Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (02/03/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB496 00:03:25.760 - 8:32:01 AM	Executive Session	relative to supervision and registration requirements for associates of broker-dealers.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB(UNSBECIFIED) 2026-0432s 00:10:14.399 - 8:38:50 AM	Executive Session	relative to timber grading and construction materials	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
SB562 00:17:07.360 - 8:45:43 AM	Public Hearing	relative to a home damage mitigation and resiliency program.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[B-]2025
SB416 00:40:45.599 - 9:09:21 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the pooling and sharing of tips among tipped employees.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB416 committee amendment to change 531.42 to 531.52 01:25:58.960 - 9:54:34 AM	Executive Session	relative to the pooling and sharing of tips among tipped employees.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB487 01:29:35.199 - 9:58:11 AM	Public Hearing	allowing credit union members to pay members of the board of directors for their services as a board member.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB525 01:37:47.840 - 10:06:23 AM	Public Hearing	raising the maximum amount of state guarantees in force.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB565 0018s 01:44:02.320 - 10:12:38 AM	Public Hearing	relative to reports and notices by the commissioner of the insurance department regarding insurance risks associated with extreme weather.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
Unclear 01:54:08.639 - 10:22:44 AM	Executive Session	Unclear

SB496: Committee Chair Information Only00:03:25.760 - 8:32:01 AM; The chair opens the executive session and discusses SB 496, noting smooth testimony with minor objection from the municipal association but overall okay. The chair states it looks reasonable to put forward.
SB496: Senator (unnamed) Vote00:04:35.360 - 8:33:11 AM; Motion to pass SB 496. Seconded. All in favor say aye. Passes unanimously.
SB496: Committee (various) Vote00:04:35.360 - 8:33:11 AM; Motion for consent on SB 496. Seconded. All in favor say aye. Passes on consent.
SB(UNSBECIFIED) 2026-0432s: Senator David Roert, Senate District 1 Information Only00:10:14.399 - 8:38:50 AM; Senator Roert introduces amendment 2026-0432s to add clarity to the bill. It clarifies grading timber practices in sections one, Roman numerals 2 through 6, based on feedback from the construction industry, architects, and engineers. It also requires licensed architects and engineers to consider and provide alternative options for construction utilizing SPFs when detailing plans, addressing testimony concerns about limited options for builders.
SB(UNSBECIFIED) 2026-0432s: Committee (various) Vote00:12:32.000 - 8:41:08 AM; Motion to adopt the amendment. Seconded. All in favor say aye. Passes unanimously. Motion to pass the bill as amended. Seconded. All in favor say aye. Passes unanimously. Motion for consent. Seconded. All in favor say aye. Passes on consent.
SB562: Nicole O'Brien, Senate President's Office Support00:17:07.360 - 8:45:43 AM; Introduces SB 562 on behalf of Senator Abbis. The bill establishes the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program, providing grants up to $9,500 to homeowners for projects enhancing home resiliency against severe weather. It aims to improve insurability, reduce claim severity and frequency, and lower insurance premiums for all New Hampshire residents. The bill was requested by the New Hampshire Insurance Department.
SB562: DJ Bettinport, Commissioner, New Hampshire Insurance Department; James Fox, Property and Casualty Division Support00:18:31.360 - 8:47:07 AM; Commissioner Bettinport thanks Senator Abbus for collaboration. Describes the problem of rising homeowners insurance costs creating barriers to home ownership and maintenance, exacerbated by a hard market, inflation, and increasing severe weather events. Proposes the grant program for eligible projects like roof repairs, foundation improvements, and property hazards (e.g., hazardous trees) to make homes more resilient. Cites successful models in Alabama (60,000 homes fortified, 8,000 grants), Louisiana, North Carolina, and Oklahoma, leading to lower premiums and fewer claims. Details program mechanics: no initial appropriation, seeking funding from philanthropies, NAIC, Federal Home Loan Bank, and nonprofits. Emphasizes proactive approach, means-testing, $10,000 cap per grant every five years, targeting 100 people annually with $3-5 million. James Fox confirms no additions. Answers questions on eligibility (proactive, not just denied), no mandated discounts but industry support, premium lowering for participants and potentially broadly, suggestion to include slab-based manufactured housing, fund size modeling, department authority with transparency assurances, and liability on homeowners/contractors.
SB562: Senator Rearen Information Only00:30:27.200 - 8:59:03 AM; Questions Commissioner on eligibility (not requiring denial), insurer acknowledgment of improvements, and whether premium lowering applies to all or just participants. Receives responses on proactive use, industry discounts in practice, and direct benefits to participants with potential broader effects.
SB562: Senator Mcu Support00:30:27.200 - 8:59:03 AM; Thanks Commissioner for the idea. Asks about fund size and timeframe for access. Receives response on modeling $3-5 million to help 100 people yearly, means-tested, capped grants, and growth potential.
SB562: Senator F Information Only00:36:30.800 - 9:05:06 AM; Expresses concern over delegated authority to commissioner (eligibility, documentation, credentials) and RSA 91A exemption. Receives assurances on departmental expertise, transparency on funding but confidentiality on individual applications, and liability falling on homeowners, contractors, and evaluators.
SB416: Senator Tim Mcu, Senate District 11 (Merrimack, Amherst, Milford, Wilton) Support00:40:45.599 - 9:09:21 AM; Introduces SB 416 to simplify tip-related rules for the restaurant industry, a $4-5 billion sector with 3,400 establishments, 9,000 tipped employees, and 68,000 total jobs. Notes current NH laws are ambiguous, misaligned with simpler federal standards, causing confusion and compliance risks for small businesses. The bill aligns state statute with federal law for clarity and ease for owners and employees. Thanks co-sponsors and industry supporters present to provide practical examples.
SB416: John Garrian, General Counsel, Department of Labor Information Only00:43:29.359 - 9:12:05 AM; John Garrian from the Department of Labor explained that the department is neutral on SB 416 as they do not take positions on legislation. He stated that if passed, tip pooling and sharing would fall under federal jurisdiction, removing it from state oversight, similar to pay laws. However, the department could still handle wage claims for direct tips. He acknowledged the discrepancy between federal and state laws, noting efforts to educate employers despite compliance challenges. He confirmed the bill would defer to federal law indefinitely unless changed by legislation, and federal changes could weaken protections without state input.
SB416: Mike Summers, President and CEO, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Support00:45:22.240 - 9:13:58 AM; Mike Summers supported SB 416, representing over 1300 hospitality businesses. He highlighted the impossibility of complying with the 2007 tipping law due to vague 'coercion' and 'voluntary' concepts, leading to violations and penalties despite good intentions. Previous attempts to amend the law failed to resolve issues, with varying Department of Labor interpretations causing businesses to receive conflicting approvals and notices. He explained that efforts to fix the state statute worsened it, leading to deference to the stable federal FLSA standard used in 47 states since 1938. Tipping violations remain a top issue annually, and he urged support to fix the problem for small businesses.
SB416: Amy Label, Owner, Label Winery, Amherst Support00:48:43.920 - 9:17:19 AM; Amy Label supported SB 416, describing the current law as impossible to comply with due to 'voluntary' and 'coercion' requirements, which change interpretations across administrations. She detailed operational challenges, like needing manager-free staff meetings before each event to decide tip sharing, and employees potentially altering decisions mid-event. In 2020, her winery received written approval from the Department of Labor for a math-based tip distribution policy after legal consultation, but the current administration now deems it non-compliant, threatening fines and disrupting employee pay. This creates confusion, high error risk in accounting for multiple events, and uncertainty for staff. Deferring to federal law would simplify compliance, prevent employee losses from reduced earnings, and align with one clear standard.
SB416: Jim Reedi, Partner, Shaheen & Gordon, Labor and Employment Group Support00:56:32.000 - 9:25:08 AM; Jim Reedi, a management-side labor lawyer with 36 years of experience, supported SB 416, echoing challenges in New Hampshire's tip pooling and sharing law. He noted confusion from opt-in/opt-out systems, causing disputes and acrimony among staff, unlike the clearer federal FLSA used in 45+ states. New Hampshire is one of three states with this problematic opt-in system, like Minnesota and Kentucky. The FLSA, stable since 1938 with few changes, prohibits managers/supervisors from sharing tips, defines tip pooling/sharing clearly, requires notices and recordkeeping at hire, and ensures timely payments. Aligning with federal law would eliminate confusion, provide structure for employers and employees, and follow precedents like overtime and minimum wage deference, easing Department of Labor enforcement while maintaining state protections for unpaid tips.
SB416: Reverend Dr. Gail Kenny, Economic Justice Ministry, New Hampshire Conference United Church of Christ Oppose01:01:40.240 - 9:30:16 AM; Reverend Gail Kenny opposed SB 416 on behalf of the United Church of Christ, the largest Protestant denomination in New Hampshire with 129 congregations. She emphasized the hospitality industry's importance but urged examining the law's history (reviewed in 2007, 2012, 2017, 2023) and hearing from workers before changes. New Hampshire's law adds protections beyond federal FLSA standards, which states can enhance for employee benefit. The law treats tips as employee property, allowing voluntary, non-coercive participation in pooling/sharing, while permitting employers to suggest reasonable practices. Removing these protections could disadvantage workers; she implored preserving their right to choose without coercion.
SB416: Tina Kelly, Waitress Oppose01:07:00.079 - 9:35:36 AM; Tina Kelly, a part-time waitress with 40 years of experience, opposed SB 416. She explained relying on tips supplemented her income as a single mom but couldn't sustain full-time due to lack of benefits. Deferring to federal law complicates access and interpretation for workers, as federal statutes like FLSA sections 531.50-531.54 were hard to find and understand, unlike straightforward state law. Tips reward individual skills and service; employer control risks unfair distribution favoring family/friends or underperforming staff like some busers/bartenders. She already tips out based on service provided. Waitstaff earn modestly (majority $34,000-$42,000 full-time), and federal minimum wage of $7.25 offers insufficient protection compared to state standards.
SB416: Unnamed Waitress Oppose01:11:31.520 - 9:40:07 AM; The speaker, a part-time waitress at Gunstock Ski Area, opposes SB 416, arguing that allowing employers to impose tip pooling including non-tipped staff like dishwashers and cooks under federal law is unfair. She highlights the physical demands of waitressing and the lack of pay when not working, emphasizing that tips should reward skilled service. She shares experiences from large venues like Meadowbrook where voluntary pooling worked, but criticizes the bill for not addressing coercion issues adequately. She urges voting it inexpedient to legislate or sending it to committee for New Hampshire-specific fair laws.
SB416: Mary McDonald, Hospitality Industry Professional Support01:19:12.800 - 9:47:48 AM; Mary McDonald, with 25 years in New Hampshire's hospitality industry including bartending, waitressing, and management at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (formerly Meadowbrook), supports SB 416. She describes how voluntary tip pooling worked harmoniously for years without complaints, even verified by Department of Labor inspections. However, after 2018 policy changes due to fines, the new requirement for daily team agreements led to issues like last-minute opt-outs by underperforming staff, causing unfair tip distribution and low morale. She provides examples of cutthroat behavior and staff turnover, arguing the current system is broken and the bill would restore fairness. She offers to help refine it in committee.
SB416 committee amendment to change 531.42 to 531.52: Committee Members Vote01:25:58.960 - 9:54:34 AM; The committee discusses SB 416, notes a drafting error in citing 29 CFR section 531.42 (should be 531.52), and adopts a committee amendment to correct line 6. They then vote unanimously to pass the amended bill and move it on consent.
SB487: Senator Dan Innis, District 7, Bradford NH Support01:29:35.199 - 9:58:11 AM; Senator Innis introduces SB 487, requested by the Cooperative Credit Union Association, to allow state-chartered credit unions' members to vote on compensating board members, joining 16 other states. He notes a similar bill (SB 25) passed the Senate last year but died in the House. Compensation would attract quality candidates for increasingly demanding roles in compliance and governance, similar to banks, but is enabling only—no mandate.
SB487: Amelia Galer, Bank Commissioner Information Only01:31:27.440 - 10:00:03 AM; The Bank Commissioner testifies neutrally on the policy but provides background: about 20 states permit credit union board compensation with varying models; federally chartered credit unions can compensate only one board member. The bill aligns New Hampshire with other states and may offer a competitive edge to retain state-chartered credit unions.
SB487: James McNutt, President, Triangle Credit Union, Nashua NH Support01:33:11.360 - 10:01:47 AM; As president of Triangle Credit Union, McNutt supports SB 487, noting increased board responsibilities in compliance, governance, and fiduciary duties amid a changing environment. Compensation attracts skilled candidates and boosts accountability. At his credit union, boards meet 11 times yearly plus 37 committee meetings (finance, IT, policy, etc.), each 1-2.5 hours, which is time-consuming for members with families; this bill enables compensation to support their service.
SB487: Jessica Avery, Director of Advocacy, Cooperative Credit Union Association Support01:35:43.199 - 10:04:19 AM; Avery supports SB 487, highlighting credit unions' role serving 820,000 NH residents and $1.9B economic impact, plus $4M raised for Make-A-Wish. The enabling legislation passed unanimously last session; it allows member votes (not board) on compensation to attract talent in a competitive landscape, respecting cooperative structure without mandating it.
SB525: Senator Dan Innis, District 7, Bradford NH Support01:37:47.840 - 10:06:23 AM; Senator Innis introduces SB 525 to raise the Business Finance Authority's (BFA) contingent credit limit, established in 1992 and not indexed to inflation. The self-funded BFA has supported 6,000 companies via partnerships (e.g., Sig Sauer, BAE Systems, New Balance) creating jobs and tax base without state cost. The cap limits high-impact projects as costs rise; raising it aids recruiting larger employers without budget impact or bond rating risk, per the state treasurer.
SB525: James Key Wallace, Executive Director, NH Business Finance Authority Support01:41:53.199 - 10:10:29 AM; Wallace supports SB 525, emphasizing BFA is self-funded with no taxpayer dollars; the bill permits evaluating transactions to attract/grow companies via board and Executive Council approval. He notes rising project costs (e.g., recent $70M New Balance vs. past $20M), requiring the cap increase to keep pace without appropriating funds.
SB565 0018s: Senator David Watters, District 4 Support01:44:02.320 - 10:12:38 AM; Senator Watters introduces amended SB 565 (0018s), prompted by rising insurance costs from weather events (74% premium increase 2008-2024, 27 billion-dollar events last year). It requires the Insurance Commissioner to issue a quinquennial report on risks, fortified home/commercial standards, mitigation/resiliency programs (referencing RSA 412:22, FEMA maps, etc.), and awareness for property buyers. This informs consumers amid insurer pullbacks (e.g., Florida, Gulf Coast) and embeds NH-specific sea level rise projections (1-2 ft by 2050, 3-5 ft by 2100). Similar laws exist in several states; no fiscal note as it's website-based.
Unclear: Committee Members Vote01:54:08.639 - 10:22:44 AM; The committee votes unanimously to pass SB 487 (credit unions), SB 525 (BFA), and amended SB 565 (insurance report) with amendment 0018s, all on consent. They table SB 482 for further discussion on compromises. SB 562 is also passed (noted earlier). They adjourn executive session.

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