Committee Summary for House Committee on Housing (02/18/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB383 00:08:56.760 - 9:06:27 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the authority of condominium boards and unit owners to create and amend condominium instruments.	Almy, Susan(D)[F]2025
HB410 01:09:10.679 - 10:06:41 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) limiting local authority to adopt restrictions on the building and development of residential properties.	Read, Ellen(D)[D]2025
HB457 03:04:40.479 - 12:02:11 PM	Public Hearing	(Second New Title) relative to zoning restrictions on dwelling units.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB465 04:59:55.040 - 1:57:26 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the housing opportunity zone program.	Wade, Alice(D)[F]2025
HB459 05:36:19.600 - 2:33:50 PM	Executive Session	relative to acreage requirements and zoning regarding sewer infrastructure and single-family residential uses.	Alexander, Joe(R)[A+]2025
HB383 05:37:59.600 - 2:35:30 PM	Executive Session	relative to the authority of condominium boards and unit owners to create and amend condominium instruments.	Almy, Susan(D)[F]2025
HB577 2024-0449h 05:40:22.320 - 2:37:53 PM	Executive Session	relative to modifying the definition of ADUs.	Alexander, Joe(R)[A+]2025
HB685 2025-0392h 05:43:41.878 - 2:41:12 PM	Executive Session	permitting in all residentially zoned areas by right the construction of manufactured housing.	Alexander, Joe(R)[A+]2025

HB383: Representative Aly, prime sponsor Support00:08:56.760 - 9:06:27 AM; Representative Aly introduced HB383, which focuses on condominiums and their governance in New Hampshire. They detailed their long involvement with a condominium study committee formed in 2010, highlighting the wide variety of condominium types and the challenges in creating laws to govern them effectively. Aly shared personal experience running a 22-unit Homeowner Association and the differences between small and large condominiums, like the one in Freedom, NH, with 4,000 units. They discussed the current legal inadequacies for managing disputes within condominiums, such as the need for a quasi-judicial solution similar to the manufactured housing board. The bill aims to address voting practices and the ability to alter the original condominium declaration. Aly suggested retaining the bill for further study, indicating a need for more input to refine the legislation.
HB383: Representative Gibbs Information Only00:26:59.880 - 9:24:30 AM; Representative Gibbs asked Representative Aly about the bill's provision regarding changing bylaws by a simple majority of those present at a meeting. They sought clarification on whether this should be changed to a majority of unit owners, to which Aly responded they were conflicted but preferred retaining the bill for further study rather than amending it immediately.
HB383: Representative Hegner Information Only00:31:47.639 - 9:29:18 AM; Representative Hegner inquired about the role of management companies in larger condominiums and how they might override the board of directors. Aly explained that while a board of directors is supposed to direct the manager, in some cases, the manager ends up controlling the board, leading to issues like those experienced by a condominium that needed police presence to hold a new election and remove their manager.
HB383: Representative Buolo Information Only00:36:16.560 - 9:33:47 AM; Representative Buolo asked Representative Aly to clarify the specific effects and problems HB383 aims to solve, particularly regarding the recording of rules or bylaws. Aly explained the variability in condominium practices and the need for legislation to address these issues, noting that the bill aims to standardize practices and protect residents.
HB383: Representative Aaron Information Only00:39:23.000 - 9:36:54 AM; Representative Aaron followed up on the enforcement of bylaws, asking if there's a difference in enforcement based on whether they are registered with the Register of Deeds. Aly shared an example of a condominium where the president and treasurer had mortgaged the property without the knowledge of the group, highlighting the need for better governance and oversight.
HB383: Representative Howen Information Only00:40:58.319 - 9:38:29 AM; Representative Howen asked about the recourse for residents if they believe rules have been violated, to which Aly responded that the current recourse is to go to court, which is costly and time-consuming, emphasizing the need for a more accessible solution.
HB383: Richard Swat, Stratham, NH Oppose00:42:22.240 - 9:39:53 AM; Richard Swat, a resident of The Vineyards at Stratham, a 55+ condominium, testified against HB 383. With extensive experience in condominium governance and management, including serving on boards and committees, Swat argued that the bill is unnecessary and could change the Condominium Act due to governance issues in one association. He highlighted the widespread problem of owner participation in condominiums but opposed lowering the threshold for amending declarations and bylaws, stating it would give too much power to a small group of owners. Swat explained that current condominium documents provide stability and are designed to run with the land, filed at the county register of deeds. He criticized the proposed amendment to RSA 356-B:35, which would require rules to have the force of law by filing at the registry of deeds, arguing it's unnecessary and burdensome for boards. He emphasized that condominiums vary in size, shape, and rules, and frequent rule changes should not be required to be filed with the deeds. Swat also mentioned The Vineyards has term limits to prevent long-term board control.
HB383: Representative Gibbs Information Only00:47:21.680 - 9:44:52 AM; Representative Gibbs asked Richard Swat about the desirable requirement for changing condominium declarations or bylaws. Swat clarified that amendments to the declaration require a 2/3 vote of all unit owners, while changes to bylaws require a 2/3 vote of units present at a meeting. Gibbs further inquired about the priority of the declaration over bylaws, to which Swat responded that the declaration likely holds higher priority due to the varied nature of condominiums.
HB383: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:48:53.559 - 9:46:24 AM; An unnamed speaker asked Richard Swat about the location of the master copy of bylaws if not kept at the register of deeds. Swat explained that original documents are filed with the Rockingham registry of deeds, and any amendments must be filed by the board to keep them as public record. He noted that failure to do so would be negligence on the part of the board.
HB383: William Infantine Oppose00:50:15.960 - 9:47:46 AM; William Infantine, a legislator with experience on the condo committee, testified against HB 383. He argued that the requirement to file rules at the registry of deeds is cumbersome and unnecessary, as rules often change annually and are specific to each association. Infantine emphasized the difference between bylaws, which deal with major aspects of the association, and rules, which cover minor issues like pet policies. He shared personal experiences from serving on various condo boards, including issues with enforcing rules and the democratic nature of condo governance. Infantine opposed lines 9-10 and 13-18 of the bill, suggesting that allowing a small minority to change bylaws could be detrimental. He recommended the bill be found inexpedient to legislate.
HB383: Paul Okak, Vice President of Evergreen Management Oppose00:57:08.760 - 9:54:39 AM; Paul Okak, with 40 years of experience in condo management and as vice president of Evergreen Management, opposed HB 383. He expressed concern that the bill could empower a vocal minority to override the majority, potentially leading to issues with entrenched boards and management companies. Okak praised the democratic process of condo governance and the variety of condo developments, arguing that they offer choices to residents based on their lifestyle preferences. He cautioned against universal changes that might eliminate these choices and thanked the committee for considering his testimony.
HB410: Representative Reed Support01:09:10.679 - 10:06:41 AM; Representative Reed introduced HB 410, which aims to address zoning issues by establishing the concept of an 'extraordinary restriction on residential property.' The bill requires towns to prove that any zoning ordinance imposing such restrictions is based on the best scientific understanding for the health and safety of the community. Reed explained that the bill's genesis came from the special committee on housing, which discussed how zoning evolved over the last century and its impact on residential property. The bill covers various zoning aspects like minimum square footage, lot size requirements, residential use in commercial zones, in-home business use, fees on variance applications, and restrictions on camping on one's property. Reed noted that the bill is intended as a safety net, not a direct prohibition, and is open to working on the language through a subcommittee to refine it further. He responded to questions about the bill's potential to create confusion or gridlock with other related bills, emphasizing that HB 410 sets a floor for zoning ordinances, and any more specific prohibitions would supersede it. Reed also addressed concerns about the definition of 'empirical evidence,' suggesting it could be defined more clearly, and highlighted the importance of a robust appeals process for zoning decisions.
HB410: Representative Buo Support01:28:54.080 - 10:26:25 AM; Representative Buo expressed support for HB410, emphasizing that the bill goes to the root of zoning ordinances and their original purpose. He highlighted the importance of local legislative bodies showing their work and justifying zoning restrictions, which he believes would make the task easier for other branches of government. He also mentioned that this process would leave a written record for judicial review, operating within a framework of checks and balances between different levels of government. He argued that the bill maintains a balance by setting a floor for zoning while leaving granular details to smaller government levels, avoiding heavy-handed prohibitions.
HB410: Birie Dees, NH Municipal Association Oppose01:32:02.280 - 10:29:33 AM; Birie Dees, representing the NH Municipal Association, opposed HB410 as written, citing several issues with the bill. He noted that the bill does not mention planning boards but only the legislative body, which he interpreted as the voters. He expressed concerns about the requirement for the legislative body to provide empirical evidence from nonpartisan sources, which he found ambiguous. He also pointed out that the term 'grieved person' was not correctly referenced in the cited statute. Dees argued that the bill could hinder municipalities from adopting or amending zoning ordinances, even those that would incentivize housing. He emphasized that zoning serves purposes beyond health and safety, including general welfare, and used examples like lot size requirements for farming and preventing camping on private property to illustrate his points. He concluded that the bill needs major revisions and that its premise would tie the hands of municipalities and their voters.
HB410: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:38:58.119 - 10:36:29 AM; This speaker asked Birie Dees about the Municipal Association's stance on the concept of showing work when passing zoning ordinances. Dees responded that it's unreasonable to expect the legislative body to justify its actions, especially if it's pinned onto one or two individuals. He explained the existing process of planning boards and zoning boards, which already keep a paper trail for legal protection and appeals. He reiterated that the bill, as written, would undermine local control and the voters' ability to pass zoning ordinances.
HB410: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:41:31.800 - 10:39:02 AM; This speaker expressed concerns about zoning ordinances potentially being used to exclude certain groups of people, using historical examples of discrimination against French Canadians. They asked Birie Dees for suggestions on how to prevent zoning ordinances from having a disproportionate impact on protected classes. Dees responded that he was unaware of any current zoning ordinances violating fair housing laws and emphasized that zoning regulations are applied equally within districts. He suggested that decisions about zoning should remain with the voters and planning boards, who work to develop smart and reasonable zoning ordinances.
HB410: Representative Gibbs Information Only01:44:16.880 - 10:41:47 AM; Representative Gibbs questioned Birie Dees about the concern over the bill not mentioning the planning board in relation to providing empirical evidence. Dees clarified that the planning board is a governing body, not a legislative body, and expressed uncertainty about how the legislative body could present empirical evidence in SB2 towns. Gibbs also asked about the 5-acre provision in the bill, and Dees mentioned that requiring lot sizes larger than 5 acres is important for farming practices to protect community health and property values, but he was unsure about the rules for combining lots.
HB410: Representative Dumont Information Only01:51:11.679 - 10:48:42 AM; Representative Dumont asked Birie Dees why a municipality would need to inform residents about zoning regulations, suggesting that residents should be able to figure it out on their own. Dees explained that municipalities aim to balance property owners' rights with community health, safety, and welfare, promoting smart development without negatively impacting others.
HB410: Representative Taxon Information Only01:52:44.280 - 10:50:15 AM; Representative Taxon shared concerns about the 5-acre aspect of the bill but disagreed with Birie Dees, stating that it doesn't prevent farmers from having larger farms. He highlighted the variations in zoning across New Hampshire's towns and emphasized the need for clear implementation in the bill to avoid complicating local government processes. He expressed a mixed view on the bill, appreciating some ideas while recognizing the need for revisions.
HB410: Samuel Hooper, Institute for Justice Support01:56:26.119 - 10:53:57 AM; Samuel Hooper, a legislative council with the Institute for Justice, expressed support for HB410. He highlighted the bill's intent to introduce a more rigorous standard of review for zoning ordinances that significantly restrict property rights. Hooper compared this to the strict scrutiny standard applied in judicial processes for fundamental rights, suggesting that the bill aims to require municipalities to justify zoning restrictions with empirical evidence tied to health and safety. He noted the current lenient rational basis review for property rights and praised the bill for its potential to change this by enforcing a higher level of scrutiny. Hooper also mentioned a similar bill in Montana that aimed to implement a similar concept but failed narrowly on the Senate floor. He argued that the bill could save cities resources by justifying zoning ordinances upfront, preventing repeated appeals. Hooper concluded by offering to provide further suggestions on the bill's wording, particularly regarding the appeals process, based on the Institute's litigation experience.
HB410: Representative Buolo Information Only02:00:26.000 - 10:57:57 AM; Representative Buolo thanked Samuel Hooper for his testimony and inquired about the Institute for Justice's familiarity with various appeals processes across different states and municipalities. He asked if the Institute could submit proposed tweaks or ways to improve the appeals process for HB410. Hooper responded positively, stating he would be happy to provide supplementary testimony based on their research and litigation experience to suggest potential improvements.
HB410: Chair Information Only02:01:24.639 - 10:58:55 AM; The Chair closed the public hearing on HB410 at 11:58 AM, announced a recess until 1:00 PM, and invited colleagues to join a free lunch and discussion about housing hosted by the bipartisan housing caucus at the State House cafeteria.
HB457: Sam Farington, Rochester Ward 4 Support03:04:40.479 - 12:02:11 PM; Representative Farington introduced HB457, which he referred to as the 'Frat House bill'. He highlighted that several municipalities in New Hampshire, including Durham, have zoning ordinances that restrict the number of unrelated individuals living in a single-family home. He argued that these restrictions limit housing supply and infringe on property rights and economic freedom. Farington, a UNH student, pointed out the tight housing market in Durham, with high rental rates and long waiting times for apartments. He criticized the zoning laws as discriminatory against college students and young professionals, suggesting that deregulation could help address the housing shortage and market failure.
HB457: Wayne Burton, Durham Information Only03:08:31.200 - 12:06:02 PM; Wayne Burton, a long-time resident and former college president, spoke about Durham's perspective on housing. He mentioned that the Durham Town Council recently adjusted its zoning to allow more than three unrelated individuals per home. Burton emphasized the town's commitment to student safety and civic responsibility. He highlighted Durham's efforts to address housing challenges, including the creation of workforce housing overlay districts. Burton mentioned that the UNH Student Senate has not taken a position on HB457 but is in dialogue with the town about housing issues. He supported an amendment to HB457 proposed by Representative Howland.
HB457: Todd Selig, Durham Town Administrator Oppose03:12:01.560 - 12:09:32 PM; Todd Selig, accompanied by other town officials, testified against HB457 as currently written but supported an amendment proposed by Representative Howland. Selig discussed the impact of college students on Durham's housing market, noting the construction of new off-campus housing and its effects on local rents and property prices. He explained that Durham has adopted various regulations to manage student housing, with zoning being a key tool. Selig mentioned recent zoning changes in Durham and supported the amendment to align local zoning with the state fire code.
HB457: Brendan O'Sullivan, Durham Fire Marshal Information Only03:21:39.439 - 12:19:10 PM; Brendan O'Sullivan, the Durham Fire Marshal, provided clarification on the state fire code as it relates to occupancy limits. He explained that a single-family home can have up to three outsiders before being classified as a lodging and rooming house, which has different occupancy rules. If the number exceeds 16, it becomes classified as a dormitory.
HB457: Unidentified Speaker, Durham Information Only03:22:23.160 - 12:19:54 PM; The speaker discussed the differences in fire safety requirements between a house occupied by four unrelated individuals versus five, explaining that once a residence reaches five unrelated occupants, it is classified as a lodging and rooming house, which requires sprinklers, a fire alarm system, and specific structural separations. The speaker clarified that in Durham, the new ordinance allows student rentals with fire suppression systems to have occupancy as dictated by state fire codes, without additional local restrictions.
HB457: Unidentified Speaker, Durham Information Only03:23:46.120 - 12:21:17 PM; The speaker addressed the occupancy limits in Durham, explaining that a family can have up to three outsiders without being classified as a lodging and rooming house. However, if the occupants are all unrelated, the limit is four before it becomes classified as lodging and rooming, which changes the occupancy rules and requirements. The speaker also discussed how the fire code allows for up to 16 occupants in a lodging house with proper suppression systems.
HB457: Unidentified Speaker, Durham Information Only03:26:06.520 - 12:23:37 PM; The speaker responded to a question about why fire safety requirements differ for unrelated individuals versus families. The explanation given was that the code assumes families look out for each other more than unrelated tenants with separate leases, but the speaker acknowledged that the code's annex, which discusses this, is not enforceable. The speaker also noted that the fire code's language separates occupants based on whether they are related or not, but does not clarify scenarios with a single lease for unrelated individuals.
HB457: Unidentified Speaker, Durham Information Only03:29:58.319 - 12:27:29 PM; The speaker addressed a question regarding disabled individuals living together, explaining that the ordinance would apply if they were full-time college students within designated zones, but not if they were outside these zones or not full-time students. The speaker clarified that the ordinance aims to preserve neighborhoods by limiting student rentals to specific areas, noting that student behavior often differs from non-student residents and can impact neighborhood quality of life.
HB457: Unidentified Speaker, Durham Information Only03:36:11.840 - 12:33:42 PM; The speaker responded to concerns about discrimination against students, emphasizing that the ordinance aims to manage the impact of student behavior on neighborhoods rather than discriminate. The speaker noted that Durham enforces noise, trash, and other ordinances to ensure coexistence but highlighted that most complaints arise from student rentals. The speaker also explained the challenges of balancing student housing with workforce housing, given the high demand for student rentals, and discussed the town's efforts to align the ordinance with fire codes to avoid discrimination issues previously ruled upon by the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
HB457: Unidentified Speaker, Durham Oppose03:48:00.680 - 12:45:31 PM; The speaker opposed HB457, stating that it would undermine the new ordinance in Durham. The new ordinance was designed to manage student housing more effectively without infringing on legal boundaries related to familial status and student discrimination. The speaker argued that the bill would remove restrictions on where undergraduate students could live, which could negatively impact the town's efforts to manage student behavior and preserve neighborhood quality of life.
HB457: Gibbs, Durham Information Only03:48:58.479 - 12:46:29 PM; Gibbs from Durham shared insights based on personal experience and his work at the New Hampshire Human Rights Commission. He discussed how noise issues in housing are often attributed to students but highlighted that domestic disputes can be more disruptive, mentioning incidents of loud arguments and physical altercations. He clarified that most police calls in Durham relate to student parties rather than domestic issues. Gibbs also responded to questions about the University of New Hampshire's (UNH) housing situation, noting that the requirement for freshmen and sophomores to live on campus has led to a softening in the off-campus rental market. He addressed the difference in health and safety between family units and undergraduate student housing, pointing out that family members are more likely to look out for each other in emergencies compared to unrelated individuals.
HB457: Jeff Berlin, Durham Support03:56:12.040 - 12:53:43 PM; Jeff Berlin, a landlord from Durham, introduced himself and explained that he had previously introduced a related bill, HB1281, with bipartisan support. He argued that local zoning actions in Durham were a response to their efforts last year and criticized these as discriminatory and restrictive. Berlin used a map to illustrate how zoning regulations push students into less desirable areas, specifically industrial zones, and highlighted the potential for increased housing supply if the bill were passed. He emphasized the need for equitable housing and warned against confusing the issue with fire safety concerns, advocating for the bill to help create workforce housing by allowing students to move into currently restricted areas.
HB457: Stephen Kimble, Durham Support04:04:21.239 - 1:01:52 PM; Stephen Kimble, a private citizen from Durham, spoke about his family's long history of property ownership in the town and their tradition of providing housing flexibility. He expressed concerns over zoning ordinances that he believes discriminate against students by segregating them into different parts of town. Kimble argued that such ordinances violate the equal protection under the law as per the 14th Amendment. He criticized the use of the U.S. Department of Education's definition of a student to justify different zoning rules, suggesting that similar definitions used for other groups would be seen as offensive. He also questioned the effectiveness of incorporating state fire code into the zoning ordinance as a remedy, suggesting that the bill's language should be used to prevent discrimination based on educational or familial status.
HB457: Representative Reed Information Only04:09:08.720 - 1:06:39 PM; Representative Reed attempted to ask Stephen Kimble about problematic behaviors targeted by zoning regulations but lost his train of thought and did not complete the question. The session moved on without further discussion on this point.
HB457: Bro Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose04:10:03.880 - 1:07:34 PM; Bro Dees, representing the New Hampshire Municipal Association, opposed House Bill 457, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between regular dwelling units and congregate living situations. He explained that municipalities have an interest in regulating congregate living due to health, safety, and general welfare concerns, particularly in zoning districts designed over decades with specific infrastructure capacities in mind. Dees highlighted the potential issues with waste disposal, parking, and traffic that arise from converting a regular dwelling to congregate housing, which he described as a change of use requiring a variance in some municipalities. He stressed the need for zoning regulations to prevent ordinance violations and to ensure that congregate living situations are appropriately located within communities to minimize negative impacts on abutters and the community at large.
HB457: Representative Miles Information Only04:14:45.279 - 1:12:16 PM; Representative Miles asked Bro Dees about the reasonableness of setting a limit of two people per bedroom, regardless of their familial status. Dees responded by explaining that municipalities face constitutional issues when trying to regulate occupancy based on family status. He noted that zoning ordinances typically trigger regulations when unrelated parties exceed a certain number, due to different impacts on infrastructure and community welfare.
HB457: Representative Buolo Information Only04:17:01.000 - 1:14:32 PM; Representative Buolo questioned Bro Dees about the New Hampshire Municipal Association's stance on discrimination in zoning, referencing past practices like redlining. Dees clarified that the association does not support discrimination in zoning, emphasizing that regulations are based on the change of use of a dwelling, not the status of its occupants. He argued that different uses, such as converting a home to congregate housing, require different regulatory approaches.
HB457: Representative Gibbs Information Only04:21:55.920 - 1:19:26 PM; Representative Gibbs, the prime sponsor of HB 432, questioned Bro Dees about the classification of recovery homes as congregate housing. Dees confirmed that in some municipal zoning ordinances, recovery homes are categorized as congregate housing, which is regulated differently due to infrastructure and community impact considerations. Gibbs also pointed out a federal definition of congregate housing, which differs from local definitions, but Dees focused on local zoning practices.
HB457: Representative Reed Information Only04:23:55.720 - 1:21:26 PM; Representative Reed challenged Bro Dees on the concept of congregate housing and its potential use as a means of discrimination against certain groups, particularly students. Dees defended the zoning regulations, stating they are about managing different uses and ensuring communities have the infrastructure to support them, not about discriminating against specific groups. He stressed the importance of zoning in managing impacts on neighborhoods and the community.
HB457: Representative Axton Information Only04:30:53.439 - 1:28:24 PM; Representative Axton questioned why existing ordinances on trash collection and maintenance could not adequately address issues in congregate housing. Bro Dees explained that while these ordinances work, congregate housing often leads to more violations due to higher density, which places additional strain on municipal resources. He clarified that it's not about the ordinances not working but about the increased need for enforcement.
HB457: Representative Reinford Information Only04:37:10.039 - 1:34:41 PM; Representative Reinford asked Bro Dees about the enforcement of zoning regulations, specifically who checks the number of occupants in a residence. Dees explained that enforcement typically occurs following complaints, such as issues with parking or occupancy, and involves code enforcement officers or other municipal officials working with property owners to ensure compliance.
HB457: Unknown Speaker Information Only04:40:11.320 - 1:37:42 PM; The speaker discusses the economic impact of universities on local communities, particularly focusing on how universities bring business and revenue. They question if the increased cost of enforcement for noise and garbage ordinances is a fair trade-off for the benefits a university brings to a town. They mention that zoning ordinances, when enforced, are intended to mitigate these issues, and suggest that the revenue generated from businesses frequented by students largely goes to the state, not directly benefiting the town's property tax base. They conclude by noting the challenges towns face with tight budgets and the necessity of enforcing existing ordinances to prevent neighborly conflicts and ordinance violations.
HB457: Patrick Sasso, University of New Hampshire Support04:42:45.000 - 1:40:16 PM; Patrick Sasso, a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire, supports HB457, emphasizing the impact of zoning laws on student housing in Durham. He highlights that the current zoning laws keep rental prices artificially high, with average rents at $2,925 per month, significantly higher than the national average. Sasso argues that HB457 would eliminate outdated rules that restrict the number of unrelated tenants, thus making housing more affordable for students and young professionals. He criticizes the Durham Town Council for opposing the bill, suggesting they prioritize traditional neighborhoods over student needs. Sasso urges the committee to vote OTP (Ought to Pass) on HB457 to fix the housing system and promote fairness and affordability.
HB457: Elliot Boen, UNH Student Support04:44:57.440 - 1:42:28 PM; Elliot Boen, a student at the University of New Hampshire, advocates for HB457, sharing a personal story of a friend, Mark Riggers, who faced housing challenges due to Durham's zoning laws. Boen explains how these laws forced Mark and his friends to abandon their search for affordable off-campus housing, pushing them to stay on campus where costs are higher. Boen argues that these zoning laws artificially restrict housing supply, driving up costs and benefiting wealthy landlords. He criticizes the town's justification for maintaining these laws, stating it's about pushing students out and making housing unaffordable. Boen urges the passage of HB457 to end discrimination against students and promote fairness and affordability in housing.
HB457: Sarah Scott, Americans for Prosperity - New Hampshire Support04:50:24.400 - 1:47:55 PM; Sarah Scott from Americans for Prosperity in New Hampshire supports HB457, arguing that it would prohibit restrictive zoning ordinances that limit the number of occupants and infringe on property owners' rights. She states that these regulations increase housing costs by limiting availability. Scott shares a personal story about her sister, who is struggling to afford rent in New Hampshire due to high housing costs. She believes that easing these restrictions through HB457 would increase housing options and affordability, making the state more attractive to young professionals and college students, thereby stimulating economic growth and community vitality.
HB457: Samuel Hooper, Institute for Justice Support04:52:26.320 - 1:49:57 PM; Samuel Hooper from the Institute for Justice spoke in favor of HB457, humorously referred to as the 'Frat House bill' or 'sitcom bill' due to its potential impact on student housing and its reflection of various American lifestyles as depicted in TV shows. He emphasized the bill's alignment with property rights and free market solutions to the housing crisis, arguing that it would allow people to live as they choose, which could combat loneliness and save money. Hooper discussed legal aspects, citing cases where roommate agreements and definitions of family have been legally challenged, indicating a preference for broader interpretations of family. He also addressed concerns about increased service costs due to density, arguing that denser living arrangements can actually lower costs for utilities and infrastructure by preventing sprawl. Hooper concluded by strongly supporting the bill and offering to answer questions.
HB457: Nick Norman Support04:55:28.240 - 1:52:59 PM; Nick Norman testified in support of HB457, emphasizing the infringement on property rights if unrelated individuals were restricted from renting together. He argued against restrictions based on familial status, highlighting the diverse ways people live today. Norman used the example of allowing eight married couples in a four-bedroom home but not unrelated individuals, questioning the logic behind such distinctions. He suggested that current laws on disturbances and trash should be sufficient to manage any issues, rather than imposing restrictions on living arrangements. Norman concluded by supporting the bill as written and was open to questions.
HB465: Alice Wade, Representative for Ward 2, Strafford County 15 Support04:59:55.040 - 1:57:26 PM; Alice Wade, the prime sponsor of HB465, introduced the bill aimed at improving the Housing Opportunity Zone Program under RSA 79e. She explained that the bill seeks to clarify vague language in the existing program to make it more effective for municipalities to incentivize affordable housing development. The program allows developers to designate units as affordable, freezing property values in exchange for creating affordable housing. Wade highlighted issues with the current program's lack of guidelines on income verification and tenant turnover, proposing a range of options for municipalities to choose from in implementing the program. She also suggested extending eligibility to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to increase the supply of affordable housing. Wade urged the committee to pass HB465 and was open to amendments and questions.
HB465: Nick Taylor, Director of Housing Action New Hampshire Support05:15:14.120 - 2:12:45 PM; Nick Taylor from Housing Action New Hampshire supported HB465, appreciating its intent to improve the Housing Opportunity Zone Program. He addressed questions about income verification, explaining the difference between using HUD's fair market rate and area median income, and supported the flexibility around ADUs without income verification due to the difficulty and cost of such processes. Taylor suggested that the program should focus on the unit price rather than the income of the tenant to avoid disincentivizing work. He clarified that many communities use the community redevelopment section of RSA 79e rather than the Housing Opportunity Zone, which is newer. Taylor concluded by supporting the bill and answering questions.
HB459: Representative Information Only05:36:19.600 - 2:33:50 PM; The representative moved to retain House Bill 459, citing the merits of the bill and the presence of another related bill moving through the legislative process. They expressed interest in seeing both bills considered together by the housing committee. The motion was seconded by Representative Paige and passed unanimously with a vote of 17 to 0.
HB383: Representative Dumont Oppose05:37:59.600 - 2:35:30 PM; Representative Dumont moved to recommend House Bill 383 as inexpedient to legislate (ITL), arguing that the bill gives a small minority a majority say and is unworkable as written. The motion was seconded by Representative Aaron and passed with a vote of 17 to 1, with the bill set to go on the consent calendar.
HB577 2024-0449h: Representative Reed Support05:40:22.320 - 2:37:53 PM; Representative Reed moved to pass House Bill 577 with amendment 2024-0449h, which addresses accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The amendment ensures municipalities cannot restrict ADUs to less than 750 square feet, allows regulation of owner-occupancy, and aims to alleviate the housing crisis. The amendment and the bill as amended were supported and passed unanimously.
HB577 2024-0449h: Representative Cole Support05:40:22.320 - 2:37:53 PM; Representative Cole seconded the motion for amendment 2024-0449h to House Bill 577, supporting the changes that address issues discussed in work sessions and align with existing laws.
HB577 2024-0449h: Representative Buller Support05:41:55.040 - 2:39:26 PM; Representative Buller expressed support for House Bill 577 as amended, noting it's a step in the right direction towards addressing the housing crisis, despite wishing for further action.
HB685 2025-0392h: Representative Support05:43:41.878 - 2:41:12 PM; The representative moved to pass House Bill 685 with amendment 2025-0392h, emphasizing the importance of the bill's definition of manufactured housing as a solution to the housing crisis. The amendment adjusts the effective date, allows more time for municipalities to amend zoning ordinances, and prevents discrimination against manufactured housing. The amendment and the bill as amended were supported and passed with a vote of 17 to 1.
HB685 2025-0392h: Representative Hicks Support05:44:59.680 - 2:42:30 PM; Representative Hicks supported House Bill 685, viewing it as an important step towards changing the narrative around what types of housing are allowed and preferred in New Hampshire neighborhoods.
HB685 2025-0392h: Representative Gibbs Support05:44:59.680 - 2:42:30 PM; Representative Gibbs confirmed the main substantive difference between the amendment and the original bill was the elimination of the reference to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, expressing a preference for not relying on federal government entities.