This bill amends existing zoning laws to define and regulate child care centers within municipalities. It specifies that municipalities must allow the operation of child care centers by right on commercially zoned land, provided they comply with the licensing requirements set forth by the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill introduces new definitions for various types of child care centers and clarifies that family day care homes are not included in this definition. Additionally, it prohibits municipalities from adopting ordinances that differ from the established requirements of RSA 170-E and related rules, while allowing for some restrictions in industrial zones.

Key changes include the insertion of provisions that allow family and group family child care to operate by right in residential areas without local site plan review, and the stipulation that existing buildings can be converted into child care centers without altering their exterior dimensions. The bill also maintains the authority of municipalities to enforce local site plan reviews for centers exceeding a capacity of 30 children and ensures compliance with state fire, building, and sewage disposal regulations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 674:16
As Amended by the House: 674:16
HB1195 text: 674:16