New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB109

Introduced
1/22/25  
Refer
1/22/25  
Refer
2/21/25  

Caption

Relative to alteration of terrain permits.

Impact

The legislation proposes to create a dedicated Threatened and Endangered Species Compensatory Mitigation Fund, funded through payments made by applicants whose activities impact critical habitats. This fund is intended to finance projects that provide a net conservation benefit, such as habitat restoration and monitoring. Although the bill does not allocate specific funding nor create new positions, its implementation is likely to incur administrative costs due to potential increases in workload and the need for additional staffing within the Fish and Game Department.

Summary

Senate Bill 109, also known as the Act Relative to Alteration of Terrain Permits, aims to modify the process by which permits are obtained for activities that may affect the environment, particularly concerning endangered and threatened species. The bill establishes a more structured consultation process whereby applicants for permits must submit a request to the executive director of the Fish and Game Department. This request must include proposed conservation measures and will trigger a review process that is time-bound to ensure expediency.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB 109 is mixed. Supporters argue that it will streamline the permitting process while ensuring that necessary environmental protections and consultations are observed. They view the bill as a practical approach to balancing development needs with ecological preservation. In contrast, critics voice concerns that the prescribed time limits for consultation may compromise thorough reviews and impair the Department's ability to maintain the integrity of endangered species protections.

Contention

Notably, points of contention include the risk of inadequate environmental assessments due to the compressed review timelines prescribed by the bill. Additionally, questions have been raised about the potential burden on the Fish and Game Department, given it will need to process more consultations within stricter timeframes. Opponents argue that without the capacity for in-depth evaluations, the legislation could undermine the conservation of critical habitats and the effectiveness of existing environmental protections.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB164

Relative to consideration of biodiversity in the land and community heritage investment program.

NH SB390

Relative to defining "critical habitat".

NH HB1202

Relative to the issuance of permits for the alteration of driveways exiting onto public ways and relative to the definition of disability or special needs under the child care scholarship program.

NH SB547

Relative to certain requirements relative to the LCHIP programs.

NH HB472

Relative to the placement of temporary seasonal docks.

NH HB609

Relative to energy facility siting.

NH HB442

Relative to the removal of derelict fishing gear.

NH HB187

Permitting a police chief or other designated law enforcement officer to serve process.

NH SB14

Relative to the use of game cameras and relative to penalties for controlled drug violations.

NH SB543

Establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council.

Similar Bills

HI HB651

Relating To Conservation Banking.

NJ S1219

Clarifies that punitive damages may not be awarded against public entities or public employees acting within the scope of their employment in any action.

NJ S1919

Clarifies that punitive damages may not be awarded against public entities or public employees acting within the scope of their employment in any action.

HI SB3162

Relating To Conservation Mitigation Programs.

HI HB2473

Relating To Conservation Mitigation Programs.

HI HB318

Relating To Conservation Banking.

IL SB0771

REGULATION-TECH

MI SB0991

Labor: hours and wages; improved workforce opportunity wage act 2018 PA 337; restore 2018 PA 368 amendments. Amends secs. 4, 4a, 4d, 10 & 15 of 2018 PA 337 (MCL 408.934 et seq.).