Committee Summary for House Ways and Means (01/07/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:11:28.240 - 9:10:35 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: John Janigian, Chair of Ways and Means Information Only00:11:28.240 - 9:10:35 AM; John Janigian, the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, opened the session by welcoming members, both new and returning. He highlighted the importance of the committee's role in generating revenue estimates for the state's budget planning. Janigian explained that the committee's primary responsibilities include estimating state revenues for the upcoming biennium, with a deadline around February 15th, and reviewing bills related to taxes and fees. He mentioned upcoming sessions with state organizations like the Department of Revenue to understand their functions and projections. He also briefly discussed the process for handling bills, particularly those related to tax policies.
Unclear: Bill M, Representative from Nashua, NH Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; Bill M, serving his fourth term on the Ways and Means Committee, introduced himself, mentioning his background as a businessman who ran a high-tech company. He shared his experience in Nashua, NH, where he has lived for 20 years, and his past involvement with an apple orchard in Pelham, NH. He expressed his happiness in returning to the committee.
Unclear: Bill Bolton, Representative Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; Bill Bolton, in his second term on the Ways and Means Committee, introduced himself as a retired state employee with 30 years in public health, where he served as the State Registrar and Director of the Division of Vital Records. He now works as the executive director of Transport Central, a nonprofit providing transportation services in the Plymouth area. He also mentioned his extensive municipal involvement, having served four terms on the select board in his community.
Unclear: Fred Ducet, Representative Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; Fred Ducet, beginning his sixth term in the house, introduced himself. He shared his background as a retired firefighter and paramedic from Salem, NH, and his subsequent career in public service. He expressed enthusiasm for the committee's collaborative work and the importance of timely budget estimates.
Unclear: Mary Ford, Representative Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; Mary Ford, a career educator, introduced herself. She has experience as a teacher, state director of special education, and in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs. She is excited to work on the committee and contribute her expertise in creating efficient and affordable programs.
Unclear: Jim Tierney, Representative from Coos, NH Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; Jim Tierney, in his second term, introduced himself as a 15.5-year veteran of the US Air Force and a former FEMA employee. He has served on the board of selectmen in Northumberland, NH, for 10 years and mentioned he is not running for that position again.
Unclear: Scott Brier, Representative from Northwood, NH Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; Scott Brier, a freshman representative from Northwood, NH, introduced himself. He has a background in accounting and an MBA, with 35 years of service at the Department of Safety managing the road toll bureau. He also served as an audit manager at the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant and was involved in international fuel tax agreements.
Unclear: Thomas Opel, Representative from Canaan, Dorchester, and Orange, NH Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; Thomas Opel, in his first term as a state representative, introduced himself. He has a background as a reporter and a communications consultant, and he served as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy. He mentioned his son's service in the Navy.
Unclear: Mary Murphy, Representative from Deering and Francestown, NH Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; Mary Murphy, in her first term representing Hillsboro 27, introduced herself. She has recently started a software company focused on an AI-assisted search engine for medical procedures and previously owned a wealth management firm. She also worked as a senior executive at IBM and is involved in broadband initiatives in Francestown, NH.
Unclear: Spar, Representative Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; Spar introduced himself, mentioning his background in insurance and investment sales, followed by real estate brokerage. He left the business to produce an environmental documentary and now serves as the executive director of an environmental nonprofit.
Unclear: S. Ors, Representative Information Only00:12:27.000 - 9:11:34 AM; S. Ors, in his second term, introduced himself. He has a military background, having joined the Army right out of high school. He is an accountant, auditor, and controller by profession, having owned two businesses and worked as a part-time teacher at a community college.
Unclear: Tom Shamberg, Representative from Wilmot and Sutton, NH Information Only00:22:24.279 - 9:21:31 AM; Tom Shamberg, in his fifth term, introduced himself. He has a background in teaching K-12 and has served multiple terms as a selectman and on the municipal budget committee in Wilmot, NH. He also mentioned his previous role as a mayor in Ohio.
Unclear: Elberger, Representative Information Only00:22:24.279 - 9:21:31 AM; Elberger introduced himself, sharing his background in sociology, psychology, and counseling, with significant experience in addiction treatment. He has served on school boards and town meetings in Massachusetts and now hosts a radio show in Nashua, NH. This is his second term as a legislator.
Unclear: Dennis Malloy, Representative from Greenland and Rye, NH Information Only00:22:24.279 - 9:21:31 AM; Dennis Malloy, in his sixth term, introduced himself. He has a master's degree in journalism and a career in marketing, radio, and public television. He serves as a trustee of trust funds in Greenland, NH, and is involved in various state commissions.
Unclear: Aly, Representative Information Only00:22:24.279 - 9:21:31 AM; Aly, in her 15th term, introduced herself. She shared her extensive experience in international agricultural work and her involvement in developing education funding solutions in New Hampshire. She has served as chair of the Ways and Means Committee multiple times and helped navigate the state through the Great Recession.
Unclear: Jordan Ulery, Representative Information Only00:22:24.279 - 9:21:31 AM; Jordan Ulery, in his 11th term, introduced himself. He has a background in emergency medical services and insurance fraud investigation. He has served on the Ways and Means Committee for many years and highlighted the committee's budget accuracy and the challenges of the current year's estimates.
Unclear: Julius Soti, Representative Information Only00:22:24.279 - 9:21:31 AM; Julius Soti, in his third term, introduced himself. He has a background in philosophy, history, construction, and real estate investment. He is ready to contribute to the Ways and Means Committee.
Unclear: Julius Soti, Representative Information Only00:22:24.279 - 9:21:31 AM; Julius Soti, Representative, was finishing his speech at 00:22:24.279. The content of his speech is not included in the provided transcript snippet.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:38:28.160 - 9:37:35 AM; The speaker outlined the process of conducting public hearings on bills. They explained that during public hearings, individuals can speak using pink cards to indicate their name, intended speaking duration, and position on the bill. The speaker noted that after initial testimony, committee members can ask questions, emphasizing the importance of respectful decorum and avoiding confrontational tactics. They also mentioned handling situations with multiple speakers and the potential for time limits if necessary. Additionally, they discussed the order of speakers, typically starting with state senators, followed by state representatives, and then the public, with departments usually speaking last unless their input is crucial earlier.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:48:13.839 - 9:47:20 AM; The speaker continued discussing the legislative process after public hearings, focusing on work sessions and executive sessions. They explained that work sessions allow for discussion of the bill and potential amendments, while executive sessions involve voting on motions such as inexpedient to legislate (ITL) or ought to pass (OTP). They detailed the voting process, starting with the vice chair and moving through the majority party members, then the ranking Democrat, and finally the chair. The speaker also mentioned handling multiple amendments and the possibility of deferring a vote.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:51:40.119 - 9:50:47 AM; The speaker introduced Jennifer, a researcher assisting the committee, and highlighted her role in providing valuable information and historical context on bills. They also acknowledged Karen Kwaki, the administrative assistant, who supports multiple committees and is a crucial resource.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only00:55:07.400 - 9:54:14 AM; The speaker discussed upcoming meetings, mentioning that lunch would be served at 11:30 and a session with the New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants was scheduled for 1 o'clock. They outlined the meeting schedule for the following weeks, noting adjustments for Martin Luther King Day and the sharing of the room with the Criminal Justice Committee. They also mentioned the importance of preparing revenue estimates for the finance committees by February 15th, in line with the governor's budget release.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:04:56.400 - 10:04:03 AM; The speaker provided information about accessing financial reports online through the Department of Administrative Services, specifically mentioning the financial side of the department. They directed others to look for reports, including those on dedicated funds, and mentioned that an email titled 'Revenue Focus December Revenue Focus' was sent a few days ago containing this information.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:05:53.720 - 10:05:00 AM; The speaker discussed the schedule and logistics for the day, mentioning that monthly reports serve as indicators of financial tracking. They also talked about the timing for lunch and subsequent activities, including a presentation by the Society of CPAs scheduled for 1:00 PM. They emphasized the importance of members getting to know each other during the lunch break.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:07:54.440 - 10:07:01 AM; The speaker simply said 'you', indicating a brief acknowledgment or transition in the conversation.
Unclear: Unknown Speaker Information Only03:02:16.840 - 12:01:23 PM; The speaker announced the start of the meeting and requested members to take their seats.
Unclear: Robin Houston, CEO of the New Hampshire Society of CPAs Information Only03:04:43.080 - 12:03:50 PM; Robin Houston introduced herself as the CEO of the New Hampshire Society of CPAs and thanked the committee for allowing them to present. She provided an overview of the organization, highlighting its role as a statewide nonprofit focused on maintaining high professional standards, offering legislative support, and fostering educational and networking opportunities. Houston emphasized efforts to attract young people to the accounting profession and mentioned key partnerships with organizations like the New Hampshire Bankers, the New Hampshire Bar, and the Department of Revenue Administration. She introduced three members who would speak: Joel O from Windham, Kevin Kennedy, and Corey Reynolds, and provided contact information for follow-up.
Unclear: Joel Albre, New Hampshire Society of CPAs Information Only03:07:32.560 - 12:06:39 PM; Joel Albre, representing the New Hampshire Society of CPAs, discussed the recently abolished Interest and Dividends Tax (I&D Tax), noting its complexity and the challenges it posed for administration. He highlighted the tax's evolution from a simple 5% tax to a more complicated system involving rules on transferable interests and transactions under Section 754. Albre expressed relief at its elimination due to its increasing difficulty over the years. He referenced his involvement in a 2014 commission on business taxes under Governor Lynch, which recommended simplifying the I&D Tax by aligning it with federal Schedule B. He suggested renaming it to something simpler if it were to return and discussed the public's misconception about New Hampshire having no income tax. Albre also touched on the Business Enterprise Tax (BET), explaining its role in stabilizing state revenues and its interaction with the Business Profits Tax (BPT). He described the BET's components, its rate, and its threshold, noting its credit against BPT and its unique nature compared to other states. He responded to questions about potential simplification of tax codes and the impact of having only BET instead of both BET and BPT, suggesting a higher BET rate might be needed to maintain current revenue levels.
Unclear: Cory Reynolds, New Hampshire Society of CPAs Information Only03:25:35.080 - 12:24:42 PM; Cory Reynolds provided an overview of the New Hampshire business profits tax, which is part of a two-part tax system for businesses, working in conjunction with the business enterprise tax. He explained that the business profits tax operates similarly to a traditional income tax, with a 7.5% rate applied to the net profits of businesses. Reynolds detailed the process of calculating net profits, starting with federal taxable income and making adjustments based on differences between New Hampshire and federal tax laws. He highlighted the New Hampshire compensation deduction, applicable to non-corporate entities, and discussed the complexities and flexibility of determining reasonable compensation. Reynolds also mentioned the safe harbor compensation deduction set at $75,000 and past legislative proposals to increase it to around $110,000 and index it for inflation. He further discussed adjustments like depreciation, separate entity deductions, and the treatment of interest and dividend income. Reynolds concluded with information on net operating loss deductions and various tax credits available to offset business profits tax liability.
Unclear: Kevin Kennedy Information Only03:48:17.080 - 12:47:24 PM; Kevin Kennedy discussed the complexities of multi-state taxation for businesses, focusing on the concepts of Nexus, apportionment, unitary filing, and the inclusion of foreign income in New Hampshire taxation. He explained that Nexus, which can be physical or economic, determines whether a business is subject to a state's taxation laws. Kennedy noted that New Hampshire uses a single sales factor for apportionment and has adopted market-based sourcing. He described unitary filing, where related business entities may be required to combine their reporting due to common ownership or operations. Lastly, he touched on the treatment of foreign income under New Hampshire's Water's Edge approach and the recent inclusion of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) on the state's business profits tax return.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:59:42.800 - 12:58:49 PM; The speaker discussed the impact of business activity on taxation, particularly focusing on how states like Massachusetts and New York tax individuals working remotely for companies based in those states. They noted that during the COVID-19 period, states adapted their tax laws to maintain revenue despite remote work. The speaker also addressed questions about potential double taxation scenarios, such as an individual living in Connecticut and working remotely for a New York company, explaining that states might offer tax credits to mitigate double taxation. Additionally, the speaker touched on New Hampshire's adoption of market-based sourcing for taxation, explaining its purpose and the potential revenue implications, although no definitive data was available yet on its impact. The change to market-based sourcing was implemented for tax periods after December 31, 2021.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:06:15.920 - 1:05:22 PM; The speaker concluded the agenda for the day, mentioning upcoming meetings on January 13th and 14th to discuss revenue directions with state and outside agencies. They emphasized the importance of the committee's role in determining revenue estimates for the state's financial planning over the next two years.

Janigian, John(Chairman)(R)[B+]2024	Ohm, Bill(Clerk)(R)[B]2018	Ulery, Jordan(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2024
Almy, Susan(D)[CT]2024	Oppel, Thomas(D)	Smith, Steven(R)[B+]2024
Malloy, Dennis(D)[CT]2024	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2024	Doucette, Fred(R)[A-]2024
Southworth, Thomas(D)[CT]2024	Tierney, James(R)[B-]2024	Aures, Cyril(R)[A]2024
Bolton, Bill(D)[CT]2024	Elberger, Susan(D)[D-]2024	Smith, Geoffrey(D)[D-]2024
Soti, Julius(R)[A+]2024	Spahr, Terry(D)	Bryer, Scott(R)
Murphy, Mary(R)	Ford, Mary(R)