Requiring the commissioner of the department of administrative services to conduct an inventory of all state real estate.
Impact
The bill requires each state agency to report on their real estate holdings, designating them as 'in active use', 'not in active use', or 'surplus'. This inventory is to be published and regularly updated on the Department's website, which aims to streamline the process of making public lands available for addressing housing needs. The overall fiscal implications are unclear, as costs associated with updating the inventory and managing the reporting requirements are deemed indeterminable. Still, the requirement is expected to bring additional responsibilities for state agencies, possibly necessitating increased staffing.
Summary
Senate Bill 359 (SB359) is aimed at tackling the significant shortage of affordable and workforce housing in New Hampshire, which the General Court identifies as contributing to homelessness, housing instability, increased housing costs, and challenges in attracting a qualified workforce. The bill mandates the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all state real estate, thereby increasing transparency regarding unused properties that could potentially address the housing crisis.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB359 appears to recognize the urgency of addressing housing issues in the state. Supporters advocate for the bill as a proactive step toward utilizing state resources effectively to improve housing conditions. However, there may be concerns regarding the operational feasibility of executing such an inventory and the potential impact on state resources in managing the ensuing data and responsibilities.
Contention
Debate over the bill includes discussions on how effectively the state can manage the task of conducting and maintaining a real estate inventory, especially related to identifying environmental hazards associated with the properties. Opponents may argue that the bill could impose additional burdens on already stretched state resources or may not meaningfully resolve the underlying housing crisis if the properties listed are inadequate for meeting community needs.
Requiring the commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources to identify all old growth and mature forests on public land in the state of New Hampshire.
Relative to requiring excess revenues raised through the statewide education property tax to be remitted to the education trust fund and prohibiting the department of revenue administration from setting negative local and county tax rates on real property.