Committee Summary for Senate Ways and Means (04/16/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1234 00:06:25.680 - 8:04:01 AM	Public Hearing	relative to updating the homestead right	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB617 00:39:26.079 - 8:37:02 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the homestead right.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[A-]2022
HB647 00:45:44.240 - 8:43:20 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the fee for a newborn lifetime hunting and fishing license.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2024
HB647 00:49:49.920 - 8:47:25 AM	Executive Session	relative to the fee for a newborn lifetime hunting and fishing license.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2024
HB658 2025-1241H 00:52:38.480 - 8:50:14 AM	Public Hearing	raising the cap on certain reimbursements from the oil discharge and disposal cleanup fund.	Edgar, Michael(D)[CT]2024
HB737 2025-1468H 01:17:02.400 - 9:14:38 AM	Public Hearing	creating local options for games of chance.	Boyd, Bill(R)[B]2024
HB163 2025-1336H 01:19:22.800 - 9:16:58 AM	Executive Session	relative to state funds.	Almy, Susan(D)[CT]2024
HB591 2025-1129H 01:22:43.000 - 9:20:19 AM	Executive Session	expanding hours for keno gaming on weekends.	Cole, Brian(R)[B-]2024
HB451 01:24:33.560 - 9:22:09 AM	Executive Session	establishing the paint product stewardship program.	Ebel, Karen(D)[CT]2024
HB617 2025-1403H 01:26:24.560 - 9:24:00 AM	Executive Session	relative to the homestead right.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[A-]2022
HB658 2025-1241H 01:40:38.840 - 9:38:14 AM	Executive Session	raising the cap on certain reimbursements from the oil discharge and disposal cleanup fund.	Edgar, Michael(D)[CT]2024
HB737 2025-1468H 01:43:45.560 - 9:41:21 AM	Executive Session	creating local options for games of chance.	Boyd, Bill(R)[B]2024

HB1234: Representative Melissa Lichfield, representing Brentwood, Danville, and Fremont Support00:06:25.680 - 8:04:01 AM; Representative Melissa Lichfield introduced the bill aimed at updating the homestead right law to reflect current market values of homes in New Hampshire. She explained that the existing law, last updated around 2017 or 2018, caps the homestead exemption at $120,000 for a single person, doubling for married individuals. Lichfield proposed increasing the exemption to $1 million, arguing that home costs should not penalize single homeowners. She cited examples of home values in various New Hampshire towns like Portsmouth, Atkinson, Windham, Alton, and Newbury to support her proposal. She also mentioned that the bill was introduced without co-sponsors due to time constraints and that it had passed the House with some bipartisan support, though it faced concerns about setting the exemption at $500,000 instead of $1 million.
HB1234: Leonard Demi, representing debtors in bankruptcy Support00:13:41.279 - 8:11:17 AM; Leonard Demi, with 40 years of experience representing debtors in bankruptcy, supported the bill for a higher homestead exemption. He explained that a 2023 court decision reduced the homestead exemption from $240,000 to $120,000 for married couples, which he believed led to increased home losses. He highlighted the rise in home values and the impact on bankruptcy filings, noting that without a higher exemption, more people would lose their homes. Demi also discussed the importance of a clause allowing reinvestment of sale proceeds within six months and criticized a proposed notification requirement to sheriffs as potentially creating unnecessary litigation.
HB1234: Peter Temposi, attorney and director of a bank in New Hampshire Support00:21:21.679 - 8:18:57 AM; Peter Temposi, an attorney and director of a bank in New Hampshire, supported the bill, emphasizing its importance for small business owners and entrepreneurs. He discussed how a robust bankruptcy system encourages business risk-taking and noted that the current homestead protection is outdated. Temposi highlighted the pressures from high-interest merchant cash advance loans leading to business failures and subsequent personal bankruptcies, where the current homestead law fails to protect homeowners. He clarified that the bill would not affect mortgages due to existing waivers of homestead rights and supported the exemption for medical debt, though he noted such high medical debt is rare in his practice.
HB1234: Peter Temposi, attorney and director of a bank in New Hampshire Information Only00:21:21.679 - 8:18:57 AM; Peter Temposi provided clarification on the term 'qualifying trust' mentioned in the bill. He explained that a qualifying trust is likely intended to refer to a revocable trust used for avoiding probate rather than an irrevocable trust used for asset protection. He suggested that the bill should clarify the definition of a qualifying trust to prevent litigation over the bill's language.
HB1234: Ryan Hill, Vice President of Government Relations, New Hampshire Bankers Association Oppose00:30:00.760 - 8:27:36 AM; Ryan Hill expressed the New Hampshire Bankers Association's opposition to the bill, citing the proposed increase in the homestead exemption from $120,000 to $1,000,000 as excessively high. He argued that such a significant increase, representing a 630% jump, deviates from the historical and incremental approach to adjusting the exemption. Hill suggested a more modest increase to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples, aligning more closely with past adjustments and current economic conditions.
HB1234: Senator Rose Information Only00:32:44.080 - 8:30:20 AM; Senator Rose sought clarification on whether the homestead exemption applies to the homeowner's equity rather than the full value of the home. He discussed scenarios where homeowners might have significant mortgages and how the exemption would work in such cases, confirming that the exemption protects the homeowner's equity interest, not adding to it.
HB1234: Unnamed Speaker, possibly a legal expert or committee member Information Only00:34:08.239 - 8:31:44 AM; The speaker provided further clarification on the homestead exemption, explaining that it does not affect the priority of secured mortgages like first mortgages or home equity loans. They highlighted the concerns of banks regarding unsecured debts and how the homestead right could impact those scenarios. They also discussed the new provision in the bill that allows protection of equity for reinvestment into another primary residence within six months, confirming the association's support for this aspect of the bill.
HB617: Malcolm Blackwood, bankruptcy attorney Support00:39:26.079 - 8:37:02 AM; Malcolm Blackwood, a bankruptcy attorney with 25 years of experience, supports HB617. He shared stories of two widows in Manchester who faced financial difficulties due to the low homestead exemption of $120,000. One widow purchased her home in 1958 for $2,600, now valued at $400,000, and faced foreclosure. Another widow, whose home was also valued at $400,000, couldn't be helped due to her debts and the low exemption. Blackwood argues that the homestead exemption should be sufficient to protect a widow's home, suggesting that doubling the exemption to $240,000 would be a reasonable compromise to help those in financial distress.
HB617: Unnamed Speaker, possibly representing Manchester Information Only00:42:31.040 - 8:40:07 AM; The speaker, possibly representing Manchester, expressed concern about the proposed $1 million homestead exemption in HB617, suggesting that $500,000 might be more appropriate. They noted that doubling the current exemption to $240,000 could help most people they've worked with retain their homes. The speaker also discussed the broader implications of bankruptcy, emphasizing that it's a humbling and unwanted situation for many, and highlighted the need for a dignified solution to protect homes. They addressed questions about the bill's application to non-married couples, suggesting that the language might need adjustment to include unmarried co-owners.
HB647: Representative Papovic Support00:45:44.240 - 8:43:20 AM; Representative Papovic introduced HB647, which aims to adjust the fee for a lifetime fishing and hunting license for infants from a statutory $300 to an amount set by the executive director of Fish and Game based on actuarial studies. The bill arose from a statutory committee review of Fish and Game's revenue needs. Papovic noted the significant difference in fees for older age groups and the need for flexibility in setting rates to cover future license issuance costs. The bill passed unanimously in the policy committee and by voice vote in the House.
HB647: Committee Members Vote00:49:49.920 - 8:47:25 AM; The committee moved to go into executive session to discuss HB647. There was no opposition to the bill, and it was noted that it aligns with other actions to allow fees to be set based on actuarial studies rather than being fixed in statute. A motion was made and seconded to pass the bill, and it was approved unanimously. The bill was also moved to be placed on consent, which was also approved unanimously.
HB658 2025-1241H: Representative Mike Edgar, Hampton Support00:52:38.480 - 8:50:14 AM; Representative Mike Edgar from Hampton introduced HB658, which impacts the oil discharge and disposal cleanup fund (ODD) and the oil pollution control fund (OPC). The bill makes several changes, including adjusting the due date of the ODD fund's annual report, raising the reimbursement cap for home heating oil tank replacement, extending the collection of oil import fees, and adjusting the per gallon import fee amounts. The amendment 2025-1241H changes the effective dates to provide time for implementing a new fee structure. Edgar encouraged the committee to vote OTPA on the bill.
HB658 2025-1241H: Senator Howard Pearl, representing district 17, Loudon Support00:59:02.799 - 8:56:38 AM; Senator Howard Pearl from Loudon expressed support for HB658, noting that it resulted from a 10-year audit and aims to realign fees with the actual expenditure of funds. He mentioned support from organizations like the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association and encouraged the committee to pass the bill.
HB658 2025-1241H: Robert Bishop, Administrator of the Oil Remediation and Compliance Bureau at New Hampshire DES, joined by Jennifer Marts, Supervisor of the fund management section Information Only01:01:11.760 - 8:58:47 AM; Robert Bishop provided an overview of the history and purpose of the oil import fees in New Hampshire. He explained that the fees were established in separate statutes and consolidated in 2015 to improve efficiency and flexibility in fund management. He detailed the establishment and current fees for different types of petroleum products and discussed the actuarial firm's forecast for the next 11 years, which recommended an 8% increase in fees to maintain financial viability. Bishop also provided statistics on the number of projects funded by the oil fund and examples of its impact, such as the redevelopment of the former Manchester Mills property into a multifamily residential structure with commercial use.
HB658 2025-1241H: Senator Roseell Information Only01:07:02.799 - 9:04:38 AM; Senator Roseell inquired about the applicability of the 5% sweep on dedicated funds as proposed in the House budget. Robert Bishop confirmed that the oil pollution control fund, which supports spill response efforts, is subject to the sweep, while the Odd Fund is not. He estimated the impact of the sweep on the oil pollution control fund's revenue at approximately 5% of $2 million annually. Additionally, Senator Roseell asked about the projected decrease in revenues for fiscal year 28, to which Bishop explained it was due to the actuarial firm's prediction of a slow decline in petroleum product imports and usage.
HB658 2025-1241H: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:08:32.000 - 9:06:08 AM; An unnamed committee member asked about a direct transfer of $125,000 from the revenue line into the general fund as stated in the bill and when this was last changed. Robert Bishop was unaware of the last change but noted that such transfers have been part of the funds for over 20 years. The member also inquired about the annual spending from the fund, to which Bishop responded that $12.5 million is spent annually on corrective action and cleanup, with an additional nearly $6 million allocated for administration, prevention, and response efforts supported by the funds.
HB658 2025-1241H: Tom Frolley, Lime, NH, Chairman of the Oil Fund Board and Petroleum Distributorship Owner Support01:13:43.800 - 9:11:19 AM; Tom Frolley, representing Lime, New Hampshire, and as the Chairman of the Oil Fund Board, expressed support for the legislation. He highlighted his extensive experience on the board and his operation of a petroleum distributorship with convenience stores across New England. Frolley also mentioned that the New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, representing 950 store operators, supports the bill. He emphasized the effectiveness of New Hampshire's fund management over decades and offered to answer any questions from the committee.
HB737 2025-1468H: Valerie King, New Hampshire Lottery Information Only01:17:02.400 - 9:14:38 AM; Valerie King from the New Hampshire Lottery explained the rationale behind the amendment. She detailed that the law changed in 2023 from an annual to a three-year license but still required annual attestations and payments, leading to confusion among licensees. The amendment aims to simplify this by making it a true three-year license without the need for annual submissions. She addressed a question from Senator Murphy about the difference in licensing for Keno and other games of chance, explaining that this amendment applies specifically to games of chance and not Keno.
HB163 2025-1336H: Unnamed Committee Member Vote01:19:22.800 - 9:16:58 AM; The committee discussed HB163, which had no opposition and included a requested correction regarding the funding source. The amendment 1336 was discussed and adopted, ensuring that the fund's monies are non-lapsing and continually appropriated by the Department of Military and Veterans Services. The bill was passed as amended with a motion for consent.
HB591 2025-1129H: Unnamed Committee Member Vote01:22:43.000 - 9:20:19 AM; The committee discussed HB591, initially specifying exact hours for Keno operations. The amendment 1129 changed the bill to allow Keno sales whenever the business is open. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed as amended with a motion for consent.
HB451: Unnamed Committee Member Vote01:24:33.560 - 9:22:09 AM; The committee discussed HB451, which faced issues with specialty paint manufacturers. The bill was re-referred to allow the industry to work on the problem of non-participating manufacturers selling in the state. The motion to re-refer was passed.
HB617 2025-1403H: Unnamed Committee Member Vote01:26:24.560 - 9:24:00 AM; The committee discussed HB617, which had broad support but debates on the homestead exemption amount. The original bill proposed a million-dollar exemption, but an amendment reduced it to $250,000 per person with a maximum of $500,000. Discussions included concerns about the definition of trusts and potential costs to counties from sheriff notifications. The amendment was adopted, but further discussion on the married couple provision was tabled for the next meeting.
HB658 2025-1241H: Unnamed Committee Member Vote01:40:38.840 - 9:38:14 AM; The committee discussed HB658, focusing on the oil discharge cleanup fund. The intent was to realign assessments so that the correct industry pays for its spills. A concern was raised about a $125,000 general fund appropriation, suggesting it be reviewed by the finance committee. The bill was passed as amended with a motion for consent.
HB737 2025-1468H: Unnamed Committee Member Vote01:43:45.560 - 9:41:21 AM; The committee discussed HB737, which allows communities to opt out of games of chance locations. Amendments 1459 and 1575 were discussed; 1459 addressed technical issues regarding how the question could be placed on the ballot, and 1575 proposed treating Keno similarly to games of chance with an opt-out provision. The amendment was intended to give towns 18 months to opt out before Keno becomes legal. The bill was moved to pass.
HB737 2025-1468H: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:47:34.639 - 9:45:10 AM; The speaker discussed the operations of towns in ways they do not fully understand but mentioned that cities would have both of the typical ways to allow questions. They suggested a further committee amendment later and were happy to answer questions. The committee then voted on and adopted amendment 1459.
HB737 2025-1468H: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:47:34.639 - 9:45:10 AM; The speaker introduced amendment 1468, which pertains to a licensing change for the lottery. The amendment was discussed and subsequently adopted by the committee.
HB737 2025-1468H: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:48:54.639 - 9:46:30 AM; The speaker introduced amendment 1575, which adds to the bill and allows towns to vote to prohibit something before it becomes legal everywhere, giving towns an opportunity to decide. The amendment was discussed and adopted by the committee.
HB737 2025-1468H: Senator Rose Information Only01:49:42.239 - 9:47:18 AM; Senator Rose expressed discomfort with the original bill language, particularly with the term 'brick and mortar games of chance'. They suggested an amendment to change 'brick and mortar games of chance' to 'games of chance operations with a physical location'. The amendment aimed to clarify the language, and there was a discussion on whether this change could potentially include online operations linked to a physical location. The amendment was considered friendly and was discussed for clarity and comprehensibility.
HB737 2025-1468H: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:51:13.960 - 9:48:49 AM; The speaker finalized the amendment proposed by Senator Rose, agreeing to strike 'brick and mortar' and replace it with 'games of chance operations with a physical facility within our city or town'. The amendment was put to a vote and adopted by the committee.
HB737 2025-1468H: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:52:35.440 - 9:50:11 AM; The speaker confirmed the adoption of amendments 1575, 1468, and 1459, along with the voice of the committee amendment. They moved to pass the bill as amended, which was approved. A motion for consent was made and seconded, and the committee agreed to consider making Kino applications quickly. The speaker mentioned holding off on another bill, HB617, and discussed plans for upcoming public hearings and amendments for other bills.

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)