Bill > SB529

This bill amends the New Hampshire Building Code to require state-funded building projects to give preference to lumber harvested in the United States. Specifically, the bill mandates that material specifications for state-funded buildings prioritize domestically sourced lumber, with an exception allowed when design criteria necessitate using imported materials. For softwood framing lumber, construction drawings and design specifications must reference United States-sourced spruce-pine-fir (SPFs) lumber. The bill recognizes that there might be rare instances where imported lumber is necessary due to specific design requirements. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage, and according to the fiscal note, it does not provide additional funding or authorize new positions. The Department of Administrative Services notes that the bill's potential fiscal impact is indeterminable due to the complex and variable nature of the building industry, which can be influenced by factors like labor costs, market demand, and economic conditions such as interest rates and tariffs.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1325&inflect=2