SB529 Giving preference to lumber sourced in the United States on all state-funded building projects.
Giving preference to lumber sourced in the United States on all state-funded building projects.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Concerning
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Buy-American preferences typically increase material costs for government projects. Taxpayers may pay more for state construction, though it supports domestic jobs.
Your Community
Supports NH and American forestry workers and sawmills. New England has significant forestry resources that could benefit from domestic preference policies.
Your Freedom
Government procurement preferences limit purchasing choices on state projects but don't affect private construction decisions.
Status
Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 House Journal 15
Sponsor
David Rochefort (R)
The Short Version
Requires state-funded building projects to give preference to American-sourced lumber. Supports domestic forestry and manufacturing while potentially increasing construction costs.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ American lumber producers and sawmills
- ▲ NH forestry workers
- ▲ Domestic timber industry
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Taxpayers paying potentially higher construction costs
- ▼ State agencies with reduced procurement flexibility
- ▼ Contractors who source materials globally for cost savings
Bill statuses as of May 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.