Bill > HB268

This bill modifies the regulations for hearings conducted by the Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA) in New Hampshire. The legislation provides the board with a dedicated hearing room in Concord and expands flexibility in how and where hearings can be conducted. Specifically, the bill allows parties to participate in just compensation hearings electronically or by telephone, in accordance with the state's open meetings law (RSA 91-A). While hearings were previously required to be held in the county where a declaration was originally filed, the new law permits hearings to be held in Concord if the parties agree or if the board determines there is insufficient space in the county courthouse. This change aims to provide more administrative flexibility and potentially reduce travel and logistical costs for the board. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and is not expected to require additional funding or create new positions. The fiscal note suggests there could be indeterminable decreases in state and local expenditures due to reduced travel and resource requirements, though the exact impact is difficult to quantify given the variability in the number and type of hearings that might be affected.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0352&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB268