Legislative Update April 26, 2019

VAPING:  The Senate passed HB 511 with amendment on a voice vote.  As amended, the bill would add vaping to the Indoor Smoking Ban.  Current law makes no mention of vaping.  If this bill passes, vaping will be prohibited indoors in places of public accommodation.  The bill now goes back to the House for consideration of the Senate amendment. 

PLASTIC BAGS AND STRAWS:  On Tuesday, April 30 the Senate Commerce Committee will hear two bills to roll back the use of plastic bags and straws.  HB 558 would prohibit food service businesses from providing a plastic straw to a customer unless specifically requested.  HB 560 would prohibit stores and restaurants from providing single-use plastic bags except to distribute their remaining 2018 inventory.  It would allow stores and restaurants to provide reusable plastic or recycled paper bags to customers for 10 cents, to be retained by the business.   NHLRA opposes both bills.

ALLOWING TOWNS TO ADOPT A LOCAL ROOMS TAX:  On Wednesday, May 1 the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee will hear HB 641, which would allow cities and towns to collect a daily charge of up to $2 per room containing occupied beds, or as a percentage of the price of the room, provided that the rate doesn’t exceed $2 per occupancy per 24-hour period.  NHLRA opposes this bill.

WORKERS COMPENSATION:  The House Labor Committee has voted 12-8 to recommend passage of SB 99 with amendment.  As amended, the bill would clarify the definition of gainful employment.  When someone goes off temporary partial disability workers compensation and returns to work at a different position, this bill would ensure that the employer would have to return the worker to a position that pays the employee similarly to what they were being paid prior to the work injury.  A provision to remove the 262 week limit on payments for temporary and permanent partial disability was taken out by the House Labor Committee.  This provision could have increased workers compensation by between 5-30 percent.  NHLRA opposes the bill.

​Contact the NHLRA with your legislative questions or concerns at 603-228-9585 or info@nhlra.com.