Bill > HB339

This bill modifies the existing law regarding municipal master plans by adding two new optional sections that local planning boards can include. The first new section requires identifying and addressing agricultural land preservation and the importance of food production enterprises, which means local governments can now explicitly plan for protecting farmland and supporting local agricultural businesses in their comprehensive community development strategies. The second new section provides flexibility for planning boards to add any other relevant topic that is not already specifically listed in the master plan requirements, allowing for more comprehensive and locally tailored planning approaches. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving municipalities time to prepare and potentially update their existing master plans to incorporate these new optional sections. This legislative change recognizes the importance of agriculture in local community development and provides planning boards with greater latitude to address unique local needs and priorities.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0647&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB339