Committee Summary for Senate Ways and Means (01/29/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB158 00:02:33.879 - 8:01:49 AM	Public Hearing	raising the funding cap for the New Hampshire community development finance authority.	Innis, Daniel(R)[C+]2024
SB159 2024-XXXXs 00:26:13.279 - 8:25:29 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a marine habitat fee.	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
SB73 00:42:24.640 - 8:41:40 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the operation of bingo games.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB160 01:12:54.840 - 9:12:10 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the administration of raffles.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB147 01:20:31.600 - 9:19:47 AM	Public Hearing	relative to licenses to sell pari-mutuel pools on simulcast horse races.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB73 01:33:46.320 - 9:33:02 AM	Executive Session	relative to the operation of bingo games.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB160 01:41:37.679 - 9:40:53 AM	Executive Session	relative to the administration of raffles.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB147 01:42:23.280 - 9:41:39 AM	Executive Session	relative to licenses to sell pari-mutuel pools on simulcast horse races.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024

SB158: Grant Bosy, Deputy Chief of Staff for the New Hampshire Senate Support00:02:33.879 - 8:01:49 AM; Grant Bosy introduced Senate Bill 158 on behalf of Senator Dan Enis, emphasizing the Community Development Finance Authority's (CDFA) role in providing technical assistance and creative financing to New Hampshire communities since 1983. He highlighted the existing tax credit program, which incentivizes donations to CDFA with a 75% credit against business taxes, currently capped at $5 million annually. Bosy pointed out that the program has funded various community projects and stressed the ongoing housing challenge in New Hampshire. He proposed that SB158 would double the tax credit cap to $10 million annually to increase funds for CDFA to invest in local public-private partnerships aimed at rehabilitating historic buildings.
SB158: Katie Easter-Martel, Executive Director of the Community Development Finance Authority Support00:04:07.159 - 8:03:23 AM; Katie Easter-Martel supported the expansion of the tax credit program, detailing CDFA's 40-year history and its impact on New Hampshire communities. She emphasized the program's efficiency and effectiveness, noting that for every $5 million invested by the state, $1 million in economic activity is generated. Easter-Martel highlighted the housing crisis and the program's role in advancing housing projects. She discussed the diversity of business donors and the program's demand exceeding the current $5 million cap, urging the committee to support the bill to address the housing crisis.
SB158: Justin Slattery, Executive Director of the Belknap Economic Development Council Support00:08:10.199 - 8:07:26 AM; Justin Slattery, representing the Belknap Economic Development Council based in the Lakes Region, supported the tax credit program's expansion. He detailed the council's use of state tax credits for projects like the Colonial Theater block in Laconia and workforce development initiatives. Slattery stressed the program's benefits for businesses to support local projects and its role in complex funding arrangements for community development.
SB158: Jennifer Goodman, New Hampshire Preservation Alliance Support00:09:42.000 - 8:08:58 AM; Jennifer Goodman from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance supported the bill, noting its efficiency and impact. She highlighted the program's success in leveraging resources for historic preservation projects, particularly transforming old buildings into needed housing. Goodman stressed the economic and community benefits of historic preservation investments.
SB158: Nick Taylor, Director of Housing Action New Hampshire Support00:11:58.320 - 8:11:14 AM; Nick Taylor, representing Housing Action New Hampshire, supported SB158 for its housing implications. He discussed the housing shortage, high rental rates, and low vacancy rates, emphasizing the program's efficiency in leveraging private funds for proven results. Taylor highlighted the program's role in converting historic structures into housing, benefiting communities and preserving iconic buildings.
SB158: Aaron Sturgis, Preservation Timber Framing, Nottingham Support00:13:21.360 - 8:12:37 AM; Aaron Sturgis, owner of Preservation Timber Framing in Nottingham and with ties to Keene and Antrim, supported the bill as a tool for creating good jobs in New Hampshire. He emphasized the state's investment in trades and the potential for the tax credit program to facilitate the rehabilitation of historic buildings, creating jobs and revitalizing communities.
SB158: Harrison Canler, Executive Director of AHEAD, North Country Support00:14:53.399 - 8:14:09 AM; Harrison Canler, from AHEAD in the North Country, supported the bill, praising CDFA's management of the program. He discussed the challenges of navigating regulatory waters and the importance of the program in revitalizing downtown areas and engaging local employers. Canler emphasized the program's impact on rural areas and its role in supporting vetted developments.
SB158: Eric Chinburg, Chinburg Properties, Seacoast Support00:16:27.560 - 8:15:43 AM; Eric Chinburg, from Chinburg Properties on the Seacoast, supported the bill, noting the difficulty in creating affordable housing due to rising costs. He mentioned projects in Maine and New Hampshire that require additional capital to be feasible, such as the Sandborn Seminary in Kingston and the Homestead Mill in Swanzey. Chinburg stressed the need for the tax credit program as a tool to make projects work.
SB158: Volk Cars of Exeter, Exeter Support00:18:00.360 - 8:17:16 AM; The speaker from Volk Cars of Exeter supported the bill, sharing their experience with CDFA, including a project that helped move the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter. They highlighted their contributions to housing-focused projects through the tax credit program and supported increasing the cap to $10 million to align with inflation and enhance community impact.
SB158: Jeff Rapsis, Executive Director of the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, Manchester Support00:20:28.400 - 8:19:44 AM; Jeff Rapsis from the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire supported the bill, focusing on its role in workforce development. He detailed the museum's use of CDFA tax credits for projects that engage high school students in building aircraft, emphasizing the importance of fostering interest in aviation and aerospace careers. Rapsis highlighted the program's significance in supporting innovative educational initiatives without burdening local taxpayers.
SB158: Loretta Edelman, small business owner and consultant for nonprofits in New Hampshire Support00:23:51.480 - 8:23:07 AM; Loretta Edelman expressed strong support for the tax credit program associated with SB158, highlighting its multiplier effect on the nonprofit community and small businesses in New Hampshire. As a small business owner, she benefits from using tax credits to pay her tax bill while supporting nonprofits. She also works as a consultant with nonprofits across the state and noted the significant resources provided to these organizations through partnerships with the Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA). Edelman specifically mentioned 1269 Cafe Ministries in Manchester, a homeless service organization that has leveraged tax credits to expand resources and provide transitional housing. She emphasized the role of tax credits in job creation and future resource provision for the state's growing homeless population.
SB159 2024-XXXXs: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:26:13.279 - 8:25:29 AM; Senator Waters introduced Senate Bill 159 on behalf of the Fish and Game Department to establish a marine habitat fee. He explained that the bill mirrors the existing freshwater habitat fee, allowing the director of Fish and Game to set the fee level. The revenue from this fee will be used for the development, management, preservation, conservation, restoration, and maintenance of marine habitats. He highlighted the need for this fee due to challenges in the marine environment, including the warming of the Gulf of Maine, and the loss of species like Northern shrimp. Waters also mentioned the success of oyster restoration in Great Bay as an example of effective habitat work. An amendment was proposed to correct the language regarding the licenses, removing the phrase 'all persons age 16 or older' to align with the existing freshwater statute.
SB159 2024-XXXXs: Renee Zel, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Fisheries Division Support00:35:08.200 - 8:34:24 AM; Renee Zel testified in support of Senate Bill 159, emphasizing the department's role in protecting, managing, and restoring New Hampshire's marine resources. She explained that the proposed fee would help fund restoration efforts and partnerships, such as the oyster bed restoration in Great Bay. Zel noted the importance of the fee in providing matching funds for projects like dam removals, which are crucial for native species habitats. She also discussed the potential revenue from the fee, estimating it could generate between $38,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on the fee amount set by the director. Zel addressed questions regarding the fee's application to different types of licenses, including those for party boats.
SB73: Senator Lang, District 2, Chair of the Ways and Means Committee Support00:42:24.640 - 8:41:40 AM; Senator Lang introduced Senate Bill 73 as a modernization effort for the bingo industry, requested by the industry itself. The bill proposes to change the number of balls necessary for a coverall game from 50 to 49 and increase the maximum prize from $4,000 to $6,000. He noted that the last update to the statute was in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Senator Lang deferred detailed questions to the industry representatives, expressing his belief that the bill would help the industry keep up with current gaming trends.
SB73: Dick Bay, registered lobbyist, representing Diamond Distributors of Salem, New Hampshire Support00:44:08.960 - 8:43:24 AM; Dick Bay, representing Diamond Distributors, supported Senate Bill 73, emphasizing its necessity for the bingo industry to remain competitive with casinos. He highlighted the industry's role in providing entertainment and raising funds for charities across New Hampshire. Bay urged the committee to pass the bill, noting that the proposed changes have been needed for a long time. He mentioned that further details on the bill would be provided by other industry representatives.
SB73: Jan DeMario, General Manager of the Community Bingo Center in Manchester, New Hampshire Oppose00:46:48.960 - 8:46:04 AM; Jan DeMario expressed opposition to the part of Senate Bill 73 that proposes increasing the maximum prize from $4,000 to $6,000, arguing that it would disadvantage smaller bingo venues. He supported the change in the number of balls for the coverall game but was concerned that the increased prize limit would force smaller venues to close due to inability to compete. DeMario emphasized the importance of supporting all types of bingo games, not just those in commercial halls, and suggested that most games do not even reach the current $4,000 limit.
SB73: D Lush, Bingo Consultant Support00:50:40.200 - 8:49:56 AM; D Lush supported the change in Senate Bill 73 to reduce the number of balls for the coverall game from 50 to 49, but suggested an amendment to further reduce it to 48. He explained that this change would benefit both players and charities by increasing jackpots and thus attracting more players. Lush opposed the increase in the maximum prize to $6,000, agreeing with Jan DeMario that it would hurt smaller bingo operations. He also criticized the proposal for a second chance to coverall, arguing that it would dilute the jackpot's appeal.
SB73: Chris, representing Hudson Veterans Bingo Hall in Hudson, New Hampshire Support00:54:38.160 - 8:53:54 AM; Chris supported Senate Bill 73, explaining that the proposed change to the number of balls for the coverall game was not new but a return to a long-standing practice of 49 numbers, which had been mistakenly changed to 50. He endorsed reducing the number to 48, as it would benefit charities and attract more players. Chris also supported the increase in the maximum prize to $6,000, arguing that it was necessary for bingo halls to compete with casinos and other gaming venues. He noted that the increase would not be used every night but as a tool for special events, and emphasized the importance of the revenue generated for the state.
SB73: Mike GL, Community Bingo CER and Arrow District Distribution of Ohio Support01:01:20.480 - 9:00:36 AM; Mike GL testified in support of SB73, emphasizing the importance of reducing the ball count to 49 for clarity and supporting the introduction of 'come along prizes' to maintain player interest and participation. He appreciated the clarity the bill brings to the game rules.
SB73: Kulia Aroyo, Chief Compliance Officer, New Hampshire Lottery Information Only01:02:34.079 - 9:01:50 AM; Kulia Aroyo introduced herself as the new Chief Compliance Officer and responded to inquiries regarding the change in ball count from 40 to 50 in 2014. She clarified that the change might have been unintentional and that the Lottery Commission had advised the halls accordingly. She also addressed questions about statutory changes and their interpretations.
SB73: Valerie Charlie, Lottery Representative Information Only01:04:57.119 - 9:04:13 AM; Valerie Charlie discussed the Lottery's role in addressing concerns about the ball count and the impact on problem gambling services. She explained that there is no direct correlation between increased Bingo limits and funding for problem gambling services, as these are allocated from a separate pool.
SB73: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:07:14.079 - 9:06:30 AM; The committee member raised concerns about the impact of raising the Bingo pot on gambling addiction and whether additional funding would be allocated to support services. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to responsible gaming across all forms of gambling.
SB73: Unnamed Speaker, Diamond Distributors Support01:08:29.600 - 9:07:45 AM; The speaker from Diamond Distributors supported the bill, arguing that increasing the prize limit from $4,000 to $6,000 is necessary for the industry's modernization. They noted that the real profit in Bingo comes from Lucky Seven tickets and that the increase would not harm smaller halls as it's optional.
SB160: Senator Lang Support01:12:54.840 - 9:12:10 AM; Senator Lang introduced SB160 as a modernization bill to adjust the regulations on raffle tickets, allowing for higher prizes and permitting commercial Bingo hall employees to sell raffle tickets. He emphasized the need to align raffle ticket regulations with other forms of gaming.
SB160: Mr. Boule Support01:15:15.920 - 9:14:31 AM; Mr. Boule supported the bill, highlighting the need to increase raffle ticket prices from $1 to up to $10, last changed in 1985. He argued that this would allow for more flexibility in prize offerings and better support for charities, though not all halls would necessarily increase their prices to the maximum allowed.
SB160: Chris, Hudson Veterans Bingo Hall, Hudson Support01:18:26.600 - 9:17:42 AM; Chris supported the bill, focusing on the practical need for non-sequential ticket sales to streamline operations during events. He emphasized the importance of higher raffle ticket prices to make 50/50 raffles more attractive and profitable for organizations.
SB147: Senator Lang Support01:20:31.600 - 9:19:47 AM; Senator Lang introduced SB147 to remove the grandfathering clause that limits simulcast horse racing betting to specific locations. The bill aims to allow any games of chance gaming location to offer simulcast betting, modernizing the outdated law.
SB73: Committee Discussion Information Only01:33:46.320 - 9:33:02 AM; The committee discussed SB73, focusing on the potential impact of increasing the Bingo prize limit from $4,000 to $6,000. Concerns were raised about the competitiveness of smaller halls, but the majority supported the bill as it's not mandatory for halls to increase their prizes. The bill was moved to pass and consent.
SB160: Committee Discussion Information Only01:41:37.679 - 9:40:53 AM; The committee discussed SB160, focusing on the modernization of raffle ticket regulations. There was unanimous support for the bill, which was moved to pass and consent.
SB147: Committee Discussion Information Only01:42:23.280 - 9:41:39 AM; The committee discussed SB147, which aims to remove the grandfathering clause on simulcast horse racing betting. The bill was moved to pass and consent with no opposition.

Lang, Timothy(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Murphy, Keith(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2024	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[CT]2024
Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2024	Sullivan, Victoria(R)