Bill > HB393

This bill expands the legal definition of "mooring" to include additional methods of securing boats in public waters, specifically adding spuds, lifts, and other devices that are integrated into a vessel and used to anchor it to the bottom of the water. The bill prohibits using these integral vessel devices as a substitute for a permitted mooring in waters that require mooring permits. However, the bill provides three key exemptions: commercial barges operating with landowner permission, vessels operated by state/local/federal agencies, and vessels being used for waterborne activities like fishing where the device is used for stabilization. The new law will take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it may have some administrative costs for enforcement, the fiscal note indicates no direct revenue impact. By creating more specific regulations around boat mooring, the bill aims to standardize and control how boats are secured in public waters, ensuring that appropriate permits are obtained and proper anchoring methods are used.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0472&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB393