Legislative Update January 24, 2020

January 24, 2020
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$12 MINIMUM WAGE AND $4 WAGE FOR TIPPED EMPLOYEES:  The Senate Commerce Committee has voted 3-2 to recommend passage of SB 410, which would increase the state’s minimum wage to $10.00 on 1/1/2021 and then to $12.00 on 1/1/2023.  It would also change the wage for tipped employees from 45% of the applicable minimum wage to a flat $4.00.  This latter change is supported by NHLRA.  The full Senate will vote on the bill next Thursday, January 30.  This issue is likely to end up how it did last Session, with the legislature passing a minimum wage bill and the Governor vetoing it. 
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FOOD IN CIGAR BARS:  The Senate Commerce Committee has voted 5-0 to recommend passage of SB 478 with amendment.  As amended, the bill would enable cigar shops to have food available, but still prohibit them from selling food.  The cigar shops want to be able to have complimentary snacks available for patrons.  The full Senate will vote on the bill next Thursday, January 30.

BEDBUGS:  On Tuesday, January 28 the House Health & Human Services Committee will hear HB 1428, which will require Town Health Officers, upon a complaint of a guest of an inn, hotel, motel or other establishment which provides lodging to transient guests, to enter the premises to evaluate whether bedbugs are present. 

FOOD WASTE:  On Wednesday, January 29 the House Health & Human Services Committee will hear HB 1703, which would establish a food waste working group to review existing regulations and policies to reduce food waste, to promote food recovery, and to identify regulatory hurdles that impede sharing of food with the hungry.  The working group would be comprised of 16 people, one of which would be a member appointed by the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association. 
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Contact the NHLRA with your legislative questions or concerns at 603-228-9585 or info@nhlra.com.