Committee Summary for House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/14/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1046 00:07:20.319 - 9:06:02 AM	Public Hearing	enabling a person to carry a firearm on a snowmobile being operated on private property.	McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025
HB1088 00:48:38.880 - 9:47:20 AM	Public Hearing	transferring funding for the water well board from the general fund to a special nonlapsing fund.	Donnelly, Tanya(R)[B+]2025
HB1088 00:55:29.599 - 9:54:11 AM	Executive Session	transferring funding for the water well board from the general fund to a special nonlapsing fund.	Donnelly, Tanya(R)[B+]2025
HB1301 01:32:59.360 - 10:31:41 AM	Public Hearing	increasing certain mooring fees and directing such funds to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2025
HB1426 03:04:09.359 - 12:02:51 PM	Public Hearing	requiring the department of environmental services to employ certified personnel in each program area.	Kesselring, Steven(R)[A]2025
HB1440 04:01:23.680 - 1:00:05 PM	Public Hearing	relative to properties enrolled in carbon sequestration programs.	Ouellet, Mike(R)[B]2025
HB1440 05:07:05.200 - 2:05:47 PM	Executive Session	relative to properties enrolled in carbon sequestration programs.	Ouellet, Mike(R)[B]2025
HB1477 05:16:03.840 - 2:14:45 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the permitting and regulation of anchored seasonal floating platforms on public waters.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2025
HB1477 2026-0067h 05:35:09.680 - 2:33:51 PM	Executive Session	relative to the permitting and regulation of anchored seasonal floating platforms on public waters.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2025
HB1530 05:45:20.400 - 2:44:02 PM	Public Hearing	requiring notification of abutters and public review prior to disturbing beaver dams in non-emergency situations.	Colby, Eleana (D)[F]2025

HB1046: Representative McFarland (Sponsor) Support00:07:20.319 - 9:06:02 AM; Introduces HB 1046FN to allow carrying a loaded long gun on a snowmobile on private property with permission. Explains it corrects an anomaly in current law prohibiting loaded long arms on snowmobiles even on private land, without affecting public trails, hunting laws, or possession rules. Recommends removing the final sentence defining 'loaded' to avoid inconsistency with existing statutes. Emphasizes it respects private property, lawful ownership, and winter transportation needs in NH.
HB1046: Representative Gassen, Hillsboro 29th District, Gofftown Support00:18:00.000 - 9:16:42 AM; Supports the bill, surprised it's not already law. Shares experience with a friend using snowmobiles/ATVs to access a private range. Argues for the right to transport firearms loaded on one's own or permitted property without government restrictions on constitutional rights. Notes modern firearms are safe and won't discharge accidentally if maintained. Responds to questions by explaining preferences for loading in controlled environments, especially for tube-fed firearms in cold weather.
HB1046: Captain Eastman, NH Fish and Game Oppose00:21:41.600 - 9:20:23 AM; Testifies on behalf of the Fish and Game Commission opposing the bill for safety reasons. Argues loaded long guns on snowmobiles pose risks, citing hunter safety guidelines and real incidents like an accidental discharge causing injury. Questions the need for chambered rounds when sidearms are allowed and cases exist for safe transport. Suggests requiring written permission, landowner exemptions, or agricultural components to mitigate issues. Raises concerns about landowner liability with implied permission. Clarifies enforcement would treat it like motor vehicle rules but opposes chambered rounds. Notes rare enforcement on private property and no known convictions for landowners.
HB1088: Adam Crapo, NH Department of Environmental Services (with Steve Roy) Support00:48:38.880 - 9:47:20 AM; Introduces the bill requested by DES to create a dedicated fund for the Water Well Board, making it self-sustaining via revised fees. Explains historical general fund subsidization due to insufficient fees; new fee schedule adopted in September ties fees to well construction records ($100 each), expected to generate ~$250k vs. ~$100k expenditure for one position, with surplus for additional support. Highlights benefits to general fund amid revenue shortfalls and ensures industry support. Steve Roy clarifies fees shift from licensing to per-record assessment. Addresses fiscal note: surplus stays in fund for future needs like another position for administrative/technical assistance.
HB1088: Committee Vote Vote00:55:29.599 - 9:54:11 AM; Motion to Ought to Pass HB 1088 FNA made by Representative (unspecified), seconded by Representative McNab. No discussion. Roll call: 12 Yes, 0 No, 4 Absent (Representatives Donnie, Fail, Puko absent; one other). Bill passes unanimously among voters.
HB1301: Representative John T. McDonald, District 6 (Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro) Support01:32:59.360 - 10:31:41 AM; Representative McDonald introduces HB1301, which proposes increasing the mooring fee from $25 to $50, with $25 allocated to the boat safety fund and $25 to the cyanobacteria mitigation fund. He notes that the fee has not changed since the mid-1980s and compares it favorably to coastal mooring costs of $200 for boats under 20 feet and $200 plus $10 per foot over 20 feet. He highlights that this provides a good deal for moorings on New Hampshire's five major lakes plus one other. He answers questions, indicating the intent was for private (non-congregate) moorings but openness to including congregate moorings, and defers on extending fees to all state waters pending input from marine patrol.
HB1301: Norm Royce, Northwood (Northwood Lake resident, past president Northwood Lake Watershed Association, NH Lakes board member) Support01:37:29.600 - 10:36:11 AM; Norm Royce shares his background in aerospace defense, local committees, and lake associations. He discusses the severe impacts of cyanobacteria blooms, including lake closures, high treatment costs (hundreds of thousands for a 600-acre lake like Northwood Lake), and the necessity of watershed management plans for funding eligibility. He describes multiple outbreaks in Northwood's seven lakes, leading to property owners considering selling. As past president, he advocated for warrant articles in three towns for education and prevention, but notes limited funding. He urges support for HB1301 to bolster the cyanobacteria mitigation fund.
HB1301: Andrea Lamaro, President and Policy Advocate, New Hampshire Lakes Support01:40:24.320 - 10:39:06 AM; Andrea Lamaro represents New Hampshire Lakes, a nonprofit for 1,000 lakes, 150 associations, and thousands of individuals. She emphasizes the growing public health, tourism, and property value issues from cyanobacteria. She praises the 2023 establishment of the mitigation fund but notes its near depletion without sustainable funding. HB1301 is seen as a positive step for dedicated revenue, though more sources are needed (references another bill). She provides examples like alum treatment in Lake Winnipesaukee's Lake Waukewan. She supports potentially amending to include congregate moorings but defers to experts, noting a related bill directs congregate fees elsewhere.
HB1301: Amy Smagula, Chief Aquatic Biologist, NH DES Information Only01:44:21.280 - 10:43:03 AM; Amy Smagula provides neutral information on cyanobacteria, noting NH's 1,000 lakes over 10 acres and 18,000 miles of rivers/streams. DES processes 500-600 bloom samples yearly from 60-65 water bodies, with 50% containing toxins, posing risks to health, pets, wildlife, and recreation. Blooms are increasing. She outlines the statewide plan's components, including funding addressed by HB1301. The 2023 fund started with $2 million ($1M legislative + $1M ARPA), supporting 11 projects (2 lake treatments in Lake Winnipesaukee area and Partridge Lake, Littleton; 9 watershed projects statewide, costing $200K-$500K each). Remaining funds: ~$200K. HB1301 could raise $68K-$80K, insufficient for one project but helpful; suggests multifaceted funding including SB 598 (commission) and SB 493 (village districts). Funding can support planning but prioritizes implementation. No known conflicts with other bills on moorings.
HB1301: Tim Dunlevy, Marine Patrol, Department of Safety Information Only01:52:02.960 - 10:50:44 AM; Tim Dunlevy from Marine Patrol and Department of Safety provides neutral information on mooring types and permitting processes. He explains the three classes: public mooring fields (one in the state on Lake Winnipesaukee, requiring facilities and shore access), congregate mooring fields (over four moorings for associations or marinas, approved by Governor and Council after public hearing), and individual moorings (up to four per private resident with adequate frontage, approved by Marine Patrol). He notes the law applies to eight lakes, originally five plus three added via public process: Bow Lake, Pleasant Lake in Northwood, and Ossipee Lake. He mentions a potential amendment for individual moorings, possibly confused with HB1837 FN which increases fees for congregate and public fields by $25, and offers to work on clarifications.
HB1301: Adam Schmidt, Lobbyist for New Hampshire Association of Realtors Support02:00:21.840 - 10:59:03 AM; Adam Schmidt represents the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, who reviewed and support HB1301 as a reasonable proposal. He notes the substantive debate on moorings but adds no new details, aiming to keep testimony brief.
HB1426: Representative Kessle Ring, Hillsboro District 18, Manchester Support03:04:09.359 - 12:02:51 PM; Representative Kessle Ring introduces HB1426, stemming from contractor concerns about DES processes. She collaborated with DES and stakeholders to craft a bill avoiding a large fiscal note, aiming for standardized, licensed workforce in DES to resolve contractor issues like delays and inconsistencies. She notes it's not an immediate mandate and invites DES testimony. She addresses questions on funding (fiscal note $100-500K, but flexible implementation possible without immediate costs), specifics (e.g., asbestos certification gaps causing confusion with federal regs), and vagueness (suggests tying to DES-managed licensing programs).
HB1426: Ricardo Nunes, Environmental Consultant, Lowell, MA Support03:09:35.279 - 12:08:17 PM; Ricardo Nunes, an asbestos consultant licensed in four New England states, testifies on recent DES policy changes without notice, causing delays and costs. He details a Manchester school sewage leak project where DES rejected his work plan three times, demanding full containment, site inspections by uncertified staff (violating federal regs requiring certification for containment entry), and extra notifications, delaying cleanup by weeks and adding costs. He emphasizes federal mandates for least burdensome methods and notes DES's lack of certification leads to improper decisions, shifting liability. He supports certification to align DES with contractor standards.
HB1426: Michael Mazaglia, Owner, Alpha Asbestos Abatement and Alpha Environmental Services, Manchester, NH Support03:16:55.600 - 12:15:37 PM; Michael Mazaglia, with 48+ years in asbestos abatement and licensed in multiple states, supports HB1426 to require DES certification. He recounts history of advisory committees for discussing regs, his role in past changes for competent inspections, and issues with uncertified DES staff overriding certified plans, increasing costs (e.g., $15K extra for a Manchester school project via unnecessary full containment and inspections). He criticizes backwards NH rules forcing sampling over PACM assumptions, ignoring stricter federal OSHA/EPA standards, and lack of communication (e.g., ignored notifications due to 'wet signature' rules). He advocates reinstating advisory committees, adjusting rulemaking, and requiring certifications (initial $550, annual $150) like industry standards to ensure knowledgeable oversight, reduce liability, and follow least burdensome methods. He notes DES staff's limited experience (e.g., 'pump jockeys') can't challenge experts, opening liability doors.
HB1426: Adam Krapo, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Environmental Services Information Only03:36:24.800 - 12:35:06 PM; Adam Krapo provided information on HB1426 without taking a position. He explained that the bill's language requires DES to include certifications in preferred qualifications for hiring, not as requirements, and suggested clarifying the wording. He noted the bill applies to all DES programs, not just asbestos, potentially requiring certifications for hundreds of roles like wetland scientists or engineers, which is not feasible. He discussed the fiscal note based on certifying staff in multiple categories, especially in asbestos with eight certifications for three field staff. He praised the sponsor's responsiveness and suggested changes like specifying regulated programs, making certifications preferred qualifications, clarifying fees, and removing 'on call' requirements due to cost and practicality issues. He recommended a clear directive on applicable programs and offered to assist the committee.
HB1426: Ray Walters, Field Operations Manager, Air Resource Division, DES Information Only03:44:58.319 - 12:43:40 PM; Ray Walters provided details on the asbestos program, stating DES handles about 1,800 notifications per year for abatement, demolitions, and revisions. Last year, with full staffing including a dedicated inspector, complaint manager, supervisor, licensing person, and asbestos in schools person, they conducted 205 inspections. Inspections are prioritized based on project size, prior enforcement issues, schools, municipal buildings, or multifamily housing.
HB1426: Adam Krapo, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Environmental Services (continued) Information Only03:47:03.279 - 12:45:45 PM; In response to questions, Krapo clarified that DES inspectors enter work sites routinely to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, disagreeing with contractor claims of restricted access. He explained the asbestos advisory committee was repealed in 2010 under former RSA 141-E and would not oppose reinstating it if the industry desires, as DES seeks feedback through JLCAR rulemaking, surveys, customer service mechanisms, and environmental councils. He noted high positive ratings from feedback and ongoing improvements. Regarding plan reviews, DES staff have extensive experience but are not officially certified to avoid self-licensing conflicts; however, they could pursue training without certification.
HB1426: Mike Fitzgerald, Assistant Director, Air Division, DES Information Only03:51:18.800 - 12:50:00 PM; Mike Fitzgerald described prior stakeholder processes before rulemakings, which were adjusted after a legislative audit to comply with state rules, avoiding voting-like activities. DES now conducts outreach, shares information, and follows public hearing processes through JLCAR. He emphasized incorporating stakeholder input within legal bounds.
HB1440: Representative Willlette, Prime Sponsor Support04:01:23.680 - 1:00:05 PM; Representative Willlette introduced HB1440, which requires lands enrolled in carbon sequestration programs to submit management plans to the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands and Fish and Game. He emphasized balancing landowner rights with public interest in wildlife safety, noting that commercial logging supports wildlife while mature forests in sequestration programs may reduce understory growth, potentially increasing fire risks. He cited examples from northern unincorporated townships already using similar plans and noted only about 10 properties affected currently. He argued the wildlife belongs to the public and plans are a small inconvenience to protect resources, urging support.
HB1440: Tom Christensen and Jenny Christensen, Owners, High Ridge Tree Farm, Limerick and Greenfield, NH Oppose04:06:26.399 - 1:05:08 PM; Tom and Jenny Christensen, operating a 700-acre certified tree farm since 1972, opposed HB1440, arguing it removes management decisions from owners and gives them to the state, infringing on property rights. They have managed without state input from DNR or Fish and Game, recently updating a 107-page plan addressing wood, water, wildlife, and recreation to comply with tree farm and current use programs, allowing public access. They noted the bill conflicts with last year's HB123 commission studying carbon sequestration and endangers the current use program vital for open space.
HB1440: Jeff Kums, Licensed Forester, Owner, Chakor Forestlands, Sandwich, NH Oppose04:09:57.920 - 1:08:39 PM; Jeff Kums, managing 12,000 acres for 42 years and enrolled in a carbon program, opposed HB1440 as an infringement on property rights and unnecessary overreach. He maintains extensive management plans with best practices for wildlife, harvesting 3,000 cords annually matching growth, keeping taxes unaffected. Enrollment requires forest certification ensuring wildlife management, and the land is open for public uses; additional regulation adds expense without need.
HB1440: Chris Fe, Public Affairs Manager, Weyerhaeuser, Member of Carbon Sequestration Program Study Commission Oppose04:13:47.680 - 1:12:29 PM; Chris Fe testified for Weyerhaeuser, owning 24,000 acres in Coos County, managed sustainably under SFI standards with conservation easements, supporting industry, wildlife, water, carbon storage, and recreation including trails. Though not in NH carbon projects, their Maine project maintains benefits like habitat and economy. HB1440 is unnecessary as registries require science-based sustainable management, and current laws protect sites; it infringes rights by state oversight, causing inflexibility. He urged letting the HB123 commission complete its work, noting the moratorium concession, and recommended inexpedient to legislate.
HB1440: Tom Thompson, Representative, Thompson Family Tree Farm, Orford and Wentworth, NH Oppose04:20:27.040 - 1:19:09 PM; Tom Thompson, owning 2,400 acres for 68 years as a certified tree farm with awards, opposed HB1440 for infringing property rights by requiring state-approved plans and inspections like Massachusetts' forest practices act. He opens land for public uses without compensation. Management plans meet family goals considering health, habitat, etc., but not state mandates. NH's modest regulations protect environment without dictating management; the bill expands state power over private carbon contracts, similar to easements or timber sales. He paid significant taxes and fees, urging to kill the bill to avoid 'mass upping' NH.
HB1440: Scott Reneer, Licensed Forester, Resident of Errol, NH Oppose04:26:29.359 - 1:25:11 PM; Scott Reneer, a licensed forester for 25 years, opposed HB1440 as a major property rights infringement establishing NH's first forest practices act, formalizing informal northern landowner collaborations. Maine's act is costly with 15+ staff and unintended consequences like high-grading forests. Clients trust foresters for multi-use plans including carbon; added bureaucracy is unnecessary. Let the HB123 commission study; end the bill.
HB1440: Nick Kraoff, Senior Attorney, Conservation Law Foundation Oppose04:29:38.479 - 1:28:20 PM; Nick Kraoff opposed HB1440 as unnecessary, interfering with private carbon agreements via onerous requirements like state inspections, opposite to 'live free or die.' No similar burdens for other land uses, illogical for programs preventing conversion or enhancing resilience. HB123 commission should study; urged inexpedient to legislate. In questions, he noted no state review mechanism for contract conflicts but registrations exist, and the vague bill could void existing agreements.
HB1440: Ron Clamarzek, Consultant Forester from Rumney and Hooksett Oppose04:34:14.480 - 1:32:56 PM; Ron Clamarzek, a consultant forester and part-owner of a company based in Rumney with an office in Hooksett, and a special deputy forest fire warden, testified in opposition to HB1440. He expressed concerns about the rigidity of forest management plan requirements, sharing an experience where a state agency delayed a timber harvest due to a strict interpretation of the plan's timeline, nearly causing the logger to abandon the project. He emphasized that forest management must be flexible to accommodate unpredictable events like seed years, weather disasters such as ice storms or blowdowns, sudden changes in landowner circumstances like health issues, market shifts (e.g., decline in biomass energy), and property sales. He noted that strict enforcement could hinder quick responses to salvage timber and that anti-wildlife measures are sometimes necessary for agricultural or timber growth, but overall, professional foresters and loggers handle plans adequately without state oversight. He fears 'big brother' intervention would complicate adjustments, especially during major events like the 1998 ice storm, and urged opposition to preserve flexibility.
HB1440: Jason Stock, Executive Director, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association Oppose04:41:09.040 - 1:39:51 PM; Jason Stock testified on behalf of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association in opposition to HB1440, also submitting testimony from Rob Johnson of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation opposing the bill. He highlighted technical issues, such as placing land management provisions in a tax statute (RSA79) without addressing taxation, and definitional problems. He argued that HB1440 represents New Hampshire's first Forest Practices Act, infringing on private property rights by mandating state oversight of management plans for landowners entering carbon contracts. Drawing from experiences in neighboring states like Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts, he warned of increased costs, reduced land value, and a 'slippery slope' toward excessive regulation, potentially leading to subdivision or conversion of forest land. He praised New Hampshire's current approach of reasonable regulations, taxes, markets, best management practices (BMPs), and forester licensing, which trusts landowners. Referencing 'Good Forestry in the Granite State,' he noted that management plans already incorporate wildlife diversity and that carbon programs can coexist with active management. He addressed the bill's genesis in concerns over the Connecticut Lakes project, asserting existing mechanisms suffice, and cited statistics showing 35% of forest land (nearly 1 million acres) already under stewardship plans including wildlife. He urged ITL, calling it an unnecessary infringement.
HB1440: Matt Ley, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Oppose04:56:37.840 - 1:55:19 PM; Matt Ley, from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, a private nonprofit owning 66,000 acres statewide, opposed HB1440. He provided written testimony and an article from their quarterly magazine about enrolling some lands in a forest carbon program last year. He supported the study commission on carbon markets, deeming the bill premature after only a few meetings. He viewed carbon markets as a revenue tool to help landowners manage forests, emphasizing that the biggest threat to forest health is permanent conversion to non-forest uses. Additional restrictions could discourage forest retention, making management harder and prompting other land decisions.
HB1440: Jim O'Brien, Deputy State Director, The Nature Conservancy Oppose04:59:33.600 - 1:58:15 PM; Jim O'Brien, Deputy State Director of The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire, a science-based nonprofit focused on conserving biodiversity and maintaining intact forests for wildlife and human benefits, opposed HB1440 for reasons stated by prior speakers. He affirmed that carbon sequestration works as trees absorb carbon, but noted the bill's real issue is landowner rights to enter contracts without state intervention. Regarding carbon markets' effectiveness for global goals, he described it as complex with pros and cons depending on structure, offering to provide research. He viewed carbon markets as one tool among many for healthy forests, not a silver bullet.
HB1440: Dan Burgon, Chief of Wildlife Division, New Hampshire Fish and Game Oppose05:02:28.958 - 2:01:10 PM; Dan Burgon, Chief of the Wildlife Division at New Hampshire Fish and Game, represented the department and commission in opposition to HB1440. As a called-out agency, he highlighted it as an unfunded mandate amid budget constraints, potentially requiring new staff for plan reviews and inspections—resources better allocated to larger threats like forest conversion to development. He clarified misconceptions that carbon programs halt all cutting; they allow management compatible with habitat diversity. The bill would create inconsistent regulations across land uses (e.g., old growth vs. clearcuts), both potentially beneficial or not for wildlife, yet only carbon enrollees face mandates. Fish and Game prefers cooperative work with landowners, noting carbon programs are not a major wildlife threat, and diverse habitats can be achieved through varied practices.
HB1440: Committee Motion by Representative Darby Vote05:07:05.200 - 2:05:47 PM; The committee opened an executive session on HB1440. Representative Darby moved for ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate), seconded by another member. Darby spoke, acknowledging interest in promoting lumbering but criticizing the bill for infringing on property rights amid strong opposition. Another representative noted that enrolled landowners already prioritize wildlife, rendering the bill unnecessary. The motion passed 12-0, with several members voting yes and some absent. Discussion followed on the fiscal note exceeding $10,000, preventing consent calendar placement, but the committee agreed to mark it for consent, deferring to higher authority.
HB1477: Representative John T. McDonald, NH House District 6 (Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro) Support05:16:03.840 - 2:14:45 PM; Representative McDonald introduced the bill, explaining it aims to raise funds for the Marine Patrol and the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund by imposing a permit fee on anchored seasonal floating platforms such as swim platforms, inflatable devices, rafts, and similar items on New Hampshire's public waters. He noted that after filing, he received concerns from seacoast commercial businesses about oyster and clam operations, leading to an amendment exempting aquaculture and commercial shellfish storage. He estimated 2,000 to 3,000 such devices on lakes like Winnipesaukee, providing a revenue source to address cyanobacteria issues.
HB1477: Representative Bridal Information Only05:18:17.920 - 2:16:59 PM; Representative Bridal asked the sponsor about the amendment exempting shellfish operations, inquiring if concerns were addressed and if the language was shared for feedback. The sponsor confirmed receiving input from an oyster business representative and noted the amendment was received that day.
HB1477: Representative Darby Information Only05:19:10.320 - 2:17:52 PM; Representative Darby sought clarification on the enforcement mechanism for checking permits on platforms. The sponsor deferred to Marine Patrol, suggesting patrols would handle it.
HB1477: Representative (unidentified) Information Only05:20:11.680 - 2:18:53 PM; The representative asked how visibility of registration (e.g., numbers or stickers) would be ensured for rafts. The sponsor suggested incorporating a mooring sticker approach.
HB1477: Royce Northwood, Northwood (representing himself) Support05:20:11.680 - 2:18:53 PM; Mr. Northwood supported the bill for providing additional funds to the underfunded cyanobacteria mitigation fund, emphasizing that even small amounts help. He highlighted the effectiveness of watershed management plans in preventing cyanobacteria, noting one Northwood lake with such a plan has had no events. He mentioned local efforts like septic ordinances to address root causes and urged support for the bill.
HB1477: Andrea Lamro, President and Policy Advocate, New Hampshire Lakes Support05:22:32.000 - 2:21:14 PM; Ms. Lamro spoke in support, representing 150 lake associations that largely back the bill. She reiterated the need for more funding for the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund to prevent and remediate blooms, which pose public health, property value, and tourism issues. She confirmed support for the aquaculture exemption amendment after discussing with the sponsor.
HB1477: Captain Tim Dunlevy, NH Department of Safety, State Police Marine Patrol Unit Information Only05:24:17.440 - 2:22:59 PM; Captain Dunlevy provided informational background without taking a position. He described the evolution of anchored seasonal platforms from simple rafts to modern inflatables like trampolines and climbing walls, which are popular but regulated for safety (name/address, reflectors, no encroachment, water depth). He noted the fiscal impact, comparing to 5,500 annual mooring permits managed by one full-time clerk, and acknowledged unknown enforcement needs but existing departmental authority. He suggested stickers like those for moorings for visibility and compliance, described enforcement as light-handed (warnings first), and explained reactive responses to placement complaints due to self-policing by property owners. He confirmed the amendment language was developed with Fish and Game to cover seacoast floats.
HB1477: Representative Taylor Information Only05:27:30.000 - 2:26:12 PM; Representative Taylor asked about considering a two-year sticker to reduce administrative burden, and later inquired about typical enforcement, whether patrols target every float, and if it creates pretext for other arrests. Captain Dunlevy responded that multi-year options could be explored via rulemaking, and enforcement mirrors moorings—rainy day perimeter checks with warnings for compliance rather than citations.
HB1477: Representative Darby Information Only05:31:31.680 - 2:30:13 PM; Representative Darby questioned current review processes for platform placement (depth, non-encroachment) without registration, noting the bill's amendment adding penalties. Captain Dunlevy explained enforcement is reactive to complaints, with education on safe depths (e.g., 8 feet), and self-policing by passionate property owners; proactive enforcement is limited without permits.
HB1477 2026-0067h: Committee (Motion by Representative Darby) Vote05:35:09.680 - 2:33:51 PM; The committee informally agreed no opposition to the bill as amended. Representative Darby moved 'ought to pass,' seconded by Representative Dupont. Darby then moved to amend with 2026-0067h, exempting aquaculture and commercial shellfish storage, addressing seacoast fishermen and Fish and Game concerns. The amendment passed unanimously by voice vote (all present yes, some absent).
HB1477 2026-0067h: Representative Darby Support05:39:51.520 - 2:38:33 PM; Representative Darby supports the amendment and Ought to Pass as Amended (OTPA) motion for HB1477FN. She emphasizes the importance of funding the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant program, as cyanobacteria affects many lakes and lake communities need assistance. She notes that the fee will help offset expenses for the Department of Safety. Additionally, she highlights that inflatable devices and floats on public waters infringe on public use without cost, unlike docks, boats, and watercraft which require registration. She argues that waterfront property owners should pay this minimal fee for using public waters, especially given the large size of some devices observed on Lake Winnipesaukee.
HB1530: Representative Elena Colby (Bow and Dunbarton, Hopkinton, Merrimack County District 9) Support05:45:20.400 - 2:44:02 PM; Representative Colby presents HB1530 in response to local landowner rights issues. Property owners purchase land near beaver-created ponds expecting stable water levels, but sudden draining by neighbors leads to decaying fish, odors, health hazards, mosquito breeding, loss of groundwater for wells, reduced home values, and impacts on quality of life. The bill requires notification to shared owners and filing intent with the municipal conservation commission (or governing body if none exists) for an informational meeting to discuss scope, impacts, and best practices for wildlife management. This promotes transparency, reduces calls to DES and Fish & Game, saves resources, and allows emergencies to proceed without notice. An amendment exempts state-managed land to avoid costs and interference with Fish & Game work. She provides packet materials including a sample shared impoundment diagram, process outline, and bill intent summary. She is open to amendments addressing concerns like covert clearing under RSA 236:13.
HB1530: Representative Wendy Thomas Support05:53:00.000 - 2:51:42 PM; Representative Thomas supports HB1530 for promoting transparency, community involvement, protecting shared resources and ecosystems, and strengthening local accountability. She identifies a grammatical typo on page 1, line 21, suggesting insertion of 'as well as' after 'located' to clarify notification of abutters. She has no other issues with the bill.
HB1530: Barbara Richter (Executive Director, New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions) Support05:58:49.520 - 2:57:31 PM; Barbara Richter supports HB1530 to ensure impacted landowners are notified and can discuss concerns before beaver dam removal. It provides transparency by requiring notification to local governing bodies and conservation commissions. Beavers benefit landscapes by creating wetlands that filter stormwater, remove contaminants, recharge groundwater, and mitigate floods/droughts. The bill ensures abutters are part of discussions on beaver control in watersheds.
HB1530: Sandra Christelle (Bow Conservation Commission) Support06:02:06.480 - 3:00:48 PM; Sandra Christelle supports HB1530, emphasizing property expectations of stability and the need for notification in projects affecting wetlands, as required for state permits. Beaver ponds extend across properties, so advanced notice and informational meetings are essential to consider alternatives and minimize impacts. Beavers are keystone species creating valuable wildlife habitat, providing drought/flood protection, and water quality benefits; dam removal threatens endangered/threatened turtles like Blanding's and spotted turtles in Bow. The bill allows evaluation of non-lethal options like flow devices, though poor designs require maintenance. She suggests defining 'significantly lowering' by season (worse in fall/winter) and depth (>1 foot). Resources include experts like Skip Lyall and grants from NH Animal Rights League and Beaver Institute. Notification ensures shared resource users can offer options to protect their property enjoyment.
HB1530: Dan Bergeron (Chief of Wildlife Division, New Hampshire Fish and Game) Oppose06:08:41.200 - 3:07:23 PM; Dan Bergeron opposes HB1530 due to concerns about including state property beaver impoundments, but notes an amendment exempting state land addresses this, allowing flexibility for wildlife management where beavers create habitat but may conflict with other species. Another concern is potential requirement for staff presence at meetings, straining limited resources; the bill's language on providing advice aligns with current statute (RSA 210:9), and written advice upon request would suffice. They receive frequent controversial calls about changes to impoundments and work holistically with landowners on options like flow devices, dam removal, and trapping. Permits for dam removal are rare, needed only if machinery enters wetlands, and most actions are allowed without permits. Beavers' unique ecology impacts large areas unlike other species.
HB1530: Jason Stork (New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association) Oppose06:16:34.080 - 3:15:16 PM; Jason Stork opposes HB1530, citing burdens on landowners managing large properties where beavers damage trees, flood roads, and plug culverts, necessitating quick action to protect assets. Beaver ponds are ephemeral, naturally coming and going to create meadows and other habitats; sympathy for neighbors but recognition of beaver ecology. Concerns include: equating culvert clearing (simple, required for flood prevention) with dam removal without clear thresholds for 'significantly lowering' water (e.g., 6 inches vs. 3 feet), triggering notifications and hearings; 30-45 day delays harming timber operations where beavers act quickly; expansive impoundment definition including connected wetlands; unclear 'publicly owned' impoundment (e.g., touching public roads or great ponds); flow devices exempt only from hearings but not notifications; forcing conservation commission involvement in private neighbor discussions, adding bureaucracy and costs for large landowners who already communicate. Suggests neighbors talk directly; bill assumes tax map presence but beavers change landscapes rapidly.

Harb, Robert(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Taylor, Brian(Clerk)(R)[C]2025	Dunn, Ron(V Chairman)(R)[A]2025
Buco, Thomas(D)[D]2025	Vail, Suzanne(D)[CT]2025	Gould, Linda(R)[B+]2025
Tremblay, Marc(R)	Ryan, Linda(D)[D-]2025	Darby, Will(D)[CT]2025
Donnelly, Tanya(R)[B+]2025	Knab, Allison(D)[CT]2025	Sargent, Gregory(D)[D-]2025
Baldwin, Heather(D)[F]2025	Dupont, Pierre(R)[B]2025	Davis, Arnold(R)[B+]2025
Bridle, Nicholas(R)[C]2025