Bill > SB180

This bill designates Coos County as a "distressed place-based economy," which means recognizing the county's unique economic challenges and creating a tailored approach to economic development. The legislation requires state department commissioners to consult with Coos County government before making regulatory decisions that could impact the county's economy. A "place-based economy" is defined as an economic development strategy that uses a region's specific characteristics to create sustainable growth, focusing on improving quality of life by building on limited local strengths and assets. The bill defines "distressed" as an area with high poverty, unemployment, or population loss. State agencies must now consider the potential economic impacts of their decisions, seek to minimize unintended consequences, and avoid imposing unnecessary burdens on local governments. If a regulatory decision is expected to negatively affect the county's economic development, agencies must provide a clear justification and develop mitigation measures. The legislation does not apply to residential or unrelated regulatory matters and is intended to foster more collaborative and efficient regulatory approaches that support economic revitalization in Coos County. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while it does not provide direct funding, it is expected to potentially increase administrative costs for various state departments as they adapt to the new consultation requirements.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0990&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB180