[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6364137,"mediaKeyId","2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb","parentId",2165265,"title","Panel considers bill to allow simulcast horse-race betting statewide","audioSeconds",145,"startMs",4948000,"endMs",5093000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb&start=4948&end=5093","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb/thumbnail_4948000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6364137/New-Hampshire/Panel-considers-bill-to-allow-simulcast-horse-race-betting-statewide","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364137-62ca1140b2fabec37699541125369bc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177717&Signature=KSCLqLitfTWng-eFa73fDMkPVgITpG6o3FoGAEFTraoba29JCCdb~lKwABvRUsYXHXBl34iLvkjxZBxsgxxpgQoHU24hJq3whbQjuddKhsjt4-5zgiUdVvXIzFswOxPFLKyY6gq~zuVoWtyGe10cZgRw7zcGpX5o6q2LKY63PEL~~akaJzBrmuNkDwjj8JzaekHNJulRT68pgruWEsmtM~2uQ4vnBVA2bUeyP~lst4LH3ju6EkFB2NirxzgzAYDu8mmZ6OYNMNJBdoml8dG6f~LJdYLQ6aPzQHyNG5jjoYXc16Ylcqar97fJYKRzBkwGQJPUm4V4wso2OjompCVVWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","New Hampshire Senate","date","2025-01-29T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 147, introduced by Sen. Sharon Lang, would remove a grandfather clause in existing law that limits simulcast horse-race wagering to a small set of specific licensed locations that historically hosted horse tracks, and would instead permit simulcast betting at authorized gaming facilities statewide.

\"We had Hinsdale, Rockingham, Seabrook, and, Beaumont, with the 4 locations we didn't go bet on horse racing,\" Lang told the committee. \"This bill just removes that historic grandfather clause and just says everybody can sell simulcast horse racing.\"

Lang said the statute dates from when the state had commercial horse tracks and that the current list is anachronistic; the bill would update statutory language to allow simulcast operations at any authorized gaming site. The Lottery Commission and sponsors discussed the bill without recorded opposition during the hearing.

In executive session the committee voted to advance SB 147 (motion recorded and seconded in the transcript) and place it on the consent calendar; the motion carried by voice vote (tally not specified in the record).

Why it matters: The bill modernizes outdated statutory language and could expand where simulcast horse-race wagering is available, affecting existing gaming venues and their customers. The committee recorded no public opposition during the hearing and moved the bill forward.

What remains: If enacted, the Lottery Commission would implement rule changes to allow simulcast at additional authorized locations; the bill proceeds through the legislative process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Ways and Means (01/29/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 147 would remove an old restriction limiting simulcast horse-race wagering to specific, historic track locations and allow simulcast sales at any authorized gaming facility; sponsor said the change modernizes an archaic statute.","taxTitle","Ways and Means , Senate , Committees\t, Legislative, New Hampshire","taxId",29525,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364142,"Committee hears bill to modernize raffle rules, raise ticket and prize limits",455,4369000,4824000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb&start=4369&end=4824","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb/thumbnail_4369000.jpg","/articles/6364142/New-Hampshire/Committee-hears-bill-to-modernize-raffle-rules-raise-ticket-and-prize-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364142-5a6a37bbdd9d13de900ccf4d541ff2e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177717&Signature=GNffJLmcXg7XscQeg-mmpg1~SlVrOBon7i8IIsdBNsSgsbxAEXDt1FSR19ZJYTxtdX2r4p1yW2VMAmZSFdKCwc10ikL6IjlgJroEqMqHkYU6nIVmK-I2jeFSlEAcmZNRaXT2WICuUFkKT7lBLxrAZBDM30XFIaQma6ayZe-T6tNAKyyWmTYmQgyhmMmSBOtvjUXokPvA5~DHnXV6MHFE8pOCzq~FXUhVHofzNzKF-AvGjamcfllxwlcIHnrDebicUicQQHkms0BGClgpjCMvcsFhOuP1v6~p5MHuFTj48kggjJ5LrGpBOQ5AKVkAewHxyevPmywSRGu7061DXpLpOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 160, introduced by Sen. Sharon Lang at industry request, would update New Hampshire raffle rules that have remained largely unchanged since 1985. The proposal would allow commercial-hall employees to handle sales for designated charitable raffles (aligning raffle practice with other forms of gaming) and raise certain ticket-price and prize limits.

\"Raffle tickets have not been changed since 1985,\" sponsor Lang told the committee, calling the measure a modernization bill requested by industry representatives. Lobbyists and hall operators described how higher price limits and relaxed numbering requirements would let charities run 50/50 and other popular raffles that currently are constrained by statute.

Industry representatives urged the committee to permit higher ticket prices (up to $10 in some provisions) and increase maximum prize values for specific raffle classes, saying many charities use raffles as a fundraising tool and current dollar limits have not kept pace with inflation. Chris, representing Hudson halls, and other operators told the committee the language change removing the requirement to sell tickets sequentially was primarily a practical clarification for on-site sales where multiple people sell small strips of tickets at once.

Lottery staff confirmed the commission does not regulate all raffle activity and noted some distinctions between licensed charitable raffles conducted under county commissions and raffle-like activities conducted as part of bingo events. The committee voted to advance SB 160 (OTP) in executive session; the motion carried by voice vote (tally not specified in the record).

Why it matters: The changes would give charities more flexibility to run raffles and to use commercial-hall staff for sales, but would not mandate higher prices; individual charities and halls would decide whether to change practices.

What remains: The bill was advanced by the committee; implementation details and any rule changes will be handled by the Lottery Commission if the statute is amended.","Senate Bill 160 would update raffle ticket rules last changed in 1985, allowing commercial hall staff to sell tickets on behalf of charities and raising per-ticket and prize limits. Lottery staff and hall operators supported modernization; the committee advanced the bill.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364146,"Committee reviews modernization of bingo rules; debate over raising prize cap to $6,000",1825,2528000,4353000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb&start=2528&end=4353","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb/thumbnail_2528000.jpg","/articles/6364146/New-Hampshire/Committee-reviews-modernization-of-bingo-rules-debate-over-raising-prize-cap-to-6000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364146-4f7f0bb270cfc46702a66d0473a2d302/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177717&Signature=Wl10NWucsbc9CpuFRAoFKfiz4c~x2jJDBb5LSoO9MOo7F86e~Urwpc~ccDqysTmgjO-M0ubvaiT0Q-~ilweETEwkaQqkmAA6k7CDY-1KH28FOlr2fhaF3oQse7ufKm7hpw3psayce46C0KDdMxOZrw1bPVk2wEcWH0bN-5IaTJbORNXhdkPwlosYMoWPFi-Cz~vfYlc0yFxGuxHgLUcp868xeRWBbD~x4N1CzuowlF38wwhU3-PBOtpU2NC2om58th2XktV3kvgV7-YWQP7c6fyMUFSh7rJTpmeRoD6QnLjREixAsahPI96g7u-cszNswYCqjM7CyQf3hS9cLuqwcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 73, presented to the Senate Ways and Means Committee by Sen. Sharon Lang, would modernize several provisions in New Hampshire's charitable gaming statutes, including changing the carryover \"cover-all\" ball count back toward long-standing practice (from 50 to 49) and increasing the maximum allowable per-night prize limit from $4,000 to $6,000.

\"This bill I'm bringing before you is at the request of the industry,\" Lang said. She described the measure as updating an old statute and said the change to the cover-all ball count and the prize cap would help bingo halls remain competitive with other gaming options.

Representatives of commercial halls, distributors and bingo operators offered differing perspectives. Jan DiMarzio, general manager of a community bingo center in Manchester, urged caution on the prize-cap increase, saying most bingo nights at smaller venues do not reach the existing $4,000 limit and that raising the cap could disadvantage small, volunteer-run halls. \"All your smaller venues will be forced to close,\" she warned, arguing smaller halls could not match larger commercial halls on higher jackpots.

Other witnesses, including industry representatives and managers of larger halls, argued the changes are needed to help charities and halls compete in an altered market. Dee Lush, a long-time bingo operator, recommended a compromise of changing the cover-all to 48 rather than 49, citing technological changes that increased the number of cards in play. Chris (Hudson Veterans Memorial Hall) testified that the accidental statutory change to 50 balls in 2014 was not widely understood and that restoring 49 would reflect long-standing practice; he said larger jackpots help draw attendance and support charities.

Lottery officials acknowledged the confusion around the cover-all ball count. Valerie (Lottery) said the commission discovered the discrepancy last summer when reviewing statutes and advised halls to comply with the written statute; she described the change as likely unintentional in prior legislation. The committee also heard questions about problem gambling funding and whether higher jackpots would require additional addiction services. Lottery staff said problem-gambling funds exist but are not directly tied to changes in the bingo statute.

In executive session the committee voted to pass SB 73 (OTP) and place it on the consent calendar; the motion to advance was moved and seconded (movers recorded in the transcript) and carried by voice vote (tally not specified in the record).

Why it matters: The bill affects charitable and commercial bingo operations, which support local nonprofits and veterans' organizations. Supporters argued the changes modernize an outdated statute and help charities compete; some smaller halls warned the changes could favor larger commercial operators.

What remains: The bill will proceed with the committee\u0000recommendation; opponents and advocates may continue to press for amendments regarding prize limits and protections for smaller venues.","Senate Bill 73 would adjust bingo rules including changing a carryover cover-all number and raising a maximum prize cap from $4,000 to $6,000. The hearing drew commercial halls, volunteers and lottery officials with mixed views on impacts to small halls and problem-gambling safeguards.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364151,"Senate panel reviews bill to create marine habitat fee for saltwater licenses",1077,1574000,2651000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb&start=1574&end=2651","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb/thumbnail_1574000.jpg","/articles/6364151/New-Hampshire/Senate-panel-reviews-bill-to-create-marine-habitat-fee-for-saltwater-licenses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364151-cd23e6a117871a906b54e8d780f3fada/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177717&Signature=Ewo7L6ox2U47VSgu93DHbstPU0XcqtgK2T0zJVNLditBeZSu~ktNGytB-dhdqfoFucVKCU7B0h4Vz6a~iP71EQJhgt4ec~K9FFrsgIjntSy4wtA6XiMHR24RSN4Jd7Ez1tNkA77RShCnDCG7735CYITzVDdM5V8Zdma~yFlNYdnktBYnvTA64XH~gsjSgjKZC~ni645fJG8ZA7hy3aXcqH3HVwoTzXCDH4ENSxQpo~66aGXFgr1be0rP2hM78mH9A4IFWvrmoqEPTUrS1qg5hEIpzfEjYFvL~ejHtE~sxQ8lHf9MYJgAtrqeU9ZZjXxCicL7WehEnXD-lI0kbI7~rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 159, introduced by Sen. David Waters, would authorize the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to establish a new marine-habitat fee assessed on saltwater fishing and related licenses and place the revenue in a dedicated account for coastal habitat restoration and related activities.

\"I'm senator David Waters from district 4 to introduce senate bill, 159, which is a request for the fishing game department, to establish a marine habitat fee,\" Waters said at the public hearing. He described the measure as modeled on an existing freshwater habitat fee and said the new account would provide matching funds and steady local funding for projects such as oyster restoration and shoreline habitat work.

Renee Zobel, representing the Fish and Game Department's Marine Fisheries Division, told the committee that the department has seen rapid changes in the Gulf of Maine\u0000ecosystem and would use the fee to support restoration and to leverage federal grants that often require state matches. \"This fund would help us in that way to be able to put forth match so that we can leverage large amounts of funds to take on big projects,\" Zobel said. Fish and Game estimated that a $1 fee on certain license categories could yield roughly $38,000; a $2.50 fee on broader license categories would yield more (estimates based on last year's license sales), but committee members asked for guardrails on fee-setting.

Committee members raised questions about which license types would carry the fee, whether vessels used for charter and party boat fishing would be assessed, and whether the department could set different fees for vessels versus individual anglers. Zobel said the fee would apply to the license categories listed in the bill and that the executive director would set the exact amounts. Committee members asked for limits and oversight; one member suggested returning to the Legislature's fiscal committee before a fee is finalized.

After discussion the committee elected to hold the bill for further work on fee design and oversight provisions, asking the department to return with more detail on rate structure and potential caps or percentage-based limits so the cost to individual license-holders would be predictable.

Why it matters: The Gulf of Maine and adjacent waters are warming rapidly and stakeholders told the committee that a dedicated, locally controlled revenue stream would make the state a stronger partner for restoration and to match federal funds. The committee requested additional detail on fee structure and fiscal impacts before advancing the bill.","Senate Bill 159 would authorize Fish and Game to collect a new fee on saltwater licenses to fund marine habitat restoration, with lawmakers and Fish and Game discussing fee design and the need for matching funds to leverage federal grants.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364157,"Senate committee hears push to double CDFA tax-credit cap to $10 million",1546,152000,1698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb&start=152&end=1698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165265-c0e685e618ec115f6f4c76f3ee3a1ecb/thumbnail_152000.jpg","/articles/6364157/New-Hampshire/Senate-committee-hears-push-to-double-CDFA-tax-credit-cap-to-10-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364157-f55aa36f5c68af2375e3058f4ab44cd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177717&Signature=B0b6bj5bzBwSybxrqyCnNpXexYF0Fp1KKwBR6LyJU-lbuXkmHbzfVKPT6qs0j~KiP4lzGwni2rFg4NPm6CdsnHLO1AA8nmu93noCyd-oLjuOGCBCPrx0Jeh0L3u465MWCGaOmvolc6n~6eOFExMJ0L1lOcJsGUGqf5bOjhpnxeqvtnHTAFCF-m9ro41OiYpostzLUCG6Mg4gkwPSpihp~HSToCSiX~KjLzc26jskb9VXde083oWAGgVJyIXI9HY7srgiyGASJBRYxZBQb8SsFqcMYdHoRphyJCfYdyIb4SaHDAZvmSrMiFJhviVscRGe~OuHMGZjKBYNnLlJzKlO5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Supporters of Senate Bill 158 told the New Hampshire Senate Ways and Means Committee that increasing the annual cap on the state\u0000tax credit for donations to the Community Development Finance Authority would unlock more private capital for housing and community development projects.

Grant Bossie, deputy chief of staff for the New Hampshire Senate, introduced the bill on behalf of Sen. Dan Innes, the bill's prime sponsor. \"The Community Development Finance Authority has been providing technical assistance and creative financing options to New Hampshire communities since 1983,\" Bossie said. \"Since 1998, the legislature has incentivized donations to CDFA through a tax credit program.\" He told the committee the proposal would double the cap from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 annually.

The bill's supporters — including CDFA Executive Director Katie Easterly Marthe, regional development representatives and preservation advocates — told the committee the existing program has a long record of attracting business donations of varying sizes and leveraging additional investment. \"CDFA has that 40 year history in which we've invested over $250,000,000 which have impacted nearly all New Hampshire communities,\" Easterly Marthe said. She added that, in fiscal year 2024, CDFA invested more than $25,000,000 across 177 projects and engaged more than 152 business donors.

Proponents said the program channels private donations into local projects and cited a number of recent recipients, including the Bethlehem Redevelopment Association, the Grey Rocks Conservation Center on Newfound Lake, the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital Wellness Center and the Merrimack YMCA Early Education Center. Easterly Marthe told the committee that demand exceeds the current $5 million cap, and that, \"for every $5,000,000 that the state invests $11,000,000 in economic activity is created by that investment.\"

Speakers from regional development corporations, housing advocates and small preservation contractors described how the credit fits into complex funding stacks for rehabilitations and small-scale downtown housing. Justin Slattery of the Bellmap Economic Development Council said the credits helped projects such as the Colonial Theater Block in Laconia gain momentum. Nick Taylor, director of Housing Action New Hampshire, and Jennifer Goodman of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance described the program as an efficient tool for converting vacant or underused historic buildings into housing.

In executive session the committee moved SB 158 to consent. The motion to place the bill on the consent calendar was made by Senator Lefebvre and seconded by Senator Sullivan; the motion carried by voice vote (tally not specified in the record).

Why it matters: Supporters told the committee the CDFA tax-credit program is a tested tool that leverages private dollars for housing and community projects statewide. Opponents were not recorded during the public hearing; the committee also discussed budget impacts because the change would reduce state revenue by increasing the amount of tax credits allowed in future years.

What remains: The measure now proceeds within the legislative process for fiscal review and further consideration by the legislature.","Supporters told the Senate Ways and Means Committee that doubling the Community Development Finance Authority\u0000(CDFA) tax-credit cap from $5 million to $10 million would leverage private donations to rehabilitate underused buildings and advance housing projects across New Hampshire.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Panel considers bill to allow simulcast horse-race betting statewide

Committee hears bill to modernize raffle rules, raise ticket and prize limits

Committee reviews modernization of bingo rules; debate over raising prize cap to $6,000

Senate panel reviews bill to create marine habitat fee for saltwater licenses

Senate committee hears push to double CDFA tax-credit cap to $10 million