Committee Summary for House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/16/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:07:05.599 - 9:05:06 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
SB19 00:10:21.640 - 9:08:22 AM	Public Hearing	relative to hotel and motel operations.	Innis, Daniel(R)[C+]2024
SB280 00:32:35.440 - 9:30:36 AM	Public Hearing	requiring a food delivery service to enter into an agreement with a food service establishment or food retail store before offering delivery service from that restaurant.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[C-]2024
SB162 01:00:55.440 - 9:58:56 AM	Public Hearing	relative to restrictions on acquisition of ownership, controlling, and occupancy interests in real property by certain foreign principals on or around certain military installations, and criminal penalties and civil forfeiture procedures for illegal acquisition.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
SB24 03:32:00.080 - 12:30:01 PM	Public Hearing	allowing students under age 21 to taste wine in educational settings.	Innis, Daniel(R)[C+]2024
SB79 03:50:17.680 - 12:48:18 PM	Public Hearing	enabling the use of self-pour automated systems by liquor commission licensees.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB80 04:21:26.080 - 1:19:27 PM	Public Hearing	consolidating licensing, auditing, and enforcement responsibilities for wholesale and retail e-cigarettes sales under the liquor commission.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB87 04:55:05.760 - 1:53:06 PM	Public Hearing	relative to one day liquor license requirements and making salons and barber shops eligible for on-premise licenses.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
SB89 05:34:32.798 - 2:32:33 PM	Public Hearing	enabling non-citizens who are legally authorized to work in the United States to deliver alcohol.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[C-]2024

Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:07:05.599 - 9:05:06 AM; The speaker inquired about the status of liquor enforcement in the budget, questioning if it had been removed or renamed. They mentioned that liquor enforcement would be discussed in the afternoon session. They explained the historical context of tobacco enforcement being handled by the Liquor Commission, which also manages licensing and enforcement, and how these enforcers are classified as group two, indicating they are armed and have badges. The speaker noted a legislative decision to reduce the number of these enforcers to save money, which could jeopardize tobacco enforcement funding.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:08:39.279 - 9:06:40 AM; The speaker continued discussing the role of the Liquor Commission's enforcers, emphasizing their dual role in licensing and enforcement. They highlighted the decision to reduce the number of group two enforcers as a cost-saving measure and expressed concerns about the potential impact on tobacco enforcement funding.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:09:24.880 - 9:07:25 AM; The speaker further elaborated on the reduction of group two enforcers and its potential financial implications, particularly the risk of losing tobacco enforcement funding. They expressed confidence that the enforcement division would not be lost due to practical considerations.
SB19: Grant Bossi, Deputy Chief of Staff for the New Hampshire Senate Support00:10:21.640 - 9:08:22 AM; Grant Bossi introduced Senate Bill 19 on behalf of Senator Dan Inis, the bill's prime sponsor. He explained that the bill aims to repeal outdated requirements for hotels and motels, such as maintaining a physical guest book and posting room rates in specific locations. He argued that these mandates are no longer necessary in the digital age and thanked the committee for their consideration and support of the bill.
SB19: Mike Summers, President & CEO, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Support00:12:07.839 - 9:10:08 AM; Mike Summers, representing the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, supports Senate Bill 19, which aims to modernize hotel statutes. He explains that the bill seeks to eliminate outdated requirements, such as the booking card system, which was already removed by previous legislation but still referenced in the statute. Additionally, the bill proposes to repeal requirements for posting rental rates, which are no longer enforced or followed. Summers argues that these changes are necessary to align the statutes with current industry practices, including variable pricing and digital record-keeping. He addresses concerns about price gouging, stating that the market should dictate hotel rates rather than outdated laws.
SB280: Max Taylor, Legislative Aid to Senator Rashardi Support00:32:35.440 - 9:30:36 AM; Max Taylor, on behalf of Senator Rashardi, introduces Senate Bill 280FN, which requires food delivery services to have an agreement with food service establishments before offering delivery. He explains that this requirement was previously part of New Hampshire law and helped reduce issues with unauthorized listings by third-party platforms. The bill aims to restore this safeguard to protect the integrity of restaurant brands and prevent consumer confusion. Taylor urges the committee to pass the bill to support the restaurant industry.
SB280: Mike Summers, President & CEO, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Support00:38:37.680 - 9:36:38 AM; Mike Summers supports Senate Bill 280FN, emphasizing the need for food delivery companies to have agreements with restaurants. He explains that such agreements ensure a smooth and synergistic relationship between restaurants and delivery services, protecting the restaurant's brand and ensuring accurate menu representation. Summers notes that issues reemerged after the previous law sunsetted, and reinstating the requirement would help maintain a positive consumer experience. He addresses questions about contract duration and monitoring, suggesting that restaurants should monitor compliance and use legal means to enforce agreements.
SB162: Regina Bersell, State Senator, District 19 (Derry, Hampstead, Windham) Support01:00:55.440 - 9:58:56 AM; Senator Bersell introduced Senate Bill 162, emphasizing its purpose to prevent land purchases by foreign adversaries near critical military installations in New Hampshire. She detailed that the bill targets entities from China, Russia, Syria, Iran, and North Korea, requiring them to sign an affidavit when purchasing or leasing property within 10 miles of specified military bases. The bill has been tailored down from last year's version and addresses national security threats, citing examples from other states like North Dakota. She mentioned amendments made in committee to clarify responsibilities for realtors and addressed concerns about the 10-mile radius, which was determined based on advice from military security experts.
SB162: Christopher Bond, Associate Attorney General Information Only01:08:20.319 - 10:06:21 AM; Associate Attorney General Bond clarified that under the bill, students would not be prohibited from renting housing near military bases unless they are acting as agents of a foreign government. He addressed concerns about the broad definition of 'foreign principle' and the constitutional limitations on restricting foreign nationals. Bond also discussed the logistics of the affidavit requirement and the potential for modifications, such as using an attestation for short-term rentals instead of notarization.
SB162: Representative Spear Information Only01:07:04.960 - 10:05:05 AM; Representative Spear raised a concern about the impact of the bill on students and whether the 10-mile radius restriction could affect their ability to rent housing near military bases. He questioned the implications of the bill on individuals who might be considered agents of foreign governments under different political systems.
SB162: Representative John Hunt, Cheshire - District 14 Information Only01:23:55.040 - 10:21:56 AM; Representative Hunt expressed concerns about the practical implications of the affidavit requirement, especially for short-term rentals like vacation homes. He questioned the feasibility and potential chilling effect on tourism in New Hampshire, highlighting the added hassle of notarization and submission to the Attorney General's office.
SB162: Representative Paxton Information Only01:31:49.120 - 10:29:50 AM; Representative Paxton, a real estate broker, discussed the practicalities of the affidavit requirement from a real estate perspective. He raised concerns about the burden of sending notarized documents to the Attorney General's office and suggested that retaining these documents with the participants in the transaction might be more efficient. He also questioned the impact on short-term rentals and proposed different standards for long-term versus short-term rentals.
SB162: Representative Sullivan Information Only01:16:38.880 - 10:14:39 AM; Representative Sullivan inquired about the evidence of actual espionage related to land purchases near military installations and the effectiveness of the bill in preventing such activities. He raised concerns about the 60-day cure period, suggesting it might be too long if significant damage could be done in a short time.
SB162: Representative Selby Information Only01:43:35.760 - 10:41:36 AM; Representative Selby asked about existing military processes for protecting their premises and whether new military installations would trigger the bill's restrictions. He was informed that military facilities can protect their own land but not adjacent New Hampshire land, and new installations would require legislative action to be added to the bill's list.
SB162: Bob Quinn, CEO of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors Oppose01:55:34.199 - 10:53:35 AM; Bob Quinn expressed opposition to SB162 on behalf of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors. He acknowledged the intent behind the bill but raised concerns about its impact on buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. He estimated that the bill would affect between 2,500 to 3,500 residential purchases within a 10-mile radius of military installations, potentially doubling with the inclusion of leases and commercial sales. This would require 6,000 to 7,000 notarized affidavits annually to be sent to the Attorney General's office. He compared the bill to similar statutes in other states, noting Florida's broader approach but pointed out that even Florida does not include leases in its prohibitions. Quinn highlighted the potential for transactions to fail due to misunderstanding of the notarization process and the risk of civil lawsuits if ownership structures are misreported. He also mentioned the Senate's failure to incorporate suggested liability protections for real estate professionals.
SB162: Lily Tong Williams, resident of Ware, NH Support02:03:46.960 - 11:01:47 AM; Lily Tong Williams, a resident of Ware, NH, and a China expert witness, supported SB162 in principle, suggesting logistical adjustments might be necessary. She detailed her background, having lived in China and her expertise in Chinese affairs, emphasizing the totalitarian nature of the Chinese government and its expansionist policies under Xi Jinping. Williams highlighted the infiltration of Chinese influence in the U.S. through various means, including Confucius Institutes, which she noted had been present at the University of New Hampshire. She discussed the threats and harassment she faced as a Chinese American and warned about the implications of Chinese investments near sensitive U.S. military areas. Williams offered to provide translations and further information to the committee and stressed the importance of addressing national security concerns posed by foreign adversaries.
SB24: Grant Bossi, Deputy Chief of Staff to the New Hampshire Senate Support03:32:00.080 - 12:30:01 PM; Grant Bossi, representing Senator Dan Inis, introduced SB24, which aims to allow students aged 18 to 20 in educational institutions to taste alcoholic beverages as part of beer and wine programs. The bill requires these students to undergo an alcohol training program by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission and follow a supervised 'sip and spit' policy. Bossi emphasized that this provision is intended to better prepare students for careers in hospitality and tourism, and noted that eight other states have similar laws. He clarified that the bill focuses on educational tasting, not consumption, and is designed to expand educational opportunities without allowing underage drinking.
SB24: Unknown Speaker Information Only03:36:21.520 - 12:34:22 PM; The speaker discussed the concept of students having a small taste of wine as part of a course, suggesting that Senator Inis believes students already have access to alcohol. The speaker clarified that the bill specifies the age range of 18 to 21 for qualified students and mentioned an alcohol education program provided by the liquor commission.
SB24: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Support03:38:59.520 - 12:37:00 PM; Aubrey Friedman from Bridgewater spoke in support of the bill, arguing that 18 to 20-year-old students should be treated as adults and allowed to taste wine as part of their educational course. He highlighted the bill's guardrails, such as the requirement for the tasting to occur at a university or college and the prerequisite of an alcohol education class.
SB24: Mark Armagian, Chief of Liquor Enforcement and Licensing Information Only03:39:52.600 - 12:37:53 PM; Mark Armagian, Chief of Liquor Enforcement and Licensing, discussed the bill's implications and the need for guardrails. He mentioned that they had researched other jurisdictions and found no negative data. He also clarified that a new alcohol education program would need to be initiated by the liquor commission, as they currently have no civilian trainers.
SB24: Unknown Speaker Information Only03:44:05.040 - 12:42:06 PM; The speaker questioned the necessity of the liquor commission providing the alcohol education program, suggesting that the educational setting itself could provide the training. Mark Armagian responded by emphasizing the importance of having those who enforce the laws daily involved in the training to ensure it is done correctly.
SB24: Unknown Speaker Information Only03:47:30.880 - 12:45:31 PM; The speaker clarified a misunderstanding about the legal drinking age, confirming that the argument was about brain development up to age 25, but the current legal age remains 21. The purpose of the bill was discussed, focusing on allowing college courses to include wine tasting without needing a liquor license for students over 21.
SB79: Senator Tim Lang, District 2 (Lakes Region) Support03:50:17.680 - 12:48:18 PM; Senator Lang introduced Senate Bill 79, which aims to enable the use of self-pour automated systems by liquor commission licensees. He shared his experience from a bar in Wisconsin where he used an RFID wristband to self-pour drinks, which he felt was an innovative and consumer-friendly approach. The system charges customers based on the amount of liquid they pour, allowing them to try different drinks without overcommitting. He addressed concerns about intoxication, explaining that the system can be monitored and shut off if necessary. Lang mentioned that one facility in New Hampshire already uses this technology for wine, but he wants to expand it to all liquor through legislation. He confirmed working with the agency and the hospitality industry, both of which support the bill. He believes it would benefit New Hampshire's tourism-driven economy.
SB80: Senator Lang Support04:21:26.080 - 1:19:27 PM; Senator Lang introduced Senate Bill 80, which aims to consolidate licensing, auditing, and enforcement responsibilities of wholesale and retail e-cigarette sales under the liquor commission. He explained that the bill stemmed from a study commission that identified unequal taxation among e-cigarette vendors due to the split jurisdiction between the Department of Revenue Administration (DRRA) and the Liquor Commission. The bill proposes to move all licensing and enforcement functions to the Liquor Commission, leaving only the auditing of taxation at the wholesale level with the DRRA. Lang highlighted the cooperative nature of the bill, with both the DRRA and the Liquor Commission in agreement, and mentioned industry support during the commission's discussions.
SB80: Representative Spear Information Only04:24:01.920 - 1:22:02 PM; Representative Spear raised a concern about a fiscal note that mentioned unclear wording in the bill. Senator Lang responded that the language was vetted by both the DRRA and the Liquor Commission and that the Senate had already amended the bill to address the issue of referring to licenses as certificates of good standing. He suggested that the committee might have an outdated version of the bill.
SB80: Representative Almy Support04:28:09.920 - 1:26:10 PM; Representative Almy expressed strong support for Senate Bill 80, crediting its thoroughness to the Liquor Enforcement Division. She expressed concern about the potential impact of HB2 on the division and hoped that the Senate would address it. She confirmed having the amended version of the bill and mentioned two minor issues, one of which she cared about more, related to the importation of liquid nicotine from China and the lack of ingredient lists and inspections.
SB80: Unknown Speaker Information Only04:30:52.080 - 1:28:53 PM; An unknown speaker mentioned that container ships carrying liquid nicotine from China are not being inspected, which was a concern raised in an earlier meeting.
SB80: Unknown Speaker Information Only04:31:53.600 - 1:29:54 PM; The speaker discussed the challenges of inspecting container ships for contraband at American docks, suggesting that it is impractical due to the high volume of ships and the time and resources required to inspect each container. They also mentioned the need to consult with the head of enforcement regarding this issue.
SB80: Unknown Speaker Information Only04:33:20.480 - 1:31:21 PM; The speaker expressed concern about the lack of control over products entering New Hampshire for sale, particularly related to vaping products. They mentioned that many vaping facilities do not report their sales, and products are often brought illegally into the state. The speaker also questioned the content of vaping products and the bill's scope in addressing these issues.
SB80: Unknown Speaker Information Only04:35:12.359 - 1:33:13 PM; The speaker discussed the bill's definition of tobacco products, noting that it includes products derived from tobacco or nicotine but does not explicitly mention liquid nicotine. They suggested that the bill should clarify whether liquid nicotine needs a special definition or treatment.
SB80: Unknown Speaker Information Only04:38:04.000 - 1:36:05 PM; The speaker raised concerns about the tobacco product seizure powers outlined in the bill, questioning whether these powers are excessive and if consultation with criminal justice is needed to ensure they are within legal bounds.
SB80: Alicia Preston, New Hampshire Vapors Association Support04:38:54.561 - 1:36:55 PM; Alicia Preston, representing the New Hampshire Vapors Association, expressed support for the bill. She explained that the association noticed discrepancies in vape taxes paid by different stores, with her client, Brett Scott of Smokers Havens, paying a disproportionately high amount despite not having a large market share. A study committee found that the bill would help level the playing field between compliant and non-compliant sellers.
SB80: David Sylvia, Altria Support04:41:03.680 - 1:39:04 PM; David Sylvia, Senior Director of Public Policy at Altria, supported Senate Bill 80. He explained that the bill would consolidate enforcement under the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, creating a clearer regulatory structure. He discussed the federal regulatory system under the FDA, where Altria operates, and emphasized the importance of matching state enforcement standards with federal ones to maintain order in the marketplace.
SB80: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Oppose04:43:03.840 - 1:41:04 PM; Aubrey Friedman from Bridgewater opposed the bill, questioning its effectiveness in improving public health or reducing smoking and vaping. He criticized the bill for increasing bureaucracy, as it would transfer duties from the DRRA to the Liquor Commission, requiring additional staff, space, and resources. He argued that this would lead to higher state expenses without clear benefits to residents.
SB80: Unknown Speaker Information Only04:46:34.320 - 1:44:35 PM; The speaker clarified that the purpose of the bill was to streamline the collection of taxes and improve enforcement by consolidating it under the Liquor Commission. They noted that the DRRA had reduced staff, suggesting efficiencies in government, and emphasized the need for even tax enforcement among businesses.
SB80: Unknown Speaker Information Only04:48:53.680 - 1:46:54 PM; The speaker discussed the potential for increased tax revenue due to better enforcement of tax compliance among wholesalers. They explained that the bill aims to ensure that all sellers comply with tax laws, and the Liquor Commission's involvement would help identify non-compliant sellers more effectively.
SB80: Unknown Speaker Information Only04:51:59.280 - 1:50:00 PM; The speaker responded to a question about taxing at the point of purchase by retailers instead of after consumption. They explained that the current system taxes at the distributor level to keep the number of taxable entities manageable and maintain the state's sales tax-free status.
SB87: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support04:55:05.760 - 1:53:06 PM; Senator Waters introduced Senate Bill 87, which aims to allow for-profit businesses to obtain one-day liquor licenses, similar to those available to nonprofits. The bill also seeks to legalize the practice of serving alcohol in salons and barber shops, which has been occurring illegally. He highlighted the need for these businesses to comply with safety and sanitary regulations set by local fire and health departments. The second part of the bill addresses the issue of salons and barber shops by proposing a cocktail lounge license for these establishments, limited to the time of the appointment. He acknowledged potential issues with the terminology and the age restrictions, suggesting further review.
SB87: Chief Mark Armagan, Director of Liquor Enforcement Licensing Support05:13:40.760 - 2:11:41 PM; Chief Armagan supported the bill, stating that it was developed in response to complaints about salons and barber shops illegally offering alcohol. He emphasized the need for a collaborative solution with the industry to bring these establishments into compliance, thus avoiding felony charges. He clarified that the bill allows salons and barber shops to offer alcohol for free or a fee, with the aim of ensuring compliance with the law.
SB87: Deputy Chief Danielle St, Deputy Director of Liquor Enforcement Licensing Support05:14:36.160 - 2:12:37 PM; Deputy Chief St provided technical details about the bill, explaining how it addresses the issues with salons and barber shops offering alcohol. She clarified that the one-day licenses for for-profit entities would not require detailed recordkeeping, similar to nonprofits, but that training is mandatory for all licensees. She addressed concerns about underage patrons and the need to ensure that the entire salon or barber shop is considered a cocktail lounge under the license.
SB87: Mike Summers, Lodging and Restaurant Association Support05:28:49.440 - 2:26:50 PM; Mike Summers spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing fairness in licensing and the potential for revenue generation. He pointed out that if some businesses can operate without a license, all should be able to. He suggested that once licensed, salons and barber shops could sell cocktails, potentially increasing revenue through rooms and meals tax.
SB87: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Support05:32:05.200 - 2:30:06 PM; Aubrey Friedman supported the bill, noting that it aims to legalize a practice that is already occurring. He appreciated the guardrails in place, such as limits on the number of licenses for for-profit events and time frames for alcohol consumption in salons. He believed the bill would bring in revenue and prevent businesses from getting into legal trouble.
SB89: Max Taylor, Legislative Aid to Senator Bashardi Support05:34:32.798 - 2:32:33 PM; Max Taylor introduced Senate Bill 89, which aims to allow non-citizens with legal work authorization, including visa holders, to serve and deliver alcohol. This is important for New Hampshire's hospitality and tourism industries, which rely on seasonal visa workers. The bill updates the law to reflect current needs and ensures that legally authorized workers can participate in job opportunities.
SB89: Mike Summers, Lodging and Restaurant Association Support05:35:24.320 - 2:33:25 PM; Mike Summers expressed support for Senate Bill 89, highlighting its importance for the hospitality industry's access to seasonal labor.
SB89: Mike Summers, Lodging and Restaurant Association Support05:36:08.080 - 2:34:09 PM; Mike Summers from the Lodging and Restaurant Association expressed full support for Senate Bill 89. He explained that the bill was introduced at their request to clarify the law regarding the employment of visa workers in the hospitality industry. Under the current law, non-citizens on H2B and J1 visas are technically prohibited from selling or delivering alcohol, which was not widely known or enforced. The proposed bill would amend the statute to allow these legally authorized workers to serve alcohol, addressing a long-standing issue in the industry. Summers emphasized the importance of this change for resorts and hotels that rely on these workers and noted that the language was developed in consultation with liquor enforcement.
SB89: Representative Murz Information Only05:37:54.558 - 2:35:55 PM; Representative Murz raised a concern about whether the bill could make visa workers more vulnerable to being picked up by ICE. Mike Summers responded that the bill is crafted to include only those who are legally authorized to work in the United States, suggesting that it should not increase vulnerability to ICE. He noted ongoing challenges in obtaining H2B and J1 visas but clarified that this issue is separate from the bill's intent.
SB89: Representative Evans Information Only05:38:58.638 - 2:36:59 PM; Representative Evans questioned the bill's language regarding the delivery of alcohol, noting that the bill's title mentions delivery while the text refers to selling or delivering. Mike Summers explained that the existing statute allows for delivery under certain conditions, such as during the COVID-19 period, and the bill aims to keep the language broad to cover all necessary business functions, including on-premises sales and delivery. The amendment simply clarifies that non-citizens legally authorized to work can participate in these activities.

Hunt, John(Chairman)(R)[B+]2024	Post, Lisa(Clerk)(R)[A]2024	Potucek, John(V Chairman)(R)[A]2024
Salvi, Santosh(D)	Chourasia, Manoj(D)	Ammon, Keith(R)[A+]2024
Herbert, Christopher(D)[F]2024	Osborne, Jason(R)[A]2024	Thackston, Dick(R)[B]2024
Walsh, Lilli(R)[B]2024	Porcelli, Susan(R)[A-]2024	Spier, Carry(D)[CT]2024
Burroughs, Anita(D)[CT]2024	Gibbs, Merryl(D)[CT]2024	McAleer, Chris(D)[CT]2024
Sullivan, Jared(D)[D+]2024	Miles, Julie(R)	Presa, Adam(R)