Bill > HB1477

This bill establishes new regulations for anchored seasonal platforms on public waters in New Hampshire, primarily focusing on permitting and ownership restrictions. The legislation requires that only legal owners of adjacent shorefront property can install and maintain such platforms, with a few exceptions for government agencies and conservation groups. Anyone placing a seasonal platform must obtain a $50 permit from the Division of State Police Marine Patrol, with the fee split equally between the Navigation Safety Fund and the Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund. The bill mandates that platform owners attach their name and contact information to the platform and imposes a $100 fine plus a 20% penalty assessment for noncompliance. Government and conservation platforms performing non-recreational activities are exempt from the permit requirement, provided they meet certain established safety standards. The bill will take effect 60 days after passage, and while it does not provide direct funding, it is expected to require two additional staff positions at the Department of Safety to manage the new permitting system. The goal appears to be regulating the use of seasonal floating platforms to ensure safety, accountability, and proper management of public water resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2127&inflect=2