NHLRA's Weblog

Commercial Advertising on Toll Booths

This Wednesday, January 4 the full House will vote on HB 119, which would authorize commercial advertising on toll- booths.  Last month, the House Transportation Committee voted 9-0 to recommend that the bill be killed.

Grease Traps

On Thursday, January 26 at 10:45 am, the House Environment & Agriculture Committee will hear HB 1373, which would establish a commission to study ways to encourage the proper recycling and disposal of grease trap wastes and to determine ways to develop additional disposal capacity.

Beer Tap Support Services

On Tuesday, January 17 at 11:30 am, the House Commerce Committee will hear HB 1533, which would permit beer manufacturers and distributors to provide carbon dioxide filters to beer retailers.

Smoking Ban

On Tuesday, January 17 at 10:00 am, the House Commerce Committee will hear HB 1177, which would ban smoking in all restaurants and cocktail lounges in New Hampshire.  NHLRA members in opposition and support of the bill will attend to make arguments for and against the bill.  Because of the even split within our membership, NHLRA will take no position on the bill, but will assist members who wish to testify.

3% Meals and Rooms Tax Administrative Reimbursement

On Thursday, January 12 at 1:00 pm, the House Ways & Means Committee will hear HB 1329, which would repeal the current law that allows our industry to retain percent of meals and rooms taxes collected if payment to the State is made by the 15^th day of the calendar month following their collection.  NHLRA strongly opposes this bill and will testify against it.

Business Profits Tax Deduction

On Tuesday, January 10 at 11:00 am, the House Ways & Means Committee will hear HB1460, which would eliminate an inequity in the NH Business Profits Tax law that does not enable some restaurants to fully deduct certain business expenses.  This bill is a high priority for NHLRA.  Tom Boucher, an accountant, and legal counsel will be in attendance to testify on behalf of NHLRA.

Drinking Age for Military

This past Tuesday, January 10 at 1:00 pm, the House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1647, which would lower the legal drinking age for members of the armed forces to 18 years of age.  A committee vote will occur sometime within the next month.

Casino Gambling

This Wednesday, January 4 the full House will vote on HB 685, which would authorize the construction of a casino in the White Mountains.  Last month the House Executive Departments Committee voted 16-4 to recommend that the bill be killed.   NHLRA opposes his bill.

Health Insurance Purchasing Alliances

This Wednesday, January 4 the full House will vote on HB 515, which would enable trade organizations like NHLRA to form health insurance purchasing alliances.  An organization would have to have at least 3,000 covered lives to form a purchasing alliance.  The purpose of the bill is to allow employers and their employees to obtain better value in purchasing health insurance by consolidating purchasing responsibilities and resources, thereby increasing purchasing expertise and reducing the administrative cost of health plan contracting, premium collection, and payment for multiple employers.  Last month, the House Commerce Committee voted 15-2 to recommend that the bill should pass.  NHLRA supports this bill.