Bill > HB1619

This bill establishes a new chapter in New Hampshire law focusing on property owners' rights and land use protections, while simultaneously repealing the existing workforce housing program. The bill affirms property owners' fundamental rights to use, develop, rent, and sell their property with minimal government intervention, specifying that municipal zoning and regulations should be limited to protecting public health and safety. Key provisions include allowing property owners to set rental prices based on market demand, develop land for residential or commercial purposes, enter into contracts freely, and challenge government actions that infringe on their property rights. The bill also eliminates previous workforce housing regulations and grant programs, replacing them with an approach that encourages market-based housing solutions. Municipalities are discouraged from providing taxpayer-funded housing subsidies and are instructed to process development permits transparently and efficiently. Notably, the bill includes protections against eminent domain abuse, ensures property owners receive just compensation, and emphasizes that use restrictions should primarily come from voluntary private agreements rather than government mandates. The new law is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, giving municipalities and property owners time to adapt to the changes.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1794&inflect=2