Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (02/20/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB86 2025-051s 00:02:28.400 - 8:01:34 AM	Executive Session	relative to the housing finance authority's affordable housing guarantee program.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
SB86 00:04:00.560 - 8:03:06 AM	Executive Session	relative to the housing finance authority's affordable housing guarantee program.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
SB279 00:06:20.000 - 8:05:26 AM	Executive Session	establishing the housing champion business loan program and making appropriations to the department of business and economic affairs and the business finance authority.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
SB170 00:34:35.440 - 8:33:41 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to development and related requirements in cities, towns, and municipalities.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
SB173 00:46:04.280 - 8:45:10 AM	Public Hearing	relative to residential property subject to housing covenants under the low income housing tax credit program.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB282 01:04:18.960 - 9:03:24 AM	Public Hearing	relative to stairway requirements in certain residential buildings.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB284 01:29:39.800 - 9:28:45 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to authority for municipalities to regulate mandatory on-site parking requirements.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB165 01:50:26.920 - 9:49:32 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the audit requirements for consumer cooperative associations.	Avard, Kevin(R)[B]2025
SB167 02:06:47.480 - 10:05:53 AM	Public Hearing	relative to consumers' cooperative associations annual audit requirements.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB166 02:09:09.639 - 10:08:15 AM	Public Hearing	relative to notice required prior to sale of a manufactured housing unit located in a resident-owned community.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
Unclear 02:18:31.439 - 10:17:37 AM	Executive Session	Unclear

SB86 2025-051s: Senator Reon Information Only00:02:28.400 - 8:01:34 AM; Senator Reon introduced an amendment to Senate Bill 86, which addresses concerns from the state treasurer and New Hampshire Housing. The amendment caps the guarantee liability to prevent unending liability and increases the cap from $100,000 to $300,000. This change is justified by the existing $460 million debt of New Hampshire Housing, which shows as a $10 million liability on their balance sheet. The amendment aims to expand potential liability to meet the demands for housing development, and New Hampshire Housing has a history of 0% losses on their guarantees.
SB86: Senator Reon Support00:04:00.560 - 8:03:06 AM; Senator Reon expressed support for the amendment to Senate Bill 86, highlighting the necessity of the expansion from $100 million to $300 million due to the current market demands. They noted that even with this expansion, the liability on the balance sheet would be less than $10 million. Senator Reon also mentioned the success of New Hampshire Housing in managing their guarantees without any losses.
SB86: Unidentified Speaker Support00:05:34.039 - 8:04:40 AM; An unidentified speaker moved to pass the amendment 2025-051s to Senate Bill 86, and it was seconded with no opposition. Subsequently, the underlying bill as amended was also moved to pass and seconded with no opposition, resulting in a recommendation of ought to pass on Senate Bill 86 as amended by 2025-051s.
SB279: Senator Reon Support00:06:20.000 - 8:05:26 AM; Senator Reon supported Senate Bill 279, which increases appropriations for the Housing Champions Fund. They noted the fund's success and the need for more funding due to high demand, suggesting that the current $1 million might be insufficient. Senator Reon expressed a general reluctance towards subsidies but acknowledged the benefits the fund has brought to cities like Manchester, which has been designated as a housing champion community.
SB279: Unidentified Speaker Support00:08:38.599 - 8:07:44 AM; An unidentified speaker moved to pass Senate Bill 279, and it was seconded with no opposition, resulting in a recommendation of ought to pass.
SB170: Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, representing district 21 (Portsmouth and surrounding towns) Information Only00:34:35.440 - 8:33:41 AM; Senator Perkins Kwoka introduced Senate Bill 170, which aims to standardize assessing for multifamily buildings coming out of affordability covenants. She highlighted the importance of assessment certainty for financing and investment in maintaining housing stock. However, she noted that a similar bill, SB173, by Senator Murphy, would be heard next and suggested that the committee consider supporting that bill instead, potentially amending SB170 with another housing-related measure later.
SB170: Matt Manning, Elm Grove Companies, Hooksett, NH Information Only00:36:07.680 - 8:35:13 AM; Matt Manning from Elm Grove Companies in Hooksett expressed readiness to testify on either SB170 or SB173 due to their similarities. He mentioned his company's involvement in affordable workforce housing and deferred his testimony to the hearing of SB173.
SB170: Scott Bartlett, Assessor, Town of Gilmanton Information Only00:37:13.319 - 8:36:19 AM; Scott Bartlett, the assessor from Gilmanton, preferred Senate Bill 173 over SB170 due to minor flaws in the latter. He worked with the ASB committee on these bills and withheld further testimony for SB173.
SB173: Senator Murphy, representing the people of District 16 Support00:46:04.280 - 8:45:10 AM; Senator Murphy introduced Senate Bill 173, aimed at clarifying ambiguities in the application of the low-income housing tax credit program. He noted that different municipalities interpret the existing statute differently, and this bill seeks to resolve that issue. He expressed gratitude for the support from others and suggested that subsequent testimonies would provide more practical examples.
SB173: Matt Manning, Elm Grove Companies Support00:47:05.400 - 8:46:11 AM; Matt Manning, from Elm Grove Companies, expressed support for Senate Bill 173. He explained that his company manages and develops workforce and low-income housing units in New Hampshire. He highlighted the complexity of the current RSA 751a, which requires a cumbersome process involving audits, form filling, and back-and-forth with assessors. He praised the bill for simplifying the tax calculation to 10% of actual income, which would ease administrative burdens and improve budgeting stability for property owners. He also mentioned that the Assessing Standards Board supports this approach.
SB173: Scott Bartlett, Assessor, Town of Gilmanton Support00:50:47.599 - 8:49:53 AM; Scott Bartlett, the assessor from the Town of Gilmanton, supported Senate Bill 173 with a minor suggestion to change a word in the bill's analysis from 'assessed' to 'taxed'. He emphasized the importance of using 'actual income' instead of 'net income' in the bill, as it would significantly affect tax amounts. He shared his experience with a local apartment complex taxed under the current system and supported the removal of the complex formula from the statute for simplicity and consistency.
SB173: Robert Turny, Executive Director, NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire Support00:53:08.920 - 8:52:14 AM; Robert Turny, from NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire, supported Senate Bill 173. He explained the historical context of the current RSA, which was established due to inconsistent property assessments across municipalities. He acknowledged his role in initiating the original statute in 2007 and expressed satisfaction with the bill's potential to provide consistency and fairness in taxation. He provided written documentation and was open to answering questions.
SB173: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Support00:55:15.559 - 8:54:21 AM; Matt Mayberry expressed full support for SB173, emphasizing its importance in simplifying processes and reducing bureaucratic red tape. He highlighted the bill as an example of effective constituent service and praised the collaboration between the home building industry and Senator Murphy in addressing the issue of property tax calculations.
SB173: Betsy Patton, Chairman, Assessing Standards Board Support00:56:46.200 - 8:55:52 AM; Betsy Patton testified in support of SB173, stating that the board voted unanimously in favor of the bill on January 29th. She emphasized the importance of the bill in making the tax assessment process simpler and more predictable, particularly for low-income housing tax credits.
SB173: Nick Taylor, Director, Housing Action New Hampshire Support00:57:34.200 - 8:56:40 AM; Nick Taylor expressed full support for SB173, thanking Senator Murphy for bringing it forward. He highlighted the significance of the low-income housing tax credit program in driving below market rate housing and the importance of predictability in tax assessments for long-term developments.
SB173: Jack Rudderman, Legislative Affairs Advisor, New Hampshire Housing Support00:59:27.799 - 8:58:33 AM; Jack Rudderman supported SB173, explaining New Hampshire Housing's role in overseeing affordable rental housing developments financed through the federal low-income housing tax credit. He discussed the challenges faced by these properties and the need for predictability in property tax calculations, which the bill aims to address.
SB282: Senator Keith Murphy, District 16 Support01:04:18.960 - 9:03:24 AM; Senator Keith Murphy introduced SB282, which aims to reduce the requirement for two stairways in multi-unit buildings up to six stories. He mentioned working on an amendment to address concerns from the State Fire Marshal, emphasizing the cost-saving benefits of the bill and its role in addressing housing issues.
SB282: Sean Tumi, State Fire Marshal Information Only01:06:45.039 - 9:05:51 AM; Sean Tumi, the State Fire Marshal, discussed the national trend towards single stairway buildings and the need to align New Hampshire's state fire and building codes. He mentioned receiving an amendment and expressed concerns about building heights and fire department capabilities, particularly for five and six-story buildings. He suggested that the bill should direct the relevant boards to amend the codes.
SB282: Scott Tenny, New Hampshire Building Officials Association Oppose01:16:43.760 - 9:15:49 AM; Scott Tenny opposed SB282, expressing concerns about the safety implications of the initial bill and the conflict created by legislating building codes through statutory law. He suggested that the bill should be reviewed by the New Hampshire Building Code Review Board and noted that similar provisions are expected in upcoming code cycles.
SB282: Nick Taylor, Director, Housing Action New Hampshire Support01:19:03.840 - 9:18:09 AM; Nick Taylor supported SB282, discussing the growing popularity of single stair housing and its potential to address housing shortages creatively. He noted that several states and cities have already adopted or are considering similar measures and highlighted the benefits of such designs for smaller multifamily buildings.
SB282: Samuel Hooper, Legislative Council, Institute for Justice Support01:22:20.040 - 9:21:26 AM; Samuel Hooper supported SB282, emphasizing its balance between maintaining public safety and enhancing property rights. He discussed the benefits of single stair buildings in urban settings, including cost reduction and increased housing options, and highlighted the positive impact on urban life and property rights.
SB282: Unknown Speaker Oppose01:25:07.320 - 9:24:13 AM; The speaker expressed opposition to the bill due to concerns related to fire safety, particularly in buildings with more than four stories. They highlighted issues with the fire code and the potential reduction in safety requirements for higher levels, especially in buildings without sprinkler systems. They also discussed the large square footage allowance for buildings less than four stories, suggesting it could compromise safety. The speaker mentioned not having seen the amendment, which they believed addressed some concerns, and indicated their position might change to neutral upon review.
SB284: Senator Keith Murphy, representing District 16 Support01:29:39.800 - 9:28:45 AM; Senator Murphy supported the bill aimed at reducing parking requirements, arguing that such mandates increase housing costs and are outdated in urban areas like Manchester, where alternatives like Uber and Lyft are common. He highlighted the bill's flexibility, allowing municipalities to set parking limits up to 1.5 spaces per unit for workforce housing and one space for others, arguing this aligns better with modern urban living trends and does not completely eliminate local control.
SB284: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:34:26.920 - 9:33:32 AM; The speaker discussed the potential need for a population cap on the bill's applicability, referencing Montana's approach to housing reform. They suggested that what works in urban areas might not be suitable for smaller towns like Farmington, raising concerns about the bill's one-size-fits-all approach and its impact on local control.
SB284: Nick Taylor, Director of Housing Action New Hampshire Support01:36:37.239 - 9:35:43 AM; Nick Taylor supported the bill, emphasizing that parking requirements significantly influence housing development and costs. He argued that developers should determine parking needs based on market demand rather than broad municipal mandates. He provided examples from Manchester and Seabrook, suggesting that removing minimum parking requirements would lead to appropriately sized parking solutions.
SB284: Brody from New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:40:01.560 - 9:39:07 AM; Brody opposed the bill, arguing it undermines local control and could lead to inadequate parking, causing issues with traffic, safety, and community aesthetics. They highlighted the necessity of parking in many New Hampshire communities due to limited public transportation and stressed that existing laws and processes allow for flexibility in meeting parking needs. They expressed concern that the bill could burden municipalities with additional costs and enforcement challenges related to parking disputes.
SB284: Sam Hooper, Institute for Justice Support01:46:54.480 - 9:46:00 AM; Sam Hooper from the Institute for Justice spoke in support of Senate Bill 284, emphasizing the timeliness of reviewing parking minimums due to the recent passing of Professor Donald Shoup, a noted critic of such regulations. Hooper argued that minimum parking requirements, originating in Columbus, Ohio, in 1923, have led to urban landscapes dominated by parking lots, negatively affecting walkability and urban development. He criticized the reliance on the 'Parking Generation Manual' for its outdated and pseudoscientific basis. Hooper suggested that developers and market forces should determine parking needs rather than rigid zoning ordinances, which could otherwise hinder New Hampshire's growth and housing development.
SB165: Senator Kevin Avard, Prime Sponsor Support01:50:26.920 - 9:49:32 AM; Senator Kevin Avard, the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 165, explained that the bill aims to increase the revenue threshold for mandatory audits of consumer cooperative associations from $250,000 to $2 million. He highlighted that this change would relieve resident-owned communities (ROCs) of unnecessary audit costs, which can reach up to $10,000 and increase lot rents. Avard stressed the importance of ROCs as a crucial part of New Hampshire's affordable housing landscape, operating without government subsidies. He outlined that the bill maintains transparency by requiring internal audits for revenues under $1 million, a formal financial review for revenues between $1 million and $2 million, and full audits for revenues above $2 million, aligning ROCs with nonprofit standards.
SB165: Abby Bronson, New Hampshire Community Loan Fund Support01:55:13.880 - 9:54:19 AM; Abby Bronson, representing the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, expressed strong support for Senate Bill 165. She explained that the fund helps resident-owned communities purchase their parks, securing affordable home ownership for over 9,000 families in New Hampshire. Bronson argued that the bill would reduce the burdensome and costly audit requirements currently imposed on ROCs, aligning them with nonprofit standards. She provided an example of a smaller community of 33 homes facing significant audit costs, suggesting that a formal financial review, costing half as much as an audit, would be more appropriate for such communities. Bronson urged support for the bill to maintain the affordability of manufactured housing.
SB165: Dan Hotkis, HJ Development Corporation Support01:59:08.719 - 9:58:14 AM; Dan Hotkis, Chief Financial Officer of HJ Development Corporation, supported Senate Bill 165, emphasizing the role of resident-owned communities in providing affordable housing. He explained that these communities often face escalating costs due to infrastructure needs and other uncontrollable expenses like utilities and taxes. Hotkis noted that the current audit threshold of $250,000 can force communities to raise lot rents significantly, impacting low-income families. He supported the bill's proposal to increase the threshold to $2 million, arguing that it would help communities allocate funds more effectively toward essential improvements rather than costly audits.
SB165: Kim Cap, Medville Cooperative, New Hampshire Homeowners and Tenant Association (MODA) Support02:03:53.760 - 10:02:59 AM; Kim Cap, a resident of Medville Cooperative in Goffstown, New Hampshire, and a representative of the New Hampshire Homeowners and Tenant Association (MODA), spoke in support of Senate Bill 165. She highlighted the importance of resident-owned communities in addressing the state's affordable housing crisis without government subsidies. Cap explained that the bill would alleviate the financial and logistical burdens of audits, allowing communities to keep lot rents affordable. She emphasized that while financial accountability is crucial, the bill maintains this through alternative examination methods like formal financial reviews for communities with revenues between $1 million and $2 million, thus supporting the bill's passage.
SB167: Terara Reen, Senator for District 15, Concord, Hopkinton, Bow Support02:06:47.480 - 10:05:53 AM; Senator Reen, who previously worked with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund's Rock program, supports SB167. She emphasized that the bill is a smart and effective solution for affordable housing in New Hampshire. The program operates cooperatives as nonprofits with very thin profit margins, serving primarily low to moderate income residents in manufactured housing parks. She highlighted the financial burden of a $10,000 annual audit on these residents and praised the bill for updating the statute to relieve this burden, calling it a game-changer for both the cooperatives and the individual homeowners.
SB166: Terara Reen, Senator for District 15, Concord, Hopkinton, Bow Support02:09:09.639 - 10:08:15 AM; Senator Reen introduced SB166 at the request of the New Hampshire Realtor Association, focusing on the challenges faced by realtors when selling homes in resident-owned communities. She explained that while most cooperatives are helpful in providing necessary information, the volunteer-run nature and varying sizes of these communities can lead to delays or lack of response. The bill aims to mandate the provision of financial and operational information to facilitate smoother home sales within these communities, distinguishing between investor-owned and resident-owned communities.
SB166: Sarah Holland, Licensed Real Estate Professional, Central New Hampshire, 2025 Public Policy Chair for the New Hampshire Association of Realtors Support02:12:14.920 - 10:11:20 AM; Sarah Holland expressed strong support for SB166, emphasizing its similarity to existing condominium resale laws. She argued that prospective buyers in resident-owned communities need access to financial information to make informed decisions, similar to condo purchases. The bill would mandate the provision of critical financial data, such as capital expenditures, reserve statuses, and insurance coverage, ensuring buyers can assess the community's viability and financial health before purchasing.
SB166: Lynn Merrill, Real Estate Agent Support02:15:24.199 - 10:14:30 AM; Lynn Merrill supported SB166 by sharing a personal experience where a buyer was unable to obtain necessary financial documents from a resident-owned community. This lack of information was critical as the community's roads were in disrepair, and the buyer needed to know about planned repairs and costs. Merrill stressed the importance of this information for buyers, especially given the affordability of manufactured homes and the need for buyers to assess their financial readiness. She urged support for the bill to ensure equal treatment for buyers in both condominiums and resident-owned communities.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only02:18:31.439 - 10:17:37 AM; The committee chair announced an upcoming executive session on March 4th to discuss several bills, including SB165, SB166, SB167, SB170, SB173, SB282, and SB284, which will be referred to Senator Murphy's subcommittee on housing. The hearing was then closed, and a motion to adjourn was made and passed.

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