Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (01/14/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB19 00:02:46.599 - 8:32:21 AM	Public Hearing	relative to hotel and motel operations.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB24 00:16:45.800 - 8:46:20 AM	Public Hearing	allowing students under age 21 to taste wine in educational settings.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB25 00:34:09.839 - 9:03:44 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) allowing credit union members to pay members of the board of directors for their services as a board member and relative to the use of and disputes over blockchain and digital currencies.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB26 00:53:21.920 - 9:22:56 AM	Public Hearing	(Second New Title) allowing the department of justice to authorize the preclosing use of a portion of a deposit held in escrow for the payment of certain construction customizations, upgrades, or change orders.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB27 01:15:11.480 - 9:44:46 AM	Public Hearing	relative to dwellings over water.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB4 01:41:23.599 - 10:10:58 AM	Executive Session	relative to commercial property assessed clean energy and resiliency (C-PACER).	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB19 01:42:54.760 - 10:12:29 AM	Executive Session	relative to hotel and motel operations.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB25 01:43:13.760 - 10:12:48 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) allowing credit union members to pay members of the board of directors for their services as a board member and relative to the use of and disputes over blockchain and digital currencies.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025

SB19: Senator Dan Innis, Bradford, New Hampshire Support00:02:46.599 - 8:32:21 AM; Senator Innis introduced Senate Bill 19, which he described as a 'hotel housekeeping bill.' The bill aims to align the language in section 353:3-b with a change made by Senate Bill 245, allowing lodging businesses to keep digital records instead of a book and card system. It also repeals the requirement for hotels to post maximum and minimum room rental rates in guest rooms and at the front desk, as well as the requirement for motels to display rates on outside signs. These changes reflect the current digital age and how the industry operates. Innis emphasized that the bill does not force any changes but updates antiquated rules.
SB19: Mike Summers, President and CEO, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Support00:05:40.120 - 8:35:15 AM; Mike Summers supported Senate Bill 19, stating that the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association had approached Senator Innis to introduce the bill. He noted that it cleans up parts of the statute that are no longer used or relevant to how businesses operate. Summers highlighted that the bill aligns with a previous change the association requested, allowing digital records instead of a book and card system. He emphasized that the bill is purely a housekeeping measure and hoped for its passage.
SB24: Senator Dan Innis, Bradford, New Hampshire Support00:16:45.800 - 8:46:20 AM; Senator Innis introduced Senate Bill 24, which allows for wine education and tasting for students aged 18 to 20 in institutions of higher learning. The bill requires extensive supervision and mandates that students sip and spit during wine education courses. It also requires the New Hampshire Liquor Commission to provide alcohol training at the beginning of each semester. Innis highlighted the importance of responsible alcohol use education and noted that the bill could enhance the value of wine courses and help students understand the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption.
SB24: Mike Summers, President and CEO, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Support00:25:13.240 - 8:54:48 AM; Mike Summers supported Senate Bill 24, emphasizing the demand for wine education and training in the hospitality industry. He noted his past experience with wine trainings and the need for such education in mid-tier and upper-scale restaurants. Summers expressed strong support for the bill, believing it would benefit the industry by providing necessary education and training for young staff and managers.
SB24: Representative Timothy Horrigan, Stafford County District 10, Durham Support00:26:24.159 - 8:55:59 AM; Representative Horrigan supported Senate Bill 24, highlighting the importance of the hospitality management program at UNH's Paul College. He noted that the program is one of the top in the country and that the bill would strengthen it by allowing younger students to participate in wine education courses. Horrigan also mentioned the work of UNH's agriculture department in promoting local wine and beer production, emphasizing that the bill is long overdue and would enhance an important industry in New Hampshire.
SB24: Mark Armaganian, Chief of Enforcement, New Hampshire Liquor Commission Information Only00:28:09.960 - 8:57:44 AM; Mark Armaganian from the New Hampshire Liquor Commission provided information on Senate Bill 24, stating that the commission had worked towards this goal and actively participated in educational programs at higher education venues. He mentioned that the bill creates limitations and oversight to ensure a safe environment. Armaganian noted that the commission is neutral on the bill but believes it has reached a point of balance between education and accountability. He emphasized the importance of protecting young adults while also being progressive and helping the industry with quality control.
SB25: Senator Dan Innis, Bradford, New Hampshire Support00:34:09.839 - 9:03:44 AM; Senator Innis introduced Senate Bill 25, which allows state-chartered credit union members to vote on compensating their board members. He explained that the bill would align New Hampshire with 16 other states and noted that it is enabling legislation, not mandating compensation. Innis mentioned that compensating board members could attract better candidates and improve credit union performance. He also stated that the Bankers Association is neutral on the bill.
SB25: Ron McLean, President and CEO, Cooperative Credit Union Association Support00:36:14.480 - 9:05:49 AM; Ron McLean supported Senate Bill 25, stating that New Hampshire credit unions play a significant role in the state's economy and community. He explained that the bill would allow state-chartered credit unions to compensate their board members, aligning them with other states and enhancing governance performance. McLean emphasized that the legislation is purely enabling and respects the cooperative structure of credit unions. He also noted that the bill would help attract and retain talented leaders.
SB25: Scott McKnight, President and CEO, Triangle Credit Union, Nashua Support00:39:23.520 - 9:08:58 AM; Scott McKnight supported Senate Bill 25, highlighting the increasing complexities and responsibilities of credit union board members. He explained that compensating board members could attract qualified candidates and enhance governance. McKnight described the structure of his board and the various committees they oversee, emphasizing the need for specialized professionals. He noted that compensation could be in various forms and stressed the importance of transparency and accountability.
SB26: Senator Howard Pearl, District 17, Loudon Support00:53:21.920 - 9:22:56 AM; Senator Pearl introduced Senate Bill 26, which aims to clarify that funds for upgrades and luxury items in home construction do not need to be held in escrow. He explained that the recent classification of these funds as deposits by the Attorney General's office has led to financial issues for builders, potentially increasing home prices. The bill would allow funds to be paid directly to builders for use during construction, with clear disclosures to buyers about non-refundability if the deal falls apart.
SB26: Brandon Garrett, Senior Assistant Attorney General, New Hampshire Department of Justice Information Only00:56:43.359 - 9:26:18 AM; Brandon Garrett from the Attorney General's office provided information on Senate Bill 26, expressing concerns about the bill's current form. He noted that removing protection for funds used for upgrades could put consumers at risk if projects fail. Garrett suggested amending the bill to ensure that funds for upgrades are set aside and used only for those specific upgrades, providing flexibility for builders while protecting consumers.
SB26: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Home Builders Support01:06:21.079 - 9:35:56 AM; Matt Mayberry supported Senate Bill 26, arguing that it addresses a solution looking for a problem. He explained that for decades, builders and buyers have managed upgrades with full disclosure and signed agreements. Mayberry highlighted that the recent change in classification of upgrade funds as deposits ties up builders' working capital, potentially increasing home prices. He emphasized that the bill would not change the current practice of full disclosure and non-refundability agreements.
SB27: Grant Bosi, Deputy Chief of Staff, New Hampshire Senate Support01:15:11.480 - 9:44:46 AM; Grant Bosi introduced Senate Bill 27 on behalf of Senator Tim Lang, explaining that it deals with structures over water. The bill aims to clarify how these existing structures can be improved to meet local building codes without expanding living space or affecting the number of occupants. Bosi noted that the changes are technical and intended to enhance safety without impacting the environment.
SB27: Senator Kevin Cavanaugh, representing Attorney John Cronin Support01:16:32.199 - 9:46:07 AM; Senator Cavanaugh, representing Attorney John Cronin, supported Senate Bill 27. He reiterated the bill's purpose to allow improvements to existing structures over water without expanding living space, emphasizing that the changes are discretionary for the commissioner. Cavanaugh mentioned that the bill would not negatively impact the environment and would allow for improvements like rain gardens and gutters to enhance existing situations.
SB27: John Cronin, Manchester Support01:17:53.239 - 9:47:28 AM; John Cronin supported Senate Bill 27, sharing his experience with a property on Lake Winnipesaukee. He explained that the bill was prompted by a situation where a homeowner's improvements were ordered to be removed by the DES due to strict regulations. Cronin emphasized that the bill would allow the DES discretion to waive certain regulations in limited circumstances, particularly when there is no threat to water quality or aquatic life. He suggested that the bill could be amended for tighter definitions if necessary.
SB27: Andrea LaMoreaux, President and Policy Advocate, New Hampshire Lakes Oppose01:29:16.920 - 9:58:51 AM; Andrea LaMoreaux opposed Senate Bill 27, expressing concerns about potential environmental impacts. She noted that allowing expansion of structures over water could lead to shading of nearshore areas, negatively affecting fish spawning areas and plant growth vital for aquatic life. LaMoreaux suggested amending the bill to prevent substantial horizontal or vertical expansions that could increase shading and impact water quality.
SB27: Philip Trowbridge, Manager, Land Resources Management Program, New Hampshire DES Information Only01:33:23.119 - 10:02:58 AM; Philip Trowbridge from the New Hampshire DES provided information on Senate Bill 27, stating that the department is not taking a position but wanted to share insights. He highlighted potential inconsistencies between different statutes and the environmental concerns related to expanding structures over water. Trowbridge noted that the DES is updating administrative rules to address some issues and encouraged collaboration with Senator Lang to refine the bill.
SB27: Steve Sordum, Moultonborough Support01:39:15.880 - 10:08:50 AM; Steve Sordum supported Senate Bill 27, sharing his experience with a similar situation. He visited the property in question and found the improvements to be professional and non-intrusive. Sordum emphasized that the landing and stairs do not touch the water and do not cause issues with neighbors, suggesting that the bill's changes would be beneficial.
SB4: Senator Support01:41:23.599 - 10:10:58 AM; During the executive session, a senator moved to pass Senate Bill 4, which provides better financing for new construction. The senator praised the bill for creatively rearranging the capital stack to promote development, particularly in housing. The motion was seconded, and the bill was passed unanimously.
SB19: Senator Support01:42:54.760 - 10:12:29 AM; In the executive session, a senator moved to pass Senate Bill 19, which updates regulations for hotel and motel operations. The senator noted that the bill reflects modern practices and removes outdated requirements. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
SB25: Senator Support01:43:13.760 - 10:12:48 AM; During the executive session, a senator moved to pass Senate Bill 25, allowing credit union members to compensate board members. The senator highlighted the uniqueness of the bill and its potential to improve governance. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Innis, Daniel(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Ricciardi, Denise(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025