Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel considers bill to clarify that legally authorized noncitizen workers may sell or deliver alcohol
Summary
Senate Bill 89 would allow noncitizens who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. — including H‑2B and J‑1 visa holders — to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages. Sponsors said court language in the current statute unintentionally excluded seasonal visa workers commonly employed in tourism; industry groups supported the clarification.
Senate Bill 89 would amend statute language to allow noncitizens who are legally authorized to work in the United States (for example, H‑2B or J‑1 visa holders) to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages for licensed businesses.
Max Taylor introduced the bill on behalf of Senator Ricciardi, saying the current statute refers to U.S. citizens and “legal resident aliens” and therefore unintentionally excluded many seasonal visa workers who are otherwise fully authorized to work. "By updating this language, we ensure our laws are consistent, our employers have access to the workforce they need, and that workers who are legally authorized to be in this country can fully participate in available job opportunities," Taylor said.
Mike Summers of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the change was necessary because hotels and resorts reliably use visa employees for busy seasons; he described the prior phrasing as a statutory anomaly that could leave businesses technically out of compliance.
Committee members asked whether the change would expose workers to immigration enforcement; Summers and witnesses said the bill is limited to persons already authorized to work and does not alter federal immigration enforcement. Representative Maras asked whether the change could make workers more vulnerable to immigration checks; supporters said the bill does not affect federal immigration status or enforcement policy.
Liquor enforcement and industry witnesses agreed the change is a clarifying, narrowly focused fix designed to reflect current labor practices in New Hampshire’s hospitality and tourism sectors. The committee closed the public hearing and will consider the measure in follow‑up business.
