Committee Summary for House Ways and Means (02/03/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title
Unclear 00:10:43.440 - 9:09:49 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 01:48:03.040 - 10:47:09 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 03:25:02.479 - 12:24:08 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Amy Newbury, Director of Administration at the Department of Safety Information Only00:10:43.440 - 9:09:49 AM; Amy Newbury, accompanied by Jennifer Hall, the Bureau Chief of the Road Tool Bureau, presented an overview of the Department of Safety's Highway Fund and its unrestricted revenue collections. She highlighted that the Department of Safety's Highway Fund, totaling approximately $263 million, is generated through various revenue streams including state gas tax, motor vehicle registrations, driver licenses, motor vehicle certificates of title, vehicle inspections, and other miscellaneous revenues. Newbury mentioned a modest annual growth rate of 0.51% in Highway Fund revenues from 2018 to fiscal year 2024, but pointed out that this increase has not kept pace with rising costs, leading to structural deficits. She noted that to address this shortfall, the legislature transferred $50 million in general funds between fiscal years 2022 and 2023, and an additional $10 million in fiscal year 2024-2025.
Unclear: Jennifer Hall, Bureau Chief of the Road Tool Bureau Information Only00:15:43.160 - 9:14:49 AM; Jennifer Hall discussed the operations of the Road Tool Bureau, emphasizing that their primary function is collecting the motor fuel tax, known as the road toll. She clarified that the road toll is not related to tolls on the turnpike, which is managed by the Department of Transportation. Hall explained the licensing administered by the bureau, including motor fuel distributor licenses, motor fuel transporter licenses, International Fuel Tax Agreement licenses, and oil discharge and pollution control licenses. She detailed the point of taxation for motor fuel tax at the distributor level and discussed factors impacting road toll estimates, such as gas prices, weather conditions, and economic indicators. Hall also provided historical and projected revenue figures for the road toll, noting a collection of $127.5 million in fiscal year 2024.
Unclear: Representative Elberger Information Only00:20:58.600 - 9:20:04 AM; Representative Elberger inquired about the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), which was explained by Jennifer Hall. Hall clarified that IFTA is an additional license for carriers using vehicles over 26,000 pounds or with three or more axles, aimed at consolidating tax payments across jurisdictions.
Unclear: Representative Spar Information Only00:23:14.919 - 9:22:20 AM; Representative Spar, new to the committee, sought clarification on the historical transfers from the general fund to cover highway fund costs, understanding that such transfers were unprecedented. Spar also asked about the handling of excess funds if revenues exceeded expenditures, learning that unexpended appropriations lapse back to the highway fund.
Unclear: Representative Brier Information Only00:25:34.480 - 9:24:40 AM; Representative Brier asked for an update on the dyed fuel enforcement program, learning that a part-time fuel enforcement officer was recently hired. Brier also inquired about the possibility of moving dyed fuel testing to the state's forensic lab to enhance efficiency, which was noted as a potential future discussion point. Additionally, Brier confirmed that all audit positions within the Road Tool Bureau had been filled.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:27:32.520 - 9:26:38 AM; The speaker discussed the average fuel consumption of vehicles and how it relates to taxes paid to the state. They estimated that if a vehicle uses 1,000 gallons of fuel annually, it would contribute $220 in taxes. They raised concerns about the registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles, suggesting that these fees might need to be adjusted to account for road usage and vehicle weight.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:28:25.080 - 9:27:31 AM; The speaker responded to the previous question by explaining the methodology behind the $100 registration fee for electric vehicles, which was based on an average vehicle's annual mileage and fuel consumption. They confirmed the calculations worked out to $112 annually in road tolls, justifying the fee.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:29:19.840 - 9:28:25 AM; The speaker briefly mentioned a request for information about a lab doing a field test, but the conversation quickly shifted to discussing DMV revenues. They noted that in fiscal year 24, motor vehicle registration revenue was $93.1 million, exceeding the target by $2.9 million, and projected $90.4 million for fiscal year 25. They highlighted factors like economic conditions and the rise in alternative transportation options that might influence future revenues.
Unclear: Representative Ery Information Only00:30:44.080 - 9:29:50 AM; Representative Ery asked for clarification on how DMV taxes are collected at the local town clerk's office, understanding it as a three-component fee structure involving payments to the town, the state, and a fee for convenience. The response confirmed that the numbers reported were only the state share going into the highway fund.
Unclear: Representative Elme Information Only00:32:47.720 - 9:31:53 AM; Representative Elme inquired about the ongoing impact of changing the vehicle registration requirement from four to five years, noting a dip in registrations every fifth year. The response acknowledged that this dip is still occurring and that further details would be provided later in the presentation.
Unclear: Representative Elberger Information Only00:33:46.639 - 9:32:52 AM; Representative Elberger pointed out a potential typo in a chart on page 11 regarding registration fees and sought clarification on the weight categories. The response confirmed the error and promised to follow up with corrected information.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:34:57.200 - 9:34:03 AM; The speaker raised a concern about the impact of older vehicles on registration fees, suggesting that as vehicles age, the fees might decrease. The response agreed that this could be a factor and clarified the distinction between state taxes and town fees based on vehicle age and weight.
Unclear: Representative Fromi Information Only00:35:52.240 - 9:34:58 AM; Representative Fromi reflected on past interactions with the trucking industry concerning fee increases, questioning whether the fees have been adjusted fairly. The response indicated no knowledge of recent changes to the fees.
Unclear: Representative Opal Information Only00:37:14.720 - 9:36:20 AM; Representative Opal requested detailed information on the distribution of registration fees across different vehicle weight categories as shown on slide 11. The response was to follow up with the DMV for this data.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:38:19.240 - 9:37:25 AM; The speaker inquired about the total number of vehicles on highways, especially considering New Hampshire's status as a tourist state. The response was that such data was not available and would require a daily survey to obtain.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:39:14.240 - 9:38:20 AM; The speaker continued the presentation, discussing the stabilization of motor vehicle operator revenues, the impact of the transition to five-year licenses, and the upcoming federal deadline for Real ID compliance. They also covered inspection revenues and plea by mail revenues, noting a slight decrease in the latter. Finally, they mentioned the decrease in general fund revenues due to the transition of certain functions to other departments.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:41:25.280 - 9:40:31 AM; The speaker discussed the plea by mail system's impact on the highway fund, noting that the initial estimates were guesses due to the newness of the system. They also addressed a general decrease in enforcement-related fees despite an increase in speeding and accidents, suggesting that this might be due to staffing issues within the state police.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:42:12.800 - 9:41:18 AM; The speaker confirmed a high vacancy rate within the state police and mentioned efforts to fill positions through larger academy classes. They clarified that increasing the police force might lead to more ticket writing, but it's not the sole function of the state police. They also confirmed the absence of a quota system for traffic enforcement in the state.
Unclear: Representative Elber Information Only00:43:23.400 - 9:42:29 AM; Representative Elber pointed out a detail on slide 17 concerning plumbers and gas fitters, but the transcript ends without further elaboration on this point.
Unclear: Representative Elber Information Only00:43:23.400 - 9:42:29 AM; Representative Elber was finishing up his remarks regarding the transition of licensing services from the Department of Safety to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), and how the fees from plumbers and gas fitters are now recorded in revenue, though not directly from safety.
Unclear: Representative Op Information Only00:44:28.200 - 9:43:34 AM; Representative Op requested a breakdown chart over time of the aggregate numbers of people obtaining various types of licenses, including operator's licenses, real ID licenses, and commercial licenses, to understand current trends in license renewals and types.
Unclear: Representative Brier Information Only00:45:18.640 - 9:44:24 AM; Representative Brier inquired about New Hampshire's fuel tax rate compared to neighboring states, noting that New Hampshire's rate is the lowest in the Northeast. He asked for specifics on how many cents lower New Hampshire's rate is compared to Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont, and confirmed the state's taxable gallons of fuel remain at about 830 million.
Unclear: Representative Bolton Information Only00:46:32.559 - 9:45:38 AM; Representative Bolton asked about the current vacancy rate in the state police force, mentioning a high vacancy rate reported in Plymouth. He was informed that the State Police currently has 61 vacancies and sought clarification on whether the number of parked vehicles at Hazen Drive reflected these vacancies or were part of vehicle fleet management.
Unclear: Representative Y Information Only00:48:07.040 - 9:47:13 AM; Representative Y asked about the financial offset from auctioning vehicles from the Highway Fund or State Police, confirming that such revenue is accounted for by the Department of Administrative Services. He also sought details on license fees and the complexity of fees for different types of licenses and endorsements, noting the need for precise accounting of license costs.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:51:19.720 - 9:50:25 AM; The speaker inquired about the lifespan and mileage of state police cruisers, receiving an answer that ideally, vehicles are replaced around 150,000 miles.
Unclear: David Rodrig, Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer of the Department of Transportation Information Only01:06:30.839 - 10:05:36 AM; David Rodrig presented on the Department of Transportation's role, focusing on a small portion of their unrestricted miscellaneous revenue. He detailed the department's mission to enhance quality of life through transportation excellence, outlined key facts about the department's responsibilities, such as maintaining state bridges and roads, and managing airports and public transit systems. He provided fiscal year 2024 expenditure details, emphasizing the division of funds to municipalities and construction projects. Rodrig also discussed the challenges of inflation and workforce vacancies, the use of federal funds, and the strategic use of brine for winter road maintenance.
Unclear: Representative Elmy Information Only01:24:45.880 - 10:23:51 AM; Representative Elmy discussed the effectiveness of the brine innovation in winter road maintenance, suggesting it contributes to safety and budget savings. He also asked about the current state of the 10-year plan's inflation adjustments, confirming they are still in place and the plan is set for an update with a new inflation rate.
Unclear: Representative Elberger Information Only01:30:56.320 - 10:30:02 AM; Representative Elberger sought information on why some airports receive federal aid while others do not, receiving a response that larger, public airports are more likely to receive such funding, with a promise to provide a list of airports and their funding status.
Unclear: Representative Shamberg Information Only01:32:17.440 - 10:31:23 AM; Representative Shamberg asked about the state's benefit system and its role in employee retention, particularly in comparison to private industry. David Rodrig responded that while the state offers good benefits, it struggles with competitive hourly wages and the long-term nature of the retirement system benefits.
Unclear: Representative Opal Information Only01:33:35.560 - 10:32:41 AM; Representative Opal inquired about the state's revenue from airports beyond federal funding and taxes like meals and rooms tax. The discussion highlighted that there is minimal direct revenue from airports to the state, with most funds being federal pass-through with little to no state match required. The airports are mostly self-sustaining, with some fees used to subsidize smaller airports that don't qualify for federal funds.
Unclear: Commissioner Information Only01:34:51.199 - 10:33:57 AM; The Commissioner responded to Representative Opal's question about airport revenue, stating that the state does not receive significant direct revenue from airports. The main revenue source mentioned was a small amount from airplane registrations collected by the Division of Aeronautics. The Commissioner also noted that state resources allocated to airports are primarily federal pass-through funds with minimal state match.
Unclear: Danielle Information Only01:35:15.000 - 10:34:21 AM; Danielle confirmed the Commissioner's statement regarding airport funding, emphasizing that the majority of funds are federal pass-throughs. She mentioned that some airports receive subsidies from fees to support those not qualifying for federal funds, with the total amount being relatively small, around $250,000.
Unclear: Representative ORS Information Only01:36:08.119 - 10:35:14 AM; Representative ORS asked about the Department of Transportation's (DOT) involvement with public transit. The response was that the DOT's primary role is managing federal pass-through funds to support public transit, similar to their role with airports.
Unclear: Commissioner Information Only01:36:20.000 - 10:35:26 AM; The Commissioner responded to Representative ORS's question about public transit, stating that the DOT's role is mainly to manage federal pass-through funds for supporting public transit, akin to their management of airport funds.
Unclear: Commissioner Information Only01:37:19.239 - 10:36:25 AM; The Commissioner explained the use of CDL drivers as volunteers for snow plowing. These drivers are paid from the winter maintenance budget, including overtime and a $5,000 incentive per winter. This setup has resulted in around 140 volunteers this winter, helping to fill the 180-190 vacancies for Highway maintainers.
Unclear: Commissioner Information Only01:38:38.199 - 10:37:44 AM; The Commissioner discussed the department's drone program, which is in development. Drones are used for emergency response to document damage for FEMA reimbursement, estimate material needs, and assist with construction projects. They also have capabilities for detailed survey information.
Unclear: Representative Bolton Information Only01:39:14.719 - 10:38:20 AM; Representative Bolton, who is also the executive director of a volunteer transportation company in Plymouth, asked about simplifying the process of starting a bus route in Plymouth. The response indicated a willingness to streamline the process after the hearing.
Unclear: Representative Brier Information Only01:40:23.920 - 10:39:29 AM; Representative Brier asked about the revenue collected by the Road Toll Bureau at safety for jet fuel and airway tolls. The Commissioner was unsure of the exact amount but agreed to research and provide the information.
Unclear: Representative Information Only01:41:37.560 - 10:40:43 AM; A representative expressed concerns about the administrative burden of using departmental employees for secondary jobs like snow plowing, due to hour restrictions on commercial operators. The Commissioner acknowledged the additional work involved but noted it was manageable and that participation was voluntary.
Unclear: Commissioner Information Only01:42:53.679 - 10:41:59 AM; The Commissioner responded to concerns about the administrative burden and liability issues related to using departmental employees for secondary jobs. The Commissioner explained that participation is voluntary, and employees get approval through their supervisory chain. The department manages the payroll implications but could not directly address productivity.
Unclear: Representative Information Only01:44:14.880 - 10:43:20 AM; The representative shared a personal anecdote about liability investigations and the risks associated with overworking drivers, expressing concern about state liability. The Commissioner assured that the state manages the situation carefully and that participation in secondary jobs is voluntary.
Unclear: Representative Information Only01:45:01.440 - 10:44:07 AM; A representative asked about a $30 registration search charge listed in the Highway Fund Revenue history for 2010 and 2011. The Commissioner explained it was a temporary, one-time fix to fund the paving of lower volume roads.
Unclear: Representative Information Only01:46:19.599 - 10:45:25 AM; The representative confirmed the department's projection of miscellaneous revenue for fiscal years 26 and 27 at $200,000 each year. The Commissioner noted the difficulty in predicting land sale revenue, keeping projections at a conservative level.
Unclear: Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only01:48:03.040 - 10:47:09 AM; Nathan White introduced the session, explaining the various sources of recoveries and revenue for the Department of Health and Human Services. He highlighted the difficulty in predicting these amounts due to factors like probate actions, prosecutions, and Medicaid cost reports. For state fiscal year 24, they collected about $3.5 million, with projections for the current year at $2.16 million. For state fiscal years 26 and 27, they budgeted around $3.1 million, slightly higher than the current budget due to specific budgeting instructions.
Unclear: Janeli, Medicaid Estate Recovery Unit, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only01:51:25.560 - 10:50:31 AM; Janeli, who runs the Medicaid Estate Recovery Unit and serves as its general counsel, provided an overview of the unit's operations. The unit consists of one attorney and four staff members, managing approximately 2,000 open cases annually, with an average recovery of over $4,000 per case. Recoveries range from as little as two cents to over a million dollars. The unit pursues 16 different categories of recovery, with the largest being from probate estates of deceased Medicaid recipients and liens on properties sold either during the recipient's lifetime or after. Janeli emphasized the unit's adherence to legal guidelines and the historical basis of New Hampshire's estate recovery practices influencing federal law. She reported an increase in total recoveries from $4.6 million to $6.7 million, but noted they are near capacity. The unit's recoveries benefit the federal government, counties, and the state, with projections for the current year at $1.5 million.
Unclear: Warren Cormac, Assistant Attorney General, New Hampshire Department of Justice Information Only03:08:27.279 - 12:07:33 PM; Warren Cormac, Assistant Attorney General, discussed the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). Since its inception in 1999, New Hampshire has received annual payments from major cigarette companies due to a settlement over false claims about cigarette dangers. The MSA payments are adjusted annually based on factors like inflation, cigarette sales volume, and other adjustments, resulting in payments typically in the tens of millions of dollars. Cormac provided estimates for future payments: $35.5 million in 2025, $32.5 million in 2026, and $30 million in 2027, emphasizing the uncertainty due to various factors including the potential for companies to withhold payments. He also discussed the ongoing settlement related to the npm (non-participating manufacturer) adjustment, which affects the payment amount.
Unclear: Joseph Mik, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, with Tina Demier, CFO Information Only03:25:02.479 - 12:24:08 PM; Joseph Mik provided an overview of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission's operations and the broader context of alcohol sales in the United States. He discussed the control jurisdictions in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of the three-tier system for product tracking and the prevention of tainted alcohol. Mik highlighted the competition from Total Wine in Massachusetts, detailing their expansion and impact on the market. He also discussed national and global trends affecting beverage alcohol sales, including a decline in sales and the rise in marijuana use over alcohol. Mik outlined the commission's financial performance, including sales figures, revenue sources, and the impact of recent changes like pay raises and new software systems. He also touched on the commission's e-commerce efforts and marketing strategies, including social media engagement and email campaigns.
Unclear: Joseph Mik, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Information Only03:43:09.600 - 12:42:15 PM; Joseph Mik responded to a question about the potential impact of tariffs on the commission's revenue. He indicated that while there is some alcohol imported through Mexico, the overall impact might be mitigated due to a global surplus of wine and spirits, which could allow for substitution with domestic products if tariffs increase costs.
Unclear: Joseph Mik, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Information Only03:44:54.359 - 12:44:00 PM; Joseph Mik discussed trends in alcohol consumption, particularly the shift from wine to spirits and the growing market for ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. He explained that while the margin on wine might be higher, the volume of spirits sold balances this out. Mik also addressed the impact of aging demographics, health trends, and the rise of cannabis on alcohol sales.
Unclear: Joseph Mik, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Information Only03:48:56.399 - 12:48:02 PM; Joseph Mik responded to a question about the effectiveness of whiskey promotions by distillers in Ireland. He affirmed the benefits of such promotions, highlighting how they allow the commission to offer exclusive products, build relationships with producers, and provide unique offerings to consumers, which enhances market competition.
Unclear: Joseph Mik, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Information Only03:53:15.399 - 12:52:21 PM; Joseph Mik discussed the relationship between cannabis use and alcohol consumption, citing numerous studies he could share. He noted the shift towards cannabis edibles, which has reduced the carcinogenic concerns associated with smoking, and discussed how different demographics, like Millennials and Baby Boomers, are impacting the market dynamics between alcohol and cannabis.
Unclear: Joseph Mik, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Information Only03:53:15.399 - 12:52:21 PM; Joseph Mik clarified financial details from the presentation, explaining the difference between gross and net profit figures, and how these are calculated after accounting for the cost of goods and operating expenses. He also discussed the operational assessment of the commission's retail outlets, confirming that each store's performance is evaluated individually.
Unclear: Representative ORS Information Only03:54:30.120 - 12:53:36 PM; Representative ORS inquired about the promotion of liquor sales across state lines and whether the New Hampshire Liquor Commission is downplaying cannabis. The response from the commission indicated that they advertise liquor sales through billboards in Maine and Massachusetts, print ads in the Globe, and via social media and radio. They clarified that they do not touch the subject of downplaying cannabis. A follow-up question about displaying liquor and alcohol on the front lawn for sampling during warmer weather was also asked.
Unclear: Representative Elberger Information Only03:55:42.560 - 12:54:48 PM; Representative Elberger asked for clarification on the term 'accessories' mentioned on page 22 of a document, which was explained as mixers, corkscrews, and other related items. Additionally, Representative Elberger raised concerns about curbside pickup, focusing on preventing drunk driving and ensuring that alcohol is not given to minors, like a 16-year-old. The response from the commission outlined the process for curbside pickup, which involves checking the ID of the person picking up the alcohol to ensure it is valid and verifying the credit card used for the sale.

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)