Committee Summary for House Resources, Recreation and Development (03/25/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB450 00:06:51.988 - 8:35:23 AM	Public Hearing	relative to a state parks pass pilot program for recovery centers and community mental health centers.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB503 00:36:51.988 - 9:05:23 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the use of spruce-pine-fir lumber.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB522 01:15:00.000 - 9:43:32 AM	Public Hearing	re-establishing the commission to study the economic impact of the arts and culture in New Hampshire.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB522 01:34:30.429 - 10:03:02 AM	Executive Session	re-establishing the commission to study the economic impact of the arts and culture in New Hampshire.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB592 01:49:30.429 - 10:18:02 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) enabling regional, conservation, and energy resource planning for habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors and creating a commission to study transferring ownership of the Winnipesaukee River Basin program to an alternative authority.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB594 02:19:30.429 - 10:48:02 AM	Public Hearing	eliminating the use of agitators in instances where temporary docks have been removed from bodies of water.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB594 02:30:00.000 - 10:58:32 AM	Executive Session	eliminating the use of agitators in instances where temporary docks have been removed from bodies of water.	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025
SB503 2026-1277H 03:43:40.586 - 12:12:12 PM	Executive Session	relative to the use of spruce-pine-fir lumber.	Rochefort, David(R)[B-]2025
SB592 2026-1277H 03:50:00.000 - 12:18:32 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) enabling regional, conservation, and energy resource planning for habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors and creating a commission to study transferring ownership of the Winnipesaukee River Basin program to an alternative authority.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB443 03:58:40.586 - 12:27:12 PM	Public Hearing	relative to wastewater engineering.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB443 04:04:42.897 - 12:33:14 PM	Executive Session	relative to wastewater engineering.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025
SB596 04:07:00.000 - 12:35:32 PM	Public Hearing	prohibiting smoking in Hampton Beach State Park.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB596 04:34:42.897 - 1:03:14 PM	Public Hearing	prohibiting smoking in Hampton Beach State Park.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB596 05:10:53.067 - 1:39:25 PM	Executive Session	prohibiting smoking in Hampton Beach State Park.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB598 04:35:00.000 - 1:03:32 PM	Public Hearing	establishing the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund task force.	McConkey, Mark(R)[B]2025
SB598 05:13:00.000 - 1:41:32 PM	Executive Session	establishing the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund task force.	McConkey, Mark(R)[B]2025

SB450: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:06:51.988 - 8:35:23 AM; Senator Waters introduced SB 450FN, highlighting the mental health benefits of outdoor recreation in state parks. The bill establishes a three-year pilot program allowing the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), to provide state park passes to registered community mental health centers. These centers, about 10 in number, serve individuals who may benefit from nature-based interventions to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The program emphasizes flexibility for the commissioner in determining eligible participants, parks, and passes, while collecting anonymized data on usage and outcomes. Funding would come from state and federal grants or private donations, with minimal cost estimated at around $1,000. Waters addressed concerns from the Senate hearing about flexibility and clarified that passes are individual, not covering parking, and modeled after the library pass program.
SB450: Holly Stevens, Director of Public Policy, NAMI New Hampshire Support00:21:51.988 - 8:50:23 AM; Holly Stevens from NAMI New Hampshire testified in favor of SB 450FN, providing data on mental health prevalence in the state: one in five adults and one in six youth experience mental illness annually, affecting 259,000 adults including 66,000 with severe conditions. She cited research showing nature-based activities improve mental health outcomes by reducing depression and anxiety symptoms, and CDC findings on community engagement benefits. The 10 community mental health centers served nearly 54,000 unique individuals in 2024, many on Medicaid or disability with limited funds for park visits. Stevens emphasized the bill's potential positive impact by providing affordable access to parks, supporting those in treatment for mental illness or emotional disorders.
SB503: Representative Arnold Davis, Coos District 2 Support00:36:51.988 - 9:05:23 AM; Representative Davis introduced SB 503 on behalf of Senator Rocheford, clarifying that New Hampshire-grown spruce, pine, and fir (SPFS) lumber can be used where SPF is specified in state building codes. SPFS and SPF are the same species from similar climates, differing only in grading labels. The bill maintains safety standards, allows engineers to require higher strength materials, and permits Canadian SPF use. It promotes fairness for local lumber without weakening standards, benefiting New Hampshire's forest economy, housing affordability, and supply by addressing penalties due to international borders. Applicable only to NH-harvested and milled lumber within the state, using latitude and climate criteria.
SB503: Representative Mike Willett, Colbrook, Coos District 3 Support00:45:00.000 - 9:13:32 AM; Representative Willett supported SB 503, noting Coos County's cold climate comparable to Quebec, with recent heavy snow illustrating conditions. The bill equates New Hampshire SPFS to SPF for building plans, avoiding dual designs while allowing engineers to specify requirements. With 20 sponsors, mostly senators, it has strong backing. He addressed tracking by noting limited spruce mills south of 43°15' latitude, making southern softwood rare and mostly exported.
SB503: Unidentified Speaker, New Hampshire Home Builders Association Support00:51:51.988 - 9:20:23 AM; The speaker, representing New Hampshire's residential building trades, urged passage of SB 503 as a jobs bill to preserve local mills and loggers penalized by SPFS labeling. They described economic impacts like reduced mill operations and workforce layoffs due to architects specifying only SPF, leading to unused NH wood. The bill directs architects and engineers to provide SPFS alternatives using published design values, potentially requiring 15% more lumber but supporting local economy without lowering standards. It applies statewide for NH-harvested lumber, with certificates for verification by inspectors. The speaker advocated for federal changes via US Commerce Department, noting interest from other states, and emphasized consumer options for local materials in housing.
SB503: Mr. Stark, New Hampshire Home Builders Association Support01:06:51.988 - 9:35:23 AM; Mr. Stark continues testimony emphasizing the flexibility of mills to switch species based on market demands, citing examples like Milan Lumber producing spruce pine fir and nearby mills in Berlin handling various hardwoods and pines. He argues against using latitude in the bill to avoid confusion and highlights existing checks and safety factors in the legislation, such as installation values on page 2, lines 7-8, and collaboration with UNH Cooperative Extension to integrate SPFS values into design programs for architects and engineers. He addresses municipal acceptance of native lumber or ALSC grade stamps as proof, explaining the grading process by the Northeast Lumber Manufacturers Association and audits to prevent mixing lumber sources. He concludes that the bill is narrowly focused, includes sufficient precautions, and raises awareness for federal attention without disrupting markets.
SB503: DJ Burke, Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire Support01:12:00.000 - 9:40:32 AM; DJ Burke speaks briefly in support of SB 503, reiterating benefits for New Hampshire jobs, families, and workers as previously stated. He presents a climate zone map showing New Hampshire and southern Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick in the same blue zone, emphasizing that distinctions are man-made rather than natural. He notes the similarity in climate for lumber sourcing from southern Quebec, where most mills and population are located, and provides a reference to the North American climate zone map for further review.
SB522: Representative Willett, representing Senator Rocheford Information Only01:15:00.000 - 9:43:32 AM; Representative Willett introduces SB 522 on behalf of Senator Rocheford, describing it as a clean bill establishing a temporary commission to study the economic impact of arts and culture. The commission will include legislators, state agencies, and stakeholders to examine jobs, local economies, tourism, and development related to arts. It is a short-term effort that sunsets after submitting recommendations to the governor and legislature, aimed at gathering data to inform future policy.
SB522: Mary McLaughlin, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, Bedford Support01:21:51.988 - 9:50:23 AM; Mary McLaughlin, interim board chair of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, testifies in support of SB 522, drawing from her experience on the 2015-2016 study commission. She highlights the arts sector's role in state identity, traditions, and history, serving all 234 cities and towns through libraries, museums, craft fairs, theaters, and programs for veterans and seniors. She emphasizes its importance in rural communities, citing 2024-2025 grants like $6,400 to Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Care for dementia programs, $6,800 to Londonderry Arts Council for concerts, and $5,400 to Keene's Home Healthcare Hospice for music therapy. She notes the recent budget cut's negative impact on tourism, education, and retention of young people, urging support to rebuild investment through economic impact data.
SB522: Committee Discussion and Vote Vote01:34:30.429 - 10:03:02 AM; The committee opens executive session on SB 522. Representative Bridal moves to pass, seconded by Representative Knapp. Discussion includes the need for current data (10 years old), the short timeline allowing completion without permanence, and gratitude for the bill. Representatives Knapp, the chair, and Vail speak in support. The vote is 15-0 in favor on ought to pass, placed on consent. A report is requested by Friday. Further discussion on adding a repeal clause post-November 1, 2026, deadline, with Senator Waters agreeing to address it, possibly via amendment or floor amendment.
SB592: Matt Mayberry, New Hampshire Home Builders Association Support01:49:30.429 - 10:18:02 AM; Matt Mayberry, CEO of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, supports SB 592 as amended, particularly page 1, lines 13-16, for meeting housing needs through data collection. He emphasizes the importance of information for regional planning without weaponizing it to halt residential development, urging the committee to retain the language despite potential opposition.
SB592: Ted Dears, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Information Only01:52:00.000 - 10:20:32 AM; Ted Dears, assistant director of the Water Division at DES, provides information on the Winnipesaukee River Basin program (WRBP), the only state-run wastewater treatment plant serving multiple communities nationwide, serving 15,000 people on Lake Winnipesaukee's southern end for 45 years without state funding—solely by user communities. He supports reviewing transfer to a regional authority for efficiency, given state procurement challenges, and creating an unclassified position for expert oversight, funded by communities, to aid operations, maintenance, and potential transition. He clarifies funding via statutory buckets, supervision under DES, and regulatory conflicts, encouraging plant tours during Water Week.
SB592: Jason Stock, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association Support02:04:30.429 - 10:33:02 AM; Jason Stock, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, supports SB 592, noting it aligns with the wildlife action plan by providing informational data on habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors. He endorses page 1, lines 13-16, to prevent use for overlay districts or regulations impacting timber management, clarifying its role in conservation commission duties under RSA 36A:2 for inventory without broader zoning implications.
SB592: Brody Deshane, New Hampshire Municipal Association Oppose02:10:00.000 - 10:38:32 AM; Brody Deshane represents the New Hampshire Municipal Association, opposing SB 592 due to page 1, lines 13-16, which prohibit using habitat strongholds and wildlife corridor data for municipal zoning, limiting protection of sensitive areas despite existing authority under RSA 674. He argues the language is vague, unenforceable, misplaced in statute, and counterintuitive to data collection purposes, potentially preventing zoning for conservation or cluster developments while allowing other uses. He suggests alternatives like barring prohibitions on farming or timber solely based on these features, maintaining status quo without mandates, and notes no prior issues with overreach.
SB594: Senator Regina Berset, District 19 (Derry, Hampstead, Windham) Support02:19:30.429 - 10:48:02 AM; Senator Berset introduced SB594FN, initiated by a Windham constituent concerned about a gap in RSA 270. The bill requires removal of agitators from bodies of water under 1000 acres when temporary docks are removed in winter. She described incidents of thin ice caused by agitators, including her constituent's son falling through ice and a drowning in Hampstead potentially related. Marine patrol noted safety hazards from absentee owners. She urged passage without amendments.
SB594: Samantha Parkman, New Hampshire Lakes Support02:25:00.000 - 10:53:32 AM; Samantha Parkman, filling in for Andrea Lamoureux, supported SB594FN. She highlighted hazards to winter recreation on lakes and ecological benefits of natural ice cover, which stabilizes conditions and limits sediment/nutrient disturbance. Reduced ice cover allows sunlight penetration, spurring invasive algal and cyanobacteria blooms. She urged recommendation to pass.
SB594: Representative Darby Vote02:30:00.000 - 10:58:32 AM; Motion for ought to pass on SB594FN.
SB594: Representative Davis Support02:31:00.000 - 10:59:32 AM; Supported the motion, noting agitators cause unsafe ice and ecological damage to lakes when left in water without docks. Amazed it wasn't already in statute, glad for the loophole closure.
SB594: Representative Davis (second) Support02:32:00.000 - 11:00:32 AM; Concurred with Representative Darby.
SB594: Committee Roll Call Vote02:33:00.000 - 11:01:32 AM; Vote on ought to pass: 15-0 in favor. Noted FN but potentially on consent.
SB503 2026-1277H: Representative Davis Vote03:43:40.586 - 12:12:12 PM; Motion for ought to pass on SB503.
SB503 2026-1277H: Representative Darby Vote03:45:00.000 - 12:13:32 PM; Motion to amend with 2026-1277H to remove commission section after report delivery on November 1st, as no repeal clause existed. Senator Waters' colleagues supportive.
SB503 2026-1277H: Committee Roll Call Vote03:47:00.000 - 12:15:32 PM; Vote on amendment: 15-0. Then vote on ought to pass as amended: reported 15-0 on consent, no FN.
SB592 2026-1277H: Representative Darby Vote03:50:00.000 - 12:18:32 PM; Motion for ought to pass on SB592.
SB592 2026-1277H: Representative Darby Support03:51:00.000 - 12:19:32 PM; Moved amendment 2026-1277H. Explained bill's two parts: documenting habitat strongholds/corridors at local/regional commissions, critical for wildlife; and studying transfer of Winnipesaukee River Basin program with unclassified position for transition. Noted agreement on basin program, no zoning concerns as conservation commissions don't zone. Supported overall.
SB592 2026-1277H: Committee Roll Call Vote03:55:00.000 - 12:23:32 PM; Vote on ought to pass as amended: 15-0 on consent, no FN.
SB443: Tracy Wood, New Hampshire DES Information Only03:58:40.586 - 12:27:12 PM; Tracy Wood provided written testimony on SB443 as a cleanup and clarification bill removing outdated language, clarifying DES authority over industrial discharges and sewer connections for consistent administration. Eliminates industrial pretreatment fees, consistent with prior HB2 actions, fixes gaps in authority. Supports municipalities and industry with clear rules, no new burdens or programs. Ensures rulemaking authority for evolving practices. Relevant for modern facilities like digesters and breweries to avoid delays. Streamlines reviews, encourages industry-municipality relations with oversight.
SB443: Representative Daugherty Information Only04:00:00.000 - 12:28:32 PM; Questioned removal of 30-day advance submission in section 1 (RSA 45A:4 VI), how DES reviews plans. Wood explained it's nonsensical for bid periods, defaults to rules with 30-day or less review prior to bidding, not construction.
SB443: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:02:00.000 - 12:30:32 PM; Questioned repeal of sections with fees in section 3 (RSA 45A:4 IX-b, IX-c), potential loss of revenue. Wood noted overlooked in HB2, nuisance fee yielding < $2000 recently, causes confusion on payment, prefers elimination.
SB443: Representative Dupont Vote04:04:42.897 - 12:33:14 PM; Motion for ought to pass on SB443.
SB443: Representative Dupont Support04:05:00.000 - 12:33:32 PM; Described as common sense house cleaning bill.
SB443: Committee Roll Call Vote04:06:00.000 - 12:34:32 PM; Vote on ought to pass: 15-0 on consent.
SB596: Senator Deborah Altschuler, District 24 (Exeter, Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton, Rye, Stratham) Support04:07:00.000 - 12:35:32 PM; Senator Altschuler introduced SB596-FN, prompted by a constituent. Noted existing restrictions at Hampton Beach State Park (no drones, seasonal pet rules, no alcohol/glass/skim boards/snorkeling/dangerous games/deep holes). Aims to change culture re: smoking, as cigarette butts are top litter per cleanups and Blue Ocean Society. No fines/penalties, focuses on education like successful anti-littering/smoking campaigns reducing rates from 42% to 15-18%. DNCR neutral, can absorb implementation (<$10k signage). Hampton Select Board endorses. Park is major revenue driver, not advertised as smoking-friendly. Smoking banned in seashell stage/picnic areas. Passed Senate 5-0 OTP, voice vote floor. Urged OTP.
SB596: Representative Gould Information Only04:12:00.000 - 12:40:32 PM; Asked about smoking rules at Salisbury (MA), Seabrook, Rye beaches.
SB596: Senator Altschuler Information Only04:13:00.000 - 12:41:32 PM; Cannot speak for Salisbury (MA). Hampton Beach State Park/South Beach no smoking in picnic areas but yes on sand. Seabrook not state park. Hampton biggest draw/revenue, recent $19M investments.
SB596: Representative Bridle Information Only04:15:00.000 - 12:43:32 PM; Asked why not all state parks/beaches like North Hampton, Rye.
SB596: Senator Altschuler Information Only04:16:00.000 - 12:44:32 PM; Legislative habit: big changes fail, incremental succeed. Hampton biggest, bridge too far for all now.
SB596: Representative Knabb Information Only04:19:42.897 - 12:48:14 PM; Shared constituent story of discomfort from smokers nearby; law enforcement confirmed allowed.
SB596: Senator Altschuler Information Only04:20:00.000 - 12:48:32 PM; Constituent with 9-year-old faced rude smokers; officer couldn't intervene as allowed. Highlights need for education.
SB596: Unnamed Representative Oppose04:22:00.000 - 12:50:32 PM; Concerns regulatory creep given existing rules; questioned revenue loss from deterring smokers.
SB596: Senator Altschuler Support04:23:00.000 - 12:51:32 PM; Already banned in stage/picnics/pavilions; can smoke on sidewalks/other venues. Not creep, maintains natural resource. No ad as smoke-friendly. DNCR estimated $50k revenue loss but indeterminate, people shift beaches; state doesn't sell cigarettes.
SB596: Unnamed Representative Support04:25:00.000 - 12:53:32 PM; Non-smoking beach attracts families avoiding secondhand smoke. Noted personal behaviors adjusted at beach.
SB596: Senator Altschuler Support04:26:00.000 - 12:54:32 PM; Not surprised; park promotes family events/concerts/fireworks. Aiming for family destination.
SB596: Representative DePort Support04:27:00.000 - 12:55:32 PM; Supports beach ban but not campground (spaced sites, fires/grills). Suggest amend to remove campground.
SB596: Senator Altschuler Information Only04:28:00.000 - 12:56:32 PM; Already non-smoking in pavilion/picnics at campground; no personal fires, use grills.
SB596: Senator Ryan Information Only04:29:00.000 - 12:57:32 PM; Observation: MA bans on state beaches, Rye (town) non-smoking; other NH state beaches allow. Why not all like MA/Wallace Sands.
SB596: Senator Altschuler Support04:30:00.000 - 12:58:32 PM; Agrees ideally, but incremental for success. Hampton flagship, $25M invested, major tourism revenue. Others smaller/not drivers.
SB596: Written Testimony (Blue Sheets and Online) Information Only04:34:42.897 - 1:03:14 PM; Three submissions in favor and one opposed to the bill.
SB596: Representative Donnelly Vote05:10:53.067 - 1:39:25 PM; Motion for ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) on SB 596-FN, seconded by Representative Darby. The motion passes 11-4 with votes: Yes - Dunn, Gould, Davis, Donnelly, Breidle, DuPont, Clerk, Tremblay, Darby, Ryan, Chairman; No - Knapp, Vail, Baldwin, Sergeant.
SB598: Senator McConkie (Sponsor) Support04:35:00.000 - 1:03:32 PM; Introduces SB 598 to establish a task force to identify sustainable funding sources for cyanobacteria mitigation, as current funds are nearly depleted. Highlights previous appropriations and the need for reliable funding. The task force will explore options like voluntary decal programs, license plate decals, reallocating fees, and DOT funds. Aims to report by January 1 next year after summer meetings with stakeholders including departments, lake associations, and others. Responds to questions on timeline for legislation, difference from commissions (task force is short-term), and openness to integration with other committees.
SB598: Amy Smagula, New Hampshire DES Information Only04:49:42.897 - 1:18:14 PM; Provides context on cyanobacteria risks to water bodies statewide, noting 60-70 affected water bodies and over 400 historical bloom incidents across nearly half of NH's 1000 lakes and ponds. Emphasizes the need for diversified funding from state, local, and federal sources. DES takes no position but supports evaluating funding options in the bill. Responds to question on drought impacts, explaining how low water levels concentrate nutrients, increase heat, and favor blooms, worsened by intense rain events causing erosion. Notes blooms can last entire summers, affecting water availability.
SB598: Samantha Parkman, New Hampshire Lakes Support04:56:00.000 - 1:24:32 PM; Represents NH Lakes, a nonprofit for lake health with 150 associations and thousands of members. Notes increasing frequency and severity of cyanobacteria blooms. Praises the fund's support for prevention and mitigation by nonprofits and associations, but highlights its near depletion ($100,000 left). States no single solution exists and supports the bill as a critical step for sustainable funding through stakeholder collaboration on ground and policy levels. Urges committee support.
SB598: Jody Grimbliss, New Hampshire Marine Trades Association Support05:02:00.000 - 1:30:32 PM; Briefly supports the legislation, noting challenges in lake areas like dam and cyanobacteria funding. Appreciates the opportunity to bring stakeholders together and innovative ideas like DOT mitigation funds not previously considered. Acknowledges practical issues with summer meetings for marina members but commits to participation. Responds to question on task force vs. Exotic Weed Committee, praising novel funding ideas beyond traditional boat fees and suggesting collaboration, possibly with overlapping members.
SB598: Representative Donnelly Vote05:13:00.000 - 1:41:32 PM; Motion for OTP (Ought to Pass) on SB 598, seconded by Representative Darby. Speaks as chair of Aquatic Exotic Invasive Species and Weeds Committee, supporting the short-term summer task force for alternative funding ideas beyond taxpayer reliance, to review results. The motion passes 15-0 unanimously.

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