Also: Lead paint bill moves forward, maximum dock lengths bill stalls
Here are a few items being explored in the New Hampshire legislature that are of potential interest to the real estate community and being watched closely by your New Hampshire REALTORS government affairs team:
House Committee Votes to Retain ADU/Septic bill
The NHAR-backed Senate Bill 73, relative to size of septic tanks when converting a bedroom into and accessory dwelling unit, has been retained in Committee. That means the House of Representatives will not take further action on the bill until later this year. In the meantime, NHAR will continue to work with legislators to modernize the Department of Environmental Services requirements for septic tank capacity and alleviate the unnecessary financial burden being placed on property owners.
Lead paint bill continues to move forward
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Senate Bill 247, which among other things mandates universal testing for lead in toddlers while creating a lead abatement fund for landlords. However, the bill needs to go to House Finance Committee for review on the fiscal impact to the state budget. NHAR and other advocates in favor of the bill argue that lead abatement costs on landlords can lead to higher rents for those least able to pay. SB 247 will also help landlords remove lead before a child is exposed.
Some on the House Finance Committee are attempting to remove the $6 million appropriated for the lead abatement fund. Elimination of the funding could cause the Senate to reject the bill in its entirety.
Changes to maximum dock lengths in drought conditions put on hold
The House Resources Committee will take no action on Senate Bill 119, which would extend the maximum length of a dock if the lake water level drops by four or more feet. Instead, the House would prefer to create a study commission on the issue and report back by the end of the year with a recommendation. The Senate may look to a study commission or force the issue with the House.
A legislative chart for all bills NHAR is tracking can be found here.
For more information, contact NHAR Government Affairs Director Bob Quinn at 603-225-5549 or bob@nhar.com.