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HB 1397 · 2026 · House · Resources, Recreation and Development Committee

Notice to abutters before tree cutting

AI-generated

relative to the notice to abutters for the intent to cut.

Defines abutter for property taxation purposes and requires municipal officials to notify abutters by verified mail before a cutting operation that may affect their property.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 19, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill adds a definition for abutter to the chapter relative to property taxation and requires municipal officials to send notice to abutters by verified mail where a cutting operation may impact abutters' property.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Jonah WheelerDPrime
  • Rep. Dale GirardRVice Chair· Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy
  • Rep. Jim MaggioreDDeputy Ranking Member· Municipal and County Government
  • Rep. Diane PauerRChair· Municipal and County Government

Also: Rep. Dylan GermanaD, Rep. Henry GiassonR, Sen. Donovan FentonD

Public testimony

8 signed in online · 3 wrote testimony

50% support50% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“If abutters had been notified of an Intent to Cut, a conservation subdivision application submitted to the North Hampton Planning Board would likely have been approved in far less than the 14 months it ultimately required.…”
— Jim Maggiore, North Hamptonsupports
“As the cost is to be born by the property owner/applicant, this is nothing more than a tax on those who are trying to properly manage their forested property.…”
— Simon Berrio, Daltonopposes
“Please see attached letter. Thank you, Ann Davis, forest landowner Wilmot and Springfield”
— Ann Davis, Wilmotopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-281:00 pmHouse Resources, Recreation and DevelopmentGP 228Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Resources, Recreation and Development HJ 1 P. 18
  2. Jan 28, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/28/2026 01:00 pm GP 228
  3. Jan 28, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/28/2026 01:00 pm GP 228
  4. Jan 28, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 01/28/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 7 P. 20
  5. Feb 19, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 31

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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