notes May 7 deadline.
SB633: Chairman Information Only02:03:00.000 - 11:02:11 AM; Tasks Rep. Almy to inquire on fiscal involvement and donor issues; closes work session without exec.
SB633: Committee Discussion on SB 511 Vote02:05:00.000 - 11:04:11 AM; Brief mention of state park fees bill; straw poll on OTP shows mixed readiness; decides not to exec today.
SB542: Chairman Janikian Vote02:04:49.806 - 11:04:00 AM; Opens the executive session on SB 542 and recognizes Representative Breyer for a motion.
SB542: Representative Breyer Information Only02:04:49.806 - 11:04:00 AM; Moves to send SB 542 to interim study, citing issues from handouts regarding host jurisdiction, casino open days, and challenges in the north country for charitable gaming days.
SB542: Representative Chamburg Vote02:05:00.000 - 11:04:11 AM; Seconds the motion for interim study.
SB542: Chairman Janikian Vote02:05:30.000 - 11:04:41 AM; Asks if anyone else wishes to speak, seeing none, asks clerk to call the roll. After unanimous vote, closes the session and places on consent calendar.
SB542: Clerk Vote02:06:00.000 - 11:05:11 AM; Calls the roll for the motion of interim study on SB 542; all 19 representatives vote yes.
SB652: Chairman Janikian Vote02:07:00.000 - 11:06:11 AM; Opens the executive session on SB 652 and recognizes Representative Murphy for a motion.
SB652: Representative Murphy Support02:07:00.000 - 11:06:11 AM; Moves ought to pass on SB 652-FN, explaining that it alleviates financial pressure on small businesses and the state by extending the schedule for tax overpayment refunds.
SB652: Representative Elmy Vote02:07:30.000 - 11:06:41 AM; Seconds the motion for ought to pass.
SB652: Chairman Janikian Vote02:08:00.000 - 11:07:11 AM; Confirms the bill number and asks if anyone else wishes to speak.
SB652: Representative Schramberg Support02:08:30.000 - 11:07:41 AM; Expresses support for the motion.
SB652: Clerk Vote02:09:00.000 - 11:08:11 AM; Calls the roll for the motion of ought to pass on SB 652; all 19 representatives vote yes.
SB652: Chairman Janikian Vote02:10:00.000 - 11:09:11 AM; Closes the session after unanimous vote, places on consent calendar, assigns report writing, and discusses scheduling.

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	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