Bill > HB422

This bill increases penalties for violations of the Shoreland and Water Quality Protection Act by raising the maximum civil and administrative fines from $5,000 to $15,000 for each violation. Under the proposed changes, the superior court can now levy up to $15,000 for each continuing violation upon petition by the attorney general or municipality, with the power to restrain ongoing violations and require remediation. Similarly, the commissioner can impose administrative fines up to $15,000 for each offense after a notice and hearing. Moreover, the bill introduces a progressive penalty structure where repeat violations can result in fines being multiplied by a factor of 2 for each previous violation committed by the same person or entity. The increased penalties aim to more effectively deter violations of shoreland and water quality regulations, though the exact financial impact is currently indeterminable. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and does not provide additional funding or authorize new positions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0182&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB422