Bill > HB1726

This bill directs state agencies to identify surplus state-owned property that could potentially be used for affordable housing development. Specifically, each state agency must review its property during budget planning and determine which parcels might be suitable for housing, using guidelines developed by the department. Qualified developers can then acquire these properties at below-market rates through a competitive process, with the requirement that at least 20% of the housing units must remain affordable for low- and moderate-income households for a minimum of 20 years. To incentivize participation, agencies that successfully dispose of unused or underutilized property for residential development can retain any revenue or proceeds for an additional budget cycle. The bill also encourages municipal collaboration by prioritizing grant applications from towns that work with state agencies to identify and rezone potential housing sites. The legislation aims to address housing affordability by making more state-owned land available for development, with built-in protections to ensure long-term affordability. The bill will take effect 60 days after passage and is not expected to require significant additional funding, with estimated state expenditures under $100,000 annually.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2070&inflect=2