Committee Summary for House Ways and Means (01/27/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:08:16.039 - 9:07:37 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB328 0069H 05:01:37.638 - 2:00:58 PM	Executive Session	establishing a charitable gaming oversight commission.	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2024
HB328 2025-0069H 05:06:32.760 - 2:05:53 PM	Executive Session	establishing a charitable gaming oversight commission.	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2024
HB163 2025-Z86H 05:09:19.920 - 2:08:40 PM	Executive Session	relative to state funds.	Almy, Susan(D)[CT]2024
HB83 05:15:44.840 - 2:15:05 PM	Executive Session	increasing the minimum age for sports betting.	Fellows, Sallie(D)[CT]2024

Unclear: Dana Call, State Comptroller, Department of Administrative Services Information Only00:08:16.039 - 9:07:37 AM; Dana Call, the State Comptroller from the Department of Administrative Services, presented an overview of the department's role in revenue reporting and revenue estimating processes. She explained that the Department of Administrative Services oversees financial information and prepares statewide reporting, focusing on unrestricted general education trust funds. The monthly Revenue Focus reports are coordinated with the Department of Revenue Administration and provide a snapshot of cash receipts. The revenue plan, established by House Bill 1 and House Bill 2 as part of the biennial budget process, is annual, and the department tracks monthly receipts against this plan. Call also discussed the timeline of the budget cycle, detailing how cash basis receipts are converted to accrual basis for the state's audited financial statements. She provided insights into the 'other revenue' category, highlighting its small but variable nature, and explained how certain costs, like indirect costs and post-retirement benefits, are recovered through federal grants and internal processes. She concluded by addressing questions about specific revenue line items and their projections.
Unclear: Monica Mejias, State Treasurer Information Only00:20:39.720 - 9:20:00 AM; Monica Mejias, the State Treasurer, presented an overview of the Treasury Department's responsibilities and revenue sources. She outlined the department's functions, including treasury operations, investment of state funds, and debt management. Mejias discussed specific programs under the Treasury's oversight, such as the college savings program (Fon a plan) and the ABLE plan for individuals with disabilities. She detailed the unclaimed property program, explaining the process of reporting and remittance, and how unreturned property is escheated to the general fund after a dormancy period. Mejias provided statistics on unclaimed property over the last decade and discussed efforts to return property to rightful owners, including automation and outreach efforts. She also explained the escheatment process and how it benefits the general fund and counties. Additionally, she covered the investment of state funds, emphasizing the management of liquidity and investment income, and addressed questions about potential use of surplus funds in case of a shortfall.
Unclear: Monica Mejias, State Treasurer Information Only00:20:39.720 - 9:20:00 AM; Monica Mejias, State Treasurer, was finishing her discussion on the projected interest income and its relation to the end of ARPA funds and the interest and dividends tax. She noted that the projected decrease in interest income is due to a combination of factors including the overall reduction in state revenues. She mentioned that expenditures have increased and the state expects a 15% year-over-year decrease in cash. Mejias emphasized the need for a balanced budget and the conservative approach in their projections, considering the expected spending of ARPA funds by the end of 2026.
Unclear: Representative Elberger Information Only00:48:02.440 - 9:47:23 AM; Representative Elberger inquired about the impact of the end of ARPA funds and the interest and dividends tax on the projected interest income. He was informed that it's a combination of factors leading to a decrease in projected cash over the next two fiscal years. The state is receiving less revenue overall, and expenditures have increased, leading to a projected 15% year-over-year decrease in cash.
Unclear: Representative Me Information Only00:50:24.480 - 9:49:45 AM; Representative Me asked about the doubling of interest amounts in FY19 and its relation to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The response confirmed that during that period, the state had increased revenues and was able to start investing funds, marking a change from maintaining compensating balances.
Unclear: Representative Yery Information Only00:51:10.319 - 9:50:31 AM; Representative Yery questioned the impact of increased M2 money supply on reducing the value of individual dollars and inflating numbers. The response indicated that inflation affects the revenue received and the interest rates earned, but it was unclear how it relates to the amount of cash in circulation.
Unclear: Representative SP Information Only00:53:31.440 - 9:52:52 AM; Representative SP inquired about the investment objectives of the state's funds. The response highlighted that the main objectives are safety, liquidity, and maximizing the rate of return, primarily through investing in safe securities like U.S. Treasuries and federal agencies.
Unclear: Representative SP (Follow-up) Information Only00:54:18.559 - 9:53:39 AM; In a follow-up question, Representative SP asked about the state's thoughts on non-Fiat based currency investments. The response indicated that such investments are not currently viable due to their volatility and the need to hold them for extended periods to tolerate fluctuations.
Unclear: Representative Shamber Information Only00:55:36.039 - 9:54:57 AM; Representative Shamber asked about the staffing situation in the Treasurer's department. Monica Mejias responded that there is currently one vacancy in the abandoned property division, and they are working on filling it. The department is lean and exploring efficiencies and automation, particularly with the upcoming upgrade of the state's accounting system.
Unclear: Barry Glennon, Director of the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation Information Only01:06:48.799 - 10:06:09 AM; Barry Glennon, Director of the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation, presented an overview of the bureau's functions, focusing on regulatory oversight of broker dealers and investment advisors, registration of securities, audits, investor education, and enforcement activities. He highlighted the bureau's self-funded status through fines and penalties and provided revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. He discussed the impact of regulation best interest on mutual fund registration fees and the consistent revenue from broker dealer and investment advisor licensing.
Unclear: Representative Malloy Information Only01:18:10.120 - 10:17:31 AM; Representative Malloy inquired about the nature of the bureau's enforcement activities, focusing on the types of complaints received. Barry Glennon explained that complaints often involve misrepresentation, unlicensed activity, and fraud. He noted that complainants can pursue arbitration through FINRA or file a complaint with the state.
Unclear: Representative Shamber Information Only01:20:19.040 - 10:19:40 AM; Representative Shamber asked about the bureau's funding in the absence of regulatory violations. Barry Glennon confirmed the existence of a cash reserve to sustain operations for at least six months. He highlighted the constant fraudulent activity in New Hampshire, making such a scenario unlikely.
Unclear: Chris (Legislative Staff) Information Only01:23:43.040 - 10:23:04 AM; Chris, a legislative staff member, explained the process of compiling revenue estimates into an Excel worksheet for the committee. He mentioned that he would distribute this document to members later in the week and highlighted upcoming presentations from various state agencies.
Unclear: Chair Information Only01:27:37.239 - 10:26:58 AM; The Chair discussed the upcoming schedule, noting the need to meet three days a week in the following weeks to handle revenue estimates and bills. He mentioned the upcoming presentation of the governor's budget and the committee's need to prepare its own budget shortly after.
Unclear: Donna Raymond, Judicial Branch Information Only01:31:19.159 - 10:30:40 AM; Donna Raymond, the fiscal manager of the Judicial Branch, presented on behalf of Director Martin. She provided an overview of the Judicial Branch's mission to provide accessible service and independent administration of justice. She detailed the structure of the Judicial Branch, including the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Circuit Court, and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Raymond discussed the sources of unrestricted revenues, which include motor vehicle fines, criminal fines, penalty assessments, entry fees, and records research requests. She explained that motor vehicle fines are collected by the Department of Safety and the courts, with revenues deposited into the Highway Fund. Criminal fines, collected by the courts and the Department of Corrections, are deposited into the General Fund. Penalty assessments on fines are split between the General Fund, the Department of Justice's victims assistance fund, and the Judicial Branch's IT dedicated fund. Entry fees, set by court rule, are distributed according to statute, with the majority going to the General Fund. Records research fees are fully allocated to the General Fund. Raymond noted trends in revenue collection, including a decline in default fees and an increase in other fees, attributing these changes partly to the impact of the pandemic and technological improvements in court processes.
Unclear: Representative Shamard Information Only01:34:21.560 - 10:33:42 AM; Representative Shamard asked about the distribution of motor vehicle fines, specifically if any portion returns to the local community. Donna Raymond clarified that local police departments do not receive money from motor vehicle fines but may from other types of fines.
Unclear: Representative Elme Information Only01:34:21.560 - 10:33:42 AM; Representative Elme inquired about the collection of fines by the Department of Corrections and whether these revenues are reported under the courts or the Department of Corrections. Donna Raymond stated she would need to verify the reporting but confirmed that all criminal fines are deposited into the General Fund.
Unclear: Representative ORS Information Only01:41:18.400 - 10:40:39 AM; Representative ORS asked for clarification on the category experiencing a decline in revenue. Donna Raymond specified that it was the default fees collected by the courts, which had initially increased but then steadily declined since fiscal year 2022, partly due to technological efforts to remind people of court dates.
Unclear: Representative Spar Information Only01:42:53.199 - 10:42:14 AM; Representative Spar questioned how the fees are increased, whether through legislative processes or internally by the courts. Donna Raymond explained that the fees are set by the court, with the last significant increase occurring in fiscal year 2013. She noted that increasing fees can deter people from using certain court services due to cost prohibitions.
Unclear: Representative Aly Information Only01:48:37.840 - 10:47:58 AM; Representative Aly commented on past legislative efforts to predict court revenues and highlighted the courts' considerations of what individuals can afford to pay when setting fees.
Unclear: Chris Information Only01:44:44.440 - 10:44:05 AM; Chris clarified that penalty assessments are included in other revenue categories and are no longer used to fund the Police Standards and Training Council but are instead directed to the General Fund. He emphasized the importance of understanding how these revenues are reported to get an accurate picture of court revenues.
Unclear: Representative Shamber Information Only01:46:19.880 - 10:45:40 AM; Representative Shamber asked if the fees set by the courts are based on operating costs. Donna Raymond responded that entry fees are primarily deposited into the General Fund and do not directly offset court expenses, as the courts are funded mainly through the General Fund, with some contributions from the Highway Fund.
Unclear: DJ Beton Court, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Insurance Department Information Only03:03:58.479 - 12:03:19 PM; Commissioner DJ Beton Court, representing the New Hampshire Insurance Department, provided an overview of the department's operations, responsibilities, and revenue projections. He emphasized the department's mission to promote public good through a safe and competitive insurance marketplace. He discussed the department's self-funded nature, funded through assessments on insurance carriers, and highlighted its historical significance as the first insurance department established in America in 1851. The commissioner detailed the enforcement of insurance laws, including premium taxes, fees, and regulation of insurance entities. He also touched on market oversight, financial regulation, and the role of market conduct exams in ensuring compliance. He mentioned the department's efforts in combating insurance fraud and protecting consumers, including the work of the consumer division in handling inquiries and complaints. Additionally, he discussed the department's role in legislative support and participation in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to ensure uniformity in regulations across states.
Unclear: Amy Duim, Tax Division, New Hampshire Insurance Department Information Only03:37:28.279 - 12:36:49 PM; Amy Duim from the Tax Division of the New Hampshire Insurance Department provided detailed information on the revenue sources and projections for the department. She explained how premium taxes are calculated based on the taxable premiums written, retaliatory premium tax rates, and various fees and assessments. She outlined the revenue generated from licensed insurers, including Property and Casualty, Life, and Health insurers, as well as from risk retention groups and surplus lines producers. She also discussed the impact of premium tax credits on revenue and provided a historical view of revenue collected over the past decade. Duim highlighted the department's projections for future years and the factors affecting these projections, such as market dynamics and legislative changes.
Unclear: Charlie McIntyre, Lottery Director Information Only03:58:58.600 - 12:58:19 PM; Charlie McIntyre, the Lottery Director, presented an overview of the Lottery Commission's revenue sources and projections. He explained that half of their revenues come from scratch tickets and provided a breakdown of gross sales from various games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, and sports betting. McIntyre highlighted the significant growth in sports betting revenue post-2020 and the impact of interest rates on jackpot sizes. He discussed the distribution of profits to education and provided projections for the next few fiscal years, noting a softness in retail and the potential impact of new gaming facilities. He also answered questions regarding operating costs, the impact of Massachusetts' sports betting launch, and the potential for increased revenue from historic horse racing machines.
Unclear: Jim Durus, Chief Financial Officer, Lottery Commission Information Only03:58:58.600 - 12:58:19 PM; Jim Durus, the Chief Financial Officer of the Lottery Commission, accompanied Charlie McIntyre and was present to support the financial discussions. He did not provide a separate testimony but was available to address any detailed financial questions from the committee.
Unclear: Stephanie Simik, Executive Director, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Information Only04:16:29.439 - 1:15:50 PM; Stephanie Simik, the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, introduced the department's mission and its 160-year history. She emphasized the department's role in conserving and managing New Hampshire's fish, wildlife, and marine resources, and highlighted their efforts in public education and providing opportunities for resource use and appreciation.
Unclear: Kathy Labonte, Chief of Business Operations, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Information Only04:18:48.560 - 1:18:09 PM; Kathy Labonte, the Chief of Business Operations for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, provided detailed financial information on the department's unrestricted revenues and expenditures. She explained that the department is mostly self-funded and relies on unrestricted revenues for operations not covered by federal funds or other dedicated sources. She outlined the various categories of unrestricted revenues, including licenses, agent fees, and fines, and provided a historical breakdown of these revenues. Labonte also presented the department's budgeted expenditures and revenues for the current and upcoming fiscal years, noting increases due to personnel and benefit costs.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:22:18.920 - 1:21:39 PM; The speaker inquired about the details of federal grant recoveries, specifically asking about the source and amount of these funds. The response detailed that the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department receives over 50 federal grants, primarily from the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA. These grants allow the department to assess indirect charges up to 20% of personnel costs associated with the grants, which are then deposited into an unrestricted account.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:23:53.279 - 1:23:14 PM; The speaker asked about the 'conquered agent fee' mentioned in RSA, to which it was explained that licensed agents can charge $1 per license type transaction. It was noted that the department anticipates receiving $7,000 from these transactions.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:24:46.439 - 1:24:07 PM; The speaker connected earlier discussions about the treasurer's management of interest from savings deposits to the Fish and Game fund. It was explained that the interest earned from investments is initially placed into the general fund and then transferred to dedicated funds like the Fish and Game fund. The speaker also highlighted that the department uses about $18 million from unrestricted funds for operations, with projected revenues of $14 million in the next two years, indicating a reliance on a current surplus.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:27:05.239 - 1:26:26 PM; The speaker raised concerns about the stability of federal funds used for indirect cost recoveries, asking if there was any risk of losing these funds with a new federal administration. It was reassured that the majority of these funds come from long-standing federal laws like the Pitman-Robertson and Dingle-Johnson acts, and there was no immediate concern about their discontinuation.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:28:51.359 - 1:28:12 PM; The speaker questioned the collection of taxes on sporting goods purchased from overseas through online platforms like Amazon, specifically in relation to the Pitman-Robertson Act. The response indicated that this issue was under review at the federal level, but the current status was unknown, with a promise to follow up with more information.
HB328 0069H: Representative Ducet Information Only05:01:37.638 - 2:00:58 PM; Representative Ducet moved for the bill HB328 to pass and introduced an amendment, 0069H. The amendment adjusts the voting membership of a commission from nine to seven members, removing the votes of the Attorney General and Lottery Director, and includes two Senators alongside five House members. It also allocates $100,000 in non-lapsing funds annually to support the commission's work.
HB328 0069H: Representative Malloy Information Only05:01:53.680 - 2:01:14 PM; Representative Malloy seconded the motion to pass HB328 and the amendment 0069H.
HB328 0069H: Representative Elberger Support05:04:26.958 - 2:03:47 PM; Representative Elberger expressed support for the amendment.
HB328 0069H: Representative Ames Support05:04:26.958 - 2:03:47 PM; Representative Ames supported the amendment and noted that a scrivener's error mentioned during the hearing had been corrected in the amendment.
HB328 2025-0069H: Representative Malloy Information Only05:06:32.760 - 2:05:53 PM; Representative Malloy conducted a roll call vote on House Bill 328 as amended by amendment number 2025-0069H. The vote resulted in 18 votes in favor and 0 against, with 2 members not present. There was a brief confusion regarding the number of members and the allocation of funds, which led to the decision not to place the bill on the consent calendar.
HB163 2025-Z86H: Representative Malloy Information Only05:09:19.920 - 2:08:40 PM; Representative Malloy moved to reconsider the vote on HB163 due to upcoming technical amendments. The motion was seconded, and after clarification on the technical nature of the amendments, the vote to reconsider was unanimous.
HB163 2025-Z86H: Representative Malloy Information Only05:10:54.440 - 2:10:15 PM; Following the reconsideration, Representative Malloy moved for an 'Ought to Pass' on HB163 as amended by amendment number 2025-Z86H. The amendment was described as fixing technical errors, and the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The bill was then approved to be placed on the consent calendar.
HB83: Representative Duet Oppose05:15:44.840 - 2:15:05 PM; Representative Duet moved for 'Inexpedient to Legislate' on HB83, citing multiple reasons including the isolation of one betting platform, potential revenue issues, and the existence of a commission that could address these concerns. He believed the bill could negatively impact state revenue and should be revisited by the relevant committee.
HB83: Representative Shamberg Oppose05:16:55.760 - 2:16:16 PM; Representative Shamberg opposed the 'Inexpedient to Legislate' motion on HB83, emphasizing the importance of setting an age limit for sports betting similar to other regulated substances and activities. He argued for the bill's passage and indicated his intent to write a minority report supporting an age of 21.
HB83: Representative ORS Oppose05:18:14.840 - 2:17:35 PM; Representative ORS viewed HB83 as a liberty issue, arguing that young people should be allowed to bet with their own money.
HB83: Representative Duet Information Only05:18:28.920 - 2:17:49 PM; Representative Duet expressed agreement with Representative ORS's comments about liberty. He questioned the consistency of applying liberty in different contexts, specifically mentioning Representative Shamberg's comments about allowing 18-year-olds to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. He offered to co-sponsor related legislation if it were to be introduced.
HB83: Clerk Information Only05:19:11.958 - 2:18:32 PM; The clerk conducted a roll call vote on House Bill 83, with the motion being inexpedient to legislate. The vote resulted in 11 votes for yes, 7 votes for no, and 2 representatives missing. The bill will not go on consent.
HB83: Chairman Janigan Information Only05:20:03.440 - 2:19:24 PM; Chairman Janigan closed the executive session on HB83 and announced the conclusion of the day's business. He mentioned upcoming public hearings starting at 10 o'clock the next day and requested reports by the end of the following day from Representatives Shamberg and Duet, and inquired about a Minority Report and who else needed to submit reports.

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)