The bill aims to include student housing within the scope of municipal workforce housing regulations. It acknowledges the economic and social benefits that post-secondary educational institutions bring to the state and recognizes the need for a diverse supply of safe and affordable housing for students. To this end, the bill amends RSA 672:1 by inserting a new paragraph (III-g) that emphasizes the importance of establishing student housing that meets the needs of students and is beneficial to certain communities and the state of New Hampshire.

Additionally, the bill establishes a committee to study options for student housing. The committee will consist of one member of the senate and three members of the house of representatives. The duties of the committee include reviewing existing definitions and references in state statute and local zoning and planning, considering the risks and benefits of adopting a universal definition of student housing in New Hampshire, and assessing the current and future impacts of not defining student housing on workforce and other forms of housing. The act's Section 1 will take effect on July 1, 2025, while Section 2, which pertains to the establishment of the committee, will take effect on July 19, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 674:16