This bill aims to enhance the use of New Hampshire-grown spruce-pine-fir (SPF) lumber by amending the state building code to include spruce-pine-fir-south (SPFS) lumber as an equivalent alternative. The legislation recognizes that much of the structural timber harvested in New Hampshire is comparable in quality to Canadian SPF lumber, which is often viewed as superior due to its grading standards. The bill seeks to eliminate the artificial distinction between SPF and SPFS, allowing New Hampshire's native lumber to be accepted in construction projects without the need for re-importation after being graded in Canada.

The new legal language inserted into the law specifies that SPFS lumber harvested and milled in New Hampshire will be accepted wherever SPF is specified, provided it is graded by a permitted grader or an accredited agency. It also outlines that structural design and inspection must utilize the published SPFS design values, and municipalities are required to accept native lumber certificates or ALSC grade stamps as proof of grade. Additionally, the bill allows licensed architects and engineers to specify higher strength materials if necessary, ensuring that safety and structural integrity are maintained. The act will take effect 180 days after its passage.