New Hampshire House Bill HB268

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/25
• Refer: 1/7/25
• Report Pass: 3/7/25
• Engrossed: 3/24/25
• Refer: 3/24/25
• Report Pass: 4/24/25
• Enrolled: 6/3/25
• Chaptered: 6/11/25
• Passed: 6/11/25

Caption

Relative to hearings before the board of tax and land appeals.

Impact

The passage of HB268 is expected to streamline the operational aspects of the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, potentially reducing the travel requirements for board members and the necessity for public hearings in different counties. By enabling hearings to take place electronically, the bill could lead to a decrease in related expenditure, especially in terms of travel and logistics, as these hearings can now be completed from a singular location in Concord. This could also mean that fewer resources will be needed from counties, which historically have had to accommodate these hearings within their courthouses.

Summary

House Bill 268, known as HB268, aims to update the procedures for conducting hearings before the Board of Tax and Land Appeals. This legislation codifies the authority of the board to hold hearings in its designated room in Concord, as opposed to requiring hearings to take place in the county where a declaration was filed. Importantly, the bill allows parties involved in a just compensation hearing to opt for electronic or telephonic participation, thereby making the process more flexible and accessible in instances where physical attendance is not feasible.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated discussions concerning the accessibility and transparency of the hearing process. While proponents argue that electronic participation will enhance accessibility, concerns exist regarding how this may affect public engagement and transparency in hearings that previously required physical presence. There is also a consideration of resource allocation within counties; without the need for hearings in local courthouses, some stakeholders worry about the potential shift in the demand for local governmental resources and whether it may lead to a reduced focus on local issues addressed in these hearings.