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Bill

SB 63

relative to funding for the division of travel and tourism.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Regina Birdsell and 8 co-sponsors

SB 63 would alter how New Hampshire funds the Division of Travel and Tourism to provide more stable, potentially expanded marketing and tourism programs if enacted.

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 73
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Bill Summary · SB 63

Summary of New Hampshire SB 63 (2026 Session)

Title

Relative to funding for the Division of Travel and Tourism.

Purpose and Intent

SB 63 proposes changes to the funding mechanism for New Hampshire’s Division of Travel and Tourism (within the Department of Business and Economic Affairs). The bill aims to adjust how resources are allocated to support state travel and tourism promotion, with potential implications for budgeting priorities, program scope, and implementation timing.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Funding Source and Allocation: SB 63 specifies alterations to the funding stream or funding strategy dedicated to the Division of Travel and Tourism. The exact mechanism (e.g., dedicated appropriation, tax revenue allocation, or other funding formulas) is outlined in the bill text and related fiscal notes. The core aim is to ensure the division has sufficient and stable resources to carry out marketing, destination development, and tourism-related initiatives.
  • Budgetary Adjustments: The bill may introduce changes to the sequencing of funding (e.g., one-time vs. recurring appropriations), adjustments to the overall budget envelope for travel and tourism, and possible reallocations from other departments or programs.
  • Programmatic Impact: With adjusted funding, the division could expand or refine marketing campaigns, product development (such as events, festivals, or visitor experiences), and industry partnerships. The bill may also set priorities or performance expectations tied to the funding.
  • Reporting and Oversight: There could be reporting, audit, or oversight requirements tied to how the funds are spent, including timelines for quarterly or annual reporting to the Legislature.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Division of Travel and Tourism: Primary recipient and manager of the funds; the bill directly shapes its budgetary capacity and program reach.
  • Department of Business and Economic Affairs (or equivalent hosting department): May implement the funding changes and adjust internal budget processes accordingly.
  • New Hampshire Tourism-Adjacent Stakeholders: Tourism industry partners, local economies dependent on travel and tourism, and residents may experience changes in funded programs and promotional activities.
  • Legislature and State Auditors: Responsible for oversight, compliance, and evaluating performance linked to the new funding structure.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and Referred: The bill originated in early 2025 and went through Ways and Means, reflecting its fiscal nature.
  • Committee Process:
    • Reports show the committee initially recommended passage (Ought to Pass) with votes noted (e.g., 5-0 in February 2025, 19-0 in April 2025).
    • The bill advanced through Executive Sessions and Work Sessions, indicating active legislative consideration in Committee I (possibly Ways and Means or an assigned fiscal committee).
  • House/Senate Actions: The action history indicates a sequence of hearings, executive sessions, and committee votes, culminating in a stance of “Inexpedient to Legislate” at certain points or continued consideration in a later session. The most recent entries show a committee vote and agenda items in 2025, with a final disposition noted in January 2026 as “Inexpedient to Legislate” (HJ 1, P. 73).
  • Final Status: Based on the latest entry, the bill was deemed inexpedient to legislate in January 2026 by the House Journal (HJ 1). This typically means the measure did not advance to final passage, effectively ending its current path without enactment, unless revived in a future session.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • If enacted, the bill could provide more stable or enhanced funding for tourism marketing and development, potentially boosting visitor numbers, local economic activity, and state brand promotion.
  • A fiscal bill with explicit funding adjustments could affect budget planning across agencies and require adjustments to other programs if funds are reallocated.
  • The final disposition (inexpedient to legislate) suggests the proposal did not secure passage in its current form during the 2026 session, but future iterations could reintroduce similar funding mechanisms.

If you’d like, I can compare SB 63 with companion bills, provide a line-by-line breakdown from the bill text, or map the potential fiscal impact under different funding scenarios.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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