NH
New Hampshire House Bill HB174

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB174

Introduced
1/3/23  
Refer
1/3/23  
Report Pass
3/15/23  
Engrossed
3/24/23  
Refer
3/24/23  
Report Pass
4/27/23  
Enrolled
6/20/23  
Chaptered
7/12/23  

Caption

Relative to the filing of notice of intent to cut timber.

Impact

The implementation of HB174 is expected to facilitate more efficient timber cutting operations by reducing bureaucratic delays. By allowing landowners to proceed with cutting if the local officials do not respond within a set time frame, the bill aims to alleviate the frustrations faced by landowners seeking to engage in timber management. This change could result in increased timber production and economic benefits for landowners and local economies reliant on timber exports.

Summary

House Bill 174 (HB174) introduces amendments to the existing laws regarding the notice of intent to cut timber. The legislation aims to streamline processes for landowners who wish to initiate timber cutting operations. Specifically, it allows landowners to commence cutting under certain conditions where they have not received a timely response to their notice of intent. This bill mandates that assessing officials must act within specified time frames for filing and signing these notices, thereby clarifying the responsibilities of local officials in the timber cutting permitting process.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HB174 has sparked some debate regarding the balance of local control versus state regulation. Critics express concerns that the bill may undermine the authority of local governments to manage and regulate timber cutting within their jurisdictions effectively. This raises questions about ensuring proper oversight of timber operations to prevent adverse effects on the environment and local communities, particularly concerning sustainability and land use practices. Proponents argue that the need for efficiency outweighs these concerns, citing that it will ultimately enhance economic opportunities in the timber industry.

Latest HB174 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB2161

Local government; standardization of public notice requirements for certain intended actions.

NH SB1151

Local government; standardization of public notice requirement for certain intended actions, report.

NH HB1360

Local governments; authorize to publish notices on their websites in addition to newspaper notices.

NH HB560

Relative to parental access to a minor child's medical records, relative to refusal of consent to testing to determine alcohol concentration and penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated, defining pre-sequestration timber tax revenue, establishing a moratorium on carbon sequestration and establishing a commission to study the effects of carbon sequestration in New Hampshire forests upon state and local tax revenue, effective forest management, and the health of New Hampshires logging industry.

NH HB479

Relative to administrative hearings, automation of electronic notices to insurance licensees, and insurance producer activities.

NH HB421

Relative to notice of tax exempt-status filing procedures by town officials or offices.

NH SB406

Oil and gas: operations: notice of intention: investigations: data availability.

NH SB514

Relative to the timber tax.

NH HB123

Defining pre-sequestration timber tax revenue, establishing a moratorium on carbon sequestration and establishing a commission to study the effects of carbon sequestration in New Hampshire forests upon state and local tax revenue, effective forest management, and the health of New Hampshires logging industry.

NH HB1511

Counties and cities; authorize publication of notice with county or city website or social media.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.