CONCORD — The House approved a bill rewriting and revising state statutes governing limited liability companies.

Bill supporters said the bill addresses some of the problems that have arisen since the statutes were last revised in 1997, making it simpler and easier to form LLCs and to operate under the statutes.

“This bill is the product of a year-long study by CPAs (certified public accountants) and attorneys who saw problems with the LLC statutes in their present form,” said Assistant Majority Leader David Hess, R-Hooksett.

But opponents said the changes are not needed and, in fact, create confusion when simplicity is needed.

“This bill will have unintended consequences for small businesses and will hurt small businesses in New Hampshire,” said Rep. Brandon Giuda, R-Chichester. “Our current law is working well. There is no problem to fix.”

After the vote, House Speaker William O'Brien said, “This is one more pro-business step we have taken to help the creation of good, new jobs here in New Hampshire. We need to get the Granite State back in the game of being competitive and helping our citizens.”

Renewable energy

The House approved Senate Bill 218, which revises the state's renewable electric portfolio standards.

The standards set goals for different types or renewable energy such as solar, wind or hydroelectric generated energy.

According to House Science, Technology and Energy Committee Chair James Garrity, R-Atkinson, “The amended bill strikes a delicate and fair balance between ratepayer rights, local economic development benefits and fuel diversity of electricity generation.”

The bill expands the potential number of eligible generating facilities and eliminates some regulations.

Garrity said the changes will reduce the cost to the state's ratepayers.

The House voted 275-6 to approve the bill, which has to return to the Senate for review due to the House changes.

House Speaker William O'Brien said the bill strikes a good balance.

“Senate Bill 218 strikes a balance between ratepayer rights, local economic development benefits and fuel diversity of electricity generation. Eliminating regulatory roadblocks and allowing more New Hampshire facilities to qualify for the renewable electric portfolio standards program will reduce cost to New Hampshire electric customers,” O'Brien said. “We will always move forward to bring back jobs to New Hampshire and this is another step in that direction.”