Bill > HB272

This bill modifies existing New Hampshire state law to prevent municipalities (towns and cities) from enforcing noise ordinances that would restrict agricultural activities. Specifically, the bill removes language about "quiet hours" and prohibits towns and cities from creating bylaws or ordinances that regulate noise associated with farming and agricultural practices as defined in RSA 21:34-a. The bill does include an important exception: these noise regulation exemptions do not apply to agritourism activities. This means that while routine farm operations like using machinery, livestock management, or other standard agricultural work would be protected from local noise restrictions, tourist-oriented agricultural activities would still be subject to potential municipal noise regulations. The bill will go into effect 60 days after its passage, giving local governments time to adjust their ordinances accordingly. The purpose appears to be protecting farmers' ability to conduct necessary agricultural work without interference from local noise complaints, recognizing the sometimes loud but essential nature of farming operations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0542&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB272