Bill > HB501

This bill establishes new municipal authority regarding 5G wireless facilities, allowing towns and cities in New Hampshire to deny the construction, deployment, or operation of 5G towers within their jurisdictions. Under the proposed law, municipalities must provide a detailed written explanation for any denial, which can be based on considerations such as public health, safety, welfare, environmental impacts, and consistency with local zoning ordinances. The bill requires that municipal decisions be made in accordance with state and federal laws and must be supported by substantial evidence. Municipalities can create local regulations to implement these provisions, though such regulations must remain consistent with broader state and federal laws. If a 5G tower applicant is denied, they retain the right to appeal the municipality's decision through established legal procedures. The bill repeals the previous chapter governing personal wireless service facilities and will take effect 60 days after its passage. Fiscally, the legislation is expected to have minimal impact, with estimated costs of less than $10,000 annually from 2025 to 2028.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0506&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB501