Bill > HB1603

This bill requires state agencies and municipal officials to provide current and verifiable evidence before imposing land use restrictions related to endangered or threatened species. Specifically, agencies must obtain either written landowner permission or an administrative search warrant before collecting data about species presence. The evidence must include the name and credentials of the observing official or biologist, GPS coordinates of the sighting, and date and time-stamped photographs of the species on the property. The bill aims to protect landowners' rights by preventing agencies from arbitrarily restricting land use without concrete proof of a species' presence. Additionally, the bill prohibits requiring new biodiversity searches as a precondition for land use applications or subsequent approvals. The Fish and Game Department has expressed concerns that implementing these requirements could significantly impede wildlife conservation efforts and potentially cost over $1 million annually, as they would need to create new databases, review existing records, and conduct more frequent wildlife surveys. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage and does not provide additional funding or authorize new positions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2404&inflect=2