This bill mandates that all state-funded building projects in New Hampshire prioritize lumber sourced from the United States. Specifically, it introduces new paragraphs to RSA 155-A:13, stating that the material specifications for these projects must give preference to U.S.-harvested lumber unless design criteria necessitate the use of imported materials. Additionally, construction drawings or design specifications that utilize softwood framing lumber must reference U.S.-sourced spruce-pine-fir (SPF) lumber.

The bill does not allocate any funding or authorize new positions, and its fiscal impact is deemed indeterminable due to the variable nature of the building industry, which is influenced by factors such as labor costs and market demand. While the current trend shows a decline in framing lumber prices, future demand increases could lead to higher costs for domestic lumber, especially in light of existing tariffs on Canadian lumber. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 155-A:13
SB529 text: 155-A:13