Committee Summary for House Ways and Means (02/09/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB194 00:01:46.880 - 9:01:37 AM	General Working Session	relative to the crime of interference with custody.	Post, Lisa(R)[A]2025
HB1433 01:41:52.080 - 10:41:43 AM	General Working Session	creating a child care tax credit for qualifying businesses.	Kuttab, Katelyn(R)[B]2025
HB1646 01:48:51.040 - 10:48:42 AM	Executive Session	creating an off-site infrastructure improvement tax credit for the value of qualified off-site infrastructure improvements constructed or funded by business organizations that directly benefit the public.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1435 01:50:01.280 - 10:49:52 AM	General Working Session	relative to changes to the Winnipesaukee river basin control replacement fund.	Bogert, Steven(R)[B+]2025
HB1474 01:53:01.040 - 10:52:52 AM	Executive Session	relative to the formula of distribution of revenue from the meals and rooms tax.	McGuire, Dan(R)[A]2025
HB1646 02:00:20.560 - 11:00:11 AM	Executive Session	creating an off-site infrastructure improvement tax credit for the value of qualified off-site infrastructure improvements constructed or funded by business organizations that directly benefit the public.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1435 02:02:19.599 - 11:02:10 AM	Executive Session	relative to changes to the Winnipesaukee river basin control replacement fund.	Bogert, Steven(R)[B+]2025
Unclear 02:05:36.080 - 11:05:27 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB1420 03:03:15.200 - 12:03:06 PM	General Working Session	creating a temporary local newspaper advertisement tax credit.	Perez, Kristine(R)[B+]2025

HB194: Keith Nine, Deputy Commissioner, NH Insurance Department Information Only00:01:46.880 - 9:01:37 AM; Keith Nine explains the operations of the insurance guarantee fund, emphasizing that all insurers must participate and front money for insolvent companies' losses, reimbursed over five years via premium tax offsets borne by taxpayers. He details the department's original bill goals: preserve state revenue by capping offsets at $10 million annually and provide budget predictability. For breaches over $10 million, reimbursement drops to 10% over five years, sharing liability with carriers. He contrasts this with the ACLI amendment and answers committee questions on insolvency impacts, policy coverage limits ($300,000 for life, $500,000 for health, $250,000 for annuities), proration of assets, lack of recourse against domiciled states, and the long process of running off insolvent companies.
HB194: Keith Nyhan, Deputy Commissioner, NH Insurance Department Information Only00:20:39.919 - 9:20:30 AM; Keith Nyhan explains current law where the state bears the full cost of large insurer insolvencies through diminished insurance premium tax revenue. He proposes a 50/50 split of responsibility for catastrophic insolvencies to add structure and predictability, providing charts for alternative splits. He notes the complexity and offers to run numbers on committee-preferred options, emphasizing policy decisions needed.
HB194: Amy, NH Insurance Department Information Only00:24:52.480 - 9:24:43 AM; Amy walks through examples using handouts, illustrating assessment impacts like a $35 million assessment over five years reducing state revenue by $17.5 million due to forfeited credits, versus $35 million over 10 years with carry forwards. She explains potential $75 million assessments eliminating IP from life and health companies, and highlights ACLI's proposed inflation adjustments to the $10 million cap, showing increases to $16.3 million by 2045. She clarifies anticipated credits based on tax liabilities, especially for annuity-based assessments.
HB194: Keith Nyhan, Deputy Commissioner, NH Insurance Department Information Only00:28:49.360 - 9:28:40 AM; Keith responds to questions on alternative structures like 20% for the first $10 million then 10% thereafter, agreeing it's a policy decision and offering to model financial impacts. He stresses the need for committee guidance on shifting burden to industry versus status quo, aiming to avoid undefined liabilities in budgets. He discusses ACLI proposals like extending credit years and inflation factors, noting 1% inflation adds about $1 million liability, and explains low risk of large insolvencies due to oversight and capitalization.
HB194: Henry Veu, American Council of Life Insurers Support00:41:55.200 - 9:41:46 AM; Henry introduces an amendment allowing extended carry forwards for tax credits beyond five years to mitigate impacts on insurers, noting life insurance pricing is fixed at purchase unlike other types. He emphasizes collaboration to limit state revenue drops while addressing new risks to companies, potentially affecting future policyholder premiums.
HB194: Jill Rickard, American Council of Life Insurers Support00:44:40.560 - 9:44:31 AM; Jill details the amendment: extend credits over longer periods (e.g., 10 years) without time limits, capped at $10 million annual state offset, allowing full reimbursement against tax liability to make insurers whole. She explains well-managed insurers suffer from covering failed competitors' claims and forfeited credits, proposing CPI-tied inflation adjustment over fixed rates for fairness, warning higher premiums for future customers without it.
HB194: Representative Shamburgg Information Only00:47:53.920 - 9:47:44 AM; Representative Shamburgg questions if carry forwards reduce likelihood of premium increases or coverage tightening, confirming they allow full offset of assessments.
HB194: Representative Opel Information Only00:49:11.839 - 9:49:02 AM; Representative Opel seeks clarification on the proposal, confirming no fixed time limit but credits limited to tax liability until full assessment is offset, ensuring state loses no more than $10 million per year.
HB194: Representative Spar Support00:50:14.640 - 9:50:05 AM; Representative Spar supports the amendment for fixed $10 million state liability and extended recovery for insurers, liking the inflation rider. He proposes proactively building a $2 million annual reserve fund for stability in pricing and tax revenue, seeking industry thoughts.
HB194: Representative Murphy Support00:53:13.040 - 9:53:04 AM; Representative Murphy suggests amending to a $10 million cap with 10-year offset period to protect smaller carriers, opposing fixed inflation rider in favor of future legislative review based on revenue and needs.
HB194: Representative Opel Support00:54:32.800 - 9:54:23 AM; Representative Opel supports CPI adjustment over arbitrary numbers for fairness, noting future legislatures can amend if needed.
HB194: Representative Elmy Information Only00:55:58.880 - 9:55:49 AM; Representative Elmy expresses confusion on making insurers whole, noting current process favors large companies; supports $10 million limit and 10-year period per Murphy's change, prefers no CPI to allow periodic reviews, citing risks of automatic adjustments elsewhere in law.
HB194: Representative Elmy Information Only00:55:58.880 - 9:55:49 AM; Representative Elmy expresses concern about smaller insurance companies not being fully reimbursed for assessments due to limited tax liability, potentially taking decades or longer to recover costs, unlike larger companies. He highlights that under current law, reimbursement is capped at tax liability, and extending to 10 years might still leave small companies short if assessments exceed their tax payments over that period.
HB194: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only00:58:50.240 - 9:58:41 AM; The member clarifies that assessments are based on the size of the insurance carrier's business in the state, with premium tax credits offsetting the burden, preventing cash flow issues or bankruptcy for small companies. They note the liability is capped at 10 million annually for 10 years, tied to premium taxes paid.
HB194: Insurance Department Representative Information Only01:01:12.319 - 10:01:03 AM; The representative explains that assessments by the guarantee fund association are proportional to business done in the state, not flat amounts. Even small companies pay a $200 minimum tax if they write no premium. For reimbursement, credits are limited to tax liability; if an assessment exceeds this (e.g., $20,000 vs. $200 tax), full recovery isn't possible over 10 years, unlike potentially longer current timelines.
HB194: Tony (Insurance Expert) Information Only01:02:42.000 - 10:02:33 AM; Tony confirms that insurers pay a $200 minimum premium tax even with no business, but assessments for bankruptcies are issued separately by the guarantee association. He is unsure about minimum assessments but offers to investigate. He provides an example where a company's assessment far exceeds tax liability, potentially taking thousands of years to reimburse fully under current rules.
HB194: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:07:50.720 - 10:07:41 AM; The representative questions the practicality of extending reimbursement periods, noting small companies may not survive beyond 10 years anyway. They reference a chart showing state revenue loss from longer periods and discuss inflation adjustments, emphasizing policy choices on duration and financial impact.
HB194: Representative John Hunt, Cheshire - District 14 Information Only01:09:04.960 - 10:08:55 AM; Representative Hunt seeks clarification on the bill's mechanics, describing the state as potentially underwriting liability for insolvent insurers through premium tax credits, especially without inflation adjustments. He expresses confusion and requests better explanations to understand the implications.
HB194: Insurance Department Representative (Amy) Information Only01:09:53.199 - 10:09:44 AM; Amy corrects that the state acts as a backstop via the Insurance Premium (IP) fund, not an underwriter or loan guarantor. She supports extending to 10 years for definition over infinite liability but notes it extends potential impact, leaving it as a policy decision.
HB194: Committee Chair Information Only01:11:09.440 - 10:11:00 AM; The Chair polls the committee on comfort with an amendment: 10-year extension, 10 million cap, no inflation factor. A majority agrees to proceed to executive session later with a new amendment drafted by Representative Murphy. Offers further resources from the Insurance Department.
HB194: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only01:15:16.800 - 10:15:07 AM; The representative offers to provide additional information or one-on-one explanations, acknowledging past unclear communications, and commits to supporting the committee's needs on HB194.
HB194: Committee Chair Information Only01:16:39.520 - 10:16:30 AM; The Chair closes the session on HB194 and opens discussion on HB1068, confirming distribution of the amendment. Notes no fiscal impact data from DRA or LBA, but shares an email with a chart on Meals and Rooms (M&R) tax composition.
HB194: Representative (Proponent of HB1068) Support01:17:48.080 - 10:17:39 AM; The representative explains the amendment changes the hotel definition for M&R tax to 30 days for short-term rentals to compete with states like Massachusetts, aiding temporary workers like traveling nurses. Currently, stays under 6 months are fully taxed, over 6 months fully refunded, creating disadvantages. The change ensures 30 days of tax regardless, potentially reducing some refunds while boosting competitiveness, though exact revenue impact is unknown.
HB194: Representative Elmy Oppose01:21:13.760 - 10:21:04 AM; Representative Elmy opposes the change, citing significant revenue loss from traveling nurses who rarely stay over 6 months at institutions like Dartmouth Hitchcock and Grafton County Nursing Home. He notes the 6-month rule has been law since the tax's inception and questions how permanent residence is determined for occupancy.
HB194: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:22:05.600 - 10:21:56 AM; The representative raises concerns about the potential broader impacts of redefining 'permanent resident' in the bill, questioning if it could affect motor vehicle laws, election laws, driver's licenses, and car registrations, even if limited to this RSA. They suggest obtaining a legal opinion on these consequences.
HB194: Committee Chair Information Only01:22:52.080 - 10:22:43 AM; The chair explains that definitions in a law or chapter typically apply only to that chapter, not all chapters, citing past discussions and service with other representatives. They note that the term 'permanent resident' might be better phrased as short-term or long-term occupancy, but it remains specific to this chapter.
HB194: Representative Elmy Information Only01:24:12.960 - 10:24:03 AM; Representative Elmy insists on hearing confirmation from legal counsel regarding the scope of the definition.
HB194: Jennifer Ramsey (DRA) Information Only01:25:00.239 - 10:24:51 AM; Jennifer Ramsey from the Department of Revenue Administration declines to provide a formal legal opinion, recommending consultation with the Attorney General's office. She notes that the statute specifies definitions apply only to this chapter of the meals and rooms tax law.
HB194: Representative Elmy Information Only01:25:00.239 - 10:24:51 AM; Representative Elmy asks if the DRA could track refunds for leases extending beyond 185 days for a year to assess impact, and requests historical numbers if possible.
HB194: Jennifer Ramsey (DRA) Information Only01:25:00.239 - 10:24:51 AM; Jennifer Ramsey agrees to provide historical numbers on refunds for leases over 185 days, estimating it would take an hour or two, and offers to email for immediate info.
HB194: Committee Chair Information Only01:26:19.520 - 10:26:10 AM; The chair urges quick collection of the data to minimize delays, noting multiple bills already postponed.
HB194: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:27:22.639 - 10:27:13 AM; The representative raises technical concerns: at line 20, suggest changing 'one person' to 'a person' or 'someone deemed a permanent resident' to avoid limiting to single occupancy. Also, requests adding applicability language for taxable periods beginning January 1, 2027, due to needed system modifications, form changes, and operator education, as 60 days post-passage is insufficient.
HB194: Jennifer Ramsey (DRA) Information Only01:28:36.960 - 10:28:27 AM; Jennifer Ramsey agrees the effective date can remain, but applicability to taxable periods from January 1, 2027, would allow implementation time.
HB194: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:28:36.960 - 10:28:27 AM; The representative seeks clarification on sourcing professional nurses, the tax payers, and the tax amount, noting uncertainty even for 30-day stays.
HB194: Representative (on traveling nurses) Information Only01:29:39.760 - 10:29:30 AM; The representative explains traveling nurses are licensed in multiple states, fill short-term staffing needs like during flu epidemics or shortages, and are common; a personal anecdote is shared about a family member's experience. They note contracts vary, with some facilities providing dorms or hotel arrangements.
HB194: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:30:51.920 - 10:30:42 AM; The representative adds that companies create traveling nurse positions, often filled by middle-aged single or divorced women, leading to higher pay outside hospitals.
HB194: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:32:05.600 - 10:31:56 AM; The representative questions the problem with traveling nurses and why it matters, emphasizing the need for DRA data.
HB194: Committee Chair Information Only01:32:05.600 - 10:31:56 AM; The chair closes the work session on HB1068, stating no executive session today.
HB194: Representative Mallaloy Oppose01:32:05.600 - 10:31:56 AM; Representative Mallaloy proposes a motion to Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) HB1474, citing widespread concerns about fairness and sensibility after discussions.
HB194: Committee Chair Information Only01:33:05.520 - 10:32:56 AM; The chair notes HB1474 is likely an ITL due to consternation, closes the work session, and reschedules HB1787 and HB1800 for education bills to next week.
HB194: Representative Murphy Support01:35:16.560 - 10:35:07 AM; Representative Murphy presents an amendment to HB1433 with a $5 million annual cap, requiring businesses to create at least 12 new child care seats via investment in their own or third-party facilities like Boys and Girls Club. Aims to increase supply amid one-year backlogs, support workforce return, and align with business-friendly state strategy without oversubscription.
HB194: Representative Elmy Oppose01:37:41.040 - 10:37:32 AM; Representative Elmy shares concerns from Lebanon providers about Boys and Girls Club competing with higher salaries funded by contributions, potentially reducing seats from 200 to 50 and causing zero net increase. Also notes it's an uncapped appropriation via tax credit, bypassing Finance Committee and straining revenue.
HB194: Representative Murphy Support01:39:27.280 - 10:39:18 AM; Representative Murphy acknowledges Lebanon workforce shortages, plans to discuss with Rivier University for solutions. Argues the credit enhances state competitiveness by addressing child care barriers to business expansion and workforce availability, potentially offsetting revenue loss.
HB194: Representative Elmy Information Only01:40:29.520 - 10:40:20 AM; Representative Elmy explains economic challenges: child care workers earn less than at McDonald's due to parents' affordability, leading to high turnover unless subsidized; suggests state help is needed, as family subsidies aren't sustainable for all.
HB1433: Representative Elmy Information Only01:41:52.080 - 10:41:43 AM; Representative Elmy discussed the low pay in the child care industry leading to high turnover and closures. He emphasized that even with more seats available, insufficient pay makes it hard to retain workers, and families struggle with affordability.
HB1433: Representative Malone Information Only01:43:13.920 - 10:43:04 AM; Representative Malone, with 20 years on a child care center board, noted that some working women benefit from having their own children in the center, but staff turnover remains high. She asked about safeguards for the tax credit's appropriate use.
HB1433: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:43:13.920 - 10:43:04 AM; The speaker confirmed the amendment requires proof of creating at least 12 new seats for the credit. They responded to concerns about low pay, highlighting state incentives like free coursework for associate or lead teacher certifications and apprenticeship programs.
HB1433: Representative Elmy Information Only01:44:17.440 - 10:44:08 AM; Representative Elmy stressed the importance of long-term incentives in child care. He shared an anecdote about following Senator Shaheen to a meeting where child care representatives discussed training programs, but noted students often leave for higher-paying fields due to low industry pay.
HB1433: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:45:37.040 - 10:45:28 AM; The speaker described college and university programs providing long-term pathways to retain workers in child care through preparation and support.
HB1433: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:45:37.040 - 10:45:28 AM; The representative identified two main problems: lack of child care options (addressed by the amendment) and low industry pay (not addressed by this bill). They urged focusing on the bill's intended solution.
HB1433: Representative Opel Information Only01:45:37.040 - 10:45:28 AM; Representative Opel sought clarification on page two, Roman numeral 3, regarding the tax credit's carry forward provisions, noting a potential contradiction between a four-year carry forward and no refund or carry forward if exceeding liability.
HB1646: Representative Brier Information Only01:48:51.040 - 10:48:42 AM; Representative Brier recommended interim study due to fiscal impact uncertainties, need for legislative guidance on rules, and difficulty in defining qualifying projects. The idea has merit but requires more study.
HB1646: Unidentified Representative Support01:48:51.040 - 10:48:42 AM; The representative agreed with interim study and emphasized the need to define what qualifies as an off-site acceptable project.
HB1435: Representative M. Support01:50:01.280 - 10:49:52 AM; Representative M. explained the bill addresses a liquidity issue by capping the emergency repair fund at $5 million, as funding has increased beyond needs due to rising property taxes, allowing resources for other purposes like capital improvements.
HB1435: Representative Shamburgg Support01:50:01.280 - 10:49:52 AM; Representative Shamburgg agreed, noting it shifts responsibility to the towns rather than the state, and praised the presentation on managing the system.
HB1435: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:51:02.800 - 10:50:53 AM; The representative clarified the bill reduces the contribution from 5% to 2%, preventing the fund from exceeding $5 million, as excessive accumulation isn't needed given low spending.
HB1474: Representative Mallaloy Oppose01:53:01.040 - 10:52:52 AM; Representative Mallaloy moved to ITL, arguing the bill unfairly impacts 109 communities by reducing their appropriations, pits towns against each other, and is inequitable.
HB1474: Representative Almy Oppose01:53:01.040 - 10:52:52 AM; Representative Almy opposed the bill, noting it was written by one person without broad discussion, and while his city benefits slightly, the $500,000 threshold is arbitrary, severely affecting towns like Hanover.
HB1474: Representative Opel Oppose01:53:01.040 - 10:52:52 AM; Representative Opel viewed it as an economic disincentive, punishing communities generating the most revenue from tourism and restaurants, contrary to incentives for business growth.
HB1474: Unidentified Representative Support01:55:20.239 - 10:55:11 AM; The representative argued the bill promotes fairness by redistributing funds from richer to poorer communities, leveling the playing field similar to income redistribution efforts.
HB1474: Representative OS Oppose01:56:29.599 - 10:56:20 AM; Representative OS criticized the redistribution as unfair, drawing parallels to federal policies on immigration and benefits, insisting on being heard despite interruptions.
HB1646: Representative Brier Information Only02:00:20.560 - 11:00:11 AM; Representative Brier reiterated the need for interim study due to revenue concerns, rule-setting guidance, and project qualification definitions, acknowledging the idea's merit.
HB1435: Representative Olm Support02:02:19.599 - 11:02:10 AM; Representative Olm moved for OTP, supporting the bill to keep taxes down and maintain the fund's solvency without unnecessary increases.
HB1435: Representative S. Support02:03:37.599 - 11:03:28 AM; Representative S. agreed with the motion.
Unclear: Chairman Information Only02:05:36.080 - 11:05:27 AM; The Chairman outlined the schedule: no meeting Monday due to holiday; potential Wednesday meeting or Friday if needed, focusing on work sessions for HB 1787 and HB 1800, possible execs for agreed bills like 1194, 1068, and child care amendments. Aimed for morning sessions from 10 to 1.
Unclear: Various Representatives Information Only02:05:36.080 - 11:05:27 AM; Representatives discussed availability conflicts (e.g., executive board), looping in the education committee for HB 1787 and 1800, considering interim study for further work, and prioritizing agreeable execs to avoid floor debates during vacation week.
HB1420: Representative Dennis Mallaloy, Greenland Information Only03:03:15.200 - 12:03:06 PM; Representative Mallaloy welcomes the group and emphasizes the importance of hearing from everyone who has made the effort to attend. He facilitates the meeting to allow participants to express their views on the bill.
HB1420: Representative Tom Shamberg, Marremac 6 (Wilmet and Sutton) Information Only03:04:06.640 - 12:03:57 PM; Representative Shamberg introduces himself as the chair and outlines the informal nature of the subcommittee session, inviting introductions from other members and setting the stage for discussion on HB 1420.
HB1420: Representative Thomas Opel, Grafton 9 (Canaan, Dorchester, Orange) Information Only03:04:06.640 - 12:03:57 PM; Representative Opel introduces himself and notes the voluntary interest of the committee members in serving on this subcommittee to address issues related to the Ways and Means Committee's topic.
HB1420: Representative Bill M., Ward Nine of Nashua Information Only03:04:06.640 - 12:03:57 PM; Representative M. introduces himself and supports the subcommittee's formation to thoroughly discuss the bill.
HB1420: Representative Jim Tierney, Coos 1 (Dalton, Lancaster, Northumberland, Stratford) Information Only03:04:06.640 - 12:03:57 PM; Representative Tierney introduces himself and thanks the volunteers for their time, highlighting the committee's interest in the topic.
HB1420: Committee Member (Unnamed), providing synopsis Information Only03:05:19.920 - 12:05:10 PM; The member provides a brief overview of HB 1420, noting it raises questions about tax policy, fiscal impact, administrative feasibility, and legal clarity, and that the subcommittee allows focused analysis and stakeholder input before final action.
HB1420: Representative Perez, Sponsor Support03:06:23.840 - 12:06:14 PM; Representative Perez expresses strong passion for the bill, explaining it affects small businesses and local media across the state. She describes the redrafted language developed with input from the Department of Revenue and Save Local News, addressing concerns like flexibility for implementation, third-party eligibility determination, and removal of refundable credits. She offers to amend the bill immediately, suggests a potential cap like $50,000 to make 1,600 small businesses eligible, and highlights benefits to local newspapers for advertising and community information. She notes the bill supports existing local businesses and media without state direct funding.
HB1420: Representative (Unnamed, questioning on deductibility) Information Only03:11:12.080 - 12:11:03 PM; The representative asks if advertising expenses are already tax-deductible as business expenses, and confirms with others that they generally are, though there may be limits.
HB1420: Representative (Unnamed, former journalist) Support03:12:18.160 - 12:12:09 PM; The representative, a former journalist, expresses sympathy for the bill and clarifies its intent to promote local news through increased advertising incentives. He raises concerns about the bill's structure, the decline of local newspapers like in Claremont, and questions the differences between the original bill and the current draft, noting that the amendment addresses Department of Revenue concerns.
HB1420: Representative (Unnamed, on amendment language) Information Only03:14:41.840 - 12:14:32 PM; The representative questions specific language in the amendment regarding the $5 million cap on tax credits and seeks clarification on allocations.
HB1420: Representative (Unnamed, on sustainability) Information Only03:17:50.720 - 12:17:41 PM; The representative thanks the sponsor for supporting local journalism and asks about the sustainability of the business model with the $5 million tax credit, suggesting it could be a start to incentivize restarts of local papers. He notes seniors' reliance on print media and invites Deb Paul to comment.
HB1420: Representative (Unnamed, on constitutional concerns) Information Only03:19:07.920 - 12:18:58 PM; The representative supports the concept but raises concerns about content neutrality and potential state influence on media through subsidies, to which the sponsor clarifies it's a tax credit to advertisers, not direct funding to media.
HB1420: Representative (Unnamed, on incentives) Support03:21:48.160 - 12:21:39 PM; The representative emphasizes the bill targets existing local businesses and newspapers, excluding large entities like Google, making it a New Hampshire-specific initiative.
HB1420: Jennifer Ramsey, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only03:23:06.800 - 12:22:57 PM; Jennifer Ramsey explains the fiscal impact: up to $5 million reduction in business profits tax per year, potentially less if liabilities are insufficient, with carry-forward provisions. She details administrative challenges including verification of media eligibility, application processes, system modifications, and staff needs. She suggests improvements like relying on sworn applications, third-party certifications, or audit-based compliance similar to the education tax credit. She notes issues with pass-through taxation language, information sharing, and refund provisions that need cleanup.
HB1420: Representative (Unnamed, on BPT threshold and deductions) Information Only03:24:22.880 - 12:24:13 PM; The representative inquires about the business profits tax threshold ($109,000 gross profits), number of filers (~86,000), and whether the credit doubles up on already deductible advertising expenses. Ramsey confirms it's administratively possible post-deduction application.
HB1420: Brendan McQuade, President, New Hampshire Press Association Support03:35:34.319 - 12:35:25 PM; McQuade explains the association was contacted to certify eligible news agencies and, as a volunteer group, could build and maintain a list of qualifying local news creators. He affirms the organization's general support for the bill, offers to review language and provide suggestions, and discusses membership qualifications excluding political or advertising-only groups. He addresses eligibility of out-of-state papers like the Boston Globe, broadcast and digital members producing local journalism, and assures no influence on coverage from incentives.
HB1420: Mark Ericson, Secretary, New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters Information Only03:44:29.600 - 12:44:20 PM; Mark Ericson, with 52 years in broadcasting including 30 in New Hampshire, represents the NHAB. He discloses his role as the state emergency communications committee chairperson appointed by the FCC. He states that NHAB recognizes the importance of local media and the financial challenges faced by traditional media. NHAB does not oppose the concept of an advertising tax credit for small businesses but supports it only if equitable to all members and administered fairly. He highlights issues with the bill excluding stations owned by larger companies like iHeart, Saga, and Town Square Media, and some newspapers, arguing that corporate revenues do not trickle down to local levels. Local stations operate within their means without significant corporate funding.
HB1420: Scott Bradling, Representative, New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters Information Only03:45:28.800 - 12:45:19 PM; Scott Bradling echoes sentiments from previous speakers about the value of the discussion. He notes that traditional media like newspapers and radio stations are struggling for survival. NHAB aims to ensure a level playing field without creating barriers for worthy organizations. He supports simplifying the bill to include all who broadcast or publish in New Hampshire, emphasizing equity between broadcast and print media. He stresses that sales dollars follow audiences, and the challenge is to balance incentives without overcomplicating the process. Regarding blogs, podcasts, and newsletters, he views the bill as aimed at traditional media like radio, TV, and newspapers, noting past difficulties in defining credentials beyond established outlets.
HB1420: Deb Paul, Owner, Nutfield Publishing (Londonderry Times, Hudson Times) Support04:08:26.720 - 1:08:17 PM; Deb Paul, owner and publisher of Nutfield Publishing, explains that the bill aims to promote local news and information, not big events or races, but to inform citizens for government participation. She highlights the decline of local newspapers leading to biased municipal newsletters and emphasizes the role of community outlets in providing balanced information for true democracy and choice. She shares struggles of small publications competing against larger entities for advertising, stressing the bill's focus on local businesses and education on local issues like taxes and housing. She advocates for read local, buy local, spend local, give local, and welcomes ideas to support small journalists.
HB1420: Representative Perez Support04:22:27.199 - 1:22:18 PM; Representative Perez, the bill sponsor, explains that the bill was originally intended for local newspapers only but limits were added to exclude big businesses not focused on New Hampshire. He expresses frustration over fairness concerns but prioritizes supporting small local newspapers in New Hampshire facing unfair challenges.
HB1420: Sarah Katz, Manchester, Leadership with National Writers Union Support04:23:06.640 - 1:22:57 PM; Sarah Katz emphasizes the instrumental importance of local news for New Hampshire's incredible stories, small businesses, tourism, and civic dialogue. She advocates strongly for supporting local news amid the internet's dominance, highlighting the need for local voices.
HB1420: Steve Leone, Publisher, Conway Monitor (Newspapers of New England) Support04:25:35.439 - 1:25:26 PM; Steve Leone, publisher of family-owned local papers including Conway Monitor, Valley News, and Ledger Transcript, underscores the mission of local journalism to inform communities deeply. They have started nonprofits for this purpose with committed journalists. He stresses the need for trusted local information to counter confusing noise, vital for the state's and democracy's future, and is open to questions on mechanisms.
HB1420: Katherine Webster, Reporter, In-Depth New Hampshire Information Only04:37:26.400 - 1:37:17 PM; Katherine Webster, as a nonprofit reporter with no stake, questions the intent: whether to support hiring local reporters for generating news or entities reading others' local news. She seeks clarification on incentivizing original local news production versus dissemination.

Janigian, John(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Ohm, Bill(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Ulery, Jordan(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Almy, Susan(D)[F]2025	Oppel, Thomas(D)[F]2025	Smith, Steven(R)[B]2025
Malloy, Dennis(D)[CT]2025	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2025	Southworth, Thomas(D)[F]2025
Tierney, James(R)[B]2025	Cole, Brian(R)[A-]2025	Aures, Cyril(R)[B+]2025
Bolton, Bill(D)[F]2025	Elberger, Susan(D)[F]2025	Smith, Geoffrey(D)[D-]2025
Soti, Julius(R)[A+]2025	Spahr, Terry(D)[D-]2025	Bryer, Scott(R)[B]2025
Murphy, Mary(R)[B+]2025	Ford, Mary(R)[B+]2025