This bill proposes significant amendments to New Hampshire's laws regarding planning and community development by removing references to the "department of business and economic affairs" and the "office of planning and development," while introducing the "division of planning and community development." Specifically, it deletes the "office of planning and development" from RSA 4-F:1, I(a)(6) and inserts the "department of business and economic affairs." Additionally, RSA 12-O:2 is amended to establish the "division of planning and community development" within the department, enhancing its role in economic development and planning. The bill also modifies RSA 36:45, RSA 36:46, and RSA 36:47 to ensure that regional planning commissions operate under the guidance of this new division, promoting coordinated regional planning to address community needs.

Moreover, SB 502-FN increases the number of public members on the New Hampshire Community Development Advisory Committee from six to seven, requiring that at least four be municipal officials. It mandates that regional development plans be updated every five years and outlines the public hearing process for these plans. The bill also repeals the innovation research center grant program and associated fees, emphasizing local input in public recreation and water management planning. The division of planning and community development is tasked with providing technical assistance to various departments and committees. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-F:1, 12-O:2, 36:45, 36:46, 36:47, 162-L:15, 216-A:3-, 481:3, 483:10, 483-B:5, 483-B:12
SB502 text: 4-F:1, 12-O:2, 12-P:3, 36:45, 36:46, 36:47, 162-L:15, 204-C:8, 216-A:3-c, 481:3, 483:10, 483-B:5, 483-B:12