House Calendar:
SB 415, relative to a certain exemption in interest in condominium units. As amended, this proposal raises the Department of Justice review from 10 units to 25 units, removes the provision that expressly authorizes the review of federal personal tax returns prior to approval, and creates a commission to review additional regulatory reforms. The median sales price for condos is over $100k below single-family homes, providing a great opportunity for more attainable ownership.
- What’s Next?: SB 415 passed on the consent calendar. Housing Action NH supported the OTP/A motion. It will now go back to the Senate for a vote to concur with the House changes or non-concur.
SB 490, establishing a task force to assess the development of housing at Great Bay Community College and authorizing the college the right to use vacant property for the purpose of developing housing.
- What’s Next?: SB 490 passed on the consent calendar. Housing Action NH supported the OTP/A motion. It will now go back to the Senate for a vote to concur with the House changes or non-concur.
SB 523-FN, (New Title) establishing a commission to study the implementation of a residential builder registration system. The goal of this proposal is to explore greater consumer protections in the homebuilding industry.
- What’s Next?: SB 523 passed on the consent calendar. Housing Action NH is neutral on this bill. It will now go back to the Senate for a vote to concur with the House changes or non-concur.
Senate Calendar
HB 1079, allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain non-conforming structures. This bill clarifies that existing detached non-conforming structures shall be allowed to be converted into an ADU, provided the building footprint does not change.
- What’s Next?: HB 1079 passed on the consent calendar. Housing Action NH supported the OTP/A motion. It will now go back to the House for a vote to concur with the Senate changes or non-concur.
HB 1103, allowing municipalities to utilize community revitalization tax relief credits on a wider variety of properties and structures. This bill provides greater flexibility for the state’s 79-E, or Community Revitalization Tax Relief Program by allowing it to apply to new construction and by giving municipalities greater flexibility in defining affordability restrictions. The Committee amendment extends the allowable relief period to 15 years to better align with the federal programs.
- What’s Next?: HB 1103 passed on the consent calendar. Housing Action NH supported the OTP/A motion. It will now go back to the House for a vote to concur with the Senate changes or non-concur.
HB 1295, relative to eligibility requirements for charitable and nonprofit housing projects.
- What’s Next?: HB 1295 was voted ITL on the consent calendar. Housing Action NH was neutral on this proposal. It will not move forward.
HB 1336, relative to regulated conditional deposits. This bill would allow landlords to charge tenants a security deposit equal to two months’ rent if the tenant meets certain criteria. While well-intentioned, this bill will create barriers for renters who cannot afford a two-month security deposit. It will also limit the number of people that nonprofits, religious organizations, and municipal welfare departments who provide down payment assistance to can help by making it more expensive to help each person. Read more in this New Hampshire Bulletin article.
- What’s Next?: HB 1336 was tabled by the Senate. Housing Action NH opposed HB 1336. It will not move forward unless the Senate votes to remove it from the table to make another motion next week. It takes a simple majority vote to remove from the table.
HB 1499-FN, relative to additional grounds for eviction under the landlord and tenant statute. The Senate amendment represents a significant improvement. The Senate committee amendment clarifies that disclosure through a landlord-conducted background check or in writing during the application process precludes eviction based on prior convictions, specifies that evictions under these provisions apply only to the individual responsible rather than the entire household, and removes the provision allowing eviction based on any felony-level conviction within the prior 5 years.
- What’s Next?: HB 1499 passed on the consent calendar. It was referred to the Finance Committee and will be back on the floor next week.
HB 1540, relative to municipal health ordinances and accessory dwelling units. This bill clarifies that municipalities retain authority to enforce local health ordinances related to septic safety and maintenance when regulating accessory dwelling units. Properly functioning septic systems are particularly important in shoreland protection zones, and when systems are overloaded or fail, excess nutrients can lead to cyanobacteria blooms.
- What’s Next?: HB 1540 passed on a voice vote. Housing Action NH is neutral on this proposal. The Senate attached an unrelated amendment regarding barber shops to the bill. It will now go back to the House for a vote to concur with the Senate changes or non-concur.
HB 1588, establishing special assessment districts and expands the housing infrastructure grant program to allow for municipal upgrades linked to new housing and making an appropriation therefor. As passed by the House, this bill establishes a new procedure for creating a special assessment district to fund municipal water and sewer infrastructure upgrades. The Senate Committee amendment adds clarification and guardrails to municipal implementation of last year’s residential-in-commercial zones bill.
- What’s Next?: HB 1588 passed on a voice vote. Housing Action NH supported the OTP/A motion. It will now go back to the House for a vote to concur with the Senate changes or non-concur.
HB 1598-FN, relative to notice and proceedings for tenants and landlords engaged in eviction processes. This bill clarifies the eviction process for non-payment of rent.
- What’s Next?: HB 1598 passed on the consent calendar. Housing Action NH is neutral on this proposal. It was referred to the Finance Committee and will be back on the floor next week.
HB 1681, relative to the definition, inspection, and local approval of tiny houses and yurts as innovative housing structures. This bill would establish definitions, set inspection and permitting requirements, authorize municipal property tax assessments, and regulate the transportation of factory-built innovative housing structures, including tiny houses, tiny houses on wheels, and yurts. Given the cost of housing, the structures could provide an affordable option. The Committee amendment would provide municipalities with flexibility in determining how these structures are taxed.
- What’s Next?: HB 1681 passed on the consent calendar. Housing Action NH supported the OTP/A motion. It will now go back to the House for a vote to concur with the Senate changes or non-concur.
