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SB 163 · 2025 · Senate · Commerce Committee

Repealing building permit moratoria authority

AI-generated

(New Title) repealing the temporary moratoria and limitation on building permits and the approval of subdivisions and site plans.

Repeals the authority of local legislative bodies to adopt ordinances establishing temporary moratoria and limitations on building permits and the approval of subdivisions and site plans.AI-generated

Status

Died on the table in the House · June 5, 2025
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✕House
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill prohibits municipalities from adopting new ordinances, regulations, or policies that establish moratoria or limitations on building permits or approvals for subdivisions and site plans, and repeals existing authority for temporary moratoria or limitations.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Howard PearlRPrimeChair· Executive Departments and Administration
  • Sen. Timothy LangRMajority Whip
  • Sen. Keith MurphyRDeputy President Pro Tempore
  • Sen. Daniel InnisRChair· Commerce
  • Rep. Juliet Harvey-BoliaRDeputy Majority Floor Leader
  • Rep. Michael MoffettRChair· State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
  • Rep. Joe AlexanderRChair· Housing

Also: Sen. David WattersD, Sen. Tim McGoughR, Rep. Jonathan MortonR

Public testimony

43 signed in online · 19 wrote testimony

19% support81% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I support this bill. 84/163/281/282/170 Indeed, I support all these bills. Charles Marohn and StrongTowns capture the essence of individual property rights with a community perspective. His most recent book on the Housing Crisis is apropos, I will not quote here.…”
— tom luther, claremontsupports
“I submit my opposition to this Bill on behalf of the Wolfeboro Board of Selectman. It takes away local control.”
— John MacDonald, Wolfeboro · Rep. Carroll Dist. 6opposes
“SB163 A town must maintain control over a decision for a moratorium or limitation on building permits and approvals for subdivisions and site plans. The local control must be maintained for the town.”
— Carol Schutte, Hampton Fallsopposes
“I OPPOSE this bill. Will these mandates actually encourage the building of affordable housing? How will the proposals be interpreted and implemented at the local level? Will costly lawsuits follow? Will the values and vision of voters in our local communities be disregarded?…”
— Susan Porcelli, Hampton Fallsopposes

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-03-049:30 amSenate CommerceSH 100Public hearing
  • 2025-04-1510:00 amHouse HousingLOB 302-304Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-05-0610:00 amHouse HousingLOB 305Public hearingrescheduled

Legislative history

  1. Jan 9, 2025SenIntroduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Commerce; SJ 3
  2. Mar 4, 2025SenHearing: 03/04/2025, Room 100, SH, 11:30 am; SC 11
  3. Mar 20, 2025Sen: Ought to Pass, 03/20/2025, Vote 4-2; SC 13
  4. Mar 20, 2025SenSen. Pearl Floor Amendment # 2025-0910s, AA, VV; 03/20/2025; SJ 8
  5. Mar 20, 2025SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2025-0910s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/20/2025; SJ 8
  6. Mar 27, 2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Housing HJ 11 P. 111
  7. Apr 15, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 04/15/2025 11:30 am LOB 302-304
  8. May 6, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 05/06/2025 10:00 am LOB 305
  9. May 6, 2025House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-1950h (NT) 05/06/2025 (Vote 17-0; RC) HC 27 P. 22
  10. Jun 5, 2025HouseLay SB163 on Table (Rep. Alexander Jr.): MA VV 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 156
  11. Dec 17, 2025HouseDied on Table, Session ended 12/17/2025 HJ 18

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.