Ron Rule

Chair and Members of the Committee, Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony in support of HB1419, I offer this statement as both a New Hampshire native and the former CEO of As Seen On TV, where I worked extensively with entrepreneurs, manufacturers, distributors, and investors across the country. From that perspective, I strongly support steps that make a state more predictable, efficient, and attractive for business formation and investment. Businesses thrive where the rules are clear and disputes are resolved efficiently. In my experience, one of the most important factors companies consider when choosing where to headquarter, locate, or expand, is the quality and reliability of the legal system. A specialized chancery court signals that a state understands modern commercial realities and is committed to resolving complex business matters with expertise and consistency. Commercial disputes, such as contract interpretation, fiduciary duties, shareholder disagreements, or corporate governance issues, often require judges who regularly handle these specific areas of law. When courts develop deep familiarity with business matters, outcomes become more predictable. Predictability reduces risk, and reduced risk attracts capital. As a business operator, I can say firsthand that uncertainty in litigation affects decisions long before a case ever reaches trial. Investors ask: How long will disputes take? Will judges have experience with corporate structures? Will rulings be consistent? A chancery court provides a strong answer to those questions. It tells the business community that New Hampshire is serious about creating a stable legal environment where companies can innovate and grow with confidence. New Hampshire already offers many advantages: a talented workforce, quality of life, and a pro-business culture. Establishing a chancery court would complement those strengths by aligning the state with jurisdictions that are widely respected for efficient handling of commercial matters. It would help position New Hampshire as a competitive destination for incorporations, relocations, and long-term investment. Importantly, this is not merely about large corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses benefit just as much, if not more, when disputes are resolved quickly and expertly. For growing companies, prolonged litigation can divert resources away from hiring, product development, and expansion. A specialized forum focused on commercial issues can help businesses resolve conflicts sooner and move forward. From my years leading a consumer products company that worked with countless entrepreneurs and partners, I have seen how legal infrastructure influences economic decisions. States that invest in modern commercial courts send a strong message: we value business growth, innovation, and fairness. HB1419 moves New Hampshire in that direction. I respectfully encourage the committee to support this bill as a practical, forward-looking step toward strengthening New Hampshire’s reputation as a premier place to build and grow businesses. Thank you for your time and consideration. Ron Rule Langdon, NH