New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB399

Introduced
1/10/25  
Refer
1/10/25  
Report Pass
1/28/25  
Engrossed
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  
Report Pass
3/4/25  
Enrolled
3/6/25  
Chaptered
3/11/25  

Caption

Establishing a commission to study the New Hampshire zoning enabling act and relative to the effective date of the C-PACER program.

Impact

The bill seeks to alter the effective date of the C-PACER program and also modifies the definition of 'municipality' in the chapter related to energy efficiency and clean energy districts. This change in definition could affect how local governments implement energy policies and may require them to align better with state laws. Ultimately, the bill is positioned to potentially impact regulatory frameworks at the state and local levels, consequently affecting urban planning and development practices throughout New Hampshire.

Summary

House Bill 399 aims to establish a commission that will study the historical evolution of New Hampshire's zoning enabling act as it marks its 100th anniversary. The purpose of the commission is to analyze how the act has evolved over the decades and to make recommendations regarding the balance of zoning powers between the state and municipalities. This comprehensive examination aims to ensure that zoning laws remain relevant and effective in addressing contemporary challenges faced by local governments and communities.

Contention

Given the complexities surrounding zoning laws and local governance, discussions regarding HB 399 may involve debates about the delegation of powers between state and municipal authorities. Proponents are likely to argue that the commission's establishment is a proactive measure to enhance local governance and ensure that zoning laws adapt to current realities. Conversely, concerns may arise regarding whether state-level interventions could diminish the autonomy of municipalities or whether the study might lead to recommendations that complicate local governance further.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB263

Extending the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program and reestablishing the commission to evaluate the effectiveness and future of the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program.

NH SB263

Extending the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program and reestablishing the commission to evaluate the effectiveness and future of the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program.

NH SB47

Establishing a commission to study barriers to increased density of residential development in New Hampshire.

NH HB443

Establishing a commission to study the withdrawal of New Hampshire from ISO New England.

NH SB477

Relative to establishing a commission to review and make recommendations regarding technology-based start-up business support from the state of New Hampshire.

NH SB317

Relative to establishing a New Hampshire-Ireland trade council.

NH HB1252

Relative to establishing a committee to study the needs of Native Americans in New Hampshire.

NH HB322

Relative to establishing a committee to study the New Hampshire board of medicine.

NH SB37

Establishing a commission to study hospitality and tourism education in New Hampshire.

NH SB152

Relative to New Hampshire workforce training programs.

Similar Bills

NH HB645

Relative to the establishment of decentralized autonomous organizations as legal entities within the state.

NH HB1170

Limiting the authority of New Hampshire delegates to policymaking conventions.

NH HB1574

Prohibiting the university system and community college systems of New Hampshire from charging out-of-state tuition to students voting in New Hampshire.

NH HB269

Relative to limiting the authority of New Hampshire delegates to policymaking conventions.

MA H3810

Dissolving the Hampshire County Regional Housing Authority and incorporating its functions into the Northampton Housing Authority

NH SB317

Relative to establishing a New Hampshire-Ireland trade council.

NH SB451

Establishing a New Hampshire innovation program in the department of business and economic affairs and making an annual appropriation therefor.

NH SB269

Establishing a commission to study energy saving weatherization programs.