A relatively quiet Friday at the State House, but the outcomes carry some weight. The Senate killed five bills on voice votes, most notably ending a housing incentive program and blocking two local government reform measures. One significant piece of legislation did clear the process entirely: a new law giving electric utilities a cheaper way to finance storm recovery costs.
Signed into Law
- HB 1539: Authorizes electric utilities to issue AAA-rated bonds for storm damage recovery and grid hardening — a financing approach that typically lowers borrowing costs and can reduce the rate impact on customers.
Killed
- HB 1196: Would have preserved the Housing Champion program, which rewarded municipalities that adopted pro-housing zoning policies with state grants. The Senate voted it inexpedient to legislate, eliminating one of the few state-level incentives for towns to allow more housing construction during a period of acute housing shortage.
- HB 1759: Would have established clearer standards for when local land use board members must recuse themselves due to conflicts of interest. Killed by ITL.
- HB 1836: Would have modified how NH enforces its input-based education accountability system, which measures whether schools provide required resources and programs. Killed by ITL.
- HB 1301: Would have increased mooring fees on NH lakes and directed that revenue to fund cyanobacteria (toxic algae bloom) mitigation. Killed by ITL.
- HB 1711: Would have clarified when government entities must comply with local zoning rules when building facilities such as schools or fire stations. Killed by ITL.
To see how your representatives voted, visit nhpolitics.org/find-your-rep.