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Bill > SB592
NH SB592
NH SB592Enabling regional, conservation, and energy resource planning for habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors and creating a commission to study transferring ownership of the Winnipesaukee River Basin program to an alternative authority.
summary
Introduced
11/25/2025
11/25/2025
In Committee
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill: I. Enables regional, conservation, and energy resource planning for habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors. II. Creates a commission to study transferring ownership of the Winnipesaukee River Basin program to an alternative authority. III. Creates the position of director of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program within the department of environmental services.
AI Summary
This bill aims to enhance regional planning for conservation and energy resources by including "habitat strongholds" (areas crucial for wildlife survival) and "wildlife corridors" (natural pathways connecting these strongholds) in the planning processes of local conservation commissions and regional planning commissions, ensuring these vital ecological areas are considered in land use and development plans without directly dictating municipal zoning. Additionally, it establishes a new position, the Director of the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program (WRBP), within the Department of Environmental Services to oversee the program's operations, and creates a commission to study the feasibility and logistics of transferring the WRBP's ownership or operation to an alternative authority, with the commission tasked to report its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (9)
David Watters (D)*,
Debra Altschiller (D),
Kevin Avard (R),
Regina Birdsell (R),
Peter Bixby (D),
Cathryn Harvey (D),
Mike Ouellet (R),
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D),
Cindy Rosenwald (D),
Last Action
Introduced (in recess of) 02/19/2026 and referred to Resources, Recreation and Development House Journal 5 (on 02/26/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1373&inflect=2 |
| BillText | https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2026&txtFormat=html&v=SA&id=1373 |
| BillText | https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2026&id=1373&txtFormat=html |
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