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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.

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

Hearings

  • 2026-02-109:25 amHouse Municipal and County GovernmentGP 154Public hearing
  • 2026-02-179:00 amHouse Municipal and County GovernmentGP 154Public hearingrescheduled

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.