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HB 1120 · 2026 · House · Housing Committee

Water supply rules for subdivisions

AI-generated

allowing subdivision regulations concerning water supply.

Allows adoption of subdivision regulations requiring water supply studies, determination of adequate water quantity, and minimum on-lot private well testing for subdivisions of 4 or more units, and clarifies the applicant's duty to pay associated costs.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 allows the adoption of subdivision regulations that require water supply studies, determination of adequate water quantity for reasonably anticipated future water uses, and minimum on-lot private well testing requirements for subdivisions of 4 or more units. This bill also clarifies the applicant's duty to pay associated costs.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“Local planning boards may request a water supply study in accordance with local regulations to ensure water adequacy in subdivisions of 4 or more units.”
Section 1
“The planning board may, as part of its subdivision regulations, require an applicant to pay for notifying abutters and may assess reasonable costs for local administrative or investigative expenses deemed necessary for more complex applications.”
Section 2
“This provision shall not apply to community water systems or large groundwater withdrawals regulated under RSA 485 and RSA 485-C.”
Section 1
“Such provisions shall be established and administered in accordance with plans developed and approved under RSA 674:2.”
Section 1

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Kat McGheeDPrimeRanking Member· Science, Technology, and Energy
  • Rep. Bill BoydRClerk· Public Works and Highways
  • Rep. Kate MurrayDRanking Member· Finance Division 2

Also: Rep. Nancy MurphyD, Rep. Rosemarie RungD, Rep. Kristine PerezR

Public testimony

5 signed in online · 3 wrote testimony

80% support20% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I write in strong support of HB 1120 and respectfully urge the committee to recommend the bill as Ought to Pass. HB 1120 addresses a critical but often overlooked component of housing development: long-term water supply adequacy.…”
— David Preece, Manchestersupports
“Our water table is not infinite. It is wise to test water supply prior to approving developments over 4 units, to ensure there is sufficient water for the new development and for the structures already relying on the local water supplies.”
— Susan Richman, Durhamsupports

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 3, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate17–1
    Overall
    94% yea
  • Feb 19, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 22, 2026Public hearingHouse Housingfrom 6:37:55located in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 3, 2026Public hearingHouse Housing1:14:50–1:15:571m 7slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Executive Session
  • Feb 19, 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 Housing HJ 1 P. 7
  2. Jan 22, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/22/2026 03:00 pm GP 231
  3. Feb 3, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/03/2026 10:00 am GP 231
  4. Feb 3, 2026House: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/03/2026 (Vote 17-1; CC) HC 7 P. 14
  5. Feb 19, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 22

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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