This year, NHADA had a successful session, but it wasn’t without its share of twists and turns, culminating in a down-to-the-wire finish in early June as the session closed.
Protecting the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program
Like many previous years, our top priority was defending the integrity of our Vehicle Safety Inspection Program. This year’s major legislative attempts were HB 1391, led by sponsor Rep. Matt Coker (D-Meredith) and HB 1637 Rep. Leah Cushman (R-Weare). These efforts were a sign to see who NHADA’s friends and supporters are. As you know, we support those that support us.
Note: A Nay vote is in support of NHADA.
To see a full breakdown of how legislators voted, please click the link below.
HB 1391 Roll Call
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1583&inflect=2
The Outcome
Although NHADA lost in the house, we delivered concrete arguments to the Senate Transportation Committee (listed below), who recommended and voted that both bills are to be sent to interim study.
Senate Transportation Committee
Committee Chair:
- Sen. Ricciardi, Denise (R-NH-09)
Members:
- Sen. Ward, Ruth (R-NH-08)
- Sen. Gendreau, Carrie (R-NH-01)
- Sen. Watters, David (D-NH-04)
- Sen. Fenton, Donovan (D-NH-10)
Though this was a favorable outcome for NHADA, it was not earned easily. House supporters of the bill were unhappy with the Senate action, and in the same week, they chose to tack the bills onto Senate-favored legislation that was in their possession. They took this same approach one week later with another bill. Their efforts to weaken the inspection program were tireless.
Through all of the back-and-forth, NHADA successfully defeated both attacks at the inspection program. This victory followed a grassroots campaign carried out by our members, resulting in 812 letters sent to members of the Senate. They heard you loud and clear! To learn more about each bill and NHADA’s position, please visit the following links.
HB 1391 Bill
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/lsr_search/billText.aspx?id=1583&type=4
HB 1391 Fact Sheet
https://4829685.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4829685/HB%201391%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20May2024.pdf
HB 391 Infographic
https://4829685.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4829685/HB1391_Infographic.jpg
HB 1637 Bill
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/lsr_search/billText.aspx?id=1875&type=4
Other Legislative Priorities
While protecting the inspection program was paramount, we also followed and worked on many other bills:
SB 325 Sen. Fenton, Donovan (D-Keene): This pro‑NHADA bill proposed a study committee for collision repairers and the licensing of insurance appraisers and photo estimating software. While we were successful in the Senate Commerce Committee and the Senate, the House decided to kill this well-intended piece of legislation.
SB 515 Rep. Moffett, Michael (R-Loudon): NHADA also worked on this bill, related to consumer guarantee contracts, with the Insurance Department and Banking Department following their multiple years’ worth of efforts to update their laws. This bill specifically dealt with the modernization of the retail installment sales contract statute.
SB 510 Sen. Fenton, Donovan (D-Keene): Another effort led by NHADA and championed by Sen. Donovan Fenton was to allow New Hampshire dealers to issue temporary plates to Massachusetts customers. While this bill was caught up in some political back and forth at the end of the session, it ultimately passed and is awaiting the governor’s signature. When the bill finally becomes law, NHADA will provide more information and customer acknowledgment forms specifically tailored toward those instances.
HB 1562 Rep. Matt Coker (D-Meredith): Lastly, a unique effort for NHADA this year was partnering with our friends at the NH Marine Trades Association on a bill related to personal watercraft. Following this collaborative effort where both associations packed Representatives Hall at the State House, the legislation was killed. This outcome saved motorists throughout the state from diminished lake access and was favorable for all parties involved, including NHADA Powersports members.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
On multiple occasions this session, we called on our members for outreach, part of which included attending and testifying at State House hearings. Thank you for those who participated and gave their time up for the betterment of the industry. NHADA also thanks our contract lobbying team from Dennehy & Bouley, Jim and Jackson Bouley. Their expertise and insight into the legislative process and landscape is invaluable.
Thanks again to our Senators and Representatives who support NHADA. It’s important to remember that all politics is local, and NHADA on behalf of the motor vehicle industry, supports those that support us.
Please contact me directly at (603) 224-2369 or dbennett@nhada.com for questions on NHADA’s legislative involvement. Again, thank you for your support.
