Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (05/06/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB649 00:02:30.959 - 8:31:16 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to motor vehicle registration and registration fees pertaining to the rental fleet passenger vehicle registration program and motor vehicle inspections.	Granger, Michael(R)[A+]2025
HB77 00:03:44.640 - 8:32:30 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) prohibiting certain licensees from electronically recording or storing personal information obtained from an identification card.	Verville, Kevin(R)[B-]2025
HB81 00:05:04.880 - 8:33:50 AM	Executive Session	(NEW TITLE) relative to consumption of beverages or liquor in areas not approved for service by the liquor commission.	Sullivan, Jared(D)[D]2025
HB225 1573S 00:06:16.479 - 8:35:02 AM	Executive Session	relative to the employment of military spouses in the event of involuntary deployment of service member.	Creighton, James(R)[B+]2025
HB276 00:07:27.160 - 8:36:13 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) establishing a liquor license where beverages, wine, and liquor can be sold without food.	Hemingway, Wayne(R)[B]2025
HB296 00:10:43.000 - 8:39:29 AM	Executive Session	relative to issuing building permits along private roads.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2025
HB310 00:11:58.800 - 8:40:44 AM	Executive Session	(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
HB413 00:12:52.600 - 8:41:38 AM	Executive Session	relative to subdivision regulations on the completion of improvements and the regulation of building permits.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB505 00:14:03.959 - 8:42:49 AM	Executive Session	allowing the sale of freeze dried foods produced in homestead food operations.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2025
HB577 1462 00:15:19.199 - 8:44:05 AM	Executive Session	relative to modifying the definition of ADUs.	Alexander, Joe(R)[A+]2025
HB633 00:21:27.640 - 8:50:13 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) creating a legislative study committee to investigate the implementation of housing investment trusts in New Hampshire.	Daniels, Gary(R)[A-]2025
HB280 00:33:18.640 - 9:02:04 AM	Public Hearing	relative to wage payments.	Turcotte, Len(R)[B]2025
HB467 01:04:19.119 - 9:33:05 AM	Public Hearing	defining "social districts" and enabling municipalities to create social districts.	Boyd, Bill(R)[C]2025
HB342 01:16:02.520 - 9:44:48 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to the approval process for new construction and to the adoption of energy efficient and clean energy districts by municipalities.	Long, Patrick(D)[D]2025
HB457 01:33:18.719 - 10:02:04 AM	Public Hearing	(Second New Title) relative to zoning restrictions on dwelling units.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB60 02:05:55.679 - 10:34:41 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the termination of tenancy at the expiration of the tenancy or lease term.	Lynn, Bob(R)[B]2025

HB649: Chair Information Only00:02:30.959 - 8:31:16 AM; The chair opened the committee on commerce and announced that House Bill 649 would be discussed the following Tuesday due to the need to review two amendments that were recently received. The chair suggested moving into executive session to handle other bills on the agenda.
HB77: Senator Murphy Support00:03:44.640 - 8:32:30 AM; Senator Murphy moved to pass House Bill 77 FN, which prohibits storing certain private information electronically. The motion was seconded by Senator Mcu.
HB81: Senator Fenton Support00:05:04.880 - 8:33:50 AM; Senator Fenton moved to pass House Bill 81, which deals with the consumption of beverages not approved for service by the Liquor Commission. The motion was seconded by Senator Murphy.
HB225 1573S: Senator Support00:06:16.479 - 8:35:02 AM; A senator supported the amendment 1573S to House Bill 225 FN, which deals with the employment of military spouses during involuntary deployment. The senator had reviewed the amendment with Senator Murphy and understood it better.
HB276: Senator Support00:07:27.160 - 8:36:13 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 276 FN, which would allow liquor licenses for selling beverages, wine, and liquor without requiring food. The senator criticized New Hampshire's liquor laws, describing them as a 'joke' due to the state's tradition of not having bars but issuing licenses based on other amenities like pool tables or golf courses. The senator mentioned a business in Milford using a toaster oven to comply with the law and expressed a desire to end the pretense that there are no bars in New Hampshire.
HB296: Senator Murphy Information Only00:10:43.000 - 8:39:29 AM; Senator Murphy mentioned having an amendment for House Bill 296, which deals with building permits along private roads, but the amendment number was not available. The chair decided to postpone the discussion until the next executive session after the hearings to allow time to find the amendment.
HB310: Senator Support00:11:58.800 - 8:40:44 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 310, which establishes a commission to study the creation of a regulatory framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. The motion was seconded by Senator Murphy.
HB413: Senator Support00:12:52.600 - 8:41:38 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 413, which deals with subdivision regulations and building permits. The bill extends the exemption period for subdivision plats from 5 to 7 years and increases the preliminary step from 2 to 3 years.
HB505: Senator Support00:14:03.959 - 8:42:49 AM; A senator moved to pass House Bill 505, which aims to make it easier for small businesses to operate while keeping the public safe. There was one person in opposition and the Department of Health and Human Services was neutral.
HB577 1462: Senator Fenton Support00:15:19.199 - 8:44:05 AM; Senator Fenton introduced amendment 1462 to House Bill 577, the ADU bill. The amendment aims to make the bill more palatable for smaller towns by including provisions like physically connected ADUs, conditional use permits, manufactured housing, and parking requirements similar to single-family dwellings. The amendment also allows municipalities to establish aesthetic standards and proposes repealing a separate statute for detached ADUs. The effective date for the amendment is set for July 1st, 2026.
HB577 1462: Senator Oppose00:18:33.280 - 8:47:19 AM; A senator opposed amendment 1462 to House Bill 577, citing concerns about the bill's underlying issues. The senator believed that many of the concerns about ADUs were overblown, citing examples from Bedford where ADUs have been used successfully for in-laws and elderly parents without causing significant issues.
HB633: Representative Gary Daniels, Milford Support00:21:27.640 - 8:50:13 AM; Representative Gary Daniels, representing Milford, introduced House Bill 633, which originally aimed to create a definition for a housing investment trust. Daniels expressed support for the study commission but highlighted the importance of including the original bill's definition to continue the initiative. He noted that the bill was turned into a study commission by the House.
HB633: Senator McHugh Support00:23:37.280 - 8:52:23 AM; Senator McHugh supported establishing the study commission for House Bill 633 but also advocated for incorporating the original language to allow interested parties to start working on the initiative immediately. The senator suggested a committee amendment to restore the original language.
HB633: Senator Oppose00:24:41.440 - 8:53:27 AM; A senator opposed the original language of House Bill 633, preferring to focus on the study commission. The senator referenced confusion about the bill in the House Judiciary Committee, which led to it being turned into a study commission, and suggested taking more time to study the original bill.
HB633: Senator Reen Oppose00:27:53.440 - 8:56:39 AM; Senator Reen opposed both the amendment and the underlying bill of House Bill 633, expressing concerns about creating a bureaucracy for housing ownership. The senator highlighted existing private sector efforts and questioned the involvement of New Hampshire Housing Finance and the classification of the organization as charitable.
HB280: Representative Greg Hill, standing in for Representative Turkot Support00:33:18.640 - 9:02:04 AM; Representative Greg Hill, standing in for Representative Turkot, introduced House Bill 280, which aims to reduce regulatory burdens on New Hampshire businesses by removing 430 words from existing RSA 275 col43. The bill would allow employers and employees to mutually agree on the manner of payment.
HB280: Senator Information Only00:34:35.839 - 9:03:21 AM; A senator raised concerns about House Bill 280, questioning whether the bill's language allows for payments in forms other than readily convertible US currency, such as gold, silver, or crypto. The senator mentioned a constituent's experience with a scam involving a Green Dot prepaid card, expressing worry about the security of payroll payments.
HB280: Senator Reen Information Only00:39:00.960 - 9:07:46 AM; Senator Reen questioned the language in House Bill 280, pointing out that it states the manner of payment shall be determined by the employer, not by mutual agreement as claimed by the representative. The representative clarified that the bill as amended does state 'employer and employee.'
HB280: Representative Dan McLure, Amherst Oppose00:39:47.400 - 9:08:33 AM; Representative Dan McLure, representing Amherst, opposed House Bill 280, expressing concerns about the removal of protections for employees regarding the method of payment. McLure highlighted potential issues with being paid in unconventional forms like Bitcoin or gold and criticized the ability of employers to change payment methods with only 90 days' notice.
HB280: Danielle Albert, New Hampshire Department of Labor Information Only00:42:05.520 - 9:10:51 AM; Danielle Albert, Deputy Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Labor, provided a neutral testimony on HB280. She explained that the bill proposes to remove protections and requirements related to how employers pay wages to employees, specifically the requirement to pay in legal tender. The bill would replace this with a requirement for the manner of payment to be determined between employer and employee, with a 90-day notification needed for any change in payment method. Albert expressed concerns about the broad parameters of payment methods (e.g., gold, silver, trade services, cryptocurrency), which could complicate wage dispute resolutions and potentially increase complaints and inspection periods. She noted that despite state changes, federal wage payment requirements under the FLSA would still apply. She also mentioned potential impacts on workers' compensation calculations if wages are paid in non-traditional forms.
HB280: Alan Raph, New Hampshire AFL CIO Oppose00:55:41.520 - 9:24:27 AM; Alan Raph from the New Hampshire AFL CIO opposed HB280, arguing it would hinder employee security, create uncertainty in wage payment enforcement, and lead to unintended consequences. He pointed out that the bill is unnecessary as current laws already allow for non-traditional payment agreements between employers and employees. Raph humorously noted the potential for payment in unconventional forms like animal pelts, underscoring the bill's absurdity.
HB280: Claudia Estelle, Aworth, Economic Justice Ministry, United Church of Christ Oppose00:58:23.440 - 9:27:09 AM; Claudia Estelle from Aworth, representing the Economic Justice Ministry of the United Church of Christ, opposed HB280. She highlighted the power imbalance between employers and employees, suggesting that employees might feel pressured to accept non-traditional payment methods due to job insecurity. She emphasized the need for employee protection and noted that many of her concerns had already been voiced by others.
HB280: Gail Kenny, Canaan, South Danbury Christian Church, United Church of Christ Oppose00:59:55.680 - 9:28:41 AM; Gail Kenny from Canaan, pastor of the South Danbury Christian Church, part of the United Church of Christ, opposed HB280. She expressed disbelief at the bill's premise, questioning its rationale and highlighting its potential for negative national media attention. Kenny urged the committee to swiftly deem the bill inexpedient to legislate, citing its potential to undermine employee protections.
HB280: Kathy Stout, Representative, Hillsboro District 25, Manchester Oppose01:01:56.200 - 9:30:42 AM; Kathy Stout, representing Hillsboro District 25 in Manchester, opposed HB280. She emphasized the economic challenges faced by her constituents who live paycheck to paycheck, stressing that non-traditional wage payments could severely impact their ability to meet basic needs. Stout argued that such a bill could destabilize the local economy and urged the committee to consider the welfare of working families in their decision-making.
HB467: Bill Boyd, Representative, Hillsboro District 12, Merrimack Support01:04:19.119 - 9:33:05 AM; Bill Boyd, representing Hillsboro District 12 in Merrimack, introduced HB467, a local option bill defining and allowing municipalities to create social districts. He referenced the successful social district program in Raleigh, North Carolina, and highlighted economic benefits seen in cities like Detroit. Boyd explained that social districts allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public common areas, promoting economic development. He mentioned working with various stakeholders to build consensus around the bill and urged its favorable passage.
HB467: Birdie Duches, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support01:08:27.198 - 9:37:13 AM; Birdie Duches from the New Hampshire Municipal Association supports HB467, which would enable municipalities to establish social districts. The process involves the legislative body passing a warrant article to allow the governing body to create a social district. The governing body would then define the district's boundaries and work with the state liquor commission to ensure compliance with state laws and safety regulations. This initiative is seen as a response to interest from municipalities in setting up such districts, particularly in rural areas like New Hampshire where there is currently no mechanism for towns to allow open container policies between businesses in close proximity.
HB467: Drew Klein, Josiah Parllet Center for Public Policy Support01:10:06.800 - 9:38:52 AM; Drew Klein from the Josiah Parllet Center for Public Policy supports HB467 and shared his observations from Hickory, North Carolina, where the implementation of social districts revitalized the downtown area. He highlighted that these districts encourage people to visit multiple businesses, reducing vacant storefronts and fostering economic activity. Klein also mentioned that there was no increase in crime or public drunkenness in areas with social districts. He raised a concern about the bill's language regarding licensees, suggesting it could impact businesses like caterers and shops that might want to participate in the social district.
HB342: Patrick Enlong, Representative, Hillsboro District 26, Manchester Ward 7 Support01:16:02.520 - 9:44:48 AM; Representative Patrick Enlong introduced HB342, which aims to allow property owners to build on their property consistent with the existing neighborhood density without needing a variance for minimum lot size or coverage. He was inspired by complaints from constituents in Manchester Ward 7, where older neighborhoods have lots smaller than current zoning regulations allow. The bill proposes a context-based density approach, using a 1,000-foot radius to define the neighborhood, which he admits is somewhat arbitrary but necessary for defining the area.
HB342: Nick Taylor, Director of Housing Action New Hampshire Support01:20:38.960 - 9:49:24 AM; Nick Taylor from Housing Action New Hampshire supports HB342, highlighting its innovative approach to context-based density. He noted that the bill does not mandate property owners to follow this approach but offers it as an alternative to seeking variances. Taylor acknowledged potential challenges in measuring lot coverage but stressed the importance of lot size and unit density in the bill, hoping the committee would view it favorably.
HB342: Brody Deay, Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:21:30.960 - 9:50:16 AM; Brody Deay from the Hampshire Municipal Association opposes HB342, citing its administrative unworkability and unclear definitions of neighborhoods and zoning administrators. He argued that the bill's language is ambiguous regarding the measurement of properties within a 1,000-foot radius and the determination of density based on pre-existing structures. Deay emphasized that most municipalities lack the resources and software needed to implement the bill's requirements, and it could increase costs and burdens on local planning departments.
HB342: Chris Norwood, Vice Chair of the 2025 Public Policy Committee, New Hampshire Association of Realtors Support01:25:58.400 - 9:54:44 AM; Chris Norwood from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors supports HB342, emphasizing the importance of private property rights and the high cost and time associated with obtaining variances. He believes the bill offers a common-sense approach to allow property owners to build according to the density of their neighborhood, which he views as consistent with existing structures and zoning principles.
HB342: Drew Klein, President, Josiah Parllet Center for Public Policy Support01:29:53.760 - 9:58:39 AM; Drew Klein from the Josiah Parllet Center for Public Policy supports HB342, arguing that it restores the ability for organic growth and infill development consistent with neighborhood density. He dismissed concerns about the need for GIS software, suggesting that measuring a 1,000-foot radius is straightforward. Klein also clarified that the bill, as he reads it, applies only to residential dwelling units and would not supersede other zoning regulations like setbacks from water.
HB457: Diane Power, Representative, Hillsboro County District 36, representing Brooklyn, Mason, and Greenville Support01:33:18.719 - 10:02:04 AM; Representative Diane Power introduced HB457, which seeks to prohibit municipalities from enforcing zoning ordinances that limit occupancy based on familial or non-familial relationships or restrict the number of occupants to less than two per bedroom. She highlighted the issue of 'three unrelated rule' ordinances, which she believes unnecessarily limit housing options and discriminate against unrelated individuals during a housing crisis. Power provided research showing at least eight municipalities with such ordinances and argued for the need to protect property rights and increase housing affordability.
HB457: Buché, Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:45:57.159 - 10:14:43 AM; Buché from the Hampshire Municipal Association opposes HB457, arguing that zoning ordinances limiting group living are not discriminatory but land use issues. He stated that these ordinances treat all persons equally and do not affect access to housing, which is the focus of RSA 354-A:8. Buché explained that municipalities regulate congregate living to manage impacts on infrastructure and community, and these regulations often align with fire codes. He refuted claims that same-sex couples adopting children would be discriminated against by these ordinances, asserting that such families would be treated as a single unit.
HB457: Jonah O'an Wheeler, Representative, representing Peterborough and Sharon Support01:52:44.080 - 10:21:30 AM; Representative Jonah O'an Wheeler supports HB457, arguing that regulations limiting occupancy might exacerbate housing issues rather than solve them. He emphasized that the bill does not change lease agreements but prevents municipalities from restricting occupancy based on relationships. Wheeler highlighted situations where unrelated individuals might benefit from living together, advocating for the bill as a means to increase housing options.
HB457: Drew Klein, President, Bart Center for Policy Support01:54:50.159 - 10:23:36 AM; Drew Klein from the Bart Center for Policy supports HB457, asserting that government should not regulate the relationship status of cohabitants. He mentioned ongoing legal challenges to these ordinances under First Amendment principles and criticized the inconsistency in municipal policies that allow 55+ communities but restrict unrelated retirees from living together. Klein believes the bill would improve New Hampshire's housing laws from both a rights and policy perspective.
HB457: Chris Norwood, New Hampshire Association of Realtors Support01:57:13.679 - 10:25:59 AM; Chris Norwood from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors supports HB457, arguing that municipalities overstep by inquiring about tenants' relationships, which could lead to legal challenges. He refuted claims that the bill would allow for non-residential uses and emphasized that it is a private property rights issue, aiming to prevent municipalities from overly restrictive zoning practices.
HB457: Jeff Burland, representing small landlords Support01:58:13.679 - 10:26:59 AM; Jeff Burland, representing small landlords, supports HB457 and shared his experience with a friend affected by the 'unrelated rule' near the University of New Hampshire. He argued that such ordinances reduce the rental supply, increasing prices for everyone. Burland suggested amending the bill to specifically address students as a protected class to combat recent zoning changes that target them.
HB457: Nick Norman, representing housing providers Support02:01:04.320 - 10:29:50 AM; Nick Norman, representing housing providers, supports HB457, emphasizing that increasing rental supply would help ease housing affordability issues. He stated that the common industry practice of two people per bedroom should not be further restricted by municipalities, as it would worsen the housing shortage.
HB457: H Grace, Business and Industry Association Support02:02:07.360 - 10:30:53 AM; H Grace from the Business and Industry Association supports HB457, noting that it would increase housing supply by allowing underutilized units to be filled to capacity. He highlighted the potential economic benefits and the liability concerns for businesses when enforcing relationship-based zoning regulations, which can conflict with other governmental protections.
HB60: Bob Lynn, State Representative from Rockingham District 17, representing the town of Windham Support02:05:55.679 - 10:34:41 AM; Representative Bob Lynn spoke in support of House Bill 60, which he referred to as the 'contract means what it says act.' He argued that the bill aims to overrule a 2005 New Hampshire Supreme Court decision that stated the end of a lease term does not constitute good cause for eviction. Lynn explained that this decision affects even small landlords and discourages them from renting to less than ideal tenants due to the risk of long-term tenancy. He emphasized that the bill does not undermine tenant protections against retaliation or discrimination and refuted claims that it would increase homelessness, arguing that the housing market dynamics suggest otherwise. He also mentioned that the bill increases the notice period for lease non-renewal to 60 days.
HB60: Andrew Harmon, resident of New Hampton, previously from Keene Oppose02:20:20.560 - 10:49:06 AM; Andrew Harmon opposed House Bill 60, highlighting the challenges faced by tenants in subsidized housing. He discussed the lengthy wait times for housing and the difficulties in finding new accommodations, especially for those with specific needs like support staff. Harmon argued that allowing landlords to end leases without cause at the end of the term could lead to significant issues for tenants, including the inability to find comparable housing within the proposed 60-day notice period.
HB60: Judith Jones, New Futures Oppose02:23:27.920 - 10:52:13 AM; Judith Jones from New Futures opposed House Bill 60, focusing on its generational impact. She explained that housing instability affects children, individuals with substance use disorders, and older adults, the latter being the fastest-growing group of homeless people. Jones highlighted the increased homelessness among older adults in New Hampshire and the financial burdens of moving, such as first and last month's rent and security deposits, which are particularly challenging for those on fixed incomes. She urged the committee to consider the broader implications of the bill amidst the housing crisis.

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