Bill > HB1285

This bill establishes a multi-agency task force to explore the potential implementation of an R-PACER (Residential Property Assessed Clean Energy or Resiliency) program in New Hampshire, prompted by increasing climate-related flooding risks and the need for innovative funding solutions for property resilience. The task force, comprising leaders from the Business Finance Authority, Housing Finance Authority, Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and Community Development Finance Authority, will comprehensively study the feasibility of such a program by reviewing lessons learned from the existing Commercial PACER program, examining experiences in other states, and investigating critical aspects like consumer protections, lender assessments, underwriting criteria, and contractor oversight. The task force is required to recommend whether New Hampshire should implement an R-PACER program, identify a potential administrative agency, determine necessary statutory and resource requirements, and propose an implementation timeline. The group must submit its findings and recommendations to key state officials by June 30, 2027, with the first task force meeting to occur within 45 days of the bill's effective date. The bill is motivated by climate studies indicating increased rainfall and sea-level rise, and recognizes that government funding alone cannot address all resilience challenges, thus seeking to provide additional tools for homeowners to invest in flood mitigation and property protection.

Business and Industry

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2077&inflect=2