Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (01/20/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB417 00:05:44.160 - 8:34:30 AM	Executive Session	requiring state liquor outlets to post warnings relative to the increased risk of cancer and birth defects from drinking alcoholic beverages.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB418 00:08:02.080 - 8:36:48 AM	Executive Session	prohibiting municipalities from requiring licenses for the production and sale of homestead food products.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025
SB563 00:11:10.320 - 8:39:56 AM	Executive Session	relative to direct shippers of wine.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB639 00:12:17.760 - 8:41:03 AM	Executive Session	establishing a committee to study the health and safety impacts of Red Dye 40 and other food additives in food and beverages sold in New Hampshire.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025
SB415 00:16:39.440 - 8:45:25 AM	Public Hearing	relative to a certain exemption in interest in condominium units.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
SB440 2026-0100s 00:44:04.960 - 9:12:50 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the adoption of energy efficient and clean energy districts by municipalities.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB564 00:48:35.599 - 9:17:21 AM	Public Hearing	prohibiting certain municipal development restrictions.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB523 01:04:26.720 - 9:33:12 AM	Public Hearing	establishing the registration and oversight of builders.	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
SB446 01:47:18.960 - 10:16:04 AM	Public Hearing	requiring animal care center operators to notify dog owners when a dog will be left unattended and to report injuries to animals or people which occur on the premises of the animal care center.	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
SB444 02:05:56.719 - 10:34:42 AM	Public Hearing	prohibiting the use of animal testing when other comparable methods are available.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025

SB417: Chairman Information Only00:05:44.160 - 8:34:30 AM; The Chairman opens discussion on SB 417, appreciating the sentiment for warning labels on alcohol but notes concerns from testimony about additional posters in businesses and questions the effectiveness of such labels.
SB417: Senator Fenton Support00:06:55.600 - 8:35:41 AM; Senator Fenton supports the bill, liking its intent to provide more warnings, especially as younger members of New Hampshire want to see this, and believes it is important and informative.
SB417: Unidentified Senator Oppose00:06:55.600 - 8:35:41 AM; The senator agrees with the sentiment but notes that effects of alcohol and tobacco are widely known, making the bill an unnecessary burden on small businesses like grocery stores and pubs that would need to expend additional funds.
SB417: Chairman Information Only00:08:02.080 - 8:36:48 AM; The Chairman references an NIH study indicating warning labels only impact if paired with educational efforts and suggests tabling the bill for full committee discussion in a week or two.
SB418: Chairman Support00:08:02.080 - 8:36:48 AM; The Chairman expresses strong personal support for the 'Pickle Bill' and seeks committee thoughts.
SB418: Senator Information Only00:09:11.519 - 8:37:57 AM; The senator likes the intent but notes technical flaws, potential undermining of local public health authority, one-size-fits-all approach, and unintended consequences like loss of intervention mechanisms for foodborne illnesses, suggesting an interim study to fine-tune.
SB418: Chairman Information Only00:10:04.160 - 8:38:50 AM; The Chairman asks for specific amendments to make the bill more viable and clarifies the suggestion is for an interim study over the summer, not a study commission.
SB418: Senator Rearen Support00:10:04.160 - 8:38:50 AM; As co-sponsor, Senator Rearen supports the bill, highlighting many home product producers in their district and disappointment if local authorities prohibit such practices, noting existing good laws and the shameful incident that prompted the bill.
SB418: Senator Re Information Only00:11:10.320 - 8:39:56 AM; Senator Re has no thoughts on the bill.
SB418: Unidentified Senator Support00:11:10.320 - 8:39:56 AM; Moves to pass the bill.
SB418: Chairman Information Only00:11:10.320 - 8:39:56 AM; Seconds the motion, calls for vote; bill passes 3-2.
SB418: Senator McHugh Information Only00:11:10.320 - 8:39:56 AM; Agrees to take the bill out.
SB563: Chairman Information Only00:11:10.320 - 8:39:56 AM; The Chairman notes discussions and that the bill needs more work, invites input from the liquor commission, and decides to postpone action.
SB563: Liquor Commission Representative Information Only00:12:17.760 - 8:41:03 AM; Thanks for the opportunity to speak if there are questions.
SB563: Unidentified Senator Information Only00:12:17.760 - 8:41:03 AM; Confirms an amendment is being worked on, suggesting postponement.
SB639: Chairman Information Only00:12:17.760 - 8:41:03 AM; The Chairman discusses the bill, noting known issues with red dye and potential federal action, suggesting it could help implement changes and mitigate impacts on small businesses.
SB639: Senator Fenton Support00:13:12.800 - 8:41:58 AM; Senator Fenton explains the intent to ban additives and dyes, considering federal action's impact on grocers, small businesses, and bakers, aiming to mitigate effects.
SB639: Chairman Information Only00:13:12.800 - 8:41:58 AM; Adds that companies like M&M's won't change dyes, impacting small retailers selling such products.
SB639: Unidentified Senator Support00:14:13.680 - 8:42:59 AM; Moves ought to pass on SB 639.
SB639: Unidentified Senator Support00:14:13.680 - 8:42:59 AM; Seconds the motion; passes on consent.
SB639: Senator Fenton Information Only00:14:13.680 - 8:42:59 AM; Agrees to take the bill out.
SB415: Jennifer Gallagher, Executive Assistant for Senate Minority Office on behalf of Senator Perkins-Kawola Support00:16:39.440 - 8:45:25 AM; Introduces SB 415 amid New Hampshire's housing crisis with a 20,000-unit deficit rising to 90,000 by 2040. The bill raises the condominium exemption threshold from 10 to 50 units under the Condominium Act to reduce burdens on small developers, level the playing field, and increase affordable housing supply. Addresses concerns by noting ongoing consumer protections remain intact.
SB415: Nick Taylor, Director of Housing Action New Hampshire Support00:20:59.840 - 8:49:45 AM; Supports the bill to include condos in attainable housing discussions for wealth-building. Notes condos sell for $100,000 less than single-family homes, easing affordability. Describes the burdensome AG review process from the 1970s, including material and financial checks, which deter small projects like cutting a 12-unit to 10. Suggests raising the threshold to 50 aligns with typical NH developments; other safeguards like criminal statutes and lending vetting apply. Compares to less stringent processes in Maine and Massachusetts. Responds to questions on average condo size (unknown but suggests discussion) and time lag (up to six months).
SB415: Brandon Grod, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau Information Only00:26:39.840 - 8:55:25 AM; Brandon Grod testified on behalf of the Attorney General's office, remaining neutral on the bill while expressing significant concerns about increasing the condominium exemption threshold from 10 to 50 units. He explained that this change would effectively repeal most Attorney General reviews for condominium projects, citing data from July 2023 to April 2025 showing 79 certificates issued for 2,127 units that would be exempted, leaving only 9 certificates and 50 units under review. He emphasized the importance of the review process to ensure developers have the financial resources and infrastructure to deliver on promises, protecting consumers from fraud. Grod noted that delays in reviews often stem from deficient initial submissions and offered to discuss ways to streamline the process without repealing protections. He welcomed questions on average condominium sizes and bureau resources, revealing only two staff members handle all reviews.
SB415: Gary Dario, Partner at Marcus Errico Emmer & Brooks, representing Community Associations Institute (CAI) Oppose00:33:10.799 - 9:01:56 AM; Gary Dario spoke on behalf of the Community Associations Institute, taking a neutral position but highlighting the need for more specificity in the bill regarding which condominium act provisions would be exempted. He noted differing interpretations among members due to the bill's vagueness and echoed concerns about increasing the exemption to 50 units, calling it a significant jump that could risk consumer protections. Dario stressed the value of Attorney General oversight in ensuring proper governance, finances, and documents for new developments, drawing from his experience representing associations post-development where errors lead to issues like unrealistic budgets and sudden fee increases. He advocated maintaining the current oversight, suggesting 20 units as a more reasonable exemption increase.
SB415: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Oppose00:39:34.560 - 9:08:20 AM; Matt Mayberry supported the Attorney General's review process, arguing that the proposed exemption to 50 units is too large and could lead to unintended consequences like 'poison pills' in condominium documents that harm consumers, such as rights of first refusal buried in contracts. He shared his 35 years of experience as a real estate agent and developer, noting that non-binding reservations allow sales during review without loss, and emphasized that reviews protect both developers and buyers from issues like underestimated condo fees or incomplete infrastructure. Mayberry suggested a smaller increase to 15 or 20 units and stated he has never lost a sale waiting for review.
SB440 2026-0100s: Senator Dan Innis, District 7, Bradford NH Support00:44:04.960 - 9:12:50 AM; Senator Dan Innis introduced SB 440, explaining it builds on last session's SB 4 to streamline Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) funding for commercial and multifamily housing. The replace-all amendment allows municipalities to adopt CPACE via selectboard hearing instead of annual town meetings, addressing limbo for 15 towns. It clarifies public notice, opt-out procedures, and applies to unincorporated areas via county commissioners. He thanked collaborators from the Business Finance Authority and Municipal Association.
SB440 2026-0100s: James Keay Wallace, Executive Director, NH Business Finance Authority Support00:45:06.800 - 9:13:52 AM; James Keay Wallace supported SB 440, noting it equalizes opt-in processes for towns by allowing selectboard action rather than waiting for annual meetings, benefiting projects needing immediate financing. The amendment preserves opt-out rights, clarifies public notice, and addresses unincorporated areas. He disclosed his interim role at the Department of Business and Economic Affairs.
SB564: Senator Dan Innis, District 7, Bradford NH Support00:48:35.599 - 9:17:21 AM; Senator Dan Innis introduced SB 564 to address housing shortages by prohibiting municipalities from capping maximum dead-end road lengths or housing lots on such roads, and allowing utilities in open space or buffers. He clarified it preserves health, safety, environmental protections, planning board reviews, conservation commissions, and state fire code compliance, with approval from Fire Marshal Sean Tumi.
SB564: Brody DesMarais, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose00:50:28.160 - 9:19:14 AM; Brody DesMarais opposed SB 564, arguing it risks public safety by allowing unlimited dead-end road lengths beyond fire hose reach, limiting connectivity for emergency access, and promoting scattered development without infrastructure like water, drainage, and fire protection. He noted conflicts with existing RSA 674:36 on subdivision limits for safety, and that the bill undermines open space and cluster developments used by 170 municipalities to encourage housing while limiting sprawl. Fire code does not address road length, per last year's testimonies.
SB564: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Support00:55:57.359 - 9:24:43 AM; Matt Mayberry supported SB 564, countering safety concerns by noting fire hydrants can be added via wells and roads can be designed safely. He emphasized private property rights for development as long as safe, citing average dead-end road lengths and a real-life case where a municipality blocked extension despite conservation easements. The bill addresses reducing lot sizes without affecting setbacks or density nefariously.
SB523: Senator Ruth Ward, District 8 Support01:04:26.720 - 9:33:12 AM; Senator Ruth Ward introduced SB 523FN to register residential builders and contractors via a Department of Labor board, addressing consumer fraud like vanishing contractors after deposits. Originating from the Homebuilders Association, it allows self-policing to weed out bad actors, clarify communications, and enhance accountability. She noted other professions are licensed but builders are not, and mentioned an upcoming amendment.
SB523: Brandon Grod, Senior Assistant Attorney General, Chief of Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau Support01:08:11.599 - 9:36:57 AM; Brandon Grod testified in strong support of SB 523, emphasizing the urgent need for home contractor oversight in New Hampshire. He highlighted that the Attorney General's office receives numerous complaints about home contractors annually, including scams involving unsolicited door-to-door offers and cases where legitimate contractors misuse funds. He cited the recent case of Gerard Tibo, who stole $1.5 million from 23 consumers due to a gambling habit, resulting in a 10-30 year prison sentence. Grod argued that current mechanisms focus on post-harm punishment rather than prevention, and the bill would provide a verification system for consumers to check contractor legitimacy. He suggested clarifying language to ensure the AG's office retains authority for civil enforcement actions. During Q&A, he explained how the bill could mitigate ongoing fraud by enabling earlier complaints to the board, though it wouldn't prevent initial bad acts, and stressed the need for partnership between the board and AG's office.
SB523: Ken Marfield, Commissioner, Department of Labor (with John Garrian, General Counsel) Information Only01:24:37.440 - 9:53:23 AM; Ken Marfield, joined by John Garrian, expressed neutrality on SB 523 but raised practical concerns about implementation if assigned to the Department of Labor. They noted the fiscal note assumes limited involvement, mainly rulemaking, and compared it to their small-scale licensing of boiler and elevator inspectors (under 250 total). Questions were raised about financial handling of fees/penalties, hearing administration, and startup costs, given their existing workload and small business office. They suggested the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) might be a better fit due to its experience with similar boards.
SB523: Joshua Reed, President & CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors Oppose01:29:21.920 - 9:58:07 AM; Joshua Reed opposed SB 523, arguing it imposes unnecessary regulation on contractors amid New Hampshire's housing crisis, with a shortage of thousands of units and low vacancy rates. He noted the bill's broad scope could affect commercial contractors involved in mixed-use or high-end residential work, as well as subcontractors exceeding the $5,000 threshold, creating redundant burdens despite existing licenses for trades like plumbing. Reed warned of reduced workforce participation, project delays, and 'mission creep' as seen in Vermont's low registration rates. He viewed it as a heavy regulatory hammer for a consumer protection issue better addressed lightly, potentially increasing housing costs, and suggested deeming it inexpedient to legislate (ITL) while open to collaboration on amendments.
SB523: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Home Builders Association Support01:36:27.679 - 10:05:13 AM; Matt Mayberry strongly supported SB 523, representing 600 members and 27,000 workers in residential building trades. He shared personal anecdotes of consumer complaints, like a Navy veteran losing $7,500 to a disappearing contractor, emphasizing the bill's role in accountability via registration, mandatory education, and a public verification system (e.g., green/yellow/red banners on a website like builderreg.com). He clarified it registers individuals, not entities, preventing bad actors from reorganizing, and proposed amendments distinguishing small residential from large commercial builders. Mayberry noted industry evolution, with 85% of members now favoring registration, and stressed collaboration to incorporate best practices while preventing fraud, estimating most complaints under $10,000.
SB446: Senator Ruth Ward, District 8 Support01:47:18.960 - 10:16:04 AM; Senator Ruth Ward introduced SB 446, stemming from a study committee on private animal boarding facilities following reports of lost, ill, or deceased pets. The bill establishes definitions excluding private residences with five or fewer dogs, requires informed consent for unattended dogs without sprinklers or insurance, mandates injury reporting to law enforcement (public only if enforcement occurs), annual unannounced inspections by local authorities with citation/closure powers for non-compliance, and $100 biennial certification from the Department of Agriculture. She noted contested elements, like overlapping licenses for some organizations, and the Department's disinterest in inspections, indicating amendments are needed.
SB446: Sean Jasper, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food Oppose01:50:52.800 - 10:19:38 AM; Sean Jasper opposed SB 446 as written due to resource constraints, estimating inspections for an unknown number of facilities (comparable to pet vendors). With only four inspectors and two veterinarians in the animal industry division, they are overwhelmed, already cutting back pet vending inspections to complaint-based only to prevent staff burnout. No funding is provided, and prioritizing this would divert from core duties like preventing diseased animal imports. He took no position on the underlying issue but stressed inability to implement without additional staff.
SB446: James Brace, Chief of Police, New Boston (on behalf of New Hampshire Chiefs of Police) Support01:55:13.440 - 10:23:59 AM; James Brace supported SB 446 for creating accountability in animal boarding facilities, addressing pet owner horrors like permanent loss of pets. It raises municipal awareness of facilities, enables inspections and standards compliance, provides owner notifications, and mandates reporting for consumer records. Currently, no oversight exists, and he requested an ought to pass finding, acknowledging needed work.
SB446: Angela Ferrari, Dog Owners of the Granite State Support01:57:20.639 - 10:26:06 AM; Angela Ferrari supported the intent of SB 446 for licensing and inspecting boarding facilities but opposed as written, suggesting amendments. She recommended narrowing 'animal care center' to boarding, excluding licensed veterinarians/shelters; defining reportable injuries (minor ones to owners only, severe to law enforcement); assigning inspections to Department of Agriculture for expertise; aligning fees/inspections with pet vendors ($200 annual or biennial rotation to manage workload). She submitted detailed amendments.
SB446: Patricia Morris, Attorney specializing in Animal Law Support02:02:12.639 - 10:30:58 AM; Patricia Morris, with 28 years in animal law and representing affected clients (including 40+ with lost/injured pets), supported SB 446's intent for regulation under RSA 437 for animal health standards. She acknowledged resource issues but stressed public health threats from poor facilities, citing Massachusetts' similar 'Ali's Law.' Amendments should exclude already-regulated entities and private residences with ≤5 dogs (e.g., mushers/breeders), using existing objective standards in AGR 1704 for facility maintenance and care, avoiding subjectivity.
SB444: Senator Dan Innis, District 7 Support02:05:56.719 - 10:34:42 AM; Senator Dan Innis introduced SB 444 to protect animals from unnecessary suffering in testing cosmetics, cleaners, pesticides, and chemicals, mandating alternatives when available and equivalent/better. It exempts biomedical research, state/federal requirements, and agriculture research (e.g., UNH). He emphasized advancing technology like non-animal methods for efficiency.
SB444: Kurt Arenberg, New Hampshire State Director, Humane Society for Animals Support02:07:54.719 - 10:36:40 AM; Kurt Arenberg urged passage of SB 444, requiring non-animal tests for household products when available and banning sales of newly animal-tested cosmetics (no impact on existing stock). It mandates reporting on methods and exempts regulatory needs. He highlighted superior non-animal methods (e.g., organs-on-chips, skin allergy tests), scientific limitations/cruelty of animal tests (90% drug failures, forced exposures), and support from federal efforts, PCPC, and NH companies (Badger, Lush, etc.). Aligns with 4 states on alternatives and 12 on cosmetics bans.
SB444: Brandon Grod, Senior Assistant Attorney General Information Only02:19:38.000 - 10:48:24 AM; Brandon Grod was neutral on SB 444's policy but highlighted enforcement issues: it exclusively assigns regulation to the AG's office without resources, creating a new function for investigating testing compliance across products. No fiscal impact noted; would require additional staff. He noted inconsistencies (exclusive civil remedy vs. violation offenses) and potential high complaint volume, suggesting significant infrastructure buildup needed. If no AG enforcement, their role ends.

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