Committee Summary for House Committee on Housing (05/06/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB165 00:08:21.680 - 9:06:37 AM	Executive Session	relative to the audit requirements for consumer cooperative associations.	Avard, Kevin(R)[C+]2024
SB166 00:10:23.200 - 9:08:39 AM	Executive Session	relative to notice required prior to sale of a manufactured housing unit located in a resident-owned community.	Reardon, Tara(D)
SB170 2025-1948H 00:12:22.800 - 9:10:38 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to development and related requirements in cities, towns, and municipalities.	Perkins Kwoka, Rebecca(D)[D-]2024
SB282 2025-1701H 00:24:59.120 - 9:23:15 AM	Executive Session	relative to stairway requirements in certain residential buildings.	Murphy, Keith(R)[B+]2024
SB283 2025-1596H 00:30:39.840 - 9:28:55 AM	Executive Session	relative to the calculation of floor-area-ratios under local building ordinances.	Murphy, Keith(R)[B+]2024
SB283 2025-1596H 00:30:39.840 - 9:28:55 AM	Executive Session	relative to the calculation of floor-area-ratios under local building ordinances.	Murphy, Keith(R)[B+]2024

SB165: Representative Cole Support00:08:21.680 - 9:06:37 AM; Representative Cole moved ought to pass on SB 165, stating that it would save manufacturer co-ops money on audit requirements, potentially lowering housing costs. The motion was seconded by Representative Grant and passed with no discussion.
SB166: Representative Bolio Support00:10:23.200 - 9:08:39 AM; Representative Bolio moved ought to pass on SB 166, explaining that it harmonizes disclosure requirements across RSAs and provides a clear RSA reference for purchasers during the buying process. The motion was seconded by Representative Aaron and passed with no further discussion.
SB170 2025-1948H: Representative Cole Support00:12:22.800 - 9:10:38 AM; Representative Cole moved ought to pass and offered amendment 2025-1948H on SB 170. The amendment removed the length of the road requirement, adjusted the utility specification to include both underground and above-ground, and added language regarding planning review timelines. The amendment was seconded by Representative Howland. Cole emphasized the addition of school enrollment status as a protected class under equal housing opportunity to address discriminatory zoning in Durham, and the amendment's intent to streamline the approval process for developers.
SB170 2025-1948H: Representative Howland Support00:16:23.839 - 9:14:39 AM; Representative Howland supported the amendment, appreciating the inclusion of school enrollment status as a way to clarify zoning regulations for lodging houses. Howland also noted the removal of a conflicting frontage requirement, suggesting future discussions on lot sizes and frontage.
SB170 2025-1948H: Representative Paige Information Only00:17:18.559 - 9:15:34 AM; Representative Paige sought clarification on the Department of Environmental Services (DES) testimony regarding well-siting and test pitting requirements, confirming that DES believes their current requirements are sufficient and should not be used for growth management. Paige also inquired about the rationale behind the seven-day timeline for planning review adjustments, receiving input from other representatives on the subcommittee's decision-making process.
SB170 2025-1948H: Representative Kerwin Information Only00:20:25.840 - 9:18:41 AM; Representative Kerwin raised concerns about the seven-day timeline for planning review adjustments, noting that not all municipalities meet weekly. This was addressed by clarifying that the timeline starts after a meeting where a plan is reviewed.
SB170 2025-1948H: Representative Thaxton Support00:21:27.840 - 9:19:43 AM; Representative Thaxton supported the amendment, appreciating the clarity of using calendar days over business days, especially given varying municipal schedules.
SB282 2025-1701H: Chairman Alexander Support00:24:59.120 - 9:23:15 AM; Chairman Alexander moved ought to pass and offered amendment 2025-1701H on SB 282. The amendment addresses concerns raised by the fire marshal by limiting single stairway buildings to four floors instead of five or six, aiming to reduce costs while ensuring safety. The amendment was seconded by Representative Paige.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Kerwin Support00:30:39.840 - 9:28:55 AM; Representative Kerwin moved ought to pass and offered amendment 2025-1596H on SB 283. The amendment removes lines that misrepresent planning and zoning board functions and clarifies height limitations based on testimony received. The amendment was seconded by Representative Boris.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Kerwin Information Only00:30:39.840 - 9:28:55 AM; Representative Kerwin finished speaking at 00:30:39.840, but no new content from him was provided in this snippet.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Bolio Support00:34:43.918 - 9:32:59 AM; Representative Bolio moves amendment 1639H, which aims to clarify the definition of a bedroom by referencing RSA 485, the state dees permitting. He supports the amendment but expresses concern about the clause that allows local regulations to specify otherwise, as it could lead to non-uniform definitions across towns.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Baron Information Only00:35:48.320 - 9:34:04 AM; Representative Baron discusses the definition of a bedroom and suggests that it should include a closet to prevent tax evasion through misclassification of rooms. He mentions a local case where a homeowner built a house without closets to lower real estate taxes.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Daxton Information Only00:36:52.240 - 9:35:08 AM; Representative Daxton argues against the necessity of a closet in the bedroom definition, citing older homes in the state that lack closets. He believes the current amendment is sufficient and does not need to be changed.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Lane Information Only00:37:56.800 - 9:36:12 AM; Representative Lane supports the amendment as it is, pointing out that local regulations can already specify the need for a closet, making further amendments unnecessary.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Bolio Oppose00:39:01.599 - 9:37:17 AM; Representative Bolio expresses concern over the clause in the amendment that allows local regulations to define bedrooms differently, arguing it undermines the purpose of a uniform definition. He would vote against the amendment due to this clause but supports the underlying bill.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Vaxon Support00:40:54.960 - 9:39:10 AM; Representative Vaxon supports passing the amendment and the bill as amended. He argues that if the closet issue becomes problematic, it can be addressed in a future session. He also cautions against delving into defining closets further.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Bolio Support00:43:58.960 - 9:42:14 AM; Representative Bolio reiterates his opposition to the clause in the amendment but supports the underlying bill. He anticipates future discussions about bedroom definitions at town planning board meetings.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Bolio Support01:00:16.720 - 9:58:32 AM; Representative Bolio moves ought to pass for SB281 and supports the bill, noting its bipartisan sponsorship and its alignment with rural character by allowing building on class 6 roads with additional requirements such as liability waivers and proof of insurability.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Cole Support01:01:20.480 - 9:59:36 AM; Representative Cole seconds the motion to pass SB281 and supports it, emphasizing its protection of New Hampshire's rural character by allowing private road maintenance, similar to historical practices.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Paige Support01:33:35.040 - 10:31:51 AM; Representative Paige moves ought to pass for SB163 with amendment 20251950H. The amendment rearticulates the House position on manufactured housing and narrows the scope of the bill to apply only to housing development moratoriums.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Reed Support01:34:46.480 - 10:33:02 AM; Representative Reed seconds the motion for SB163 and supports the amendment, emphasizing the importance of reiterating the House position on HB685 and supporting the bill as amended.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Thaxton Support01:37:10.800 - 10:35:26 AM; Representative Thaxton moves ought to pass for SB188 with amendment 20251951H. He discusses the subcommittee's work to preserve local oversight, correct code terminology, and standardize fee reductions based on the city of Keene's system.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Aaron Support01:38:18.560 - 10:36:34 AM; Representative Aaron seconds the motion for SB188 and supports the amendment, thanking stakeholders for their proactive engagement in making the bill effective.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Paige Support01:39:30.560 - 10:37:46 AM; Representative Paige expresses gratitude to the subcommittee members and stakeholders for their collaborative effort in refining SB188, highlighting the importance of their contributions to the legislative process.
SB283 2025-1596H: Representative Thaxton Support01:41:28.480 - 10:39:44 AM; Representative Thaxton supports SB188, emphasizing its balanced approach and its potential to benefit both small towns and larger cities by addressing building compliance and inspection challenges.