This bill amends existing zoning laws to prohibit the legislative bodies of cities, towns, village districts, or counties with unincorporated towns or unorganized places from adopting or enforcing ordinances that limit the number of occupants in a dwelling unit to fewer than two occupants per bedroom. Additionally, it restricts these bodies from enacting ordinances based on various criteria, including familial or non-familial relationships, marital status, occupation, employment status, or educational status of the occupants, which encompasses factors such as scholastic enrollment or academic achievement, particularly concerning college students.

The new legal language inserted into RSA 674:16 includes a provision that explicitly states these restrictions on occupancy ordinances, while also clarifying that enforcement of the state building code or state fire code is not affected by this bill. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage, which is September 13, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 674:16
As Amended by the House: 354-A:8
As Amended by the Senate: 674:16
Version adopted by both bodies: 674:16
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 674:16