The bill, HB 1619, seeks to enhance the rights of property owners in New Hampshire while imposing limitations on municipal land use regulations. It introduces a new chapter, Chapter 674-A, which affirms property owners' rights to freely use their property, set rental prices based on market demand, and develop land with minimal municipal restrictions. The bill emphasizes that municipal zoning should only be as restrictive as necessary for public health and safety, and it prohibits the government from taking property for private use without just compensation. Additionally, it allows property owners to challenge government actions that infringe on their rights and encourages municipalities to pursue market-based housing solutions without relying on public subsidies.

Significantly, the bill repeals the existing Workforce Housing Program and related statutes, removing references to "workforce housing" and establishing the InvestNH Program, which provides grants and loans for housing important for economic development without affordability requirements tied to workforce housing. It amends RSA 12-O:74 to create the New Hampshire Housing Champion Designation and Grant Program Fund, which will continue to fund previously established grant programs. The bill also modifies RSA 78-B:2, XXIII(a)(1)(B)(3) to maintain land use restrictions and rental housing affordability covenants while eliminating multiple sections related to workforce housing initiatives. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-O:70, 12-O:71, 12-O:72, 12-O:73, 12-O:74, 78-B:2, 674:44-i
HB1619 text: 12-O:70, 12-O:71, 12-O:72, 12-O:73, 12-O:74, 78-B:2, 674:44-i