Committee Summary for House Committee on Housing (02/17/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1026 00:14:25.920 - 8:08:56 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the definition of manufactured housing.	Rhodes, Jennifer(R)[B+]2025
HB1343 00:40:30.960 - 8:35:01 AM	Public Hearing	allowing remote and hybrid meetings for the governing body of the organization of unit owners.	Lucas, Janet(D)[F]2025
HB1726 01:12:24.719 - 9:06:55 AM	Public Hearing	directing state agencies to identify and dispose of surplus property for affordable housing development.	Muns, Chris(D)[CT]2025
HB1654 02:06:41.520 - 10:01:12 AM	Public Hearing	requiring a property owner to pay all taxes or charges on their property prior to being issued certain building or occupancy permits.	Hemingway, Wayne(R)[B]2025
HB1660 02:35:50.160 - 10:30:21 AM	Public Hearing	relative to municipal credit enhancement agreements and tax increment financing for priority housing development.	Veilleux, Daniel(D)[F]2025
HB1681 04:06:10.640 - 12:00:41 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the definition, inspection, and local approval of tiny houses and yurts as innovative housing structures.	Grant, George(R)[A-]2025
HB1588 04:35:49.680 - 12:30:20 PM	Public Hearing	establishing special assessment districts and expands the housing infrastructure grant program to allow for municipal upgrades linked to new housing and making an appropriation therefor.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1652 05:06:09.920 - 1:00:40 PM	Public Hearing	relative to expedited permitting and third-party inspections for residential and minor home improvements.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1652 05:11:59.200 - 1:06:30 PM	Executive Session	relative to expedited permitting and third-party inspections for residential and minor home improvements.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025

HB1026: Representative Jennifer Rhodess, Cheshire District 17 (Winchester, Richmond, Swanzey, Troy, Fitzwilliam) Support00:14:25.920 - 8:08:56 AM; Representative Rhodess introduces HB 1026 to clarify that manufactured homes are not considered accessory dwelling units (ADUs), preventing towns from being required to allow a second manufactured home on a lot with an existing one. She explains the bill addresses confusion from recent state laws on zoning and ADUs, which have led to lawsuits and frustration in her rural districts. The bill allows towns to decide based on their ordinances, distinguishing manufactured homes from modular homes and emphasizing local control without banning them outright.
HB1026: Brody Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support00:26:25.120 - 8:20:56 AM; Brody Dees supports HB 1026, explaining it amends statutes to ensure two manufactured homes cannot be placed by right on a single-family lot, clarifying that manufactured housing is not an ADU. He notes the bill addresses ambiguities in current law allowing identical-sized units, which undermines the accessory nature of ADUs. Municipalities can still permit manufactured homes as ADUs with size restrictions, and the association is open to amendments for clarity to prevent density issues in residential zones.
HB1026: Karen Susi, New Hampshire Manufactured Housing Association Oppose00:35:22.000 - 8:29:53 AM; Karen Susi opposes HB 1026, arguing it bans manufactured homes as ADUs, contradicting efforts to boost housing supply. She emphasizes that ADUs should be defined by function, not construction type, supporting property rights, affordability, and aging in place for fixed-income homeowners. She clarifies manufactured homes are taxed similarly to stick-built homes with increasing values, urging the committee to find the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB1026: Abby Bronson, New Hampshire Community Loan Fund Oppose00:37:08.400 - 8:31:39 AM; Abby Bronson opposes HB 1026, stating it discriminates based on construction type rather than use, limiting affordable ADU options amid high costs. The bill would entirely exclude manufactured housing as ADUs, removing homeowner choice and hindering housing crisis solutions.
HB1343: Representative Janet Lucas, Grafton County District 7 (Hampton, Waterville Estates Village District) Support00:40:30.960 - 8:35:01 AM; Representative Lucas introduces HB 1343 to permit remote or hybrid meetings for condominium associations, benefiting out-of-state or seasonal owners in areas like the White Mountains who struggle with in-person attendance, especially in winter or emergencies. The bill allows electronic participation for quorum and voting without mandating it, excludes timeshares, and strengthens ties to tourism by facilitating participation.
HB1343: Representative Timothy Trahan, District 10 Support00:46:14.160 - 8:40:45 AM; Representative Trahan, a co-sponsor, supports HB 1343 as a minor update to outdated 1977 laws, enabling remote meetings with modern technology. It accommodates part-time residents, disabled individuals, or those unable to attend in person, promoting fairness in condominium governance without overhauling existing rules.
HB1343: Robert Ducharme, Attorney, NH Condominium Law Support00:49:01.920 - 8:43:32 AM; Robert Ducharme, an attorney with 25 years of experience in New Hampshire condominium law representing over 250 associations, testified in support of HB 1343. He addressed concerns about timeshares, clarifying they are separate under the Condominium Act if use is 45 days or less. He explained that proxies do not ensure quorum or facilitate discussion, especially with owners traveling during winter, and remote meetings allow officers to participate without proxies. He noted the 2016 law requires 67% vote to amend documents for remote meetings, which is difficult to achieve, and advocated for giving boards discretion to allow remote participation alongside in-person meetings to increase transparency and engagement. He responded to questions on remote meeting challenges like Zoom issues, emphasizing options like telephone conferences, the need for strong board control, and that poor board decisions can be addressed through elections.
HB1343: Jennifer Lier, President, Campton Condo Association Support01:03:02.559 - 8:57:33 AM; Jennifer Lier, president of a nine-unit condo association in Campton, NH, testified in support of HB 1343. She explained that their documents do not allow remote meetings, forcing owners to drive hours, which limits participation due to illness, work, weather, vacations, or frailty. As a board president with a second home out of state, she highlighted scheduling challenges and delays in business due to unavailability. She noted difficulty recruiting board members and frustration from owners unable to contribute ideas or voice opinions. Despite eight owners favoring remote meetings, one owner with 34% voting interest (multiple units) blocks amendments, preventing even board meetings where issues are raised. She urged passage to increase efficiency, participation, and reduce burdens, offering written testimonies from owners.
HB1343: Laura Gulanello, Board Member, Campton Condo Association Support01:08:51.679 - 9:03:22 AM; Laura Gulanello, a full-time resident and active board member in the Campton Association with nine owners, testified in support of HB 1343. She described frustrations from low participation in in-person meetings due to work, travel, and illness, making business decisions difficult. As one of few full-time residents who enjoys local activities, she emphasized the need for full participation in decisions large and small. She advocated for remote options like Zoom or phone to enable timely input, noting modern businesses use such tools and it's 2024, not 1986. The bill would alleviate frustrations and ensure success for small associations like theirs.
HB1726: Representative Chris Muns, District 29, Hampton Support01:12:24.719 - 9:06:55 AM; Representative Chris Muns introduced and testified in support of HB 1726, a simple bill to reduce housing development costs by identifying unused or underutilized state-owned property suitable for affordable housing. It requires state agencies to identify such properties during biennial budget development and authorizes sales to qualified developers via competitive bidding at below-market rates. It incentivizes municipalities to collaborate on rezoning by prioritizing their Housing Champions Program grants. He acknowledged it won't solve all housing needs but could provide sites for affordable homes. He expressed disappointment over the cancelled hearing for his related HB 1786, which would fund housing programs like the terminated Housing Champions. He clarified the bill aims to start bidding below market to attract developers, with proceeds likely to the general fund, and the revenue retention clause incentivizes agencies for upkeep during transition, not sale proceeds.
HB1726: Representative Buns, Littleton Information Only01:21:21.360 - 9:15:52 AM; Representative Buns expresses appreciation for the bill's intent to repurpose surplus state-owned property for housing but raises concerns about unintended consequences. He shares an example from Littleton where surplus town property intended for single-family housing was opposed by locals and turned into a town forest instead. He worries that local zoning changes could hinder state efforts to sell property for affordable housing. He asks if there are additional measures beyond incentives to ensure towns support such projects.
HB1726: Nick Taylor, Director of Housing Action New Hampshire Support01:24:12.480 - 9:18:43 AM; Nick Taylor supports the bill's objectives, similar to HB 1713, emphasizing the role of land costs in housing affordability and the need to utilize surplus state land. He raises the issue of assessing the developability of available land, referencing the governor's commission on government efficiency. He suggests inventorying state land with the governor's office for informed decisions. On selling below market rate, he supports exploring it through existing structures like New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. Addressing concerns about picking winners and losers, he advocates for clear standards on affordability levels and notes existing laws allowing municipalities and NH Housing to bid, reducing bidding wars.
HB1654: Representative Wayne Hemingway, District 6, Cudbear and Claremont Support02:06:41.520 - 10:01:12 AM; Representative Hemingway sponsors the bill to enable planning or building inspectors to deny permits for properties with back taxes or liens, targeting companies that buy tax-deeded properties at reduced rates and neglect repairs. He notes these properties sit idle for years, exacerbating housing shortages. The bill allows owners to bring one property up to standard, collect revenue, and apply it to others. It is enabling, not mandatory, and aims to ensure multiple-property owners maintain them properly without hindering individual homeowners unless habitual. He addresses concerns: it wouldn't apply to minor association fees; exceptions for sales like roof replacements; focuses on significant arrears; amenable to changes for certificate of occupancy vs. completeness; applies to all properties, not just multifamily; and expects reasonable application despite potential for abuse.
HB1654: Matt Mayberry, CEO of New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Oppose02:19:56.800 - 10:14:27 AM; Matt Mayberry opposes HB 1654, recommending it be found inexpedient to legislate (ITL). He argues municipalities already have effective tools to collect back taxes, such as foreclosure, auctions, selling tax liens, placing liens satisfied at conveyance, and charging interest. The bill amounts to 'white collar coercion,' potentially used as a weapon against developers and rehabbers by withholding certificates of occupancy until taxes are paid, muddying existing processes without need.
HB1654: Simon Thompson, Lobbyist for Shienfinny Capital Group and Electrical Contractor Business Association Information Only02:22:22.319 - 10:16:53 AM; Simon Thompson is neutral on the bill but raises a concern based on a member's experience in Massachusetts where improper notification of back taxes led to permit denial during an emergency snowstorm repair. The landlord wasn't properly notified as mail went to tenants. He recommends strengthening the bill with language ensuring proper notification of owed taxes to avoid such situations.
HB1660: Representative Dan Beu, Hillsboro District 34 in Amherst Support02:35:50.160 - 10:30:21 AM; Representative Dan Beu introduced HB1660, motivated by New Hampshire's aging population, one of the oldest in the country with an average age of 43. He highlighted housing mismatches where seniors age in place due to low interest rates and inability to downsize, tying up single-family homes needed by younger families. He cited Parker's Place in Amherst, a successful 42-unit 55+ affordable apartment complex that's fully occupied. The bill proposes credit enhancement agreements using up to 50% of tax increments to incentivize developers for senior-appropriate housing like condos, apartments, and continuing care facilities. He explained the mechanism from his experience in Bangor, Maine, where it offset costs for risky developments. The bill includes guardrails treating it like a bond, requiring supermajority approval, and ensuring rental properties with compliance periods and penalties. During Q&A, he differentiated it from TIF districts, noting CA provides direct payments to developers for housing, not just infrastructure, and can combine with TIF for mixed-use developments.
HB1660: Nick Taylor, Director of Housing Action New Hampshire Support02:45:17.680 - 10:39:48 AM; Nick Taylor supported HB1660, thanking the sponsor. He compared it to TIF districts and the 79E community revitalization program, using captured tax value as incentives without state appropriation. Municipalities would only use it for unfeasible projects, creating a win-win by bringing properties onto tax rolls that wouldn't otherwise develop, eventually returning to full value. Unlike 79E and TIF, which require district-wide parcels, CA allows project-specific agreements for flexibility. It's heavily used in Maine for below-market housing, as noted in testimony from Avesta Housing. He acknowledged the bill's length but offered to refine language by comparing to Maine's and emphasized it as a valuable tool for more housing options.
HB1681: Representative Michael Aaron, Sullivan County District 8 Support04:06:10.640 - 12:00:41 PM; Representative Michael Aaron introduced HB1681, noting he crafted it while hospitalized, with Representative George Grant as prime sponsor. Representing a large district including Acworth, Claremont, Cornish, Goshen, Langdon, Lempster, Springfield, Sunapee, and Washington, the bill aims to alleviate the housing crisis by facilitating tiny home and yurt construction, which many towns forbid. Originally for innovative housing structures, it could expand to things like airplane fuselages. Key is defining 'tiny house' in section 674:81 as under 600 sq ft per amendment, complying with International Residential Code Appendix Q, distinguishing it from trailers or RVs as a permanent dwelling. Tiny houses on wheels are built on trailer chassis for mobility. This definition aids financing by giving lenders clarity for mortgages.
HB1681: Representative Michael Aaron, Sullivan County District 8 Support04:09:53.279 - 12:04:24 PM; Representative Aaron explains the bill's provisions for tiny homes and yurts as innovative housing structures. He describes yurts as sturdy dwellings with rigid frames, insulated walls, heating, cooking, and sanitary facilities, distinct from traditional fur-covered ones. The bill allows municipalities to permit these on individual lots or as accessory dwelling units. It enables factory inspections for tiny homes, with certificates acceptable for final occupancy at the site, avoiding disassembly. Municipalities can tax tiny homes, and owners must notify if moved. Transportation is allowed with dealer or temporary plates if roadworthy, without full vehicle registration for short moves. The amendment removed mention of graywater at DES's request.
HB1681: Committee Member (Unnamed) Information Only04:13:55.520 - 12:08:26 PM; The committee member asks about changing 'may' to 'shall' on line 28 regarding permitting innovative housing structures, and suggests distinguishing yurts as 'may' and tiny houses as 'shall'. Representative Aaron agrees to consider it.
HB1681: Representative Newell Information Only04:13:55.520 - 12:08:26 PM; Representative Newell asks if Representative Aaron consulted with New Hampshire tiny house developers or architects to ensure the bill aligns with standard designs and plans. Aaron confirms he did and notes one is present to testify.
HB1681: Representative Bullier Support04:13:55.520 - 12:08:26 PM; Representative Bullier praises the bill as delightful but suggests a nitpick on page one, line 23, to broaden the yurt definition from 'rigid frame composed of wood or metal' to just 'rigid frame' to account for future materials. Aaron is open to the change.
HB1681: Michael Davis Information Only04:15:09.279 - 12:09:40 PM; Michael Davis is introduced as the next speaker after questions for Representative Aaron conclude.
HB1681: Michael Dus, Owner, Tiny Houses of New Hampshire, Linboro Support04:15:50.239 - 12:10:21 PM; Michael Dus, a building contractor with 35 years of experience, owns Tiny Houses of New Hampshire in Linboro. He highlighted the housing crisis in New Hampshire, with median home prices at $550-560,000 requiring $182,000 household income, while median income is $96,000, affecting 85% of households. He praised the state's lack of sales and income taxes for reducing building costs and noted recent legislative efforts like ADUs and allowing residential on commercial land to address land costs. He supports HB1681 as it enables affordable tiny homes under $200,000, inspected to meet building codes, easing community concerns about trailer parks. He shared experiences of community resistance in Londonderry and aims to build both stationary and wheeled tiny houses for flexibility. He believes this legislation chips away at housing costs without being a silver bullet.
HB1681: Sean Tumi, State Fire Marshal Information Only04:25:33.120 - 12:20:04 PM; Sean Tumi, State Fire Marshal, provided input to align HB1681 with fire, building, and modular codes. He noted the amendment addresses some issues but suggested referencing the state building code instead of the 2021 IRC, as legislation is moving to the 2024 edition. He cautioned against altering the modular program's inspection process (lines 6-20) to avoid impacting federal loans. He recommended clarifying definitions like modular, pre-manufactured, and factory-built to protect existing programs. He praised incorporating ICC 1200/1250 standards and offered to work with sponsors on refinements via redline edits to facilitate tiny homes without disrupting current systems.
HB1681: Philip Trobridge, Manager of Land Resources, Department of Environmental Services Support04:28:03.680 - 12:22:34 PM; Philip Trobridge from DES expressed a narrow interest in ensuring proper wastewater handling for tiny houses. The original bill referenced uncommon graywater and composting systems lacking regulation; most would use septic or municipal sewer. DES suggested amendments, incorporated into Rep. Aaron's version, requiring compliance with wastewater laws and rules, including potential customized regulations for innovative structures. This makes DES neutral on the bill.
HB1681: Scott Tenny, New Hampshire Building Officials Association Oppose04:30:02.239 - 12:24:33 PM; Scott Tenny from the NH Building Officials Association opposed the bill due to language issues, not the premise. He echoed concerns on code references, suggesting alignment with the state building code to avoid future amendments. He recommended directing the state building code review board to address plumbing and DES issues, and clarifying line 23 for compliance with current state building code materials to accommodate technological changes. He requested opportunity to work with sponsors and stakeholders to refine language for code compliance, proposing to hold the bill for two weeks for feedback.
HB1588: Representative Joe Sweeney, Rockingham 25 (Salem) Support04:35:49.680 - 12:30:20 PM; Rep. Sweeney introduced HB1588, noting possible overlap with another bill on special assessment districts (SADs) held in municipal committee. SADs allow properties in new developments to fund infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, water, and parking via municipal bonds at lower rates, repaid over 10-20 years, distinct from impact fees which cover off-site impacts. The core is expanding the housing infrastructure grant program (sections 2-4) with a $1 appropriation for FY2027 to DBEA for sewer, water, and road upgrades tied to new housing. Revenue from unplanned state land sales would fund one-time infrastructure expenses, ensuring matching one-time revenue to one-time costs without specific budget line items.
HB1588: Nick Taylor, Director, Housing Action New Hampshire Support04:54:23.840 - 12:48:54 PM; Nick Taylor supported HB1588 for providing tools to pro-housing communities. He cited data showing only 12% of buildable land has water/sewer, 5.5% both, highlighting infrastructure needs for expansion and upgrades. He noted potential drafting issues: the bill creates a new chapter conflicting with existing Chapter 52-A on SADs, requiring harmonization. Existing law requires 50% property owner agreement for districts, and he encouraged ensuring compatibility if advancing.
HB1588: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Support04:57:19.600 - 12:51:50 PM; Matt Mayberry strongly supported HB1588, emphasizing SADs enable federal infrastructure grants via municipalities, which individual builders cannot access. He opposed permanent assessment areas, preferring integration back into regular municipal functions post-bond. He suggested renaming to avoid confusion with existing SADs, like 'housing enterprise zone' or 'housing opportunity zone'.
HB1652: Representative Calvin Bolier Information Only05:06:09.920 - 1:00:40 PM; Rep. Bolier introduced HB1652-FN on behalf of Rep. Sweeney, relative to expedited permitting and third-party inspections for residential and minor home improvements. She declined questions.
HB1652: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Support05:06:55.440 - 1:01:26 PM; Matt Mayberry supported HB1652 but suggested adjustments: lower the threshold from $100,000 to $50,000 for renovations like kitchens/bathrooms, and extend municipal response time from 2 to 10 business days to account for vacations and practicalities. He endorsed holding for interim study.
HB1652: Scott Tenny, New Hampshire Building Officials Association Oppose05:07:58.958 - 1:02:29 PM; Scott Tenny opposed HB1652 as written due to concerns including the 2-business-day response timeline, which ignores days off and weather closures. He supported interim study to collaborate with stakeholders like sponsors, building code board, and homebuilders, building on prior work from SB 188. His three-page list of issues could be addressed collectively for improvement.
HB1652: Katherine Cusack, Clean Energy New Hampshire Information Only05:09:57.520 - 1:04:28 PM; Katherine Cusack represents Clean Energy New Hampshire and recommends referring House Bill 1652 to interim study, similar to the outcome of House Bill 1271 which applied only to solar. She envisions a future with automated virtual permitting for low-risk projects like solar, battery storage, windows, roofing, and siding, noting that dozens of jurisdictions already implement this safely. Independent research supports that remote virtual inspections are as safe or safer than on-site ones, benefiting homeowners, contractors, and local code enforcement. After discussions with New Hampshire's code enforcement community, she believes there's no need to advance the bill this year due to insurance barriers, particularly from Senate Bill 188 in 2025 which prohibits third-party inspection companies. Advancing now risks an impractical framework, so interim study is recommended to work with stakeholders and communities experimenting with instant permitting.
HB1652: Representative Reid Vote05:11:59.200 - 1:06:30 PM; Representative Reid moves for interim study on HB1652.
HB1652: Representative Olio Vote05:11:59.200 - 1:06:30 PM; Representative Olio seconds the motion for interim study on HB1652.
HB1652: Committee Chair Information Only05:11:59.200 - 1:06:30 PM; The Chair notes that all stakeholders and the sponsor agree on the direction and that the issue will be examined more thoroughly later in the year.
HB1652: Committee Vote05:13:08.958 - 1:07:39 PM; The committee votes unanimously 12-0 in favor of interim study on HB1652, with all members (Thaxton, Aaron, Bullier, Grant, Miner, Jody New, Reed, Hicks, Howland, Hegner, Kerwin, Chairman Alexander) voting yes. The motion carries, and the bill will go on the consent calendar with Representative Reed writing the report.