Committee Summary for Senate Ways and Means (04/30/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:08:08.759 - 8:05:24 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB737 2024-1453h 02:12:53.960 - 10:10:09 AM	Executive Session	creating local options for games of chance.	Boyd, Bill(R)[B]2024

Unclear: Lindsay Stepp, Commissioner at the Department of Revenue Administration Information Only00:08:08.759 - 8:05:24 AM; Commissioner Lindsay Stepp presented revenue estimates to the committee, focusing on projections for various taxes including business profits tax, business enterprise tax, meals and rentals tax, tobacco tax, interest and dividends tax, communication services tax, real estate transfer tax, and utility property tax. She highlighted that fiscal year 25 projections were based on data through April and provided growth rate estimates for fiscal years 26 and 27. Stepp noted that while some taxes like the business taxes and tobacco tax were below plan, the meals and rentals tax was performing well. She discussed factors affecting these estimates, such as economic conditions, business confidence, and legislative changes. Stepp expressed some concern about the current level of uncertainty in revenue forecasting but noted that New Hampshire's revenues were still on a growth trajectory, albeit not at the rates seen post-COVID.
Unclear: Charlie McIntyre, Lottery Director, with Kelly J. Cleland and Jim Durus Information Only01:05:44.079 - 9:03:00 AM; Charlie McIntyre, along with Kelly J. Cleland and Jim Durus, presented revised revenue estimates for the lottery. They reported a significant increase in projected revenues for fiscal year 25 to $200 million, and for fiscal years 26 and 27 to $193.5 million each year. This was a $20 million increase over the original estimates for the next biennium and a $38 million increase over the House's estimates. McIntyre attributed the increase primarily to the growth in historic horse racing revenues, despite a slight retraction in instant and draw-based game sales. He noted that these projections did not account for potential increases from new gaming facilities or legislative changes, which could further impact revenues.
Unclear: Mike Summers, President and CEO, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Information Only01:18:44.159 - 9:16:00 AM; Mike Summers presented insights on the current state and future outlook of the hospitality and tourism industry in New Hampshire. He noted that the industry is still recovering from the effects of COVID-19, with many businesses carrying debt and struggling to regain staff. He presented data indicating that leisure travel has been weakening, with hotel occupancy and room rates expected to remain flat through 2025. He highlighted the impact of high prices, tariffs, and market volatility on consumer sentiment. Summers mentioned a significant drop in Canadian visitation, which he attributed to political tensions. He also discussed the potential positive impact of the FIFA event in Massachusetts in 2026 and the influence of gas prices on tourism. He concluded that businesses in the industry are cautiously optimistic about remaining flat or slightly growing in the next few years, with weather playing a critical role in tourism success.
Unclear: Bob Quinn, CEO, New Hampshire Association of Realtors Information Only01:33:05.280 - 9:30:21 AM; Bob Quinn provided an overview of the real estate market in New Hampshire, emphasizing the significant difference between local and national trends. He noted a 60% drop in housing inventory from March 2019 to March 2025, contrasting this with increases in Texas and Florida. Quinn highlighted that New Hampshire received a C minus on a housing affordability report card from realtor.com, indicating challenges in the Northeast. He presented data showing a correlation between residential gross sales and real estate transfer tax, with residential sales increasing by 149% from 2013 to June 2020. Quinn discussed the impact of rising mortgage rates on housing affordability and inventory, suggesting that increasing housing inventory is crucial for improving affordability. He also addressed the potential impact of Senate Bill 84 on increasing housing inventory and the challenges posed by labor and material shortages.
HB737 2024-1453h: Unnamed Speaker 1 Information Only02:12:53.960 - 10:10:09 AM; The speaker discusses the addition of slot machines to the bill and mentions that the bill is optional, allowing communities to opt out. They believe this gives communities more control over gambling activities compared to a previous bill where participation was less active.
HB737 2024-1453h: Unnamed Speaker 2 Information Only02:14:02.800 - 10:11:18 AM; The speaker raises a concern about what happens to existing gaming operations if a community decides to rescind approval for gaming machines. They discuss the implications of existing operators having to move if approval is rescinded.
HB737 2024-1453h: Unnamed Speaker 3 Information Only02:15:11.599 - 10:12:27 AM; The speaker questions whether existing gaming facilities are treated the same as new ones under the proposed bill. They express support for local control but are concerned about the potential monopoly created by existing operators and the lack of competition in the market.
HB737 2024-1453h: Unnamed Speaker 4 Information Only02:17:00.080 - 10:14:16 AM; The speaker discusses the risk associated with liquor licenses and compares it to the situation of gaming operators. They argue that existing operators should not be treated differently from new ones if a community decides to change its stance on gaming.
HB737 2024-1453h: Unnamed Speaker 5 Information Only02:18:10.160 - 10:15:26 AM; The speaker expresses concerns about the lack of grandfathering provisions for existing licenses in the amendment. They argue that the amendment does not address the broader issue of gaming prohibition and prefers a previous bill that allowed for a more comprehensive ban on gaming if a town chooses.
HB737 2024-1453h: Unnamed Speaker 6 Information Only02:19:56.000 - 10:17:12 AM; The speaker discusses the potential impact of the amendment on the gaming industry, particularly focusing on slot machines and HHR. They believe that prohibiting these could significantly reduce the likelihood of any gaming facilities opening, despite the amendment only addressing two aspects of gaming.
HB737 2024-1453h: Unnamed Speaker 7 Information Only02:21:25.399 - 10:18:41 AM; The speaker argues against the amendment's opt-out approach, suggesting that it forces the entire state to opt in for gaming, which they see as contrary to the preferences of a small percentage of towns that might want to prohibit gaming. They prefer the existing law's opt-out mechanism.
HB737 2024-1453h: Unnamed Speaker 8 Information Only02:22:28.800 - 10:19:44 AM; The speaker concludes the discussion on the amendment, expressing a desire to increase competition in the market and not to protect existing operators. They mention moving the amendment to a vote, which is seconded, and the committee decides to keep it on the regular calendar.

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)