SB 109 requires applicants for state permits, approvals, or written authorizations to request a consultation with the Fish and Game Department's executive director if the issuing agency deems it necessary. The executive director must respond within 60 days (with possible written extensions) by approving the permit with the applicant's proposed conservation measures, suggesting additional measures, or denying it based on impacts to endangered species. The bill also creates a new "Threatened and Endangered Species Compensatory Mitigation Fund" to accept payments for unavoidable habitat loss, funding projects like habitat restoration. This directly affects permit applicants, state agencies issuing permits, and the Fish and Game Department, which must now manage these consultations within strict timelines.
HB 1603 requires state agencies to provide current, verifiable proof of an endangered or threatened species' presence - such as GPS coordinates, timestamped photos, and official credentials - before restricting land use for that species' habitat. It directly affects landowners whose property may face restrictions and state agencies like Fish and Game. The bill mandates that any evidence used must include written landowner permission or an administrative warrant for data collection. It also prohibits agencies from requiring new biodiversity surveys as a condition for land use applications. This policy change aims to ensure land use decisions are based on recent, documented evidence rather than outdated data.
SB 592 requires New Hampshire municipalities and regional planning commissions to explicitly include habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors in their regional conservation, land-use, and energy planning. Conservation commissions must now maintain an index of these natural areas within their communities, and regional commissions must consider them in comprehensive regional plans covering land use, transportation, recreation, and infrastructure. The bill uses existing definitions for habitat strongholds (RSA 207:1, XIII-a) and wildlife corridors (RSA 207:1, XXXVI) without creating new protected areas. This change affects all municipalities and regional planning bodies statewide, ensuring these natural features are factored into development decisions.
HB 1128 restricts weather modification activities like cloud seeding to only situations where the governor declares a state of emergency for a catastrophic drought. This requires the drought to pose significant risks to water supply, agriculture, public health, or economic stability, with the declaration published publicly per state law. Before any weather modification occurs, the state must complete a 14-day environmental review and provide public notice in at least four newspapers and online, disclosing the chemicals used, potential health/wildlife impacts, and funding sources. The bill ensures such activities are limited to extreme emergencies with transparency and environmental safeguards.
New Hampshire's CACR 15 proposes adding a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest game to the state constitution. It states that all citizens have this right, including using traditional methods, but only under existing laws and regulations. The amendment specifies that these rules must promote wildlife conservation, maintain resources for public use, and preserve hunting/fishing for future generations. It does not change current laws on property rights, trespass, or eminent domain. The proposal requires voter approval in the November 2026 general election to take effect.
HB 1440 requires landowners enrolling forestland in carbon sequestration programs to submit forest management plans to the Division of Forests and Lands. These plans must follow best forestry practices and include a habitat protection component developed with Fish and Game biologists to address impacts on wildlife. The Division and Fish and Game jointly review and approve plans, with periodic on-site inspections to ensure compliance. Noncompliance could lead to plan suspension or revocation. The bill affects current forestland owners in carbon sequestration programs, totaling approximately 183,000 acres statewide.
