Alyssa Barras

Dear Chairman and Members of the House Ways and Means Committee, My name is Alyssa Barras, and I am a short-term rental host in New Hampshire. I’m writing to oppose HB1068. This bill would change the definition of “hotels” to include short-term rentals, even though STRs are already clearly defined in law and already pay the Meals and Rooms Tax. This change isn’t needed and would only create confusion. Short-term rentals are not the same as hotels. They are privately owned homes, often in residential or rural areas, and they offer a different kind of lodging, especially for families, longer stays, and visitors who want to experience New Hampshire in a more local, authentic way. Lumping STRs in with hotels could lead to unnecessary regulation, inconsistent enforcement, and new burdens on homeowners who are already following the rules. We are not asking for special treatment, just clear, fair, and consistent policies. HB1068 doesn’t improve compliance or policy, but it does create uncertainty for both hosts and towns. I urge the committee to vote against HB1068 and keep the current system in place. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully, Alyssa Barras