The care of our communities is why we’re here, and our commitment to that care goes beyond our walls.
As New Hampshire’s largest private employer, Dartmouth Health is breaking boundaries and delivering world-class healthcare throughout our communities.
Educating tomorrow’s physician leaders: Through our affiliation with Dartmouth College and the Geisel School of Medicine, we are the only academic health system in New Hampshire.
Giving back: Over the past 3 consecutive fiscal years, Dartmouth Health invested nearly $885 million to address community needs.
Delivering cutting-edge research: Through our many clinical trials, we bring promising research and breakthroughs to the treatment of many illnesses.
Leading change in rural health care: In 2022, Dartmouth Health launched the Center for Advancing Rural Health Equity (CARHE), focused on long-term and urgent solutions for rural healthcare.
Improving care for mental health: Dartmouth Health has expanded its clinical service beyond its existing relationship with New Hampshire Hospital to now include Hampstead Hospital and Residential Treatment Facility, which serves children, adolescents and young adults with acute psychiatric and substance related disorders.
Learn more at go.d-h.org/threads
Building future success through the ‘Blueprint for NH’
New Hampshire is a great place to live, work and play and countless metrics support that. Our economy is strong, career opportunities abound, and our communities are vibrant and safe. But there are significant challenges in the way of New Hampshire reaching its full potential.
The Business & Industry Association is committed to our vision of New Hampshire being the leading state for business, creating economic opportunities and prosperity for all Granite Staters.
Our Legislative Report provides an in-depth review of our work during the past legislative session, but we know just playing defense won’t make New Hampshire the best. That requires a proactive, long-term strategy to solve New Hampshire’s biggest challenges and BIA is working with our 400 members and other top stakeholders to develop a “Blueprint for NH” to do just that.
Like our successes, metrics clearly show our top challenges, which include worker and housing shortages, and high energy costs, and they are driving up the costs of living and doing business, threatening our continued economic expansion. No challenge is bigger than our workforce shortage, which is linked to the chronic lack of houses and apartments affordable for workers. The fact wages, while rising, are not keeping up with soaring housing costs compounds the problems.
Many young professionals cannot find suitable places to live, and the ramifications are being felt. New Hampshire had the highest percentage of workers aged 55 and older among the states in 2023. The number of residents aged 45 to 49 plummeted from 2013-2023 and all age brackets under 24 declined as well.
New Hampshire is great, but we want it to be the best. BIA’s Blueprint for NH will put us on offense, leading concerted efforts among business, political and community leaders to solve the challenges. We are excited to move forward with the Blueprint in pursuit of New Hampshire becoming the leading state for business.
Sincerely,
Michael Skelton President and CEO Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire
Housing and Income
Housing Price Increase, 2020-2023
Quarter 3
NH: 59%, 4th highest among states
U.S.: 48%
Single-family home median price, 2024
June: $538,000
May: $525,000
April: $515,000
March: $495,950
GDP Per Capita 2023
NH: $65,086, 19th among states
U.S.: $66,814, 17th among states
Increase in GDP Per Capita, 2018-2023
NH: 8%
U.S.: 8.7%
Cost of Living Index Adjusted Median Hourly Earnings, 2023
NH: $19.02, 44th among states
U.S.: $22.01, 10th among states
Population
Percentage Growth, 2020-2023
NH: 1.7%
U.S.: 1%
Migration, 2005-2022
In-migration: 49,782
Out-migration: 46,866
Net gain: 2,916
Population Change, 2013-2023
Greatest Increase: 70-74, up 29,075
Greatest Decrease: 45 to 49, down 23,710
25-29: Up 10,263
20-24: Down 4,978
15-19: Down 10,254
10-14: Down 6,972
5-9: Down 5,389
Under 5: Down 775
Percentage of Workers 55 and Older, 2023
NH: 27.3%, highest among states
U.S.: 23.6%, 31st among states
Electricity Cost Increases, 2013-2023
Residential
NH: 73.4%
U.S.: 31.7%
Commercial
NH: 50.3%
U.S.: 24.2%
Industrial
NH: 38.7%
U.S.: 17%
2024 session: Lots of smoke, little fire Momentum on housing wanes in second half of session
TBY DAVID JUVET Senior vice president of public policy
he 2024 legislative session ended quietly in June, failing to build on key business wins in the first half of the biennium. The 2023 session was highlighted by a bipartisan budget that made critical investments to address Granite State businesses’ most prominent challenges including the worker shortage and need for additional housing.
Unfortunately, the biennium’s second half was notable for more talk (the smoke) than action (the fire). This is not entirely out of the norm for second-year sessions. The first year, which includes putting together the two-year state budget, as well as a slew of bills filed by new legislators elected the previous November, is almost always a more intense session.
The 2024 session started with hopes of making considerable progress toward addressing the need for more moderately
priced housing options, one of the state’s most critical economic development issues. New Hampshire is 60,000 housing units short of where it should be and this deficit has led to affordability issues, especially for young families and people entering the workforce. Employers around the state have made clear the lack of housing makes it more difficult to hire and retain workers. In the end, very little legislation of significance made it to the governor’s desk as the threat of the loss of “local control” was enough to scuttle any meaningful policies to increase housing stock.
There were some key wins for businesses, however, including legislation to reform the state’s site evaluation committee membership to make the siting process for new energy sources in New Hampshire more efficient. This is an important step in efforts to lower the state’s high energy costs. Lawmakers also culminated years of work to enact New Hampshire’s first comprehensive consumer data privacy law.
Multiple tax-related bills seen as beneficial to businesses failed to advance though.
The biennium’s second half is more often associated with both political parties using legislation to stake out party priorities leading into the November election and that proved true this year.
This session, we saw a large number of bills dealing with LGBTQ rights, gun rights, parental rights, abortion, school vouchers and ballot access. One high-profile controversial issue that crossed party lines was marijuana legalization. A bill passed the House and Senate and proponents thought they might have finally made it to the mountaintop only to see it founder again and fail in conference committee. BIA, with members both for and against legalization, was neutral on this legislation.
This past session also stands as a transitional period of leadership. Gov. Chris Sununu is not seeking reelection after four terms and Senate President Jeb Bradley is leaving public service after 32 years overall and the last 16 in the Senate. Sen. Lou D’Allesandro is closing out a 50-plus-year legislative career, including 13 consecutive Senate terms and former House Speaker Steve Shurtleff is retiring after 20 years as a state representative.
BIA Policy Priorities
WORKFORCE
Assist efforts to develop NH’s future workforce by attracting and retaining new talent.
HOUSING
Improve housing options for NH workers and remove barriers to increasing housing supply.
ENERGY
Advocate for all-energy-resources approach to achieve cost-effective and resilient resource mix led by market-based approaches.
LABOR RULES & REGULATIONS
Oppose government overreach that infringes on decision-making that should be the purview of private sector employees.
ENVIRONMENT
Support science-based environmental policies, legislation and administrative rules that balance economic development with the long-term sustainability of the state’s natural resources.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Advocate for the state’s continued development and maintenance of vital infrastructure to support economic growth.
FISCAL POLICY
Support fiscally conservative state budgets and business-friendly regulatory and tax structures that are critical to the NH Advantage.
HEALTH CARE
Support government action to reduce the high cost of health care coverage that reduces employers’ ability to grow and makes it more difficult for workers to afford health insurance.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Support initiatives that create jobs, strengthen businesses and expand trade.
For full details of BIA’s public policy priorities, visit biaofnh.com/priorities.
NH Business Review is an awardwinning biweekly publication that features business information, news, insights and advice for the state’s prominent business leaders. Readers and advertisers alike regard it as the most respected source of business news in the Granite State.
Session fails to make gains in housing policy
Threat of loss of ‘local control’ blocks significant advancement
EBY DAVID JUVET
Senior vice president of public policy
ven though policy leaders agree there are insufficient housing options for New Hampshire’s workforce, virtually no housing-related legislation survived this year’s legislative process. What did only nibbles around the problem with modest incremental improvements.
One example is HB 1359, which narrows the definition of “abutters” and
should reduce the ability of those not directly impacted by a housing project from being able to slow down or derail it. Overly restrictive local zoning is increasingly cited as a top impediment to building more housing. BIA supported HB 1359, which was signed into law following bipartisan support in the House and Senate.
The session began with optimism, as the biennium’s first half saw investments in workforce housing development. There were appropriations to New Hampshire’s Affordable Housing Fund, and a “Housing Champions” program to provide state financial assistance to municipalities that voluntarily make
efforts to increase high-density housing. Optimism continued as the House organized a new policy committee focused on housing, and there were over 30 related bills under consideration this session.
The threat of losing “local control” often stood in the way of significant advancements.
Housing bills that BIA supported and would have had more profound impacts on housing availability were killed. These include:
• HB 1291, which would have allowed homeowners to construct a second detached accessory dwelling unit on their property.
• SB 454, which would have established a historic housing tax credit program.
• SB 384, which would have increased state investment in New Hampshire’s Affordable Housing Fund.
• SB 538, a multi-faceted bill making changes to municipal zoning procedures.
A silver lining was that one bill designed to weaken or repeal previous workforce housing gains failed to gain traction. HB 1651 would have combined the Board of Land and Tax Appeals and Housing Appeals Board into one entity. This would have diluted expertise that currently exists with both boards and increased the time needed to process an appeal. BIA opposed this legislation and the House voted HB 1651 “inexpedient to legislate,” effectively killing it.
The need to address the housing shortage remains one of the most pressing issues and a top BIA public policy priority. The worker shortage is directly linked to the lack of moderately priced housing for workers and young families, and both shortages are threatening New Hampshire’s continued economic growth.
Key reforms seek to make energy siting more efficient
HB
609 designed to address burdensome review process, lower costs
BY KIRSTEN KOCH Vice president of public policy
Gov. Chris Sununu this summer signed into law a key bill that will take a step toward addressing New Hampshire’s high energy prices, which pose a threat to business success.
HB 609-FN reforms the site evaluation committee, which is responsible for the state siting process for new energy sources in New Hampshire. The committee, with its makeup prior to 2024, struggled to meet quorum, which often resulted in unpredictable delays in the siting process, making efforts to bring new sources of energy to New Hampshire burdensome and unattractive for developers.
HB 609 changes the makeup of the committee to be the three commissioners of the Public Utilities Commission, the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services or designee, and a member of the public to ensure a streamlined permitting process. It does not change the rigorous approval process, nor diminish opportunity for public comment.
Bringing efficiency to siting process is a crucial step toward attracting new generation from a diversity of sources. Addressing New Hampshire’s high energy costs is one of BIA’s top long-term policy priorities. The state had the sixth highest commercial electricity rates and seventh highest industrial rates in the nation as of April 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The high cost of electricity is a particular burden for large energy users such as manufacturers and corporate campuses.
New Hampshire’s commercial electricity rate of 19.25 cents per kilowatt hour dwarfs the U.S. average of 12.66, and its industrial rate of 15.84 is more than double the U.S. average of 7.82. The residential rate of 23 cents is well above the U.S. average of 16.88. Making matters worse, the Granite State saw a steady rise in the cost of electricity from 2013-2023 with commercial rates increasing 50.3%, industrial rates rising 38.7% and residential rates jumping 73.4%.
This session did bring a win for energy efficiency as Gov. Sununu vetoed HB 1187, a bill that would have prevented municipalities from paying for building improvement projects, such as energy-efficiency upgrades, with leases. Paying for energy-efficiency projects with leases is a popular and affordable choice because the savings come monthly. Leasing also makes these types of projects possible and affordable for many municipalities, such as the city of Manchester. If signed into law, this bill would have devastated energy-efficiency contractors and the state’s energy goals.
NH’S ADVANTAGE
BEST STATES TO LIVE IN, 2024
#2 overall
#1 for Internet Access
#1 for Crime and Corrections
#3 for Fiscal Stability
#7 for Economy
—U.S. News & World Report
NH GDP GROWTH
2023: $111.1 Billion
2022: $105B
2021: $99.1B
2020: $88.6B
2019: $87.5B
—U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, JULY 2024
NH: 2.5%
U.S.: 4.1%
—NH Employment Security
CORPORATE INCOME TAX RATES IN NEW ENGLAND
Rhode Island: 7%
New Hampshire: 7.5%
Connecticut: 7.5%
Massachusetts: 8%
Vermont: 8.5%
Maine: 8.93%
—Tax Foundation
OVERALL TAX BURDEN, 2024
New Hampshire: 2nd lowest
Massachusetts: #31
Rhode Island: #41
Connecticut: #45
Maine: #47
Vermont: #48
—WalletHub
STATE BUSINESS TAX CLIMATE, 2024
6th best (Only New England state in Top 10)
—Tax Foundation
TAXPAYER ROI, 2024
New Hampshire: #1 (9 straight years)
Rhode Island: #13
Maine: #24
Connecticut: #39
Massachusetts: #41
Vermont: #43
—WalletHub
NH passes consumer data privacy law
BIA leads efforts to defeat other narrow, harmful bills
NBY RICK FABRIZIO Director of communications and public policy
ew Hampshire became the 15th state to pass comprehensive consumer data privacy regulations as Gov. Chris Sununu signed SB 255 into law in March.
The law governs how businesses collect, use and store sensitive consumer data. BIA worked over two years to see SB 255 become law to ensure our state’s data privacy regulatory framework was workable and competitive with other states.
New Hampshire’s law is based on model legislation passed by the previous states. It applies to Granite State businesses that control the data of at least 35,000 state residents, and to companies controlling the data of 10,000 residents if over 25% of their gross revenue comes from selling personal data. The law gives
consumers the right to learn if a business is storing their data and to access it, correct inaccuracies, opt out of the collection and use of their information, and delete their data from company records. Consumers can also block the sale of their data and the use of it for targeted advertising.
The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. For the first year, the Attorney General’s Office may issue a notice of violation if it determines a cure is possible before proceeding to court under New Hampshire’s Consumer Protection Act. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the AG may consider potential cures but can move directly to court. The law does not provide a private right of action for individuals or organizations to sue the violating company directly.
BIA led successful efforts to defeat flawed privacy bills:
• HB 314-FN: Relative to the expectation of privacy in the collection and use of personal information. The bill used an
overly broad definition of personal information and vague language on constitutional and statutory expectations of privacy, and was contradictory to SB 255. The Senate sent the bill to interim study, effectively killing it.
• HB 1663: Relative to the confidentiality of medical records and patient information. The bill would have delayed patient care, restricted the ability to limit the spread of communicable diseases, and further overburdened the health care system by requiring patient consent for every medical record transfer. The House sent the bill to interim study.
• HB 1535-FN: Relative to prohibiting mandatory participation in digital identification systems. The bill would have subjected certain routine business functions to civil penalties and a private right of action. The House voted the bill inexpedient to legislate.
• HB 1273: Relative to the protection of personal information in driver licenses. The bill would have restricted the use of personal information from driver licenses, prohibiting certain routine business transactions and subjecting them to financial penalties. The House sent the bill to interim study.
Legislation to block 5G expansion killed again
BY RICK FABRIZIO Director of communications and public policy
BIA succeeded in defeating the third consecutive legislative attempt to block the expansion of 5G and other wireless communication technology in New Hampshire this past session.
At its core, HB 1487 would have banned wireless antennae within 500 meters from a residence, business or school, severely limiting the ability to expand highspeed wireless communication and internet. That is in opposition to the state policy to facilitate the provision of broadband and other advanced personal wireless services across the state, including to students, government agencies and businesses.
Various polls consistently show New Hampshire residents support mobile wireless upgrades in their community, including small cell antennas, which are essential for 5G deployment.
Supporters of bans on 5G expansion cite alleged health effects. However, no major national or international health agency cites strong evidence that exposure to radiofrequency waves from cellphone towers or antennas causes any noticeable health effects.
BIA testified against HB 1487 before the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee, which voted 20-0 to recommend the bill as inexpedient to legislate. The House approved that recommendation in a voice vote.
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New law could increase cost of business, malpractice insurance
Bills
to lower taxes for employers fail to advance
ABY DAVID JUVET
Senior vice president of public policy
bill signed into law this session could make it harder and more expensive for businesses to purchase liability insurance. SB 462, which BIA opposed, significantly increases payouts for loss of consortium (companionship) in cases of wrongful death.
SB 462 increases loss of a spouse payouts from $150,000 to $500,000 and loss of a child or parent from $50,000 to $300,000. Both increases are far more than inflation and far higher than many states that allow loss of consortium awards. We’ll have to wait to see how this impacts business insurance and medical malpractice rates, but chances are both will go up.
BIA successfully led efforts to defeat several bills that would have been problematic for employers, including:
• HB 1668, establishing a four-day work week.
• HB 1322 and SB 308, increasing the state’s minimum wage.
• HB 1375, prohibiting employers from offering severance
agreements that require employees to broadly waive their rights to discuss the agreement or disparage the employer.
• HB 1071, prohibiting employers from using polygraph machines in the hiring process.
• HB 1246, allowing employers to pay wages in gold and silver.
• HB 436, HB 1522, HB 1597 and SB 436, increasing weekly unemployment benefit amounts. (BIA was neutral with concerns)
A bill that made it out of the House, but died in the Senate, would have paid for accrued but unused vacation time.
HB 1178 focused on employers with 15 or more employees who provide some form of paid vacation where the employee was laid off, or the business was sold or closed before the accrued time could be used. BIA had concerns about the bill but remained neutral. This bill will likely be back next session.
One bill that was signed into law is HB 1336, which allows employees to keep guns and ammunition in their locked vehicles on employer property. Employers are prohibited from asking if weapons are on their property but are exempted from liability in the event of death or wounding. BIA remained
neutral on the bill.
There are typically few tax-related bills in off-budget years, as legislators are often reluctant to pass legislation that could impact state revenue. True to form, four such bills failed to pass:
• HB 1422 sought to lower rates for the business profits tax and business enterprise tax. (BIA neutral)
• HB 1531 would have doubled the deduction allowed for depreciation. (BIA supported)
• HB 1533 would have increased the “safe harbor” threshold for compensation and tied future increases to inflation. (BIA supported)
• HB 1536 sought to increase the amount of expense deductions against the business profits tax. (BIA supported)
HB 1422 and HB 1531 were quickly killed in the House. HB 1533 and HB 1536, which would have been helpful to New Hampshire’s smallest businesses, died in the Senate.
We expect all four will be back for consideration next year.
Onslaught of flawed environmental bills defeated
Despite crackdown on industry, session ends strong for business community
BY KIRSTEN KOCH
Vice president of public policy
In 2024, BIA worked tirelessly to defeat an onslaught of environmental legislation that proposed changes surely to cause the cost of business operations to skyrocket. Balancing economic development with environmental protection of our state’s natural resources is a key priority for the New Hampshire business community. The 2024 session was all about striking that balance.
PERMITTING & REGULATORY
BIA worked collaboratively with officials at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services to reach compromise on a bill that would extend the state air resources permit application timeline. As introduced, SB 449 proposed an extension of the timeline from 60 days to 180 days. The final version of the bill includes a 120-day permit application timeline with reporting requirements to increase transparency about actual working timelines for businesses to receive air resources permits. It is important to note that DES has been exceptionally cooperative in reviewing permit applications by small and new businesses that work under tight time constraints and limited financial margins when seeking permit approval. Gov. Chris Sununu signed SB 449 into law.
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL
BIA took the front seat in defending businesses from unreasonable legislative proposals that would leave an unworkable patchwork of changes not rooted in science. Some bills challenged the constitutional commerce clause, others sought to replace private business operations with government interference. Often advocating for a balance between economic development and environmental protection, BIA earned several key wins for the business community, especially by defeating the following landfill bills:
• HB 602-FN established a preliminary permitting phase with subjective and arbitrary requirements in addition to the existing process, aimed at preventing future development.
• HB 1145-FN proposed “a ban without a plan” on the private ownership of any new landfills, naming the state as responsible for the cost of development and ownership for any future landfills to be developed in New Hampshire.
• HB 1620-FN proposed a moratorium on landfill permitting until 2028, nearing state capacity deadlines.
• HB 1632-FN proposed an unconstitutional 15% cap on out-of-state solid waste accepted by private landfills.
PFAS
On the other hand, some proposals found the Legislature unified in support of passage, such as proposals regarding PFAS chemicals. The Legislature passed the following bills:
• HB 1415 proposed assigning liability to any facility where PFAS had come to be located and resulted in contamination.
• HB 1649-FN establishes a ban on certain products that PFAS, including children’s products, food packaging, personal care products and textiles.
In the end, Gov. Sununu vetoed HB 1415, citing a letter from the BIA that explained if both HB 1415 and HB 1649 were signed into law, the two would amend the same areas of statute with conflicting definitions, opposing triggering standards, and would apply differing sources of authority. The conflicting statutes would leave Granite State businesses to foot the bill to initiate legal challenges to resolve the interpretation. HB 1649 was signed into law by the governor.
2024 Roll Call Votes — Senate
HOUSING
HB 1291: Relative to accessory dwelling units allowed by right
This bill would have allowed homeowners the right to build an additional attached or freestanding accessory dwelling unit on their property. BIA supported this legislation as a reasonable method to add desperately needed housing stock for New Hampshire’s workforce. The Senate vote was a floor amendment “last-ditch” effort to resurrect the bill killed earlier on a Senate voice vote. A yea vote is consistent with BIA’s position supporting the amendment.
8 yeas – 16 nays
Final result: The Senate killed the bill in a motion to “indefinitely postpone” by voice vote.
BUSINESS REGULATION
SB 308: Relative to the state minimum wage
This bill would phase in an increase in the state minimum wage eventually capping out at $15 an hour. BIA opposed this legislation because of the impacts it would have on New Hampshire’s small business community, the “ripple” it would create throughout the wage spectrum, and because we believe any increase in the minimum wage should happen at the federal level. The Senate voted to kill the bill in an “inexpedient to legislate” motion. A yea vote is consistent with BIA’s opposition.
14 yeas – 10 nays
Victor y
SB 462: Relative to raising the cap on damages for wrongful death loss of consortium claims
This bill raised the cap on wrongful death “loss of consortium” (emotional loss) from the current $150,000 for loss of a spouse to $500,000 and from the current $50,000 for loss of a child or parent to $300,000. BIA opposed this legislation because of the negative impact the increased costs would have on liability and medical malpractice insurance, and because of the concern that dramatic increases in exposure could lead some insurers to pull out of the state. The Senate passed the bill in an “ought to pass with amendment” motion. A nay vote is consistent with BIA’s opposition.
17 yeas – 7 nays
Final result: The bill was signed into law by the governor.
SB 553: Requiring the investment advisor for the public deposit investment pool to maintain funds in a particular manner
This bill would require funds deposited in the public deposit investment pool to be invested in New Hampshire banks. BIA supported this legislation, because studies indicated this infusion of investment in the state would lead to an expanded economy and new business opportunities. The Senate passed the bill in an “ought to pass with amendment” motion. A yea vote is consistent with BIA’s support.
24 yeas – 0 nays
Final result: The House rejected an “ought to pass with amendment” motion by a vote of 176 yeas to 190 nays, and then sent the bill to “interim study,” effectively killing it. However, a significantly scaled-back version of the original proposal was added to the non-related HB 1241. The bill was signed into law by the governor.
SB 555: Relative to receipt of pharmaceutical rebates by insurers and pharmacy benefits managers
This bill would change how pharmaceutical rebates would be delivered. Currently, insurance carriers collect rebates and use them to lower prescription costs for all. SB 555 would change that so rebates would only benefit specific individuals receiving them. BIA opposed this legislation because it would lead to an increase in health care costs for most individuals. The Senate passed the bill in an “ought to pass” motion. A nay vote is consistent with BIA’s opposition.
19 yeas – 4 nays
Final result: The bill was signed into law by the governor.
BIA
Abbas, Daryl
Altschiller, Debra
Avard, Kevin
Birdsell, Regina
Bradley, Jeb
Carson, Sharon
Chandley, Shannon
Fenton, Donovan
Gannon, Bill
Gendreau, Carrie
Gray, James
Innis, Daniel
Lang, Timothy
Host to 24 events across the state annually attracting 1,800 business, political, and opinion leaders, with a full schedule of conferences, forums, networking events, tournaments, and roundtables. find an upcoming event
2024 Roll Call Votes — House
ENVIRONMENT
HB 1145: Prohibiting the private ownership of landfills
This bill would have prohibited new solid waste landfill permits for privately owned landfills in New Hampshire. Under this bill, new landfills can only be owned by the state or a political subdivision thereof. BIA opposed this legislation because it would create an instance where it is not profitable for a private company to operate the state-owned landfill and the operating standards and procedures are unworkable. Further, there is nothing in the bill authorizing the development of such a state-owned facility, designating a state department to administer it, describing how the site will be chosen or any of the hundreds of other details necessary to develop such a facility. The House passed the bill in an “ought to pass” motion. A nay vote is consistent with BIA’s opposition.
208 yeas – 162 nays
Final result: The Senate sent the bill to interim study in a voice vote.
HB 1649-FN: Relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS
This bill would ban products with PFAS including personal care products, children’s products, food packaging and textiles. The bill also makes changes to the definitions of PFAS chemicals. If passed, HB 1649 would require a multi-state clearinghouse to review products and companies to ensure compliance starting Jan. 1, 2027. BIA opposed this legislation, because it would undermine effective product design and the overall safety and efficacy of key products in a variety of industries that are important to public safety and health. The PFAS chemical component provides these necessary products with irreplaceable characteristics of resilience and durability. If passed, this ban would decimate key industries in New Hampshire and limit essential product availability for Granite Staters. The House passed the bill in an “ought to pass” motion. A nay vote is consistent with BIA’s opposition.
233 yeas – 140 nays
Final result: The Senate passed an amended version of the bill in a voice vote, and it was signed into law by the governor.
HOUSING
HB 1291: Relative to accessory dwelling unit uses allowed by right
This bill would have allowed homeowners the right to build an additional attached or freestanding accessory dwelling unit on their property. BIA supported this legislation as a reasonable method to add desperately needed housing stock for New Hampshire’s workforce. The House passed the bill in an “ought to pass with amendment” motion. A yea vote is consistent with BIA’s support.
220 yeas – 143 nays
Final result: The Senate killed the bill in a motion to “indefinitely postpone” in a voice vote.
HB 1359: Relative to appeals of certain zoning decisions by abutters
This bill significantly narrowed the definition of an abutter in appeals of local planning and zoning board decisions. BIA supported this bill because it will reduce the ability of nuisance appeals by individuals who are not directly impacted by a housing development project, allowing needed housing to be completed faster and at less cost. The House passed the bill in an “ought to pass” motion. A yea vote is consistent with BIA’s support.
265 yeas – 88 nays
Final result: The Senate passed the bill in a voice vote, and it was signed into law by the governor.
SB 538: Relative to zoning procedures concerning residential housing
This omnibus legislation, which BIA supported, included several different planning and zoning components, all designed to facilitate more workforce housing development, a top-tier BIA policy priority. The House killed the bill in an “inexpedient to legislate” motion. A nay vote reflects BIA’s support for the legislation.
188 yeas – 173 nays
BUSINESS REGULATION
HB 1178: Relative to an employee’s unused earned time
This bill would require employers to pay for accrued but unused vacation time for a very narrow set of circumstances (e.g., business closure, permanent layoff, etc.) BIA had some concerns over the language but was neutral on the overall bill. This House roll call vote was on a floor amendment significantly expanding the number of employees who would qualify for being paid for unused vacation time upon termination of employment. A nay vote reflects BIA’s opposition to the floor amendment.
198 yeas – 183 nays
Final result: The House subsequently passed the amended bill, but the Senate killed the bill via an “interim study” motion in a voice vote.
HB 1246: Relative to allowing for payment of wages in gold or silver
This bill would have added gold and silver to the N.H. Department of Labor’s list of acceptable forms of compensation. BIA opposed this legislation because of its impractical nature and the likelihood it would lead to conflicts between employees and employers over how wages will be paid. The House killed the bill in an “inexpedient to legislate” motion. A yea vote is consistent with BIA’s opposition.
182 yeas – 155 nays
BIA
Victor y
BIA
Victor y
BIA
Victor y
HB 1322: Relative to the state minimum hourly rate
This bill would phase in an increase in the state minimum wage eventually capping out at $17 an hour and tying future increases to inflation as measured by the consumer price index. BIA opposed this legislation because of the impacts it would have on New Hampshire’s small business community, the “ripple” it would create throughout the wage spectrum, and because we believe any increase in the minimum wage should happen at the federal level. The House failed to pass the bill in an “ought to pass” motion. A nay vote is consistent with BIA’s opposition.
187 yeas – 192 nays
HB 1479: Relative to prohibiting the use of federal, state or local funds for lobbying activities
This bill would prohibit any chamber or nonprofit entity that receives state or federal funding through grants or appropriations from engaging in any form of lobbying activity. BIA opposed this bill, because it undermines First Amendment free speech rights and had the potential to interfere with chamber of commerce and other nonprofit advocacy efforts on behalf of their members if it became law. The House passed the motion of “indefinite postponement,” killing the bill for the session. A yea vote is consistent with BIA’s opposition.
211 yeas – 129 nays
HEALTH CARE
SB 403: Relative to the health care workforce
This bill made several modest improvements that should help shore up New Hampshire’s health care workforce (hospital and nursing home employees), which has been especially hard hit by a restricted labor market. Support for this legislation was a part of BIA’s overall workforce development initiative. The House passed the bill via an “ought to pass” motion. A yea vote is consistent with BIA’s support.
241 yeas – 122 nays
Final result: The bill was signed into law by the governor.
Proudly serving our communities.
As your local partner in growth, Unitil provides energy for life: gas and electricity to keep the communities we serve vibrant and thriving. We work hard with our local businesses to make sure their energy needs are met while providing meaningful tools to ensure the energy is used wisely.
We here at Unitil know New Hampshire’s strength comes from its diverse and growing businesses, and we look forward to growing alongside of you as partners in prosperity.
BIA Victor y
BIA
Victor y
BIA Victor y
Bradley, Amy D
Brennan, Angela D
Brouillard, Jacob R
Brown, Carroll
Brown, Richard R
Buco, Thomas D
Burnham, Claudine R Strafford
Burroughs, Anita D Carroll
Cahill, Michael D Rockingham
Cahill, Tim R Rockingham
Calabro, Karen D Hillsborough
Cambrils, Jose R Merrimack
Cannon, Gerri D Strafford
Caplan, Tony D Merrimack
Carey, Lorrie D Merrimack
Cascadden, Corinne D Coos
SCORECARD
Chretien, Jacqueline D Hillsborough
Cloutier, John D
Coker, Matthew R Belknap
Colcombe, Riché R Hillsborough
Cole, Brian R Hillsborough
Comtois, Barbara R Belknap
Conlin, Bill D
Connor, James R
Corcoran, Travis R Hillsborough
Cordelli, Glenn R
Cormen, Thomas D Grafton
Cornell, Patricia D Hillsborough
Costable, Michael R Carroll 08
Coulon, Matthew R Grafton
Crawford, Karel R Carroll 03
Creighton, Jim R Hillsborough 30
Cushman, Leah R Hillsborough 28
Damon, Hope D Sullivan 08
Darby, Will D Hillsborough
Davis, Arnold R Coos
Davis, Fred D Hillsborough
DeSimone, Debra
Devine,
DiLorenzo, Charlotte D Rockingham
DiSilvestro, Linda D Hillsborough
Dolan, Tom R Rockingham
Dolan, William D Hillsborough
Donnelly, Tanya
Doucette, Fred R
Drago, Mike R Rockingham
Drye, Margaret R Sullivan
Dumais, Russell R Belknap
Dunn, Ron R Rockingham
Durkin, Sean R Coos
Dutzy, Sherry D Hillsborough
Eaton, Daniel D Cheshire
Ebel, Karen D Merrimack
Edgar, Michael D Rockingham
Edwards, Jess R Rockingham
Elberger, Susan D Hillsborough
Emerick, Tracy R Rockingham
Erf, Keith R
Faulkner, Barry D Cheshire
Fedolfi, Jim R Hillsborough
Fellows, Sallie D Grafton
Filiault, Shaun I Cheshire
Fitzpatrick, Daniel D Strafford
Foote, Charles R Rockingham
Ford, Damond D Hillsborough
Ford,
Freitas,
Gibbs,
Goley,
Hakken-Phillips, Mary
Muriel
Hamblet, Joan D
Hamer,
Harb,
Harrington, Michael R Strafford
Harriott-Gathright, Linda D Hillsborough
Harvey, Cathryn D Cheshire
Haskins, Linda D Rockingham
Heath, Mary D Hillsborough
Hobson, Deb R Rockingham
Hoell, J.R. r Merrimack
Horgan, James R Strafford
Horrigan, Timothy D Strafford
Howard, Heath D Strafford
Howard, Molly D
Howland, Allan D Strafford
Hoyt, Tommy D Grafton
Hunt, John R Cheshire
Huot, David d Belknap
Infantine, William R Hillsborough
Jack, Martin D Hillsborough
SCORECARD
Janigian, John R Rockingham 25
Janvrin, Jason R Rockingham 40
Jeudy, Jean D Hillsborough 23
Johnson, Erik D Strafford 11
Jones, Philip D Cheshire 03
Juris, Louis D Hillsborough
Kaczynski, Thomas R Strafford
Katsakiores, Phyllis R Rockingham
Kelley, Diane R Hillsborough
Kelley, Eamon D Coos
Kennedy, Stephen R Hillsborough
Kenney, Cam D Strafford
Kenny, Catherine R Hillsborough 13
Khan, Aboul R Rockingham
King, Bill R Hillsborough 43
King, Seth R Coos
Knab, Allison D Rockingham
Kofalt, Jim R Hillsborough
Kuttab, Katelyn R Rockingham
Ladd, Rick R Grafton
LaMontagne, Jessica D Strafford
Lane, Connie D Merrimack
Lanza, Judi D Hillsborough
Leapley,
Leavitt,
LeClerc, Daniel D Hillsborough
Leishman, Peter D Hillsborough
Lekas,
Lekas,
Levesque,
Lewicke,
Lloyd, Christal D Hillsborough
Long,
Love,
Lovett, Peter D Grafton
Lundgren, David R Rockingham
Luneau, David D Merrimack
Lynn, Bob R Rockingham
MacDonald, John R Carroll
MacKay, James D Merrimack
MacKenzie, Mark D Hillsborough
Maggiore, Jim D Rockingham
Malloy, Dennis D Rockingham
Mandelbaum, Jennifer D Rockingham
Mangipudi, Latha D Hillsborough
SCORECARD
Mannion, Dennis
Manos,
McAleer,
McDonnell,
McGough,
Noël,
Nutting-Wong,
O’Brien,
O’Hara, Travis R Belknap
O’Neil, Candice D Rockingham
Osborne, Jason R Rockingham
Ouellet, Mike R Coos
Packard, Sherman R Rockingham
Paige, David D Carroll
Paige, Mark D Rockingham
Palmer, William D
Panek, Sandra R Hillsborough
Pare, Gail D Strafford
Parshall, Lucius D Cheshire
Pauer, Diane R Hillsborough
Payeur, Stephanie D Merrimack
Pearson, Mark R Rockingham 34
Pearson, Stephen R Rockingham
Pedersen, Michael D Hillsborough
Perez, Kristine R Rockingham 16
Perez, Maria I Hillsborough 43
Peternel, Katy R Carroll 06
Petrigno, Peter D Hillsborough
Phillips, Emily R Rockingham
Phinney, Brandon R Strafford
Piemonte, Tony R Rockingham
Pitre, Joseph R Strafford
Plamondon, Marc D Hillsborough
Plett, Fred R Hillsborough 29
Ploszaj, Tom R Belknap 01
Polozov, Yury R Merrimack 10
Popovici-Muller, Daniel R Rockingham 17
Porcelli, Susan R Rockingham 19
Post, Lisa R Hillsborough 42
Potenza, Kelley R Strafford 19
Potucek, John R Rockingham 13
Pratt, Kevin R Rockingham 04
Preece, David D Hillsborough 17
Proulx, Mark R Hillsborough 15
Prout, Andrew R Hillsborough 13
Prudhomme-
O’Brien, Katherine R Rockingham 13
Qualey, James R Cheshire 18
Quaratiello, Arlene R Rockingham 18
Rafter, Hal D Rockingham 01
Raymond, Heather D Hillsborough 05
Raynolds, Ned D Rockingham 39
Read, Ellen D Rockingham 10
Reid, Karen R Hillsborough 27
Renzullo, Andrew R Hillsborough 13
Rhodes, Jennifer R Cheshire 17
Rich, Cecilia D Strafford
Rich, Jeffrey D
Richards, Beth D Merrimack
Rochefort, David R Grafton
Roesener, James D Merrimack
Rollins, Skip R
Rombeau,
Rung, Rosemarie
Sanborn, Laurie R Hillsborough
Santonastaso, Matthew R
Schamberg, Thomas D Merrimack
Schapiro, Joe D
Schmidt, Peter D
Schuett, Dianne D Merrimack
Schultz, Kristina
See, Alvin R Merrimack
Sirois,
Soti,
Soucy,
Southworth, Thomas
Spier, Carry
Spillane, James
Spilsbury, Walter
St. Clair, Charlie
Stapleton,
Staub, Kathy
Stavis, Laurel
Stone,
Stringham, Jerry
Sullivan,
Sullivan,
Summers, James
SCORECARD
Sweeney,
Sytek,
Tatro,
Tellez,
Terry,
Testerman,
Thackston, Dick R Cheshire
Treleaven, Susan D Strafford
Tripp, Richard R Rockingham
Trottier,
Turcotte, Len R Strafford
Turer, Eric D Rockingham
Ulery,
Vail,
Vandecasteele, Susan R
Varney, Peter R Belknap
Veilleux, Daniel D Hillsborough
Verville, Kevin
Vose, Michael
Wall, Janet
Wallner, Mary Jane D
Walsh, Lilli
Weyler, Kenneth
Wheeler, Jonah
Wherry, Robert
Wolf,
Wood, Clayton
Woodcock, Stephen
Yokela, Josh
STAFF
MICHAEL SKELTON
President & CEO
603-224-5388 X111 mskelton@biaofnh.com
LORA MCMAHON
Vice President of Events & Membership
603-224-5388 X101 lmcmahon@biaofnh.com
DAVID JUVET
Senior Vice President of Public Policy
603-224-5388 X115 djuvet@biaofnh.com
RICK FABRIZIO Director of Communications & Public Policy
603-224-5388 X113 rfabrizio@biaofnh.com
ADVOCATE. EDUCATE. CONNECT.
KIRSTEN KOCH Vice President of Public Policy
603-224-5388 X112 kkoch@biaofnh.com
ANGELA KING Director of Digital Marketing
603-224-5388 X114 aking@biaofnh.com
CHRISTINE DUCHARME Vice President of Operations & Finance
603-224-5388 X105 cducharme@biaofnh.com
MEAGAN PARISEAU Program & Membership Coordinator
603-224-5388 X102 mpariseau@biaofnh.com
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
About BIA
NH’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading nonpartisan business advocate.
MISSION
BIA is the unifying voice of business, championing a competitive business climate and prosperous economic future for New Hampshire.
100,000+ $5 billion+ 35% 74% 400+ of BIA member companies employ 50 or fewer employees. of BIA member companies employ 500 or fewer employees. 55% 90%
HISTORY
➤1913: Group of manufacturers concerned about current legislation, government intervention and regulation form the New Hampshire Manufacturers’ Association.
➤1970: Organization changes name to Business and Industry Association to reflect its diverse membership, but remains the manufacturing association for New Hampshire and state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturing.
People employed throughout New Hampshire by BIA member firms, representing one in seven jobs.
Member firms’ annual contribution to New Hampshire’s economy. of BIA member companies employ 10 or fewer employees. of BIA member companies employ 100 or fewer employees.
Employers represented by BIA.
Variety of industries: Manufacturing • High-tech • Software • Professional services • Financial services • Health care • Public utilities • Hospitality and tourism • Higher education • Insurance • Nonprofits
UNITING THE
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
BIA collaborates with 45+ regional and local chambers of commerce and dozens of trade associations on shared policy priorities and legislative issues.
