HB604 Relative to a loan forgiveness program for low-income homeowners to build new accessory dwelling units or renovate existing structures into accessory dwelling units.
Relative to a loan forgiveness program for low-income homeowners to build new accessory dwelling units or renovate existing structures into accessory dwelling units.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Mixed
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Low-income homeowners gain access to forgivable loans for ADU construction/renovation, reducing out-of-pocket costs; however, taxpayers must fund a $2.6–$3.2 million appropriation with no identified revenue source.
Your Community
The program increases affordable housing supply and rental options in local communities, addressing housing scarcity, though impact depends on actual uptake and whether the state appropriates funds.
Your Freedom
The bill does not significantly restrict or expand individual rights; it establishes an optional loan program with standard affordability maintenance requirements.
Status
Refer for Interim Study: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 01/07/2026 House Journal 1 P. 73
Sponsor
Jodi Newell (D)
The Short Version
This bill creates a forgivable loan program for low-income homeowners (at or below 80% area median income) to build or renovate accessory dwelling units (ADUs), with loans forgiven if the ADU stays affordable for the loan term. The bill requires $2.6–$3.2 million in funding but provides no money, placing the fiscal burden on the state to appropriate General Fund dollars.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ Lower-income homeowners (household income at or below 80% AMI) seeking to build or renovate ADUs
- ▲ Prospective renters who gain access to affordable ADU housing
- ▲ Communities facing housing shortages
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ New Hampshire taxpayers, who must appropriate $2.6–$3.2 million from General Fund with no identified funding source
- ▼ Homeowners who violate affordability terms must repay the full loan
Bill statuses as of October 7, 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.