Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (02/10/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB564 00:03:18.319 - 7:32:00 AM	General Working Session	prohibiting certain municipal development restrictions.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB564 00:04:27.759 - 7:33:09 AM	General Working Session	prohibiting certain municipal development restrictions.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB509 00:05:37.680 - 7:34:19 AM	General Working Session	preventing municipalities from limiting dead-end road length if compliant with the state fire code.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB508 amendment to change 3 to 10 business days 00:06:51.280 - 7:35:33 AM	General Working Session	relative to the zoning board of adjustments appeal period.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB415 committee amendment to change 10 to 20 units 00:09:10.240 - 7:37:52 AM	General Working Session	relative to a certain exemption in interest in condominium units.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
SB523 00:11:17.440 - 7:39:59 AM	General Working Session	establishing the registration and oversight of builders.	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
SB526 20261 01:04:21.599 - 8:33:03 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a New Hampshire-Greece trade council.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB526 20261 01:16:32.800 - 8:45:14 AM	Executive Session	establishing a New Hampshire-Greece trade council.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB655 01:31:51.280 - 9:00:33 AM	Public Hearing	relative to employee leasing companies and workers' compensation coverage options.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
HB297 01:49:06.800 - 9:17:48 AM	Public Hearing	relative to providing self-funded employer health benefit plans access to their claims data.	Spier, Carry(D)[D-]2025
HB396 02:01:27.440 - 9:30:09 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to the processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by the United States Department of Agriculture.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025
HB396 -	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to the processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by the United States Department of Agriculture.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025
SB415 committee amendment changing limit from 50 to 20 units -	Executive Session	relative to a certain exemption in interest in condominium units.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
SB446 0557 -	Executive Session	requiring animal care center operators to notify dog owners when a dog will be left unattended and to report injuries to animals or people which occur on the premises of the animal care center.	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
SB457 committee amendment with minor changes -	Executive Session	relative to the licensing of international physicians.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB482 -	Executive Session	establishing consumer protections for digital access transaction kiosks.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB508 committee amendment changing from 3 to 10 business days -	Executive Session	relative to the zoning board of adjustments appeal period.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB563 -	Executive Session	relative to direct shippers of wine.	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025
SB564 -	Executive Session	prohibiting certain municipal development restrictions.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025

SB564: Senator Andis (Chair) Information Only00:03:18.319 - 7:32:00 AM; Senator Andis, as chair, introduces SB 564, explaining it stops towns from limiting maximum road length and allows utilities in open space perimeter buffers. Notes similarity to SB 509 but prefers SB 564 as it covers zoning while SB 509 covers planning boards.
SB564: Subcommittee Members Support00:04:27.759 - 7:33:09 AM; Subcommittee discusses and moves to pass SB 564 unanimously, recommending it to pass without amendments.
SB509: Subcommittee Members Information Only00:05:37.680 - 7:34:19 AM; Decide to hold SB 509, sign the fiscal note, and keep it as a vehicle for future amendments. Note issue with effective date pairing with another statute effective July 1.
SB508 amendment to change 3 to 10 business days: Subcommittee Members and Industry Representative Support00:06:51.280 - 7:35:33 AM; Discuss opposition regarding the 3-business-day timeframe for towns to stamp revised plans. Suggest and agree on amending to 10 business days for consistency. Move to pass as amended unanimously.
SB415 committee amendment to change 10 to 20 units: Subcommittee Members including Senator Re Support00:09:10.240 - 7:37:52 AM; Discuss increasing the exemption from AG filing from 10 to 50 units, but settle on 20 via committee amendment based on testimony and historical context since 1977. Move to pass as amended unanimously.
SB523: Senator Re Support00:11:17.440 - 7:39:59 AM; Supports registering builders to address abuses heard in testimony, notes comprehensiveness and questions placement in Department of Labor vs. OPLC.
SB523: Senator Inis Oppose00:12:32.320 - 7:41:14 AM; Philosophically opposes regulating to protect from bad decisions, sees it as barrier to entry, but accepts majority will.
SB523: Senator Murphy Oppose00:13:51.040 - 7:42:33 AM; Questions if registration provides real protection, doubts consumers will check it, emphasizes personal responsibility over government intervention.
SB523: Matt Mayberry, NH Home Builders Association Support00:15:59.440 - 7:44:41 AM; Supports the bill citing cases like Stratham scam, argues registration could prevent losses via complaints to review board and AG referral. Notes low cost ($160-175/year), easy process, fail-safes, and placement in DOL for workers' comp synergy. Suggests enterprise fund for funding.
SB523: Josh Ree, Associated Builders and Contractors Oppose00:21:42.080 - 7:50:24 AM; Opposes due to structural issues, potential inclusion of commercial contractors, added burden on strained industry, examples of bad actors in regulated sectors, and overregulation increasing costs/delays. Suggests not ready for prime time.
SB523: Subcommittee Members Information Only00:26:04.159 - 7:54:46 AM; Debate merits, agree on interim study to refine policy, department placement, and fiscal aspects before sending to finance.
SB526 20261: Senator Denise Rashardi, District 9 Support01:04:21.599 - 8:33:03 AM; Presents SB 526 to create a trade council for economic and cultural benefits, highlighting job creation, investment, strong Greek community in NH, low cost via private funds. Notes amendment 20261 for accurate naming and language. Mentions recent DC meetings with Greek ambassador and Metlen Energy on gallium production opportunities for NH jobs.
SB526 20261: Dan Anagnost, Greek American Business Community Support01:09:43.440 - 8:38:25 AM; Supports on behalf of Greek American businesses, draws parallels in history (democracy, revolution mottos, lottery), notes NH's high Greek per capita, current exports/imports, tourism/education synergies, Greek companies aiding NH lottery, and EU access benefits. References existing councils with Canada/Ireland.
SB526 20261: Simos, Consul General of Greece in New England Support01:13:34.000 - 8:42:16 AM; Supports the resolution, praises NH as part of jurisdiction, highlights Greece's stability as NATO/EU member, and expresses honor in fostering trade council.
SB526 20261: Senator (unnamed) Support01:16:32.800 - 8:45:14 AM; Moved to approve Senate Bill 526 ought to pass.
SB526 20261: Senator (unnamed) Support01:16:32.800 - 8:45:14 AM; Seconded the motion to approve Senate Bill 526 ought to pass.
SB526 20261: Senator (unnamed) Support01:16:32.800 - 8:45:14 AM; Moved the amendment ought to pass for SB 526.
SB526 20261: Senator Fenton Support01:16:32.800 - 8:45:14 AM; Seconded the motion on the amendment for SB 526.
SB526 20261: Senator (unnamed) Support01:16:32.800 - 8:45:14 AM; Commented on chairing the Canadian New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council and highlighted benefits seen from similar councils, noting support from colleagues, and expressed full support for the bill after a meeting with the Secretary of State.
SB655: Senator Dan Inis, Bradford, NH, District 7 Support01:31:51.280 - 9:00:33 AM; Introduced Senate Bill 655, explaining that professional employer organizations (PEOs) assist small and midsize businesses with HR, payroll, benefits, and compliance. The bill provides flexibility in workers' compensation coverage, allowing either the PEO or client to hold the policy without reducing or weakening coverage, which remains mandatory. This aligns New Hampshire with national practices, removes barriers for businesses, especially multi-state or specialized ones, and supports small business growth while preserving worker protections.
SB655: Danielle Albert, Deputy Commissioner, NH Department of Labor, with Wesley Gardner, Director of Workers' Compensation Division Information Only01:35:19.760 - 9:04:01 AM; The Department of Labor is neutral on SB 655, understanding its intent to amend RSA 277B to allow client companies in PEO relationships to optionally secure workers' compensation coverage. Provided background on PEO co-employment and licensing requirements. Noted conflicts in the proposed language with existing statutes, such as provisions on unlicensed companies, and recommended resolving these for clarity in regulation and participant understanding. Expressed concerns about tracking coverage if clients hold policies, as it may complicate linking PEO relationships in reports. Suggested requiring client companies to inform employees of the employer of record for workers' compensation to avoid claim difficulties for injured workers. Offered to work with the sponsor on amendments and answer questions.
SB655: Heather Menise, Attorney, Shaheen and Gordon Oppose01:40:48.400 - 9:09:30 AM; Testified in opposition to SB 655, representing injured workers in workers' compensation cases. Expressed concern that allowing leasing companies (PEOs) to only provide proof of insurance if contractually required could lead to inadequate coverage by client companies, especially out-of-state ones, complicating claims for injured employees. Noted potential language issues as mentioned by the Deputy Commissioner. Emphasized that the current system, where PEOs handle coverage, makes the process simpler and aligns with workers' compensation's goal of easy access for injured workers.
SB655: Justin Warell, Managing Director, Insperity Support01:43:19.040 - 9:12:01 AM; Justin Warell introduced Insperity, a national PEO licensed in New Hampshire since 1997, serving over 1,200 worksite employees. He explained the co-employment model where Insperity handles HR compliance, payroll, and benefits administration to allow small and mid-size businesses to focus on operations. Regarding SB 655, he supported the bill to introduce flexibility in workers' compensation coverage, allowing clients or PEOs to choose the provider without making it optional. Reasons include clients preferring existing coverage for cost savings or familiarity, and avoiding barriers for multi-state employers that could lead to terminating New Hampshire employees. He addressed concerns about notification requirements, offering to incorporate improvements and submitted a letter from the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations.
HB297: Dan Innis, Senator from Bradford, NH, District 7 Information Only01:49:06.800 - 9:17:48 AM; Senator Dan Innis introduced HB 297 on behalf of the Insurance Department, as the prime sponsor was absent. He read prepared remarks explaining that the bill strengthens New Hampshire's Comprehensive Health Information System (CHIS), an all-payer claims database essential for healthcare cost transparency and evidence-based policymaking. Due to ERISA limitations on self-funded employer plans, the bill enhances the opt-in program under RSA 420-G:5, allowing opting-in self-funded employers access to their own deidentified claims data, which administrators sometimes withhold as proprietary. This helps employers improve employee health benefits.
HB297: Jennifer Smith and Jason Azis, NH Insurance Department Support01:51:05.840 - 9:19:47 AM; Jennifer Smith, Legislative Director, introduced Jason Azis, Director of Data Analytics, to explain HB 297, a department request to improve the CHIS all-payer claims database. Azis noted that 54% of the commercial market is self-funded and exempt from providing data, creating gaps despite contributions from state employees and others. The bill motivates large self-funded employers to opt-in by ensuring they receive their aggregated, deidentified claims data from the department, bypassing proprietary restrictions by administrators. This enhances data representativeness for the NH Health Costs website and price transparency. Smith added privacy protections via deidentification and aggregation to prevent identifying high-utilization employees, allowing employers to adjust plans without breaching confidentiality. They addressed questions on benchmarking against aggregates (not condition-specific), no identification of individuals, potential cost savings by avoiding TPA fees, and focus on large employers (over 100 personnel) for broader impact.
HB396: Dan Innis, Senator from Bradford, NH, District 7 Support02:01:27.440 - 9:30:09 AM; Senator Dan Innis introduced HB 396, aimed at opening markets for small farmers by exempting beef cows, swine, goats, and sheep processed and sold intrastate from USDA inspection requirements, aligning with rules for bison, deer, and elk. He highlighted current burdens: small farmers like his process only 10 animals yearly but must transport them hours to scarce, stressful USDA facilities, degrading meat quality and erasing profits. Citing Pacific Legal Foundation testimony, he noted federal barriers under the Meat Inspection Act block intrastate sales without USDA processing, leading to long waits, high costs, and farm closures. The bill shifts to state inspection for intrastate meat, similar to raw milk sales, promoting local farm-to-table access, consumer choice, and New Hampshire's business-friendly ethos. He speculated the discrepancy favors large processors fearing small farm competition, assured small custom facilities are cleaner and safer, and emphasized it's about choice without safety risks.
HB396: Kim Fortune, Farmer from Webster, NH Support02:08:43.440 - 9:37:25 AM; Kim Fortune, a lifelong full-time farmer in Webster with a diverse self-sustainable operation including beef, dairy, swine, and more, supported HB 396 for enhancing farm sustainability. She described past challenges trucking animals to distant USDA facilities like North Haverhill or Vermont, involving scheduling hassles and high costs from per-package stamping fees (30 cents each) plus stringent regulations. Rising grain prices since 2007 thinned margins further. She couldn't sell to neighbors despite their knowledge of farm practices. Facility fires created crises, leaving communities without processing options for personal consumption; her farm volunteered makeshift solutions. The bill would enable local sales, sustaining her agricultural district community and allowing farming 'in her own backyard.'
HB396: Colleen Smith, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Public Health Protection, NH DHHS Information Only02:15:10.079 - 9:43:52 AM; Colleen Smith and Erica Davis from the Department of Health and Human Services represent the Division of Public Health. The department has no position on the bill but offers concerns. The bill conflicts with the federal Meat Inspection Act, and while farmers must acknowledge violations, retail stores and restaurants selling this meat could face federal seizure without disclosure requirements. The bill addresses safe and sanitary conditions for slaughter but lacks verification procedures. The department's role is limited to foodborne outbreaks or complaints. Current law allows uninspected slaughter of bison, red deer, and elk with few producers utilizing it; expanding to other animals would require more resources for education on labeling and compliance at farm and retail levels. They clarify distinctions between meat and meat products, noting ground products are allowed only for current species. Enforcement for existing animals falls under the Department of Agriculture with limited oversight, relying on farmers. No evidence suggests beef cows are more susceptible to contamination than bison beyond size and market differences.
HB396: Representative (Sponsor), NH House Support02:20:18.560 - 9:49:00 AM; The sponsor apologizes for lateness due to other committee duties. The bill promotes food sustainability, affordability, and quality for New Hampshire citizens by allowing on-farm slaughter and direct sales. She criticizes USDA inspections, citing ongoing high-risk recalls involving millions of pounds of contaminated products that have caused serious health issues or death. Examples include freezer-burned meat relabeled at a USDA facility in NH, mold issues from overcrowded freezers, and specific recalls like 2.3 million pounds of pork jerky, 4.9 million pounds of chicken, and 2,900 pounds of E. coli contaminated ground beef. Small farmers can track sales directly to consumers or restaurants, unlike large distribution systems. On-farm processing reduces animal stress for better meat quality and has worked for rabbit, poultry, raw milk, and non-amenable species. Other states are interested, with over 2.5 million views on a related hearing and legal support promised. Large corporations hinder progress, but NH citizens deserve sustainable, healthy, traceable food. She explains limiting to cuts of meat (not ground) to minimize contamination risks, drafted to gain passage. Acknowledges a citation error in the bill (RSA 427:16, repealed in 2017) needing amendment and notes potential inclusion of dairy cows.
HB396: Sheree Dinard, On-Farm Butcher Support02:29:37.200 - 9:58:19 AM; Sheree Dinard has been an on-farm butcher for over 26 years, motivated by personal susceptibility to foodborne illnesses from store-bought meat. She learned from local butcher Victor Hughes and reports no illnesses in her practice. On-farm slaughter provides flexibility for farmers to customize cuts for families, unlike rigid USDA packaging. It is safer than large facilities where mutated E. coli strains emerge from high-volume processing. Direct farm sales offer humane treatment, better trust in quality, and lower costs without USDA fees, opening markets for small producers.
HB396: Brooke Delarm, Resident of Loudon, NH Support02:32:21.040 - 10:01:03 AM; Brooke Delarm supports the bill for making healthy meat affordable and challenging outdated federal laws. The 1906 Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) predates modern rights like women's suffrage and civil rights; states can pressure federal change, as with cannabis legalization leading to non-prosecution memos. Large monopolies like JBS process millions of cows annually, unlike small farmers; NH can lead other states to signal reform. FOIA requests to FSIS yielded no evidence of illnesses from custom or on-farm slaughter over 10 years; rare cases involved raw consumption allowed under current law or USDA facilities. On-farm slaughter reduces animal stress and emissions from transport. FMIA was not intended for small-scale intrastate or on-farm sales; a 1982 lawsuit expanded it inappropriately. The bill includes sufficient guardrails without illness evidence.
HB396: River Sutton, Law Student, UNH Law Support02:37:26.640 - 10:06:08 AM; River Sutton argues the bill allows NH to lead by reducing bureaucracy, encouraging rural jobs, and fostering local values. It promotes direct farmer-to-neighbor sales of quality meat without corporate or federal interference. Historically, pre-1906 FMIA, intrastate meat sales were unregulated state police powers; the Act targeted interstate and export abuses exposed in The Jungle, not small farmers. Wickard v. Filburn (1942) expanded federal commerce power, but FMIA amendments in 1967's Wholesome Meat Act ignored small producers, closing many local plants and concentrating processing in 13 firms. Only 150 FMIA prosecutions since 1906, 10 for intrastate (none for farmers), often against packers or stores. Like cannabis, states can defy federal overreach; DOJ memos deprioritized prosecution when states don't cooperate. NH can pass the bill safely, as DOJ won't act without local help. Additional safeguards include insurance and civil remedies. This reduces foreign beef imports (10% of supply, 25% of ground beef), enhances food security, and restores common-sense regulation.
HB396: Daniel John Pepe Support02:46:15.359 - 10:14:57 AM; Daniel John Pepe praises prior speakers and the chair. Federal interest in healthier diets aligns with the bill; the Trump administration pursued antitrust against the 'big four' processors (85% of beef). HB 396 enables bottom-up reform. USDA inspections involve basic visual and organ checks, which farmers can perform as well or better, knowing their animals. Federal preemption can be addressed via FSIS discretion to focus on large processors, holding actions in abeyance, renewing 2026 strategic plan, self-certification exemptions (like Maine lobstermen), or DOJ stand-down memos as with cannabis. The bill supports small farms' viability, increasing herd sizes for lower prices, food security (national security), and keeping money local. Retail vs. wholesale pricing favors direct sales, benefiting farmers and consumers.
HB396: Abby Rockefeller, Small-Scale Farmer from Webster, NH Support02:53:32.560 - 10:22:14 AM; Abby Rockefeller has farmed in NH for 60 years, raising pigs, sheep, and chickens annually. Strong community ties form through food relations. Citing state Rep. Derek Owen's 25-year-old raw milk bill allowing uninspected production under 20 gallons/day, she notes its success in building community without issues. Similar freedom from interference is needed for meat to strengthen NH communities.
HB396: Amy Modazzo, Lauren Joyce Farm, Barnstead, NH Support02:56:30.960 - 10:25:12 AM; Amy Modazzo, a farmer from Barnstead, NH, testified in support of HB 396. She and her husband have operated Lauren Joyce Farm for 12 years, selling meat and raw milk directly to consumers. She emphasized the importance of having choices between USDA and custom butchers, having used five custom and two USDA facilities over the last decade with varying experiences. She described a troubling incident at a USDA facility two summers ago that compromised product quality, making her wary of relying solely on USDA inspections. As the farm's name is on the label, she fears liability if consumers get sick. With two young homeschooled children and the farm run by her and her husband, they struggle financially— even at their peak in 2020 with 30 cows and 500 gallons of milk sold weekly, farm income couldn't cover household bills. She advocated for legislation that supports New Hampshire farmers by providing flexible options to enable sustainable livelihoods.

Innis, Daniel(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Ricciardi, Denise(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025	Reardon, Tara(D)[F]2025