Committee Summary for House Ways and Means (02/04/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB530 2024-1453h 00:07:33.879 - 9:05:09 AM	Public Hearing	increasing the amount of revenue transfered from the real estate transfer tax to the affordable housing fund.	LaMontagne, Jessica(D)[CT]2024
HB531 01:00:45.440 - 9:58:21 AM	Public Hearing	setting annual limits on the amount of charitable gaming revenue which may be distributed to one charitable organization.	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2024
HB591 03:50:54.239 - 12:48:30 PM	Public Hearing	expanding hours for keno gaming on weekends.	Cole, Brian(R)[B-]2024
HB502 03:57:11.120 - 12:54:47 PM	Executive Session	relative to complete corporate reporting for unitary businesses under the business profits tax and revenues from the state education property tax.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2024
HB318 04:06:57.840 - 1:04:33 PM	Executive Session	relative to the percentage of revenue from the business enterprise tax deposited in the education trust fund.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2024
HB255 04:11:27.279 - 1:09:03 PM	Executive Session	increasing the percentage of revenue deposited in the education trust fund from the business profits tax.	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2024
HB135 04:16:34.439 - 1:14:10 PM	Executive Session	relative to the collection of sales taxes of foreign jurisdictions by New Hampshire businesses.	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2024

HB530 2024-1453h: Representative Jessica Lontine, Strafford District 17, Dover Support00:07:33.879 - 9:05:09 AM; Representative Lontine opened the public hearing on HB530, emphasizing the urgency of the housing crisis in New Hampshire. She detailed how the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is unaffordable for a significant portion of the population, particularly those with incomes below $50,000. Lontine highlighted the necessity of the bill, which aims to double the allocation from the real estate transfer tax to the affordable housing fund, increasing it from $5 million to $10 million. She stressed that this increase is not a tax hike but a reallocation within the state budget to address the crisis. Lontine also shared her experience serving on a special committee focused on the housing crisis's impact on people with disabilities, noting the dire situation for this group due to both affordability and accessibility issues. She introduced an amendment inspired by a Senate bill and a conversation about the future sale of the Laconia State School, aiming to allocate funds specifically for housing people with intellectual disabilities. Lontine responded to questions about the funding sources and the potential impact on the general fund, asserting the need to prioritize housing.
HB530 2024-1453h: Ben Saul, Council and Director of Operations, Visions for Creative Housing Solutions, Upper Valley Support00:25:50.279 - 9:23:26 AM; Ben Saul spoke in support of HB530, representing Visions for Creative Housing Solutions, which operates supported housing for individuals with developmental disabilities in Enfield, Hanover, and Lebanon. He explained how two of their sites were developed with assistance from the affordable housing fund, underscoring the importance of such capital support due to the limited operating income from residents who rely on SSI and Medicaid. Saul emphasized the difficulty in securing other funding sources like HUD funds due to restrictive rules and the need to support other organizations in similar efforts. He shared his personal stake in the issue as a father planning for the future care of his daughter with significant disabilities.
HB530 2024-1453h: Tom Doroza, Deputy Director, Housing Action New Hampshire Support00:28:06.440 - 9:25:42 AM; Tom Doroza, representing Housing Action New Hampshire, spoke in favor of HB530, highlighting the organization's mission to advocate for policies that increase housing supply. He noted the current housing shortage due to limited supply, leading to high prices and low vacancy rates, which impacts seniors, young families, and the workforce. Doroza referenced a recent survey by the BIA and the Center for Ethics at St. Anselm College, which found that over 86% of leaders considered affordable housing their top public policy concern.
HB530 2024-1453h: Unidentified Speaker, Housing Action New Hampshire Support00:29:07.559 - 9:26:43 AM; The speaker, representing Housing Action New Hampshire, strongly supports HB 530. They emphasized the importance of the Affordable Housing Fund, which has been successful in leveraging over $500 million in private investments and aiding in the construction of thousands of rental homes since its inception. They were not able to comment on the amendment as they had not reviewed it, focusing solely on the underlying bill.
HB530 2024-1453h: Lori McIntosh, Dover, OurPlace NH Support00:30:35.880 - 9:28:11 AM; Lori McIntosh from Dover, representing OurPlace NH, supports HB 530. She highlighted the critical need for housing for adults with developmental disabilities, pointing out the significant number of individuals in New Hampshire with such disabilities and the current living situations many face with aging caregivers. McIntosh shared that OurPlace NH is working on a project to convert a former daycare center into housing, which requires substantial funding. She stressed the urgency and economic benefits of proactive housing solutions for this population to prevent homelessness and reduce long-term costs.
HB530 2024-1453h: Maddie Mandelbaum, Widow and Single Parent from Manchester Support00:34:40.918 - 9:32:16 AM; Maddie Mandelbaum, a widow and single parent from Manchester, supports HB 530. She shared her personal story of planning for her son Jeremy's future, who has intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mandelbaum discussed the challenges and the slow process of creating housing solutions through OurPlace NH, emphasizing the need for funding to expedite such efforts. She stressed the emotional and practical benefits of community-based housing for individuals like her son, urging the state to support these initiatives to prevent future crises.
HB530 2024-1453h: Vanessa Blae, Director of Policy and Planning, New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities Support00:40:46.520 - 9:38:22 AM; Vanessa Blae, representing the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities, supports HB 530. She explained the bill's potential positive impact on the disability community, referencing the work of a special committee formed to study the housing crisis's effect on this group. Blae detailed how the funding from the bill could be used to develop accessory dwelling units, support best practice housing communities, and implement universally designed community-based housing. She underscored the widespread relevance of disability issues and the urgency of addressing the housing crisis.
HB530 2024-1453h: Jack Rudderman, Legislative Affairs Advisor, New Hampshire Housing Support00:45:00.800 - 9:42:36 AM; Jack Rudderman, representing New Hampshire Housing, spoke in support of HB530. He provided an overview of New Hampshire Housing's role and achievements, including financing over 16,000 affordable apartments and administering the state's housing Choice voucher program. Rudderman emphasized the importance of the affordable housing fund, established in 1981, as a crucial tool for creating affordable, workforce, and supportive housing. He noted recent historic investments in the fund have helped decrease homelessness and improve health and workforce outcomes. Rudderman advocated for increased funding to address the desperate need for more housing in New Hampshire, urging the committee to vote the bill ought to pass.
HB530 2024-1453h: Jan Lard Pel, Candia, New Hampshire Support00:50:08.920 - 9:47:44 AM; Jan Lard Pel from Candia, New Hampshire, testified in support of HB530, particularly its amendment regarding the use of funds from the sale of the Laconia State School. As a parent of a 31-year-old son with severe autism, Pel highlighted the lack of adequate supportive housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Hampshire. She shared her personal story and the challenges her family faces, emphasizing the need for housing options that meet specific needs. Pel is part of a parent group working to become a nonprofit to raise funds for such housing. She sees the bill and its amendment as a critical step towards addressing the housing shortage for adults with ID and urged the committee to support the bill.
HB531: Representative Ames Information Only01:00:45.440 - 9:58:21 AM; Representative Ames introduced HB531, which aims to set annual limits on the amount of charitable gaming revenue distributed to any single charitable organization. He explained that the bill stemmed from discussions in the Charitable Gaming Commission, where concerns were raised about the sustainability of the current system. Ames highlighted that increased revenues from charitable gaming, particularly from historic horse racing and card playing, have disproportionately benefited charities already on the list. He proposed the bill as a temporary measure to cap funding at $50,000 per charity per year, suggesting this would give time to develop a more equitable long-term solution. Ames acknowledged the potential need for adjustments to the bill's specifics but emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue.
HB531: Former Representative Abami Oppose01:12:47.760 - 10:10:23 AM; Former Representative Abami opposed HB531. He provided a detailed analysis of the charitable gaming landscape, noting that 800 charities benefited from these funds in 2023, with 91% stating the revenue was very important to their activities. Abami shared a handout detailing the distribution of funds among various charities and highlighted the diversity of their missions. He referenced recommendation 17 from the Charitable Gaming Commission report, which suggested further study on setting limits on charity earnings. Abami argued that the bill would harm larger charities that depend on these revenues and noted a fiscal note predicting $18 million would be redirected to the state's education trust fund. He recommended that the issue be studied by a newly formed commission rather than rushing to pass the bill, emphasizing the need to maintain New Hampshire's unique charitable gaming model.
HB531: Former Representative Abami Information Only01:12:47.760 - 10:10:23 AM; Former Representative Abami, in his concluding remarks, discussed the potential capping of charity earnings from table games and historic racing games at $50,000 each under the proposed bill. He also mentioned an amendment to the commission, making the AG and the Lottery Director non-voting members. He emphasized that this bill is a small part of broader issues that need addressing by the charitable gaming commission, such as the selection of dates, collection methods, and the number of days per charity. He highlighted the complexity of the charitable gaming model and the need for further work, suggesting that the commission should handle these matters.
HB531: Representative Ducet Information Only01:21:34.199 - 10:19:10 AM; Representative Ducet briefly mentioned an amendment to the commission that would make the AG and the Lottery Director non-voting members if it passes. He agreed with the sentiment that the bill represents a minor component of the broader issues that need to be addressed by the charitable gaming commission.
HB531: Representative Elme Information Only01:22:36.159 - 10:20:12 AM; Representative Elme asked for clarification on the percentages mentioned in the discussion, specifically the 10.1%, 27.5%, and 62%. The response clarified that these percentages represent the distribution of charities across different earnings brackets, with 62% of charities earning between $0 and $50,000, 27.5% earning between $50,000 and $100,000, and so forth. He concurred that the bill would change the current model and suggested that the commission should handle these matters.
HB531: Representative Om Information Only01:24:55.760 - 10:22:31 AM; Representative Om posed a question about the allocation of funds raised through charitable gaming, questioning whether any money should be designated to charities or if charities should compete equally for funds. The response highlighted the importance of the current model, noting that it supports over 800 charities and has significantly increased state revenue since the introduction of historic racing.
HB531: Representative Alberger Information Only01:26:03.920 - 10:23:39 AM; Representative Alberger questioned whether charitable institutions receiving gaming funds were doing work that the state should be responsible for. The response clarified that while some charities might be filling gaps left by the state, many are doing work beyond state responsibilities. The discussion also touched on the need for accountability in how charities spend their earnings.
HB531: Michelle Ali, CEO of Webster House Children's Home in Manchester, NH Oppose01:29:54.520 - 10:27:30 AM; Michelle Ali testified in opposition to HB531, emphasizing the critical role of charitable gaming funds for Webster House, a children's home in Manchester, NH. She explained that these funds help cover the 50% funding gap left by the state's daily rate, enabling them to provide essential services, including trauma-informed care, education, and social activities for at-risk youth. She argued that HB531 would jeopardize these services, urging the committee to reject the bill.
HB531: Brendan Madden, Founder and Chairman of the New Hampshire Coalition for the Support of Service Dogs from Dover, NH Oppose01:33:44.800 - 10:31:20 AM; Brendan Madden opposed HB531, stating that setting limits on charitable gaming earnings would reduce the capacity of nonprofits to provide services. He highlighted the importance of these funds for his organization's mission to educate about and provide financial aid for service dogs in New Hampshire.
HB531: Amy Hollingworth, Executive Director of NHMI in Manchester, NH Oppose01:35:34.920 - 10:33:10 AM; Amy Hollingworth, representing NHMI, opposed HB531, emphasizing the importance of charitable gaming funds for their Safe Sports Network program. She detailed how these funds support various services, including sideline care, concussion management, and athletic training clinics in Southern New Hampshire. She argued that the bill would disrupt their budget and ability to serve nearly 6,000 students, urging its rejection.
HB531: Lily Wellington, Director of Volunteer Services at the Friends Program, Contoocook, NH Information Only01:38:30.440 - 10:36:06 AM; Lily Wellington shared the story of Margaret, an 86-year-old woman from Contoocook who needed help with transportation for dialysis due to her inability to drive. She highlighted the importance of nonprofits in providing support to people like Margaret, who rely on volunteer networks for essential services. Wellington emphasized that the Friends Program serves over 30,000 individuals annually, providing them with food, transportation, and shelter.
HB531: Michael Goodwin, Development Director at Granite State Independent Living, Marlow, NH Support01:41:00.239 - 10:38:36 AM; Michael Goodwin expressed support for charitable gaming, highlighting its significant impact on nonprofits since its inception at Rockingham Park. He noted that the funds raised help various organizations, including YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, and disability services like Granite State Independent Living. Goodwin emphasized the role of these funds in addressing critical community issues such as homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health, and urged legislators to consider the bill's potential impact on nonprofits.
HB531: Amy Harrington, Volunteer Board Member at Catamount Woman Aid, Barnstead, NH Oppose01:44:39.639 - 10:42:15 AM; Amy Harrington, representing Catamount Woman Aid, opposed HB531. She explained that the organization started in 2011 to address immediate financial needs in Barnstead and surrounding areas. Charitable gaming funds have significantly increased their ability to help, as demonstrated by their assistance to families displaced by a fire. Harrington expressed concern that without these funds, they would have to turn away requests and limit their help.
HB531: Erica Kafa, Executive Vice President for New Hampshire Soccer Association Oppose01:48:02.599 - 10:45:38 AM; Erica Kafa testified in opposition to HB531, emphasizing the importance of charitable gaming for the New Hampshire Soccer Association. The funds allow them to provide scholarships and create adaptive soccer programs for people with disabilities. Kafa highlighted the mental health benefits of soccer and urged legislators to consider the bill's impact on youth development and community engagement.
HB531: John Tant, Executive Director of the Franco-American Center, NH Oppose01:50:11.560 - 10:47:47 AM; John Tant opposed HB531, focusing on two aspects: the redirection of surplus funds over $50,000 to a state trust fund for education, and the bill's effective date of July 1st, which he believed would unfairly penalize nonprofits in the third and fourth quarters. He suggested delaying the effective date to 2025 if the bill were to move forward.
HB531: Tom Deroza, Principal at Main Street Strategic, representing New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits Oppose01:52:28.320 - 10:50:04 AM; Tom Deroza, representing the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits, opposed HB531, arguing that it would limit the funds available to nonprofits, which are crucial for addressing social issues. He noted that the state's gaming is exclusively charitable and criticized the bill for effectively taxing nonprofits by redirecting funds to the state's general fund.
HB531: Terry Deco, representing New Hampshire Philharmonic, Derry, NH Oppose01:53:33.079 - 10:51:09 AM; Terry Deco, from the New Hampshire Philharmonic, opposed HB531. He highlighted the importance of live classical music to the community and how charitable gaming funds help keep ticket prices affordable. Deco described the orchestra's community outreach programs, such as the drawn to music program, which would be at risk without these funds.
HB531: Mike Appleberg, United Way of Greater Nashua, NH Oppose01:56:36.079 - 10:54:12 AM; Mike Appleberg from the United Way of Greater Nashua opposed HB531, stating that the bill's cap on revenue would act as a tax on nonprofits, diverting $18.6 million from the sector. He argued that this would hinder nonprofits' ability to address social issues and questioned the logic of siphoning funds away from the sector when the purpose is to be more equitable. Appleberg urged the committee to vote the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB531: Susan Ford, My Friend's Place Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing Program, Dover, NH Oppose02:03:29.920 - 11:01:05 AM; Susan Ford, the executive director of My Friend's Place in Dover, NH, emphasized the critical role of charitable gaming revenue for their small agency. Operating on a $500,000 budget, they serve around 30 individuals daily, relying on state contracts and fundraising to cover the shortfall between state funding and operational costs. Last year, they raised $135,000 through charitable gaming, including Bingo. A $50,000 cap proposed by HB531 would severely limit their capacity to serve their community, potentially leading to dire consequences for the individuals they support, especially during harsh weather conditions.
HB531: Chris Thompson, Bennington, NH Oppose02:05:00.400 - 11:02:36 AM; Chris Thompson, a resident of Bennington, NH, and involved with multiple nonprofit boards, spoke against HB531. He highlighted the importance of charitable gaming as a significant funding source for nonprofits, particularly mentioning his involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire. The foundation has seen an increase in revenue from charitable gaming since 2020, enabling them to grant more wishes to children with life-threatening conditions. Thompson stressed that the proposed $50,000 cap would negatively impact nonprofits and the vulnerable populations they serve.
HB531: Terry Highland Jr., Kemple's Brain Injury Center, Portsmouth, NH Oppose02:07:19.800 - 11:04:55 AM; Terry Highland Jr., representing Kemple's Brain Injury Center in Portsmouth, NH, expressed concerns about HB531. The center, which has supported individuals with acquired brain injuries for 25 years, relies heavily on charitable gaming revenue, receiving $150,000 annually. The proposed cap would result in a significant loss of funding, potentially leading to service cuts. Highland emphasized the center's commitment to not turning away individuals due to inability to pay and the broader implications of the bill on nonprofits in New Hampshire.
HB531: Kevin Underiner, Dover, NH Oppose02:10:34.119 - 11:08:10 AM; Kevin Underiner from Dover, NH, spoke in opposition to HB531, sharing his personal experience with a stroke and his reliance on agencies like Kemple's Center and Project Walk. He criticized the proposed method of allocating charitable funds, suggesting a more community-involved and timely approach. Underiner highlighted the growth in New Hampshire's charitable giving over the years and warned that the bill could negatively impact the state's ranking and the stability of nonprofit budgets.
HB531: Aaron Fairhurst, Kemple's Brain Injury Center, Portsmouth, NH Oppose02:13:14.480 - 11:10:50 AM; Aaron Fairhurst, the program director at Kemple's Brain Injury Center in Portsmouth, NH, opposed HB531, emphasizing the center's role in providing post-acute therapeutic programming and a supportive community for brain injury survivors. The center's funding from charitable gaming, around $150,000 annually, is crucial for maintaining high-quality programs and services. Fairhurst stressed that losing this funding would limit the center's capacity to serve its members and urged the committee to oppose the bill.
HB531: Anne Michael, Fueled by Kids, Manchester, NH Oppose02:18:49.840 - 11:16:25 AM; Anne Michael from Fueled by Kids in Manchester, NH, opposed HB531, explaining the organization's reliance on charitable gaming donations, which constitute 35% of their budget for providing weekend food bags to children. She detailed the growth of the program from serving 65 bags at one school in 2016 to 1,130 bags across 21 schools. A cap on charitable gaming funds would severely impact their ability to continue this service, urging the committee to reject the bill.
HB531: Jane Goodman, Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, Nashua, NH Oppose02:20:55.760 - 11:18:31 AM; Jane Goodman, the executive director of the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, opposed HB531, stating that the organization received nearly $100,000 from charitable gaming last year, crucial for their $3 million budget. She highlighted the diverse but fragile nature of their revenue sources and the potential gap that losing charitable gaming proceeds would create. Goodman argued that redirecting these funds to the Lottery Commission would weaken community support and urged opposition to the bill.
HB531: Amit Alis, Accounting Firm Owner, NH Oppose02:25:07.720 - 11:22:43 AM; Amit Alis, an accounting firm owner specializing in nonprofits across New Hampshire, opposed HB531. He explained that charitable gaming constitutes a significant portion of many small nonprofits' budgets, ranging from 20 to 40%. Alis highlighted the current challenges nonprofits face, including delayed federal funds and increased costs, making charitable gaming a lifeline. He provided a letter with more information and emphasized the importance of maintaining this funding source for the state's nonprofits.
HB531: Sally Fellows, representing the towns of Ashland and Holderness Support03:08:08.640 - 12:05:44 PM; Sally Fellows testified in support of HB531, which proposes to redirect revenue from historic horse racing to the education trust fund. She explained that the bill does not affect revenues from table games that go to charities. She highlighted that New Hampshire has been licensing charitable gaming facilities since 2006, and with the introduction of historic horse racing machines in 2022, there has been a significant increase in gaming profits. She noted that while the fiscal note indicates a temporary decrease in charity revenue, it is expected to recover and surpass previous levels. She emphasized the potential for the bill to increase charity revenues at a reasonable rate while providing $25 million for the state's biennial budget.
HB531: Representative Duet Information Only03:11:15.960 - 12:08:51 PM; Representative Duet asked clarifying questions about the implications of the bill on the existing charitable gaming model, particularly concerning the introduction of historic horse racing (HHR). He expressed concerns about rewriting the charitable gaming statute and its impact on charities, suggesting that the original intent was to benefit charities, not the education trust fund. Sally Fellows responded by defending the bill, stating it continues the existing model and does not rewrite it, emphasizing the benefits to the state's budget.
HB531: Amdy Olas, Accounting Firm Owner, NH Oppose03:16:24.600 - 12:14:00 PM; Amdy Olas briefly spoke against HB531, noting that historic horse racing was a lifeline for social service organizations during the pandemic. He urged consideration of the impact on these organizations before supporting the bill.
HB531: Aaron Furst, representing Kemes Information Only03:17:14.479 - 12:14:50 PM; Aaron Furst provided information on the standard agreements between charitable organizations and casinos, specifically mentioning that all revenues his organization received last year from charitable gaming were from historic horse racing, not table games. He emphasized the flexibility in these agreements and expressed concern that the bill does nothing to protect games of chance revenues for charities.
HB531: Pat Abram, from Stratham Oppose03:19:52.479 - 12:17:28 PM; Pat Abram opposed HB531, arguing it would reduce the number of charities benefiting from historic horse racing from two to one per night, significantly impacting the number of participating charities. He highlighted the original intent of increasing charity involvement through historic racing and warned against changing the rules midstream, which he saw as a betrayal to the charities. He also discussed the financial implications, suggesting that the bill would transfer funds from charities to the education trust fund, contrary to the original goal of expanding charity involvement.
HB531: Representative Malloy Information Only03:24:19.560 - 12:21:55 PM; Representative Malloy sought clarification on the number of charities benefiting from charitable gaming, specifically asking about the numbers mentioned in the fiscal note of the previous bill. Pat Abram confirmed the numbers and explained how the revenues are split between different gaming types and charities at facilities.
HB531: Representative Elberger Information Only03:27:40.399 - 12:25:16 PM; Representative Elberger asked about the historical context of charitable gaming in New Hampshire, confirming the timeline of table games and historic horse racing. He raised concerns about the increasing property taxes due to diminished state funding for education and services, questioning the impact of supporting charities over funding education. Pat Abram responded by discussing the political decision between funding charities and education, emphasizing the importance of not changing the rules that supported the charities initially.
HB531: Kathleen Reen, New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits Support03:32:38.319 - 12:30:14 PM; Kathleen Reen, CEO of the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits, emphasized the importance of the revenue stream from charitable gaming for nonprofits in New Hampshire. She highlighted that many services provided by nonprofits in the state are services that, in other states, might be provided by the government. She urged the committee to continue supporting charitable gaming, noting its critical role in funding nonprofit operations.
HB531: Amy Harrington Support03:33:49.680 - 12:31:25 PM; Amy Harrington spoke in favor of the bill, describing the straightforward and quick access to funds that charitable gaming provides, which is particularly beneficial for organizations run by volunteers. She used the analogy of a 'table to farm' concept to illustrate how the funds can be used immediately for urgent needs, such as providing a winter jacket to a child in need.
HB531: Erica Kaa, New Hampshire Soccer Association Oppose03:36:13.199 - 12:33:49 PM; Erica Kaa, Executive Vice President of the New Hampshire Soccer Association, spoke in opposition to House Bill 588. She shared a personal story about a young man who regained joy through ampute soccer, funded by charitable gaming. She argued that such initiatives are crucial and urged the committee not to pass the bill.
HB531: Lily Wellington, Concord Oppose03:37:30.920 - 12:35:06 PM; Lily Wellington from Concord discussed the interconnectedness of funding obligations between nonprofits and the state. She pointed out that 14% of the state's workforce is employed by nonprofits and expressed concern that altering the funding could destabilize the nonprofit sector, likening it to unraveling a sweater.
HB531: Amy Hollingworth, NHMI and Safe Sports Network Oppose03:38:36.199 - 12:36:12 PM; Amy Hollingworth, executive director of NHMI and Safe Sports Network, opposed HB 588, emphasizing the critical role of charitable gaming as a 'vital lifeblood' for nonprofits. She argued that prioritizing the Lottery Commission over nonprofits during economic strain could lead to negative consequences for the nonprofit sector.
HB531: Michelle Ali, Webster House Children's Home Oppose03:40:07.560 - 12:37:43 PM; Michelle Ali, CEO of Webster House Children's Home, testified against HB 588. She explained that the state's daily rate covers only half of their expenses, and charitable gaming funds are essential to bridge the gap. She urged the committee to reject the bill to avoid negative impacts on their operations.
HB531: John Tant, Franco American Center Oppose03:41:13.920 - 12:38:49 PM; John Tant from the Franco American Center opposed the legislation, mentioning the evolution of charitable gaming and the inclusion of historical horse racing, which has increased funds available to nonprofits. He hoped the committee would vote against moving historic racing funds to the education fund.
HB531: Mike Appleberg, United Way of Greater Nashua Oppose03:42:44.479 - 12:40:20 PM; Mike Appleberg, President of the United Way of Greater Nashua, opposed HB 588, describing it as a tax on the nonprofit sector amounting to $122.5 million. He argued that shifting funds from historic horse racing to education would reduce the funds available to charities, especially considering the increased number of charities and reduced gaming days.
HB531: Don Belmore, NHMI and Safe Sports Network Information Only03:45:30.159 - 12:43:06 PM; Don Belmore provided observations on the discussion around charitable gaming and the bills being considered. He noted the common thread among the bills discussed is their relation to charitable gaming and the impact on nonprofits. He discussed how one bill aims to cap the earnings of charities, which he believes does not address the needs of smaller charities trying to break into the market. He also expressed confusion about the role of the Lottery Commission in managing funds from charitable gaming, indicating a lack of clarity on how these funds are used, particularly in relation to education. He appreciated the opportunity to engage in the dialogue and expressed a desire for further discussion.
HB531: Kevin Underriner, Dover Information Only03:48:27.080 - 12:46:03 PM; Kevin Underriner raised a question regarding the financial implications of the bill for the Lottery Commission. He inquired about the costs the Lottery Commission would incur to manage the funds if the bill were to pass, and how this might affect the current allocation of funds managed by gaming companies and nonprofits. He highlighted the importance of money in charitable contributions and the potential impact of shifting management responsibilities to the Lottery Commission.
HB591: Jim Tierney, Representative for Coos 1 (Dalton, Lancaster, Northumberland, Stratford) Support03:50:54.239 - 12:48:30 PM; Jim Tierney introduced HB591 on behalf of Representative Brian Cole, explaining that the bill aims to expand the hours for Keno gaming on weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. He mentioned that the fiscal note estimates zero revenue for 2025 but anticipates an increase in revenue in subsequent years. He highlighted that this extension would provide an additional three hours for people to play the game.
HB502: Representative Ulery Oppose03:57:11.120 - 12:54:47 PM; Representative Ulery moved for an 'inexpedient to legislate' (ITL) on HB502.
HB502: Representative Shamberg Support03:57:11.120 - 12:54:47 PM; Representative Shamberg argued against the ITL motion, stating that HB502 would ensure equal tax liability for domestic and foreign multinational companies under New Hampshire law. He referenced a 1986 New Hampshire Supreme Court decision that supported the Waters Edge method, which he claimed favored foreign businesses. He emphasized that the bill would not introduce a new tax or rate but would require foreign subsidiaries to report their tax liability similarly to New Hampshire domestic companies, thereby increasing revenue for the education trust fund and providing property tax relief.
HB502: Representative Opel Support03:59:08.279 - 12:56:44 PM; Representative Opel supported Representative Shamberg's position, emphasizing the importance of trust, democracy, and the rule of law in treating all businesses equally. He criticized the current tax system for favoring foreign multinationals over New Hampshire businesses. He urged members to read both the majority and minority reports of a commission that looked into this issue, noting that the majority report's representation as a 7-1 vote was misleading since several members did not take a position. He stressed the need for a fair and equitable tax system.
HB502: Representative JY Information Only04:01:48.279 - 12:59:24 PM; Representative JY provided information about the reports from the commission chaired by Representative Spilsbury, mentioning their involvement and the complexity of enforcing the proposed changes as highlighted by the CPA Association and the Department of Revenue. They noted that revenues have increased under the current tax system and would likely decrease under the proposed changes.
HB502: Representative Elberger Oppose04:03:05.399 - 1:00:41 PM; Representative Elberger recalled Representative Spilsbury's testimony which focused on the difficulty of implementing the proposed changes. They argued that this difficulty should not be the sole reason for opposing the bill, suggesting that despite the challenges, the proposal should be considered on its merits.
HB502: Clerk Information Only04:04:01.520 - 1:01:37 PM; The clerk called the roll for the vote on House Bill 502. The motion on the floor was 'inexpedient to legislate.' The vote resulted in 11 votes in favor and 9 against the motion.
HB318: Representative Sodi Oppose04:06:57.840 - 1:04:33 PM; Representative Sodi opposed the bill, explaining that it shifts money within the government without increasing funding. They highlighted concerns about the education system's funding issues and hoped a new committee would address these issues, seeing no need for the bill.
HB318: Representative Shamberg Oppose04:07:36.319 - 1:05:12 PM; Representative Shamberg, representing Wilmot and Sutton, opposed the motion to kill the bill. They supported the bill for providing property tax relief without increasing taxes, by adjusting the percentage of the business Enterprise tax deposited into the education trust fund, aiming to increase funding by an estimated $68 million.
HB318: Representative Elme Oppose04:09:15.439 - 1:06:51 PM; Representative Elme opposed the bill but noted that it moves needed money to the education trust fund, which the finance committee could then allocate as necessary. They expressed their vote against the motion to kill the bill.
HB318: Clerk Information Only04:09:15.439 - 1:06:51 PM; The clerk called the roll for the vote on House Bill 318. The motion on the floor was 'inexpedient to legislate.' The voting process was underway.
HB318: Clerk Information Only04:09:15.439 - 1:06:51 PM; The Clerk concluded the voting process on HB318, which passed with a vote of 16 to 4. Representative Shamberg indicated an intention to file a Minority Report.
HB255: Chairman Information Only04:11:27.279 - 1:09:03 PM; The Chairman opened the executive session on HB255, recognized Representative Sodi, and a motion for ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) was proposed and seconded. The Chairman asked for any discussion on the motion.
HB255: Representative Sodi Oppose04:12:57.920 - 1:10:33 PM; Representative Sodi spoke against the ITL motion on HB255, citing the bill's intent to increase the amount of business profits tax allocated to the education trust fund by $158 million. He emphasized his campaign promise to address public education funding and property tax relief, specifically mentioning his commitment to the taxpayers of Wilmot and Sutton.
HB255: Clerk Information Only04:13:59.040 - 1:11:35 PM; The Clerk conducted a roll call vote on HB255, resulting in a vote of 16 to 4 in favor of the ITL motion. Representative Shamberg again indicated an intention to file a Minority Report.
HB255: Chairman Information Only04:15:41.520 - 1:13:17 PM; The Chairman closed the executive session on HB255 and discussed the timeline for submitting Minority Reports, requesting them by noon the following day to ensure they could be included in the calendar.
HB135: Chairman Information Only04:16:34.439 - 1:14:10 PM; The Chairman opened the executive session on HB135, recognized Representative Ulery, and a motion for ITL was proposed and seconded.
HB135: Representative Ulery Support04:17:37.640 - 1:15:13 PM; Representative Ulery supported the ITL motion on HB135, referencing previous discussions on the Wayfair situation and quoting the New Hampshire Attorney General to clarify that the Wayfair decision shifted the point of sale for tax collection purposes.
HB135: Representative Elme Support04:18:23.439 - 1:15:59 PM; Representative Elme supported the ITL motion, adding that the issue had been thoroughly discussed and had reached the US Supreme Court with widespread state support. He noted that the bill provided a framework to challenge violations of Supreme Court guidelines.
HB135: Representative Y Support04:19:52.319 - 1:17:28 PM; Representative Y supported the ITL motion, stating that the key element is the nexus of business operations and that the bill's provisions were already in effect in many online transactions.
HB135: Clerk Information Only04:20:26.640 - 1:18:02 PM; The Clerk conducted a roll call vote on HB135, resulting in a unanimous vote of 20 to 0 in favor of the ITL motion, and it was placed on the consent calendar.
HB135: Chairman Information Only04:21:51.880 - 1:19:27 PM; The Chairman closed the executive session on HB135 and requested that Minority Reports be submitted by the evening if possible, to facilitate timely review.

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)