This bill amends New Hampshire law to allow timber harvested and milled within the state to be graded as spruce-pine-fir (SPF) for use in state building projects, thereby eliminating the current distinction that classifies New Hampshire timber as spruce-pine-fir south (SPFS). The bill recognizes that timber from northern New Hampshire shares similar growth conditions and quality with Canadian SPF timber, which is often preferred in construction. The new legal language inserted into the law specifies that SPFS lumber graded by a permitted grader or an accredited agency will be accepted wherever SPF is specified in the state building code.

Additionally, the bill outlines that structural design and inspection will utilize published SPFS design values, and municipalities must accept either a native lumber certificate or an ALSC grade stamp as proof of grade. It also allows licensed architects and engineers to specify higher strength materials if necessary for safety, while ensuring that the use of SPF lumber graded by an ALSC accredited agency remains permissible. The effective date of the bill is set for 180 days after its passage, which is October 19, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 155-A:13
HB1204 text: 155-A:13