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HB 1303 · 2026 · House · Municipal and County Government Committee

Zoning ordinances for tree canopy

AI-generated

authorizing municipalities to adopt zoning ordinances related to the protection, management, or replacement of tree canopy.

Authorizes municipalities to adopt zoning ordinances or master plan provisions addressing the protection, management, or replacement of tree canopy.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 5, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill authorizes municipalities to adopt zoning ordinances or master plan provisions addressing the protection, management, or replacement of tree canopy.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced.

“A municipality may, at its discretion, adopt zoning ordinances or master plan provisions providing for the preservation, management, or replacement of tree canopy. Such zoning ordinances or master plan provisions may address the following: (a) Retention of existing trees during development; (b) Replacement or planting requirements where canopy is removed; and (c) Long-term canopy management goals as part of the municipal master plan.”
RSA 674:16-b, I

Enabling language, not a mandate: the three things a town could regulate are listed exactly.AI-generated

“Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any municipality to adopt such ordinances or provisions.”
RSA 674:16-b, II

The sentence written to answer the local-control objection — and the bill was killed anyway.AI-generated

“New Hampshire’s forests and urban trees provide critical benefits, including filtering air and water, intercepting rainfall, and reducing erosion.”
Section 1, I

The findings the bill opens with, tying canopy to water quality rather than to aesthetics.AI-generated

“Municipalities across the state have raised concerns about tree canopy loss and requested clear authority to include canopy preservation provisions in zoning and master planning.”
Section 1, IV

The stated origin of the bill: towns asking the legislature for authority they were not sure they had.AI-generated

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Suzanne VailDPrime
  • Rep. John CloutierDRanking Member· Public Works and Highways
  • Rep. Peter PetrignoDRanking Member· Children and Family Law
  • Rep. Carry SpierDDeputy Ranking Member· Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Also: Rep. Tony CaplanD, Rep. Linda HaskinsD, Rep. Allan HowlandD, Sen. David WattersD, Sen. Debra AltschillerD

Public testimony

63 signed in online · 8 wrote testimony

98% support2% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Good bill. Shade is also really important as summers get hotter.”
— Sharon Racusin, Hanoversupports
“I strongly urge you to support HB 1303. It is a voluntary measure that encourages communities to maintain their tree canopies.…”
— John Walsh, New Londonsupports
“I support HB 1303 because allowing municipalities to adopt ordinances to protect and manage tree canopy helps address heat, flooding, and neighborhood livability.…”
— Hannah Meiselman, Manchestersupports

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Feb 17, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate17–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 5, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 10, 2026Public hearingHouse Municipal and County Government3:16:50–3:18:471m 57slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 17, 2026Public hearingHouse Municipal and County Government1:57:40–2:01:103m 30slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Executive Session
  • Mar 5, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Municipal and County Government HJ 1 P. 14
  2. Feb 10, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/10/2026 11:10 am GP 154
  3. Feb 17, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/17/2026 09:00 am GP 154
  4. Feb 17, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/17/2026 (Vote 17-0; CC) HC 9 P. 22
  5. Mar 5, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 27

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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