FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sara Persechino

March 6, 2025             Email: sara@housingactionnh.org

Legislative Office Building with State House in background

Concord, NH — Today, Housing Action NH applauds the bipartisan majorities in both chambers that supported critical pieces of legislation — HB 577, HB 685, SB 81, and SB 158 — which will expand housing options statewide. Together, these policies will address rising housing costs, unlock more types of homes in existing neighborhoods, and ensure that families, seniors, and workers can find an affordable place to live in the communities they serve. 

Housing Action NH Director, Nick Taylor, released the following statement after the votes:

“Too many people looking to buy or rent a home have been squeezed out by skyrocketing prices and limited choices. By allowing more home types — like accessory dwelling units and manufactured homes — and by boosting funding for affordable housing, these proposals offer hope for teachers, health care workers, service employees, and others who wish to live near their jobs, families, and support networks. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a young professional starting out, these bills ensure there’s a place for you in our community. There is still a long way to go as these proposals move to the other chamber, or are considered for the state budget, but there’s no doubt today was a strong, bipartisan step forward.”

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BACKGROUND:

Key measures include: 

  • HB 577: Allowing homeowners to build detached accessory dwelling units by-right. This bill was on the consent calendar and now heads to the Senate.
  • HB 685: Permitting manufactured housing in all residential zones – just like any other type of housing. This bill was on the consent calendar and now heads to the Senate.
  • SB 81: Increases funding to the Affordable Housing Fund by doubling the annual appropriation from the Real Estate Transfer Tax from $5 million to $10 million and makes a one-time $25 million appropriation. This bill was passed and will go to the Senate Finance Committee.
  • SB 158: Increases the Community Development Finance Authority tax credit from $5 million to $10 million each year, bolstering future local investment in housing projects. This bill was passed and tabled for consideration in the budget. 

Housing Action NH works to improve state and federal policy so everyone in New Hampshire has a place to call home.