Committee Summary for Senate Commerce (02/17/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB444 725s 00:03:54.640 - 8:32:40 AM	Executive Session	prohibiting the use of animal testing when other comparable methods are available.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025
SB482 742 00:06:15.440 - 8:35:01 AM	Executive Session	establishing consumer protections for digital access transaction kiosks.	McGough, Tim(R)[B+]2025
SB523 Committee Amendment 00:13:03.680 - 8:41:49 AM	Executive Session	establishing the registration and oversight of builders.	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
HB565 00:16:13.120 - 8:44:59 AM	Public Hearing	allowing persons under 21 into veterans' clubs, private clubs, and social clubs under certain conditions.	Notter, Jeanine(R)[A-]2025
HB565 00:20:40.240 - 8:49:26 AM	Executive Session	allowing persons under 21 into veterans' clubs, private clubs, and social clubs under certain conditions.	Notter, Jeanine(R)[A-]2025
SB669 00:32:01.039 - 9:00:47 AM	Public Hearing	relative to on-premises licenses for licensed barbershops and salons.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[F]2025
HB1168 01:02:43.760 - 9:31:29 AM	Public Hearing	relative to employer documentation requirements.	Labrie, Brian(R)[A-]2025
HB1196 01:19:58.719 - 9:48:44 AM	Public Hearing	repealing the state housing champion designation and grant program.	Drew, Matt(R)[A+]2025
HB1168 20 days 01:36:54.239 - 10:05:40 AM	Executive Session	relative to employer documentation requirements.	Labrie, Brian(R)[A-]2025

SB444 725s: Committee Chair Information Only00:03:54.640 - 8:32:40 AM; The chair opens executive session and introduces SB 444 with amendment 725s, which strips out the ban on selling products and makes it less restrictive on biomedical research to address concerns.
SB444 725s: Committee Member Support00:05:05.600 - 8:33:51 AM; Moves ought to pass on SB 444.
SB444 725s: Committee Member Support00:05:05.600 - 8:33:51 AM; Seconds the motion for ought to pass.
SB444 725s: Committee Chair Support00:05:05.600 - 8:33:51 AM; Moves and seconds the amendment 725s, discusses it as an improvement, and calls for votes; amendment passes unanimously, bill passes on consent.
SB482 742: Committee Chair Information Only00:06:15.440 - 8:35:01 AM; Introduces SB 482 with amendment 742 changing transaction limit to $2000 and 14-day refund period as a compromise.
SB482 742: Committee Member Support00:06:15.440 - 8:35:01 AM; Moves ought to pass on SB 482.
SB482 742: Committee Member Support00:06:15.440 - 8:35:01 AM; Seconds the motion.
SB482 742: Senator Murphy Oppose00:07:23.120 - 8:36:09 AM; Proposes amending the amendment to reduce refund period to 5 days, citing concerns over Bitcoin nature and industry testimony.
SB482 742: Committee Chair Information Only00:08:28.160 - 8:37:14 AM; Discusses balancing consumer protection and business operations, notes risks of bill failing if too restrictive.
SB482 742: Senator Murphy Information Only00:09:50.959 - 8:38:36 AM; Clarifies proposal for 5 calendar days or 3 business days for refund period.
SB482 742: Committee Member Oppose00:09:50.959 - 8:38:36 AM; Expresses strong opposition to the bill even with amendment, views it as unnecessary regulation, but supports reducing refund to 5 days to improve it.
SB482 742: Committee Member Support00:10:55.200 - 8:39:41 AM; Supports the amendment as is, seeing it as a middle ground compromise.
SB482 742: Senator Ryan Support00:10:55.200 - 8:39:41 AM; Supports protecting vulnerable consumers, prefers 14 days but acknowledges need for balance.
SB482 742: Committee Member Oppose00:12:00.240 - 8:40:46 AM; Explains opposition based on principle against legislating common sense and protecting from bad decisions, despite touching stories.
SB482 742: Committee Chair Support00:12:00.240 - 8:40:46 AM; Calls votes: committee amendment to reduce to 5 days passes, main amendment 742 passes, bill passes on consent.
SB523 Committee Amendment: Committee Chair Information Only00:13:03.680 - 8:41:49 AM; Introduces SB 523 and proposes committee amendment to create a study commission for further exploration next year, as current bill needs improvement based on testimony.
SB523 Committee Amendment: Committee Member Support00:14:08.320 - 8:42:54 AM; Moves and seconds ought to pass amended; amendment and bill pass unanimously on consent.
HB565: Senator Dan Innis, District 7, Bradford NH Support00:16:13.120 - 8:44:59 AM; Introduces HB 565 on behalf of Rep. Nodder; bill allows under-21s into clubs if accompanied by parent/guardian/spouse or with military ID, to enable family attendance at VFW events.
HB565: Representative Maureen Mooney, Hillsborough District 12, Marlow NH Support00:18:06.960 - 8:46:52 AM; Co-sponsor supports bill; originated from Marlow VFW constituent; clarifies provisions for signing in minors, military ID exemption, age change to 21, consistency with RSA 178:22, and guest limits; passed House easily; emphasizes need for clarifying real-time issues at clubs.
HB565: Committee Chair Support00:20:40.240 - 8:49:26 AM; Motions to enter executive session, moves ought to pass, calls vote; bill passes unanimously on consent.
HB565: Committee Member Support00:20:40.240 - 8:49:26 AM; Seconds motions for pass and consent.
SB669: Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, District 21, Portsmouth NH Support00:32:01.039 - 9:00:47 AM; Introduces SB 669 at constituent Nathan Riggs' request to tweak last year's SB87; seeks to allow one complimentary drink per client per visit in salons/barbershops under liquor commission oversight, without revenue from sales but with protections like age checks and training; aims to support small businesses while ensuring public safety; responds to questions on differences from current law, intent to protect informal practices, and service duration.
SB669: Nathan Riggs, Owner, Scuttlebutt Barber Shop, Portsmouth NH Support00:37:51.440 - 9:06:37 AM; Supports bill for cocktail lounge permit allowing one alcoholic beverage per adult client during appointments; highlights revenue generation without tax increases, safeguards like ID checks and no promotions; emphasizes appointment-based service enhances downtown activity without competing with bars/restaurants.
SB669: Mark Armagan, Director of Enforcement and Licensing, NH Liquor Commission; Lt. Matt Culver, Licensing Division Information Only00:40:37.440 - 9:09:23 AM; Provides background on license request post-COVID; notes current $100 fee leads to low adoption; bill increases fee to $480, keeps restrictions, adds reporting/training; recommends aligning training with management seminar; confirms annual inspections of all licenses; clarifies no sales allowed (free provision), historical compliance issues, and no citations under current admin; discusses parallels to B&B licensing and risks of misuse.
SB669: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater NH Oppose00:52:07.280 - 9:20:53 AM; Opposes bill; believes last year's SB87 solved the issue of legalizing informal practices; questions need for higher fee (nearly 500% increase), added training/paperwork/inspections as burdensome red tape for small businesses; sees no public safety problem evidenced by data like traffic accidents.
SB669: Senator McHugh Information Only00:56:07.359 - 9:24:53 AM; Senator McHugh introduces the bill, noting it deals with takeout liquor delivery as amended by the House. He mentions similar language was previously passed by the committee and Senate, and defers to the Liquor Commission for comments.
SB669: Mr. Coburn, NH Liquor Commission Support00:56:57.920 - 9:25:43 AM; Mr. Coburn from the Liquor Commission expresses support for the bill, stating they worked with Senator McHugh on similar legislation. He highlights that the bill addresses their main concern of integrity seals for to-go items, making it palatable. He notes it follows industry standards for open container laws in vehicles, ensuring no real issues.
SB669: Mike Summers, NH Lodge and Restaurant Association Support00:58:56.640 - 9:27:42 AM; Mike Summers strongly supports the bill, which has a two-year history of collaboration between industry, Liquor Commission, and legislators. He highlights controls for cocktails to-go and a new provision allowing restaurants to close for private parties, which was previously not permitted under statute. He notes the House version includes better labeling requirements and penalties, making it the preferred version.
HB1168: Representative Brian Lebree, Bedford NH Support01:02:43.760 - 9:31:29 AM; Representative Lebree introduces HB 1168, explaining that while employees have 36 months to file wage claims, employers only get 10 days to respond, which is insufficient for archived records, especially for small businesses without HR departments. The bill extends this to 30 days for fairness and accuracy, without changing claim outcomes or worker protections.
HB1168: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater NH Support01:04:48.400 - 9:33:34 AM; Aubrey Friedman supports the bill, noting the 3-year statute of limitations makes 10 days unreasonable for responses, especially for small companies lacking resources. He references other RSA sections allowing 30 days and argues it disadvantages small businesses, potentially leading to unjust payments if they can't respond adequately. The bill only changes response time, preserving worker protections.
HB1168: Danielle Albert, Deputy Commissioner, NH Department of Labor Information Only01:08:07.920 - 9:36:53 AM; Danielle Albert states the Department is neutral on HB 1168, understanding it extends employer response time to wage claims from 10 to 30 calendar days. She provides context on the process: employees file claims, Department serves notice to employers via mail, and not all claims proceed to hearing. She answers questions on claim volume (over 100 annually, exact figures to follow up), adjudication time (20-30 days typically, extended by the bill), and response requirements (written narrative, optional documentation).
HB1168: John McAllister, Secretary Treasurer, Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire Oppose01:14:01.600 - 9:42:47 AM; John McAllister opposes HB 1168, arguing the extension from 10 to 30 days delays resolution, causing financial hardship for firefighters earning $50-60K who rely on timely wage claims for overtime or callbacks. The current 10 days is ample for employers, and the bill shifts burden to workers, potentially delaying payments for essentials like rent or utilities, weakening wage protections.
HB1168: John Reynolds, State Director, National Federation of Independent Business Support01:16:19.520 - 9:45:05 AM; John Reynolds testified in support of HB 1168, representing over 1,700 small businesses in New Hampshire, most with fewer than 20 employees. He highlighted the challenges small business owners face in managing multiple roles alongside their employees. He noted that while the Department of Labor has become more collaborative, the 10-day response timeline for wage claims is too short. It is difficult to gather necessary records like three-year-old payroll data from third-party providers, timesheets, and project records to determine varying pay rates. This timeline contrasts with the 30-day periods in other New Hampshire statutes, civil complaints, and U.S. Department of Labor procedures. Extending to 30 days would allow quicker resolutions without wasting resources.
HB1196: Representative Drew Support01:19:58.719 - 9:48:44 AM; Representative Drew introduced and supported HB 1196, which repeals the Housing Champions Program. He argued that subsidies distort markets, create inefficiencies, and favor political interests at taxpayer expense. The program, funded by the state to incentivize cities and towns to subsidize favored projects, often pays after completion without clear requirements. He cited confusion in media reports and examples like Manchester's use of funds for opioid abatement rather than new housing. The program violated reporting requirements until recently, costs $316,000 annually in staffing despite no additional funding, and has expended about a million dollars in administration. Repealing it would save taxpayer money and let the market decide housing types.
HB1196: TJ Burke, Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire Oppose01:25:21.760 - 9:54:07 AM; TJ Burke opposed HB 1196 on behalf of the BIA, Chamber of Commerce, and Manufacturing Association. Addressing New Hampshire's housing shortage is a top priority, as cited by over 80% of business leaders alongside labor shortages. The Housing Champions Program, supported by BIA since its passage, is effective: 28 communities in 2024 permitted over 2,600 units, nearly half the state's total. These communities voluntarily reformed regulations to increase supply. Repealing it now sends the wrong message to businesses seeking solutions. The BEA administers it well, and it can be adjusted or funded later. The program has broad support from various groups and Governor Ayotte.
HB1196: Margaret Burns, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose01:28:24.639 - 9:57:10 AM; Margaret Burns opposed HB 1196, noting the Housing Champions Program's success in its infancy since 2023. In its first year, champion municipalities accounted for a significant share of housing permits. More time and funding would enhance its impact. The bill's language risks jeopardizing $2.6 million in obligated grants to current champions. Beyond grants, it fosters state-municipal partnerships to address housing shortages and covers costs of increased density. Viewing it as an investment in the state's top priority—housing—rather than a subsidy, she urged keeping the program intact.
HB1196: Nick Taylor, Director, Housing Action New Hampshire Oppose01:30:36.960 - 9:59:22 AM; Nick Taylor opposed HB 1196, emphasizing the program's straightforward effectiveness in incentivizing and rewarding communities for building housing and reforming regulations. Originating from Governor Sununu's 2019 task force and implemented in 2023, 45% of building permits occur in champion communities. These communities are relaxing regulations for long-term housing supply, as detailed in the BEA report. Bipartisan senators and the governor have raised concerns about repeal. If ineffective, advocates would push for reform, but currently, it works well.
HB1196: Joshua Greenwald, New Hampshire Association of Realtors Oppose01:33:00.719 - 10:01:46 AM; Joshua Greenwald, broker in Keene and 2026 NAR President, opposed HB 1196. He commended legislative efforts to expand property rights and reduce housing barriers. The program complements these by encouraging municipalities to adopt solutions, share approaches, and build partnerships among stakeholders. In Keene, where he serves on boards and develops properties, the program enabled zoning amendments like a cottage court overlay, leading to projects like an 18-unit development. It funds training for professionals on codes and changes, promoting housing production for affordability while respecting local interests and rights. Preserving it ensures economic vitality.
HB1168 20 days: Committee Discussion Vote01:36:54.239 - 10:05:40 AM; The committee discussed HB 1168 in executive session. Senators noted small businesses lack dedicated HR and face delays in mail delivery, making the 10-day response unrealistic—effectively only 2 days. They considered 30 days to match other statutes but compromised on 20 calendar days via committee amendment to balance employee needs for prompt wage payments with business challenges. A motion for the amendment passed unanimously, followed by a motion to pass the bill on consent, which also passed unanimously.

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