Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (04/29/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB225 1573s 00:02:56.239 - 8:32:57 AM	Executive Session	relative to the employment of military spouses in the event of involuntary deployment of service member.	Creighton, James(R)[B+]2025
HB242 00:09:23.680 - 8:39:24 AM	Executive Session	relative to brew pub licenses.	Hunt, John(R)[B+]2025
HB296 00:10:38.720 - 8:40:39 AM	Executive Session	relative to issuing building permits along private roads.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2025
HB309 1538s 00:11:54.880 - 8:41:55 AM	Executive Session	relative to making electronic rent payments optional.	Mooney, Maureen(R)[B+]2025
HB382 1243s 00:12:58.320 - 8:42:59 AM	Executive Session	(Second New Title) repealing the requirement that vehicle funding loan contracts have successive periodic payments that are substantially equal in amount.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB406 00:14:12.399 - 8:44:13 AM	Executive Session	relative to the formation of fraudulent businesses.	Bay, Luz(D)[F]2025
HB410 00:15:26.800 - 8:45:27 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) limiting local authority to adopt restrictions on the building and development of residential properties.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025
HB437 00:16:31.360 - 8:46:32 AM	Executive Session	providing specific curative measures for undischarged mortgages.	Boyd, Bill(R)[C]2025
HB499 00:17:33.120 - 8:47:34 AM	Executive Session	making technical corrections to certain insurance laws.	Hunt, John(R)[B+]2025
HB631 00:18:42.559 - 8:48:43 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) permitting residential building in commercial zoning.	Murray, Alissandra(D)[D-]2025
HB685 00:22:22.720 - 8:52:23 AM	Executive Session	permitting in all residentially zoned areas by right the construction of manufactured housing.	Alexander, Joe(R)[A+]2025
HB694 00:23:22.320 - 8:53:23 AM	Executive Session	requiring leases of land, buildings, or space by state agencies to be at fair market value.	Aron, Judy(R)[A-]2025
HB633 00:31:23.520 - 9:01:24 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) creating a legislative study committee to investigate the implementation of housing investment trusts in New Hampshire.	Daniels, Gary(R)[A-]2025
HB77 00:55:57.119 - 9:25:58 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) prohibiting certain licensees from electronically recording or storing personal information obtained from an identification card.	Verville, Kevin(R)[B-]2025
HB81 01:03:38.079 - 9:33:39 AM	Public Hearing	(NEW TITLE) relative to consumption of beverages or liquor in areas not approved for service by the liquor commission.	Sullivan, Jared(D)[D]2025
HB276 01:14:48.480 - 9:44:49 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) establishing a liquor license where beverages, wine, and liquor can be sold without food.	Hemingway, Wayne(R)[B]2025
HB505 01:28:46.239 - 9:58:47 AM	Public Hearing	allowing the sale of freeze dried foods produced in homestead food operations.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2025
HB310 01:41:23.560 - 10:11:24 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) establishing a commission to study the creation of a regulatory framework for stable tokens, tokenized real-world assets, and blockchain-based trusts in New Hampshire.	Ammon, Keith(R)[A]2025
HB639 01:50:39.119 - 10:20:40 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the use of and disputes over blockchain and digital currencies.	Ammon, Keith(R)[A]2025

HB225 1573s: Mr. Jones Information Only00:02:56.239 - 8:32:57 AM; Mr. Jones distributed a list of bills to be discussed in the executive session, including House Bill 225.
HB225 1573s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:03:50.319 - 8:33:51 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 225 with an amendment that clarifies the definition of employer and allows employers to not reemploy if circumstances make it impossible or unreasonable.
HB225 1573s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:04:54.400 - 8:34:55 AM; A senator expressed support for the bill's intent but raised concerns about the impact on small businesses, suggesting a re-refer for further study.
HB225 1573s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:07:15.039 - 8:37:16 AM; A senator discussed potential conflicts with the Department of Labor's definition of employer but noted that the bill's clarification is specific to this instance.
HB225 1573s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:08:08.800 - 8:38:09 AM; A senator supported re-referring the bill, believing it needs more work despite supporting its intent.
HB225 1573s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:22:22.720 - 8:52:23 AM; A senator raised concerns about a potential issue mentioned in the hearing report regarding the compensation of military spouses during deployment, questioning if the amendment addressed this issue.
HB225 1573s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:23:22.320 - 8:53:23 AM; A senator discussed the impact of the bill on small businesses and suggested that re-referring the bill would allow for further refinement.
HB225 1573s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:24:19.159 - 8:54:20 AM; A senator questioned whether the amendment addressed concerns about the compensation of military spouses during deployment, suggesting a need for further discussion with the labor committee.
HB225 1573s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:25:19.919 - 8:55:20 AM; A senator suggested re-referring the bill to address concerns and refine the language, with a plan to revisit it the following week.
HB242: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:09:23.680 - 8:39:24 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 242, which had no opposition from the liquor commission.
HB296: Senator Murphy Information Only00:10:38.720 - 8:40:39 AM; Senator Murphy requested to hold House Bill 296 due to ongoing discussions with the sponsor and other parties, planning to present an amendment the following week.
HB309 1538s: Aaron Information Only00:11:54.880 - 8:41:55 AM; Aaron explained the amendment to House Bill 309, which addresses security deposits and was moved to pass.
HB382 1243s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:12:58.320 - 8:42:59 AM; A senator explained the amendment to House Bill 382, which deals with vehicle loan contracts and was moved to pass.
HB406: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:14:12.399 - 8:44:13 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 406 with no opposition.
HB410: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:15:26.800 - 8:45:27 AM; A senator moved to re-refer House Bill 410, citing the need for more time due to other related bills and zoning studies.
HB437: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:16:31.360 - 8:46:32 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 437, which facilitates the process of tracking undischarged mortgages and was supported by realtors.
HB499: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:17:33.120 - 8:47:34 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 499, brought forward on behalf of the department.
HB631: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:18:42.559 - 8:48:43 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 631, discussing its potential impact on housing opportunities in commercial areas like malls.
HB631: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:19:53.120 - 8:49:54 AM; A senator expressed concerns about the bill being an unfunded mandate and decided to vote against it.
HB631: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:21:03.840 - 8:51:04 AM; A senator commended the housing action group for their work on visualizing mixed-use residential development.
HB685: Senator Rearen Information Only00:22:22.720 - 8:52:23 AM; Senator Rearen moved to pass House Bill 685, which allows for the construction of manufactured housing in residentially zoned areas.
HB694: Senator Rearen Information Only00:23:22.320 - 8:53:23 AM; Senator Rearen moved to pass House Bill 694.
HB633: Michael Dafano, Amherst, New Hampshire Support00:31:23.520 - 9:01:24 AM; Michael Dafano, a real estate expert from Amherst, urged the committee to pass HB 633 in its original language. He explained that the bill aims to establish a housing investment trust to address the housing supply shortfall by leveraging private capital. The trust would operate independently with three investment classes and ensure the safety and welfare of families through a structured governance model. Dafano emphasized the importance of the original language to avoid delaying critical action and proposed the inclusion of a study committee for further refinement.
HB633: Representative Gary Daniels, Milford, New Hampshire Support00:49:10.960 - 9:19:11 AM; Representative Gary Daniels, the prime sponsor of HB 633, supported reinstating the original language of the bill. He explained that the House had amended it to a study committee due to its complexity. Daniels highlighted the bipartisan nature of the bill and its potential as a private sector solution to the housing crisis. He suggested that both the original language and a study committee could be included to allow for legal work and further study simultaneously, aiming to have a refined version ready for the next legislative session.
HB77: Representative (Co-Sponsor), Unnamed Town Support00:55:57.119 - 9:25:58 AM; A co-sponsor of HB 77 explained that the bill addresses privacy concerns by prohibiting merchants from storing information scanned from driver's licenses when selling alcohol. The amended version clarifies that such recording is not authorized. The representative suggested that the bill could be expanded in future sessions to cover other areas where licenses are scanned.
HB77: Senator Rashardi, Unnamed Town Support00:57:03.839 - 9:27:04 AM; Senator Rashardi supported the bill and suggested expanding it to cover other instances where licenses are scanned, such as at pharmacies for gift card purchases or returns. The senator highlighted the potential for identity theft and the need for broader privacy protections.
HB77: Deborah Johnson, Grantham, New Hampshire Support00:59:22.240 - 9:29:23 AM; Deborah Johnson from Grantham supported HB 77 but opposed the amendment, arguing that it neutralizes the bill's effectiveness. She expressed concerns about the potential for businesses to store personal information from driver's licenses, citing the risk of identity theft and the lack of monitoring to ensure compliance with privacy laws. Johnson emphasized the importance of maintaining privacy over convenience and supported the original bill's intent to prohibit the retention of such information.
HB81: Representative Erica Layon Rockingham - District 13, New Hampshire Support01:03:38.079 - 9:33:39 AM; Erica Leon, representing the town of Derry, introduced House Bill 81 on behalf of Representative Jared Sullivan. The bill was inspired by a personal story of a friend of Sullivan who was drugged and raped after a night out. The bill aims to change the law that prohibits bringing alcohol into restrooms, arguing that the risk of drugging is more significant than concerns about sanitation. Leon emphasized the importance of empowering individuals to protect themselves from assault over micromanaging drink handling.
HB81: Henry Deu, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Oppose01:06:00.880 - 9:36:01 AM; Henry Deu, representing the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, expressed opposition to House Bill 81. He highlighted the challenges the bill would pose to operators in managing alcohol consumption, including issues with underage drinking and overconsumption. Deu mentioned that the industry generally prefers to keep drinks behind the bar for safety, and he responded to questions about the practical enforcement of the current law, suggesting that it's difficult to monitor every drink entering a bathroom.
HB81: Chief Mark Armagan, Director of Liquor Enforcement and Licensing Information Only01:09:38.238 - 9:39:39 AM; Chief Mark Armagan, along with Lieutenant Matt Culver, provided neutral testimony on House Bill 81. Armagan acknowledged the valid points on both sides of the issue, including the risk of contaminated drinks and the operational challenges for licensees. He noted that the Liquor Commission has not cited operators for drinks in restrooms but has warned them. Armagan shared personal concerns as a father about the safety of drinks left unattended, indicating the complexity of the issue.
HB276: Senator Murphy Information Only01:14:48.480 - 9:44:49 AM; Senator Murphy introduced House Bill 276 on behalf of Representative Hemingway. The bill proposes a new liquor license allowing the sale of beverages, wine, and liquor without the requirement of serving food. Murphy admitted to reading the bill for the first time during the hearing and was unable to answer questions.
HB276: Henry Veu, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Oppose01:15:23.920 - 9:45:24 AM; Henry Veu, representing the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, opposed House Bill 276. He argued that the current law requiring food service has led to significant investments in kitchens by establishments, and removing this requirement could lead to a proliferation of low-investment bars. Veu responded to questions about the food sales requirement, noting that some establishments meet the minimum with minimal food offerings.
HB276: Chief Mark Armagan, Director of Liquor Enforcement and Licensing Information Only01:17:47.840 - 9:47:48 AM; Chief Mark Armagan, along with Lieutenant Matt Culver, provided information on House Bill 276. Armagan explained the current food requirement's role in slowing alcohol absorption and mentioned exceptions like cigar bars. He discussed potential impacts of the new license type, including a possible increase in establishments switching to this license and the need for towns to opt-in. Armagan also addressed questions about existing license types and the potential for limiting the number of new licenses.
HB505: Representative Judy Aaron, representing the towns of Alstead, Goshen, Langdon, Lempster, and Washington in Sullivan County District 4 Support01:28:46.239 - 9:58:47 AM; Representative Aaron introduced and testified in favor of HB505, which allows homestead food operations to sell freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and processed dairy products. She highlighted the unanimous bipartisan support the bill received in the House Environment and Agriculture Committee and the House. The bill adds a new section to RSA 143A:12, enabling homestead food producers to sell these products at farm stands, farmers markets, and retail food stores. She emphasized the bill's support for local businesses, entrepreneurship, and the agricultural economy, while maintaining food safety. Aaron also provided detailed information on the freeze-drying process, its history, and its benefits in food preservation and safety, including the requirement for a homestead food license and a process review to ensure safety.
HB505: Representative Tom Shamberg of Merrimack 6, representing the towns of Wilmot and Sutton Support01:35:44.560 - 10:05:45 AM; Representative Shamberg expressed support for HB505, commending Representative Aaron and her committee for their work on the legislation. He shared a personal anecdote about Representative Aaron's previous efforts in supporting capital investments in county fairs, drawing a parallel to her current support for freeze-dried foods as an economic tool. Shamberg highlighted the potential economic benefits of the bill for New Hampshire's local communities.
HB505: Colleen Smith and Erica Davis, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only01:37:49.360 - 10:07:50 AM; Colleen Smith and Erica Davis from the Department of Health and Human Services provided background on the department's initial concerns with the original version of HB505. They explained that the bill was amended to address these concerns by limiting the products to freeze-dried vegetables, fruits, and commercially processed dairy products, and requiring a homestead license for this process. They detailed the new subdivision under RSA 143A that the amended bill would create, allowing licensed homesteads to produce and sell these products at various locations.
HB310: Representative Keith Ammon of Hillsborough District 42 Support01:41:23.560 - 10:11:24 AM; Representative Ammon introduced HB310, which establishes a study commission on blockchain and digital asset technology. He highlighted the significance of blockchain technology in potentially underpinning the world financial system. The bill focuses on stable tokens, real-world asset tokenization, and a new concept of blockchain-based trusts. Ammon mentioned Wyoming's similar commission and the need for New Hampshire to attract innovation and protect consumers. He also noted ongoing federal legislation and the importance of a study commission to address these complex issues.
HB310: Paul Fandela, Stoddard, New Hampshire Oppose01:45:26.159 - 10:15:27 AM; Paul Fandela, with 52 years of experience in the computer industry, opposed HB310, citing several defects. He argued that stable coins are not stable, using the example of USDC's exposure to Silicon Valley Bank's failure. Fandela criticized the lack of environmental representation on the proposed study commission, emphasizing the significant energy use associated with cryptocurrency mining. He suggested amending the bill to include environmental experts to address these concerns.
HB639: Representative Keith Ammon of Hillsborough District 42 Support01:50:39.119 - 10:20:40 AM; Representative Ammon introduced HB639, which aims to update New Hampshire's laws to align with other states regarding digital assets. He provided an overview of the bill, which includes sections on purpose and findings, definitions, and preventing prohibitions against using digital assets. Ammon addressed concerns about energy use and noise from Bitcoin mining, emphasizing that the bill prevents discrimination against the industry's energy use. He also discussed the blockchain dispute docket and clarified the language regarding staking, ensuring it is not considered a securities offering but allowing action against fraud.
HB639: Katie Taylor and Eric Forier, Director of the Bureau of Securities Regulation Oppose01:58:17.840 - 10:28:18 AM; Katie Taylor and Eric Forier spoke in opposition to the language of HB639 as amended by the House. Their primary concern was the language in section 359-V:4, IV, which states that businesses offering digital asset mining or staking services should not be considered as offering a security. They argued that this could hinder the Bureau's ability to protect New Hampshire investors. They provided an example of a previous case where an individual misled investors into a digital asset mining scheme, resulting in financial loss. They worked with Representative Ammon on an amendment to address their concerns, which they believe balances investor protection with responsible capital formation. The amendment includes definitions and provisions that allow for individual and exchange-based staking under certain conditions, while maintaining the Bureau's ability to protect against fraudulent activities.
HB639: Katherine Corkery, Chapter Director for New Hampshire Sierra Club Oppose02:02:59.679 - 10:33:00 AM; Katherine Corkery, representing the New Hampshire Sierra Club, opposed HB639 as it was presented. She highlighted the instability and risks associated with the blockchain industry, emphasizing the environmental impact due to high energy demands and the lack of regulatory guardrails. She expressed concerns about the bill's potential to create confusion and undermine the authority of state and local governments, particularly noting a section of the bill that prohibits state or local agencies from banning these activities. Her testimony underscored the need to protect the state's interests over promoting a single industry.
HB639: Ken Soulen, Londonderry, New Hampshire Oppose02:07:29.119 - 10:37:30 AM; Ken Soulen expressed concerns about the environmental impact of crypto mining, focusing on the high energy consumption required for one transaction, which he stated is around 1,200 kilowatt-hours, enough to power a home for 50 days. He highlighted New Hampshire's current energy mix and questioned how the installation of large energy-demanding facilities under HB639 would affect residential and small business electric rates, given that New Hampshire already has some of the highest electrical rates in the nation. He also pointed out that these facilities are not clean industries due to their high conversion of fossil fuels into electricity and questioned the overall benefit to New Hampshire citizens.
HB639: Pat Stevens, Derry, New Hampshire Oppose02:09:56.400 - 10:39:57 AM; Pat Stevens spoke about the noise pollution caused by a crypto mining facility in North Tonawanda, New York, where his family resides. He described how the noise from the facility disrupts daily life and business operations, leading to dissatisfaction among residents who felt misled about the impact of the facility. Stevens emphasized that the noise can be heard from a mile to a mile and a half away and suggested that New Hampshire should look into the experiences and recommendations of North Tonawanda before proceeding with similar projects.
HB639: Lena Nerk, Guilford, New Hampshire Oppose02:12:25.800 - 10:42:26 AM; Lena Nerk opposed HB639, citing the experiences of other states like Arkansas and Pennsylvania, where similar legislation led to unintended negative consequences such as extreme noise pollution and disruption of local life. She pointed out the fiscal note's mention of a blockchain dispute docket and how it would limit the Bureau of Securities Regulation's authority, potentially harming consumer protection in New Hampshire. Nerk argued that HB639 would protect the crypto industry at the expense of local communities and suggested that New Hampshire should avoid these costly missteps.
HB639: Lee Oxenham, Plainfield, New Hampshire Oppose02:15:46.000 - 10:45:47 AM; Lee Oxenham, a former member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, testified against HB639 due to the significant water usage and wastage associated with cryptocurrency mining. He discussed the need for water to cool mining operations and the additional water used by the power plants generating the required electricity. Oxenham submitted a peer-reviewed article highlighting the water consumption in the Bitcoin industry and warned of the potential threat to drinking water supplies and the environment, including thermal pollution and the impact on local water treatment costs. He emphasized the current drought conditions in New Hampshire and argued that the state's economy and environment would suffer from the exemptions proposed in HB639.
HB639: Lesie Woodard, Londonderry, New Hampshire Oppose02:19:33.040 - 10:49:34 AM; Lesie Woodard from Londonderry, New Hampshire, strongly opposes HB 639, arguing that it excessively accelerates the adoption of blockchain technology and undermines state and local sovereignty. She criticizes the bill for favoring the industry over public interests. Woodard highlighted the severe environmental impact of cryptocurrency mines, particularly their constant noise pollution which she described as torturous and likened to military-grade torture. She mentioned personal health issues exacerbated by such noises and cited examples from Arkansas where residents suffer similar problems, including decreased property values. She also raised concerns about the high water and electricity consumption of these mines, leading to environmental degradation such as fish die-offs and algal blooms.
HB639: Paul Fandella Oppose02:23:16.399 - 10:53:17 AM; Paul Fandella expressed opposition to HB 639, stating that the bill is not ready for implementation and requires further examination, particularly regarding its environmental impact. He cited a study from Harvard's Chan School of Public Health published in Nature, which analyzed the air pollution from 34 major Bitcoin mines in the U.S. The study found these mines consume a significant amount of power, mostly from fossil fuels, impacting nearly 2 million people with pollution. Fandella also warned about the financial risks to senior citizens who might invest in cryptocurrencies, potentially losing their life savings due to the volatile nature of these assets. He concluded by urging the committee to reject the bill and conduct further studies.

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