Legislative Update January 31, 2020

January 31, 2020
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$12 MINIMUM WAGE AND $4 WAGE FOR TIPPED EMPLOYEES:  On a partisan 14-10 vote, the Senate passed 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 bill now goes to the House.  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. 

ALLOWING TOWNS TO ADOPT A LOCAL ROOMS TAX:  On Tuesday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m. the House Municipal & County Government Committee will hold a work session on  HB 1160, 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. 

FOOD ALLERGIES:  A subcommittee of the House Commerce Committee voted 4-3 to recommend passage of HB 1102 with amendment.  As amended the bill would require food service establishments to include on all menus and menu boards a notice to customers of the customers obligation to inform their server of his or her food allergies.  It would also require food service establishments to have a person in charge at all times of operation trained and certified as a food protection manager.  This last provision is already a requirement of the new food code.  The full committee will vote on the bill next Tuesday, February 4.

ALLOWING DOGS ON RESTAURANT PATIOS:  On Wednesday, February 12 at 1:00 p.m. the House Commerce Committee will hear HB 1483, which would allow dogs on open air restaurant patios.  Access to the patio would have to be from the exterior of the restaurant. 

MUNICIPAL REGULATION OF SHORT TERM RENTALS:  On Wednesday, February 5 at 10:15 am the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee will hear SB 458, which would limit cities and towns ability to regulate short terms rentals like those rented through online platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway.
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Contact the NHLRA with your legislative questions or concerns at 603-228-9585 or info@nhlra.com.