This bill aims to streamline the wetland permitting process for small projects and grants the Department of Environmental Services the authority to establish an alternative adaptive permitting process specifically for emergency situations or natural disasters. Key changes include the amendment of RSA 482-A:11, III, which now allows a municipal conservation commission or a local river management advisory committee to notify the department of their intent to investigate a notice related to wetland applications. The department is required to wait for a report from these entities or for 40 days after the notice is filed before making a decision. Additionally, the bill modifies the timeline for expedited permits, reducing the action limit from 40 days to 21 days and clarifying the notification process.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions under RSA 482-A:11, VI and VI-a, which establish an alternative permitting process for emergency responses, allowing certain activities to commence prior to receiving authorization to protect public safety and property. The language also specifies a permit by notification process for minor projects deemed to have minimal impact. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage, which is August 11, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 482-A:11
As Amended by the House: 482-A:11
Version adopted by both bodies: 482-A:11
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 482-A:11
HB1425 text: 482-A:11