Committee Summary for House Ways and Means (01/22/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB290 00:06:14.120 - 9:04:55 AM	Public Hearing	increasing the taxes on cigarettes and electronic cigarettes and establishing a committee to study taxes on tobacco and other nicotine products.	Stringham, Jerry(D)[CT]2024
HB328 01:50:34.400 - 10:49:15 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a charitable gaming oversight commission.	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2024
HB328 03:14:13.479 - 12:12:54 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a charitable gaming oversight commission.	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2024
HB318 04:02:19.840 - 1:01:00 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the percentage of revenue from the business enterprise tax deposited in the education trust fund.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2024

HB290: Jerry Stringham, Lincoln, Woodstock, and Easton, Grafton District 3 Support00:06:14.120 - 9:04:55 AM; Representative Jerry Stringham, representing Lincoln, Woodstock, and Easton in Grafton District 3, introduced HB 290, which aims to increase taxes on cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, and establish a committee to study taxes on tobacco and other nicotine products. He views the bill primarily as a public health measure, highlighting the negative health impacts and costs associated with nicotine use. He detailed the proposed increase in cigarette taxes from $1.78 to $2.78 per pack, noting that even with this increase, New Hampshire would still have the lowest cigarette tax in New England. He also discussed the urgency and the inadequacy of current vaping tax rates, proposing adjustments to these rates. He emphasized the importance of periodic significant tax increases to encourage cessation and mentioned the formation of a committee to review all tobacco and nicotine tax rates and regulations.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:16:30.279 - 9:15:11 AM; An unnamed committee member asked Representative Stringham about the proposed $2.78 cigarette tax rate in real dollars compared to when the $1.78 rate was first established. Stringham explained that the proposed rate would be nearly equivalent in real dollars to the original $1.78 rate due to inflation. The committee member also inquired about the possibility of raising the tax incrementally over several years. Stringham argued that a sudden increase would be more effective for public health as it would encourage people to quit smoking more than gradual increases.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:19:38.919 - 9:18:19 AM; Another committee member asked about the comparison of New Hampshire's vaping tax rates to other states. Representative Stringham responded that even with the proposed rates, New Hampshire would still have the lowest or equal vaping tax rates in New England except for Maine. He also noted the unique structure of New Hampshire's vaping tax system and mentioned that he would provide a link to the Tax Foundation's 2024 vaping tax rates for all states.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:21:11.600 - 9:19:52 AM; A committee member questioned the primary purpose of the bill, whether it was to raise revenue or to reduce smoking. Representative Stringham stated that he views it as a public health bill first and foremost, but acknowledged the bill's potential to increase revenue. He mentioned that if the bill resulted in fewer people using nicotine and thus less revenue, he would still consider it successful.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:22:50.960 - 9:21:31 AM; A committee member asked about the rationale behind the different tax rates for closed and open vaping systems. Representative Stringham explained the differences in how these systems are used, noting that closed systems have a fixed amount of nicotine, while open systems allow for variable nicotine levels, which might be used for nicotine reduction strategies. He mentioned that New Hampshire is one of the few states with this bifurcated tax structure.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:24:58.919 - 9:23:39 AM; Another committee member asked about the role of the proposed committee in the bill. Representative Stringham stated that while the cigarette tax increase was clear, the committee would be useful to address issues with vaping systems potentially avoiding taxes and to determine reasonable tax levels while maintaining New Hampshire's competitive position in the region.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:26:46.000 - 9:25:27 AM; A committee member expressed concern about the impact of the bill on the premium cigar industry and the potential loss of revenue from menthol cigarettes as neighboring states ban them. They suggested a smaller increase of 22 cents to maintain a competitive advantage over neighboring states like Maine. Representative Stringham noted Maine's proposed increase to $3 per pack and agreed that competitive impact should be considered, but emphasized the public health benefits of the proposed increase.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member from Lincoln Information Only00:29:37.240 - 9:28:18 AM; The speaker from Lincoln, who is not on the Vermont or Maine border but on the Massachusetts border, discussed the revenue generated from cigarette and vape taxes due to commuters buying products in New Hampshire. They expressed concern about the potential negative impact on this revenue if the tax is raised, emphasizing the importance of the New Hampshire Advantage in attracting sales. The speaker also inquired about the rationale behind setting the proposed tax increase at $1 per pack, indicating a balance between health considerations and revenue.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member from Salem Information Only00:31:11.240 - 9:29:52 AM; The speaker from Salem, a former smoker, supported the idea of a $1 per pack increase, noting that it was intended to be noticeable to smokers, aiming to influence in-state smokers to reconsider their habits. They discussed the comparative tax rates with Massachusetts, especially on menthol products, suggesting that even with the increase, New Hampshire would remain competitive.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member Oppose00:32:22.080 - 9:31:03 AM; This speaker expressed a differing perspective, emphasizing personal freedom in smoking choices and opposing the use of tax increases as a means to reduce smoking. They highlighted the committee's focus should be on revenue and taxation, not on health policy, and stressed the importance of individual choice in smoking and vaping.
HB290: Representative Southworth Information Only00:33:55.360 - 9:32:36 AM; Representative Southworth inquired about the current tax rate in Massachusetts and the specifics of the bill, noting it does not directly address reducing the number of smokers. They discussed the bill's focus on revenue and the possibility of other New England states also increasing taxes, suggesting a need to keep pace with regional changes.
HB290: Representative Aly Information Only00:35:27.760 - 9:34:08 AM; Representative Aly discussed the committee's previous work on vaping taxes, mentioning the bipartisan effort to set fair prices for open versus closed canisters. They noted the Senate's decision to cut rates, which impacted the small craft industry, and raised concerns about the illegal import of vaping products from China without tax or regulation.
HB290: Nancy V, American Heart Association Support00:39:23.599 - 9:38:04 AM; Nancy V from the American Heart Association expressed support for HB 290, advocating for a minimum $1 per pack increase in cigarette taxes and parity in e-cigarette taxes. She highlighted the health benefits of higher taxes, including reducing tobacco-related diseases and the financial benefits to the state, noting that increases in tobacco taxes typically lead to higher state revenues despite decreased sales. She also emphasized the impact of tobacco use on Medicaid costs and the importance of addressing youth vaping.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:48:51.720 - 9:47:32 AM; This committee member questioned the correlation between health benefits and tax increases, seeking clarification on how a decrease in tobacco sales could still result in increased state revenue. Nancy V confirmed that despite fewer sales, the tax increase would generate more revenue for the state.
HB290: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:49:18.720 - 9:47:59 AM; The speaker, who arrived late, sought clarification on the $800 additional cost per New Hampshire resident due to tobacco-related Medicaid expenses and requested data on deaths related strictly to tobacco use. They shared their personal experience with smoking and heart surgery, emphasizing the health impacts of tobacco.
HB290: Harry Shaw, Eastwest Distributors, Seabrook Oppose00:51:31.599 - 9:50:12 AM; Harry Shaw from Eastwest Distributors in Seabrook opposed the tax increase, arguing that it would risk losing revenue from out-of-state customers who come to New Hampshire to purchase tobacco products due to lower taxes. He highlighted the importance of this revenue, especially from customers near the Massachusetts and Vermont borders, and expressed concern about potential loss of business to neighboring states if taxes are raised.
HB290: Representative ORS Information Only00:53:40.440 - 9:52:21 AM; Representative ORS asked Harry Shaw about the impact of a potential tax increase on cigarettes. Shaw expressed that an increase to 22 cents per pack would be the maximum his business could handle without losing customers, especially those from other states who come to Seabrook and Salem to purchase cigarettes. Shaw mentioned that these customers often buy in bulk and would not be deterred by a small increase, but a larger one could drive them to other states.
HB290: Michael Rolo, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, New Hampshire Support00:55:52.680 - 9:54:33 AM; Michael Rolo testified in support of HB 290, expressing gratitude to Representative Stringham for proposing it. He highlighted the public health benefits of increasing the cigarette tax, referencing statistics on cancer diagnoses and deaths related to tobacco use in New Hampshire. Rolo emphasized the economic impact, citing the state's healthcare costs related to tobacco and potential revenue gains from the tax increase. He also discussed the competitive tax rates of neighboring states and dismissed concerns about the impact of tax increases on retailers, based on his experience as a former representative.
HB290: David Sliko, National Convenience Distributors (NCD) Oppose01:02:58.960 - 10:01:39 AM; David Sliko spoke against HB 290, arguing that the proposed tax increase would negatively affect consumers and businesses in New Hampshire. He explained that his company's experience showed that tax increases lead to a significant decline in consumer purchases, shifting them to seek alternatives. Sliko noted that New Hampshire currently benefits from lower taxes, attracting customers from neighboring states, and that increasing taxes could harm this advantage and reduce overall state revenue.
HB290: Max Hagar, Root Vapors, Salem, New Hampshire Oppose01:06:39.359 - 10:05:20 AM; Max Hagar opposed HB 290, arguing that vapor products should not be classified with traditional tobacco products due to their different health impacts. He criticized the proposed tax increase on vapor products, suggesting it would drive consumers to black market alternatives or out-of-state purchases. Hagar offered to discuss solutions with legislators to improve tax collection and compliance within the vapor industry, emphasizing the need for a clear distinction between tobacco and vapor products.
HB290: Max Hagar, Root Vapors, Salem, New Hampshire Information Only01:06:39.359 - 10:05:20 AM; Max Hagar concluded his testimony by discussing the black market issues primarily related to vaping products. He mentioned that while he does not handle cigarette products, people still obtain cigarettes and vaping products online. He observed that customers who visit his vapor store also purchase cigarettes from nearby convenience or gas stations. Hagar noted a concerning trend of young individuals purchasing these products, mentioning a case of a 7-year-old buying for an older relative. He highlighted the testimony from the previous day about untaxed products flooding into the country, impacting revenue.
HB290: Kevin Dagel, President of the New Hampshire Grocers Association Oppose01:15:55.800 - 10:14:36 AM; Kevin Dagel opposed the proposed increase in cigarette tax under HB 290, arguing that it would cause economic damage in New Hampshire, not raise state tax revenues, and do little to reduce smoking. He emphasized that New Hampshire's current low tax rate on cigarettes compared to neighboring states is a significant factor driving over 40% of sales from cross-border purchases. Dagel warned that increasing the tax would reduce this advantage, driving cigarette sales and related purchases out of state. He also argued that while the intent of increasing cigarette taxes might be to reduce smoking, the effectiveness of such measures diminishes over time, leading smokers to switch to cheaper, unregulated products. Dagel recommended the committee find HB 290 inexpedient to legislate.
HB290: Representative Ol Information Only01:18:23.480 - 10:17:04 AM; Representative Ol questioned Kevin Dagel about the potential decrease in sales and ancillary sales due to the proposed tax increase, pointing out that previous testimonies from anti-smoking societies suggested the opposite outcome. Dagel responded by citing the current tax advantages New Hampshire has over neighboring states, particularly Maine, predicting a reduction in sales if New Hampshire's tax rate increased.
HB290: Representative SP Information Only01:19:39.560 - 10:18:20 AM; Representative SP asked Kevin Dagel about the source of the 40% figure for out-of-state cigarette sales. Dagel referred to studies and the New Hampshire Liquor Commission's data, which show that 40-45% of sales are from cross-border purchases. The discussion included hypothetical scenarios about potential revenue loss if all cross-border sales were lost due to a tax increase, juxtaposed with the potential revenue gain from the bill.
HB290: Representative Opal Information Only01:21:04.360 - 10:19:45 AM; Representative Opal further questioned Kevin Dagel about the 40% cross-border sales figure, clarifying that it includes sales from Massachusetts and Vermont, not just Maine. Dagel agreed, noting that the actual cost difference and sales tax in neighboring states could affect consumer behavior and cross-border shopping.
HB290: Unnamed Representative Information Only01:22:12.800 - 10:20:53 AM; An unnamed representative inquired about the number of adult taxpaying residents in New Hampshire who smoke or vape, highlighting the impact of the proposed tax increase on local citizens. Kevin Dagel noted that he did not have the specific numbers at hand but offered to look into it.
HB290: Representative Aly Information Only01:22:58.040 - 10:21:39 AM; Representative Aly raised concerns about the black market in tobacco and its relation to the state's efforts to maintain tobacco settlement funds. Kevin Dagel responded that while there are occasional bad actors in the industry, he was not aware of significant illegal sales of tobacco in New Hampshire.
HB290: Tom Fry, Lime, NH, President of Summit Distributing Oppose01:24:54.600 - 10:23:35 AM; Tom Fry, a resident of Lyme, NH, and president of Summit Distributing, a New Hampshire based company operating convenience stores and petroleum distribution, spoke in opposition to HB 290. He highlighted his experience with state tobacco policies in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, noting that when Massachusetts increased its tobacco tax, his stores in Massachusetts saw a significant decrease in sales. Conversely, when Massachusetts banned flavored tobacco, his stores in New Hampshire and Vermont experienced increased sales. Fry emphasized that New Hampshire's current low excise tax on tobacco has been beneficial, attracting out-of-state customers and generating significant tax revenue for the state. He warned against changing the tax structure for vape products, arguing that it would make New Hampshire less competitive with neighboring states and urged the committee not to increase taxes on tobacco products.
HB290: Brett Scott, President of New Hampshire Vapor Association and Owner/President of Smoker's Haven Information Only01:28:43.639 - 10:27:24 AM; Brett Scott, representing the New Hampshire Vapor Association and Smoker's Haven, provided information regarding the taxation of vape products. He referenced Senate Bill 433, which established a committee to study vape tax collection. Scott pointed out the lack of trackability and enforcement in the current system, suggesting that significant tax revenue is being lost due to evasion. He expressed hope for a forthcoming Senate bill to improve tax collection and enforcement and stressed the need to address these issues before considering any tax increases, as it would disadvantage compliant businesses.
HB290: Jennifer Ramsey, Tax Policy Counsel with the Department of Revenue Administration, and Lauren O'Sullivan, Senior Financial Analyst Information Only01:34:47.800 - 10:33:28 AM; Jennifer Ramsey and Lauren O'Sullivan from the Department of Revenue Administration provided information on the fiscal impact of HB 290. They explained that the bill affects tobacco stamp sales and ecigarettes, potentially increasing revenue by approximately $87.5 million from tobacco stamps and $3 million from ecigarette wholesale products, based on FY 2024 sales data. They noted that they could not calculate the impact on closed vape systems due to a lack of wholesale pricing data. Ramsey and O'Sullivan offered to provide additional data upon request, including a breakdown of open and closed system revenues for FY 2024.
HB290: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:42:02.520 - 10:40:43 AM; The speaker requested a history of the tobacco tax, particularly interested in understanding past changes in tax rates and their impact on sales. They inquired if the Department of Revenue Administration could provide such historical data to help predict future outcomes, acknowledging the limitations of historical data as a predictor but suggesting it could still offer useful insights.
HB290: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:42:48.920 - 10:41:29 AM; In response to the previous inquiry about tobacco tax history, the speaker confirmed that the tobacco stamp tax rate has been unchanged since 2008. They mentioned that while detailed data might be limited due to changes in revenue systems, aggregate data could be provided to show revenue changes following rate adjustments. They also noted that e-cigarette product rates have been in effect since 2020 with no changes.
HB290: Representative Brier Information Only01:44:02.599 - 10:42:43 AM; Representative Brier asked about potential tax evasion on e-cigarettes and referenced the tobacco uniformity project by the Federation of Tax Administrators. They sought information on best practices to reduce tax evasion on e-cigarettes, to which the response was that the committee would look into available data and provide it.
HB328: Representative Ames Support01:50:34.400 - 10:49:15 AM; Representative Ames introduced HB 328, which aims to establish a charitable gaming oversight commission for a 10-year period. They highlighted the transformation in the gaming industry in New Hampshire, particularly with the introduction of historic horse racing machines. Ames emphasized the need for oversight due to increased revenue and the complexity of issues like problem gambling, allocation of funds to charities, and the concentration of gaming facilities. They referenced previous commissions and reports, urging the committee to support the bill and suggesting minor amendments if necessary. They also mentioned a drafting error on page two, line 19, which they believe should be corrected.
HB328: Representative Duet Support02:05:22.639 - 11:04:03 AM; Representative Duet supported the bill, confirming the need for a commission to address the myriad issues in charitable gaming. They raised a concern about the voting rights of the executive director of the Lottery and the Attorney General on the commission, suggesting they should not vote to avoid any exposure and to ensure legislative decision-making. Representative Ames responded positively to this suggestion, acknowledging the value of their input while agreeing that voting could be left to legislators.
HB328: Representative Elme Support02:07:45.079 - 11:06:26 AM; Representative Elme expressed concerns about the lack of guardrails for problem gambling with the current gaming machines and questioned if holding the transition to slot machines could be used as leverage to impose necessary reforms. Representative Ames acknowledged the complexity of problem gambling and suggested developing interventions similar to those in Massachusetts, expressing optimism about gaming operators supporting reforms.
HB328: Representative Malloy Information Only02:11:09.239 - 11:09:50 AM; Representative Malloy, serving on nonprofit boards that benefit from charitable gaming, inquired about how charities are chosen to receive benefits and how long it might take for the commission to establish rules and regulations. Representative Ames acknowledged the urgency of addressing these issues but noted the difficulty in setting standards and the need to do it right.
HB328: Representative Elberger Information Only02:13:13.159 - 11:11:54 AM; Representative Elberger raised concerns about the criteria for selecting charities, using the example of the New Hampshire State Police bagpipe band receiving funds. They questioned the fairness of current allocations and whether the commission would look into setting criteria that prioritize more essential services. Representative Ames agreed that establishing fair standards would be challenging but necessary given the significant funds involved.
HB328: Unknown Representative Information Only02:15:27.159 - 11:14:08 AM; The speaker discussed the importance of a fair and equitable distribution of funds from charitable gaming, emphasizing that all charities should be treated equally, regardless of their type. They highlighted the need for a balanced approach to accommodate both legacy charities that have been involved since 2006 or 2008 and newer ones. They acknowledged the complexity and labor-intensive nature of managing these funds, suggesting a bipartisan effort to ensure fairness given the widespread interest from charities across the state.
HB328: Unknown Representative Information Only02:16:59.439 - 11:15:40 AM; The speaker continued the discussion on the complexities of managing gaming funds, touching on the potential need for protocols when gambling sites close or new ones open. They mentioned the moratorium on the number of gambling sites and the issue of municipalities opting in or out of having such sites. They stressed the importance of public involvement in the ongoing commission to address these and other related questions.
HB328: Unknown Representative Information Only02:19:02.558 - 11:17:43 AM; The speaker raised a question about the decision to make the four citizens on the commission non-voting members, suggesting it might have been to prevent the commission from becoming unwieldy. They emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in discussions, even if not in voting.
HB328: Alicia Preston, New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association Support02:20:38.600 - 11:19:19 AM; Alicia Preston, representing the New Hampshire Charitable Gaming Operators Association, expressed support for the legislation. She noted the Association's long history of working with various committees and commissions, offering their resources and discussing the evolving industry. They expressed a desire to continue this collaboration as the industry moves forward.
HB328: Dr. Deborah Warner, Littleton Support02:21:32.560 - 11:20:13 AM; Dr. Deborah Warner, an interested citizen from Littleton, expressed support for the bill to reinstate the commission with a 10-year lifespan. She highlighted her attendance at all meetings of the previous commission in 20124 and emphasized the importance of monitoring the developing gaming industry, especially with the influx of new, larger players. She discussed the commission's previous work on various issues, including local options, industry standards for charities, and the selection process for grants. Dr. Warner suggested that public members should have voting rights to enhance the commission's effectiveness. She also addressed the need for more attention to problem gambling, noting the disparity between casino earnings and the funding for problem gambling programs, and the lack of trained professionals to help with this issue.
HB328: Charlie McIntyre, New Hampshire Lottery Director and Kulie Arago, Chief Compliance Officer at the Lottery Information Only02:27:04.560 - 11:25:45 AM; Charlie McIntyre and Kulie Arago from the New Hampshire Lottery discussed the operational aspects of the proposed commission. McIntyre highlighted his experience with similar commissions and stressed the need for proper funding, noting that the last commission had a budget of $150,000 annually. Arago added that most of the previous budget was spent on Spectrum's report and a study on problem gambling. They emphasized the importance of funding to ensure the new commission can effectively carry out its duties.
HB328: Unidentified Speaker Information Only03:14:13.479 - 12:12:54 PM; The speaker mentioned a figure of 800 million dollars, but the context and purpose of this statement were not clear from the transcript.
HB328: Unidentified Speaker Information Only03:28:04.279 - 12:26:45 PM; The speaker discussed the scheduling for the upcoming week, mentioning agency hearings on Monday, the 28th, and an executive session to address three bills: HB328, HB163, and HB83. They also mentioned that HB234 had been withdrawn and there would be no public hearing on it due to the absence of testifiers.
HB328: Representative Tom Shamberg, New Hampshire State Representative representing Merrimack 6 (Wilmot and Sutton) Support03:33:54.960 - 12:32:35 PM; Representative Shamberg spoke in support of HB255, discussing his efforts over the last six years to address adequate student aid funding for public education. He mentioned contacting the Legislative Budget Assistant (LBA) and the Department of Revenue (DR) for input on innovative approaches to increase revenue for the education trust fund. He proposed that HB255 and the subsequent bill, HB318, are part of a strategy to meet the funding requirements suggested by Judge Ruoff and to remove the SWEPT tax from local taxpayers. He estimated that HB255 would increase the business profit tax revenue by 43.9%, adding $18 million to the education trust fund. He emphasized that the legislative intent of these bills is to provide local education property tax relief across the board. During the Q&A, he addressed questions about funding the rest of the government, suggesting a need to reevaluate social policies and designated programs, and mentioned future bills that could provide additional revenue sources.
HB328: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:44:40.040 - 12:43:21 PM; The speaker inquired about the State Education Trust Fund, specifically questioning if the minimum set amount of $363 million, established in 2011, has remained unchanged despite inflation. The speaker expressed concern about the fund's adequacy in the current economic context.
HB328: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:45:45.560 - 12:44:26 PM; The speaker discussed the challenges of engaging in dialogue with local school boards, particularly highlighting an unsuccessful attempt to meet with the school board president. The speaker viewed schools as businesses that require efficient management and suggested that declining student performance and enrollment necessitates creative solutions to reduce spending, possibly by reducing the number of superintendents.
HB328: Representative ORS Information Only03:47:20.000 - 12:46:01 PM; Representative ORS responded to concerns about local school spending, indicating that the issue discussed is more of a local problem rather than a state-level issue. They mentioned a significant community turnout on deliberation day and emphasized that local communities are willing to pay necessary costs. ORS also touched on the need for the state to address certain legal decisions related to property taxes.
HB328: Unnamed Speaker Support03:48:53.560 - 12:47:34 PM; The speaker expressed strong support for property tax relief, highlighting the importance of alleviating the burden of property taxes, which they believe is crucial for residents to retain their homes. They noted that during campaigning, property taxes were a significant concern among constituents.
HB328: Unnamed Speaker Support03:49:28.479 - 12:48:09 PM; The speaker supported the elimination of the SWEPT tax, suggesting that the four bills proposed could resolve the issue by allowing the state to adjust its spending more effectively. They argued that the current system involves unnecessary electronic transfers that do not benefit local taxpayers.
HB328: Representative Aly Information Only03:50:17.479 - 12:48:58 PM; Representative Aly discussed the historical cuts to state taxes and services, which led to increased local property taxes to maintain these services. They suggested that the proposed changes might just shift the financial burden rather than reduce it, questioning the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
HB328: Representative Aly Support03:51:52.359 - 12:50:33 PM; Representative Aly supported the idea that giving more money back to local communities could empower them to make more informed decisions about funding priorities. They also emphasized the state's responsibility to fund certain services like police, fire, and emergency services, which serve the entire state.
HB328: Representative Murphy Information Only03:53:25.800 - 12:52:06 PM; Representative Murphy inquired about the potential role of the newly created Committee of Government Efficiency in identifying savings in the general fund. They expressed skepticism about the committee's effectiveness but acknowledged the possibility of it contributing valuable ideas for efficiency.
HB328: Unnamed Speaker Support03:54:15.520 - 12:52:56 PM; The speaker supported the discussion on public education, emphasizing its economic importance. They shared a personal anecdote about the influence of school quality on housing decisions and stressed the need for a well-educated workforce to attract and retain businesses in New Hampshire.
HB328: Representative Shamberg Support03:56:33.680 - 12:55:14 PM; Representative Shamberg supported the notion that education should be considered an economic driver, citing endorsements from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the BIA. They emphasized the state's role in funding education to ensure a skilled future workforce.
HB328: Dr. [Last Name] Information Only03:57:55.359 - 12:56:36 PM; Dr. [Last Name] provided a fiscal note quick guide for the bill, stating it was simple and available for reference. They did not have additional remarks unless prompted by questions from the committee.
HB318: Representative Tom Shamberg Support04:02:19.840 - 1:01:00 PM; Representative Shamberg introduced HB318, which aims to increase the percentage of revenue from the business enterprise tax deposited into the education trust fund to 43.9%. He mentioned that this bill, along with two others, would generate an estimated $226 million, though still $140 million short of completely eliminating the Statewide Education Property Tax (SWEPT). He suggested that the shortfall might be covered by upcoming bills and emphasized the need to address the SWEPT issue comprehensively.
HB318: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:03:53.000 - 1:02:34 PM; The representative raised concerns about the potential shortfall in the general fund due to the proposed changes in HB318. They questioned where the money would come from to cover this shortfall. Representative Shamberg responded that the committee did not cause the shortfall and suggested that innovative solutions from the governor's office might be necessary to address the funding issues.
HB318: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:04:41.840 - 1:03:22 PM; The representative discussed the historical context of the SWEPT tax and its impact on local property taxes. They highlighted that the SWEPT tax was imposed by the state legislature, not voted on by town residents, and questioned the fairness of this tax. They also suggested that the committee could be a champion for property tax relief.
HB318: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:06:16.800 - 1:04:57 PM; The representative continued the discussion on the SWEPT tax, emphasizing the lack of local control over this tax and its impact on local budgets. They mentioned ongoing lawsuits related to the SWEPT tax and the need for the legislature to consider solutions that do not involve increasing other taxes.
HB318: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:11:00.640 - 1:09:41 PM; The representative brought up the issue of declining student enrollment and its impact on school budgets. They referenced Vermont's attempts at school consolidation and questioned whether similar measures could be effective in New Hampshire. They also humorously mentioned a past incident in Ohio related to increased birth rates due to environmental factors.
HB318: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:14:25.000 - 1:13:06 PM; The representative discussed the potential for school consolidation in New Hampshire, using Chichester as an example. They questioned whether residents would be willing to give up control over their local schools and suggested that looking inward for cost-saving measures could be beneficial. They also mentioned the issue of unfunded mandates imposed by the state legislature on schools.
HB318: Lauren O'Sullivan, Department of Revenue Information Only04:17:55.560 - 1:16:36 PM; Lauren O'Sullivan, a senior financial analyst at the Department of Revenue, provided a brief overview of the fiscal note attached to HB318. She stated that the department had no further comments but was available to answer any questions regarding the bill's implementation.

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)