HB 373 establishes new regulations for how towns manage and regulate their owned real property, including land and buildings. It directly affects municipal governments by requiring standardized procedures for property transactions, maintenance, and record-keeping. The bill sets clear guidelines for town officials to follow when acquiring, selling, or leasing public property. Signed into law by Governor Ayotte on June 23, 2025, it takes effect August 23, 2025.
HB 214 establishes new regulations for recreational therapists and respiratory care practitioners, setting standards for their licensing and practice. It also delays the implementation of certain criminal background check procedures for these professions, with specific effective dates: sections 1 and 3 take effect August 22, 2025, while sections 2 and 4 begin July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects healthcare professionals in these fields and the agencies responsible for conducting background checks. It modifies existing requirements without changing the core regulatory framework for these occupations. The delay provides additional time for compliance with the new background check procedures.
HB 134 updates New Hampshire's definition of the "state building code" to adopt specific versions of international construction standards. It directly affects builders, architects, and property owners by requiring compliance with the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 International Residential Code, and the 2023 National Electrical Code. The bill specifies these codes must be reviewed and recommended by the state building code review board and ratified by the legislature. This change ensures all new construction and major renovations statewide follow these updated, nationally recognized standards.
HB 110 allows New Hampshire counties to create revolving funds specifically for public safety services, such as covering costs for special events, highway construction, or other safety-related activities performed by county employees. Counties can replenish these funds using fees or income from the services they support, with any excess funds deposited into the county’s general fund. The county treasurer manages the fund, and spending requires approval from county commissioners, while the county convention can set limits on how the money is spent. This law takes effect August 23, 2025, and applies directly to county governments seeking to manage public safety expenses more flexibly.
HB 179 modifies penalties for delayed payments following hazardous waste accidents. It sets a daily penalty of up to $1,000 for responsible parties who fail to pay claims beyond 90 days, capping the total penalty at 25% of the accident cost. If a responsible party follows a mutually agreed payment plan, no additional daily penalties apply. The bill directly affects businesses or entities liable for hazardous waste incidents who miss payment deadlines. It takes effect January 1, 2026.
HB 260 creates a commemorative license plate to mark the 250th anniversary of American Independence, available for purchase by vehicle owners at a $25 fee. The bill authorizes the Department of Safety to design and sell these plates, with all revenue deposited into the land and community heritage investment program fund. The plates may be displayed in place of a standard front license plate during the anniversary celebration period, effective July 4, 2027. This is a procedural measure with no direct impact on specific groups beyond vehicle owners who choose to purchase the plate.
This bill defines the specific powers and duties of budget committees in cooperative school districts, directly affecting those committees and the board member representatives serving on them. It establishes clear guidelines for how these representatives participate in budget deliberations and decision-making processes. The key provision requires cooperative school district boards to ensure their representatives on budget committees have defined roles in reviewing and approving district budgets. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, following the governor's signing on June 23, 2025.
HB 187 modifies the process for parents seeking restraining orders on behalf of minor children. It requires courts to consider specific safety factors when reviewing such petitions, directly affecting parents and minors involved in these legal requests. The bill mandates that judges evaluate whether the restraining order is necessary for the child's protection before granting it. Signed into law by Governor Ayotte on June 23, 2025, it takes effect January 1, 2026.
HB 178 requires foster parents to advocate for foster children with disabilities during case planning meetings and decision-making processes within the foster care system. It directly affects foster children with disabilities and their foster parents by mandating that foster parents ensure these children’s specific needs are addressed in their care plans. The key provision establishes a formal role for foster parents to represent the child’s perspective in meetings involving medical, educational, and developmental services. The bill became law on June 23, 2025, and takes effect August 23, 2025.
HB 265 requires all public bodies to include the start and end times of meetings and the printed name of the recording secretary in their official meeting minutes. This applies directly to municipal, county, and state agencies that hold public meetings. The bill mandates these specific details be documented in every meeting record, effective August 22, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the governor's signature on June 23, 2025.
HB 633 creates a legislative committee to study housing investment trusts - funds that pool private capital to finance housing projects - in New Hampshire. The committee will examine how these trusts could work in the state, including potential benefits and challenges for housing development. This study aims to inform future housing policy decisions without directly creating new housing programs. The bill became law after passing the legislature unanimously and being signed by Governor Ayotte on June 23, 2025.
HB 64 extends hiring preferences for military members and their spouses to both state government positions and private businesses. It also establishes purchase preferences for disabled veterans and military spouses when the state makes supply purchases. The bill directly affects veterans, military families, and employers by requiring state agencies and private businesses to prioritize these groups in hiring and procurement decisions. Signed into law on June 23, 2025, it takes effect August 22, 2025.
