Committee Summary for House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/28/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1046 2026-0131h 00:13:09.360 - 9:09:16 AM	Executive Session	enabling a person to carry a firearm on a snowmobile being operated on private property.	McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025
HB1301 2026-0181h 00:21:53.679 - 9:18:00 AM	Executive Session	increasing certain mooring fees and directing such funds to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2025
HB1426 2026-0333h 00:27:20.000 - 9:23:27 AM	Executive Session	requiring the department of environmental services to employ certified personnel in each program area.	Kesselring, Steven(R)[A]2025
HB1530 00:30:50.399 - 9:26:57 AM	Executive Session	requiring notification of abutters and public review prior to disturbing beaver dams in non-emergency situations.	Colby, Eleana (D)[F]2025
HB1626 00:35:10.000 - 9:31:17 AM	Executive Session	relative to the effectiveness of tourism expenditures.	Wherry, Robert(R)[A-]2025
HB1655 2026-0170h 00:37:33.359 - 9:33:40 AM	Executive Session	establishing a funding source for maintaining state owned dams.	Darby, Will(D)[CT]2025
HB1664 00:44:49.520 - 9:40:56 AM	Executive Session	directing the department of natural and cultural resources to remove the Hannah Duston Memorial in Boscawen.	Nagel, David(R)[C]2025
HB11768 2026-0358h 00:51:52.800 - 9:47:59 AM	Executive Session	relative to free day use admission and metered parking at state parks for all honorably discharged state resident veterans	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB11837 00:59:36.720 - 9:55:43 AM	Executive Session	relative to the New Hampshire Marine Patrol	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB1837 2026-0332h 01:00:22.960 - 9:56:29 AM	Executive Session	relative to the New Hampshire marine patrol.	MacDonald, John(R)[B+]2025
HB1397 03:09:00.000 - 12:05:07 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the notice to abutters for the intent to cut.	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D-]2025
HB1397 03:23:33.359 - 12:19:40 PM	Executive Session	relative to the notice to abutters for the intent to cut.	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D-]2025
HB1414 03:34:39.040 - 12:30:46 PM	Public Hearing	relative to establishing conditions for dog access to state parks.	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025
HB1425 04:09:11.359 - 1:05:18 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the development of an online wetlands permit processing system.	Donnelly, Tanya(R)[B+]2025
HB1783 05:04:43.920 - 2:00:50 PM	Public Hearing	relative to benefits issued to certain water-related infrastructure projects.	Muns, Chris(D)[CT]2025

HB1046 2026-0131h: Representative Dupont Support00:13:09.360 - 9:09:16 AM; Moved ought to pass and supported the amendment, arguing it upholds second amendment rights and that safety is an individual responsibility, comparing to lack of helmet laws.
HB1046 2026-0131h: Representative Deon Information Only00:13:09.360 - 9:09:16 AM; Moved to introduce amendment 2026-0131h.
HB1046 2026-0131h: Representative Trembley Oppose00:14:00.000 - 9:10:07 AM; Seconded the amendment but spoke against it, noting it conflicts with fair chase hunting principles under statute 207:7 and is unnecessary as Fish and Game would defer to motor vehicle statutes.
HB1046 2026-0131h: Representative Davis Support00:15:16.959 - 9:11:23 AM; Supported the amendment despite personal reservations about safety, stating it is not the legislator's role to infringe on second amendment rights.
HB1046 2026-0131h: Representative Nab Oppose00:18:05.760 - 9:14:12 AM; Opposed the ought to pass as amended motion, advocating for interim study due to safety concerns, unresolved landowner liability, and opposition from the Fish and Game Commission.
HB1046 2026-0131h: Representative Vale Oppose00:19:09.200 - 9:15:16 AM; Opposed the motion, echoing concerns about public safety, accidental discharge risks on mixed-use trails, and suggesting involvement from other committees like Fish and Game and Criminal Justice.
HB1046 2026-0131h: Representative Dupont Support00:20:20.240 - 9:16:27 AM; Defended the bill, emphasizing it applies only to private property and individual choice in safety.
HB1301 2026-0181h: Representative Darby Support00:21:53.679 - 9:18:00 AM; Moved ought to pass and introduced amendment 2026-0181h to include public and congregate moorings in the $25 fee increase, estimating additional revenue for the cyanobacteria fund, noting fees unchanged since the 1980s.
HB1301 2026-0181h: Representative Sergeant Vote00:25:37.679 - 9:21:44 AM; Moves to pass as amended. States that a $25 increase for mooring fees is appropriate to help fight cyanobacteria on lakes.
HB1301 2026-0181h: Representative Sergeant Vote00:26:30.320 - 9:22:37 AM; Roll call vote on motion to pass as amended: 16 yes votes.
HB1426 2026-0333h: Representative Dupont Information Only00:27:20.000 - 9:23:27 AM; Introduces amendment written by DES for clarity after meeting with DES and prime sponsor.
HB1426 2026-0333h: Representative Dupont Vote00:28:14.640 - 9:24:21 AM; Roll call vote on amendment: 16 yes votes.
HB1426 2026-0333h: Representative Dupont Vote00:29:43.440 - 9:25:50 AM; Moves to pass as amended. Roll call vote: 16 yes votes.
HB1530: Representative Donnelly Oppose00:30:50.399 - 9:26:57 AM; Moves to ITL, citing testimony on how the bill could hinder protection of roadways and infrastructure during logging seasons due to 30-day delays, and beavers not aligning with industry timelines.
HB1530: Representative Darby Oppose00:31:48.799 - 9:27:55 AM; Votes against ITL and urges committee to discuss amendment that addresses concerns like fiscal note, public hearings when abutters agree, and definitions.
HB1530: Representative Nab Oppose00:31:48.799 - 9:27:55 AM; Votes against ITL, recognizes concerns with the bill but notes amendment changes could help, and it's a real issue needing further work.
HB1530: Committee Clerk Vote00:32:57.200 - 9:29:04 AM; Roll call vote on ITL: 9 yes, 7 no.
HB1626: Representative Ryan Oppose00:35:10.000 - 9:31:17 AM; Moves to ITL, stating agencies are already doing this and it's a duplication of effort.
HB1626: Representative Darby Oppose00:36:04.640 - 9:32:11 AM; Urges ITL, notes annual tourism reports and ROI estimates already produced, suggesting incorporation into reports without additional legislation.
HB1626: Committee Clerk Vote00:36:04.640 - 9:32:11 AM; Roll call vote on ITL: 16 yes to 0 no. Agrees to put on consent calendar.
HB1655 2026-0170h: Representative Darby Support00:37:33.359 - 9:33:40 AM; Moves to Ought to Pass and introduces amendment to fix drafting errors identified by DES. Notes additional changes from DRA can be addressed later.
HB1655 2026-0170h: Representative Davis Vote00:38:32.400 - 9:34:39 AM; Roll call vote on amendment: Majority yes, with some no votes (e.g., Davis, Donnelly, Trimley, Sergeant).
HB1655 2026-0170h: Representative Dunn Support00:40:44.160 - 9:36:51 AM; Moved ought to pass as amended. Explained the serious peril of dams, needing $300 million for high hazard dams and $16 million annually for maintenance, but only receiving $7.5 million. The bill imposes a small annual fee on waterfront property owners who benefit from dams to help fund repairs, getting halfway to needed funds. Urged passage to take another step toward dam safety.
HB1655 2026-0170h: Representative Sergeant Oppose00:43:12.560 - 9:39:19 AM; Argued that a little bit here and there won't solve a $410 million problem. The bill is unfair to waterfront owners on dam-created lakes, singling them out for a state responsibility. It imposes $100/year on waterfront access properties and $50 on deeded water rights, with interest and liens for non-payment, adding a targeted tax on top of property taxes for state-owned infrastructure.
HB1664: Representative Donnelly Oppose00:44:49.520 - 9:40:56 AM; Moved inexpedient to legislate (ITL). Referenced a 2016 study committee report (HB 1397) with a 23-page outline. Boscawen selectperson testified they've implemented many suggestions, and more could be done. Urged the town to manage additional items and work with the community on the statue and Hannah Dustin's history, noting empowerment as a woman but different context from the 1600s.
HB1664: Representative Darby Oppose00:47:18.000 - 9:43:25 AM; Agreed the bill in current form should not pass. Reviewed the prior report which focused on improving the memorial into a multi-use historic park. Noted the amendment discussed in hearing aims for contextualizing relations between European colonists and natives, ramifications of manifest destiny. Urged voting against ITL to introduce amendment for a different commission outcome.
HB1664: Representative Nab Oppose00:48:40.480 - 9:44:47 AM; Concurred with Representative Darby. Does not support removing the statue but believes greater context is needed at the site. Shares concerns about too many study committees but worries nothing will progress without one. Urged voting against ITL to introduce a separate amendment.
HB1664: Representative Bale Oppose00:49:40.640 - 9:45:47 AM; Echoed colleagues. Heard during hearings that work was productive and collaborative. The fact that prior work was not fully completed shows need for more discussion to create greater context as Representative Nab described.
HB11768 2026-0358h: Representative Bridle Support00:51:52.800 - 9:47:59 AM; Moved to introduce amendment 2026-0358h. Explained it clarifies language at state parks' request to avoid superfluous verification of veteran status by using New Hampshire veterans plates for access. Did not remove other language from the public hearing version.
HB11768 2026-0358h: Representative Dunn Support00:53:04.319 - 9:49:11 AM; Moved ought to pass as amended. The bill honors New Hampshire veterans with free parking at state parks. The amendment streamlines gifts and donation process, removing red tape for veterans organizations, advocacy groups, and partners to contribute, with state parks control and executive council oversight.
HB11768 2026-0358h: Representative Nab Support00:55:16.079 - 9:51:23 AM; Recognizes the bill's importance for veterans but has concerns about fiscal aspects, executive council control, and state agencies fundraising potentially getting murky. Believes it's for fiscal/finance committee to decide. Supports moving forward to recognize veterans.
HB11768 2026-0358h: Representative Darby Support00:56:31.359 - 9:52:38 AM; Echoed colleague's concerns on revenue loss for self-funded parks department. Finds amendment creative to supplement funds. In NH, everyone contributes; it's a good step. Noted parks have difficulty receiving donations due to low executive council cap ($2500), discouraging business contributions which are protected speech. Hopes for broader review of constraints.
HB11768 2026-0358h: Representative Vale Support00:57:44.319 - 9:53:51 AM; The bill with amendment addresses state park self-funding and donation issues. From experience on Cannon Mountain Commission and state parks advisory, collecting fees and accepting donations is difficult without legislative/executive hurdles. Businesses and public want to participate; example of ski shop near Sunapee. Opens important conversation on easing participation.
HB11837: Representative Darby Support00:59:36.720 - 9:55:43 AM; Moved ought to pass on HB 11837-FN.
HB1837 2026-0332h: Representative Darby Support01:00:22.960 - 9:56:29 AM; Moved to introduce amendment 2026-0332h, which removes duplicate reference to mooring fees from RSA 270:67 already specified in RSA 270:62 for clarification, and changes effective date to upon passage as requested by Department of Safety Marine Patrol to resolve current issues. Urged support for the bill as amended, noting it addresses public issues like court appearances for fines, fines for passengers on gunwales instead of operators, and cleans up outdated language on safety courses, requested by Marine Patrol.
HB1837 2026-0332h: Representative Sergeant Support01:00:22.960 - 9:56:29 AM; Seconded the motion to introduce the amendment.
HB1837 2026-0332h: Chair Information Only01:01:12.720 - 9:57:19 AM; Called for discussion on the amendment and proceeded to roll call vote, which passed unanimously 16-0.
HB1837 2026-0332h: Committee Members (Dunn, Ghoul, Davis, Donnie, Bridle, Dupont, Clerk, Tremley, Nab, Vale, Baldwin, Darby, Ryan, Jack, Sergeant, Chairman) Vote01:01:12.720 - 9:57:19 AM; Voted yes on the amendment.
HB1837 2026-0332h: Representative Darby Support01:02:39.359 - 9:58:46 AM; Moved to pass HB 1837 as amended.
HB1837 2026-0332h: Representative Sergeant Support01:02:39.359 - 9:58:46 AM; Seconded the motion to pass as amended.
HB1837 2026-0332h: Chair Information Only01:04:02.880 - 10:00:09 AM; Proceeded to roll call vote on Ought to Pass as Amended, which passed 16-0. Closed executive session on HB 1837-FN.
HB1837 2026-0332h: Committee Members (Dunn, G, Davis, Donnelly, Bridle, Dupont, Clerk, Tremley, Nab, Vale, Baldwin, Derby, Ryan, BU Jack, Sergeant, Chairman) Vote01:04:02.880 - 10:00:09 AM; Voted yes on Ought to Pass as Amended.
HB1397: Representative Ron Dunn, Londonderry Information Only03:09:00.000 - 12:05:07 PM; Opened the bill for discussion in place of the prime sponsor.
HB1397: Rob Johnson, New Hampshire Farm Bureau Federation Oppose03:09:53.680 - 12:06:00 PM; Opposed the bill, stating intent to cut is a tax document that should remain as such. Commercial tree cutting should not require neighbor notification, though communication with neighbors is recommended.
HB1397: Ron Clamarzik, consultant forester from Keene Oppose03:11:31.840 - 12:07:38 PM; Opposed due to logging's importance as a statewide industry providing income to landowners and towns. Timing is critical due to weather, equipment, road postings, market fluctuations, and small town administrative delays. Notifying all abutters is impractical, especially for large woodlots spanning towns; suggests notifying only directly impacted abutters. A 30-day wait could delay operations into mud season, hurting landowners' rights and income, and the state's timber industry. Landowners pay taxes and have rights to harvest.
HB1397: Jason Stock, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association Oppose03:15:50.800 - 12:11:57 PM; Opposed as an unnecessary requirement; intent to cut is already public at selectmen's meetings. Neighbors can attend or review agendas and minutes for notice. The bill adds a conflicting 30-day review period to the existing 15-day process, serving no purpose.
HB1397: Matt Ley, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests Oppose03:18:44.720 - 12:14:51 PM; Opposed, noting the organization manages 70,000 acres and conducts timber harvests while notifying neighbors and offering tours. The bill misunderstands intent to cut as a tax administration tool, not for public comment; a 30-day period confuses its purpose.
HB1397: Patrick Hackley, Director, DNC Division of Forests and Lands Information Only03:20:26.720 - 12:16:33 PM; Provided written testimony reiterating concerns about timing delays from a 30-day notice, which could prevent projects. State policy notifies abutters with advance planning, but private owners lack that luxury. Agency mission encourages forest retention via tax policies that don't burden management; no official position but highlights public benefits of forests.
HB1397: Representative Bridle Oppose03:23:33.359 - 12:19:40 PM; Moved Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) based on overwhelming opposition from testimony.
HB1397: Representative Davis Oppose03:23:33.359 - 12:19:40 PM; Seconded the ITL motion.
HB1397: Chair Information Only03:23:33.359 - 12:19:40 PM; Opened executive session, called for roll on ITL motion, which passed 15-0 with one not voting; placed on consent calendar. Closed executive session.
HB1397: Committee Members (Dunn, G, Davis, Donnelly, Bridle, Dupont, Clerk, Tremley, Nap, Vale, Baldwin, Derby, Ryan, Sergeant, Chairman) Vote03:23:33.359 - 12:19:40 PM; Voted yes on ITL.
HB1414: Representative Papa Vichi Mueller Support03:34:39.040 - 12:30:46 PM; Sponsored the bill to allow dogs in all state parks if under control (on 6-foot leash, presumed controlled unless otherwise). Permits reasonable restrictions in sensitive areas like beaches, swimming zones, environmentally sensitive spots, and events, but prohibits year-round or seasonal bans on entire parks without justification. Addresses concerns from bans impacting wildlife or dogs by noting leashed dogs mitigate risks. Bill is bipartisan with Republican and Democratic sponsors. Responded to questions on enforcement, specific parks (e.g., Monadnock, Hampton Beach, Rhododendron), comparisons to other rules, and potential conflicts in language, offering to amend for clarity.
HB1414: Representative (unidentified, possibly Tupp) Oppose03:40:54.319 - 12:37:01 PM; Expressed doubts about the bill due to experiences with unleashed dogs on trails and potential issues in crowded parks like beaches and picnic areas with leashed dogs causing accidents or discomfort.
HB1414: Representative Ryan Information Only03:42:58.160 - 12:39:05 PM; Questioned the number of parks banning dogs (noted four permanent bans and seasonal restrictions).
HB1414: Representative Nab Information Only03:46:13.040 - 12:42:20 PM; Raised concerns about people uncomfortable with dogs, citing a relative's dog attack, and the need to consider non-dog owners.
HB1414: Representative Darby Information Only03:49:13.520 - 12:45:20 PM; Questioned application to specific parks like Hampton Beach (seasonal ban) and Rhododendron State Park (narrow trails), and potential conflicts with bill language.
HB1414: Representative Bridal Information Only03:52:20.319 - 12:48:27 PM; Asked how the bill compares to National Forest rules on dogs.
HB1414: Representative Vale Information Only03:53:19.760 - 12:49:26 PM; Inquired if the sponsor worked with state parks on the bill language.
HB1414: Chair (Representative Harb or Harper) Information Only03:55:38.640 - 12:51:45 PM; Raised concerns about potential conflicts in sections 1 and 4 of the bill and vagueness on control methods.
HB1425: Representative Tangi Donnelly, Salem, NH Support04:09:11.359 - 1:05:18 PM; Representative Donnelly introduced the bill, explaining it was requested by DES to expedite the permitting process through online systems and to update language allowing other organizations, not just one specific one, to participate. She noted a minor grammatical amendment needed on page one, line 27, changing 'or' to 'and', and deferred to DES for detailed clarification.
HB1425: Darlene Forst, Wetlands Bureau Administrator, NH DES Support04:11:19.439 - 1:07:26 PM; Darlene Forst summarized the bill's purposes: streamlining processes for online permitting by eliminating redundant minimum impact expedited processes in favor of the simpler PBN process, and adding rulemaking authority for adaptive permitting in disaster recovery situations to provide flexibility for towns seeking FEMA funds. She addressed the grammatical error on line 27, confirming it should be 'and' to require sign-off from both conservation commissions and local river advisory committees where applicable. She explained the fiscal note likely covers rulemaking costs, the rationale for removing the New Hampshire Rivers Council due to jurisdictional issues, and detailed RSA 482-A:11 on conservation commission intervention rights. Forst also discussed the transition to fully online e-permitting within 4-5 years to eliminate paper across DES programs, and clarified emergency definitions for imminent public health risks versus immediate risks.
HB1425: Representative Dunn, Londonderry, NH Information Only04:37:08.879 - 1:33:15 PM; Representative Dunn announced the withdrawal of HB1476, stating that after discussions with DES, they presented a satisfactory program for low-income waterline extensions, satisfying both him and the co-sponsor. He confirmed the bill is withdrawn as no report has been filed.
HB1783: Representative Chris Muns, Hampton, NH Support05:04:43.920 - 2:00:50 PM; Representative Muns introduced HB1783FN, emphasizing the housing crisis in New Hampshire with a need for 60,000 additional units by 2030. He explained that the bill promotes innovative water and wastewater solutions to enable more residential units, especially in rural areas without municipal systems. These innovations could include regional collaborations or smaller-scale systems for developments. He referenced DES Commissioner Scott's letter and expressed flexibility to amend the bill, such as removing references to smaller lot sizes and incorporating DES expertise. The bill offers priority grants, expedited approvals, and exemptions for qualifying projects, plus directs DES to develop statewide or regional water use standards to standardize permitting and reduce costs. Muns urged passage to address housing needs.
HB1783: Philip Trobridge and Brandon Kernan, NH DES Information Only05:20:45.360 - 2:16:52 PM; Philip Trobridge, manager of the land resources program, and Brandon Kernan, administrator of the drinking water bureau at NH DES, testified on HB1783FN. They support increasing housing density and innovation but highlighted physical limits like wastewater capacity and soil constraints for septics. DES already promotes innovations through existing rules, grants prioritizing housing champions, expedited reviews for workforce housing, and subsurface system standards. They noted challenges in implementing the bill's vague criteria for 'innovative' systems allowing smaller lots and suggested aligning definitions with statutes. Kernan discussed investments in addressing PFAS contamination by extending municipal water lines, consolidating small systems, and conducting regional water supply studies to ensure future capacity. They emphasized ongoing efforts like waterline mapping and interconnecting systems, stating the bill aligns with but is not necessary for their policies, as DES is already addressing housing challenges without needing a legislative mandate.

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