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HB 1148 · 2026 · House · Resources, Recreation and Development Committee

Studying algae bloom control

AI-generated

adding cyanobacteria and algae blooms to the study of the exotic aquatic weeds and species committee.

Expands the duties of the exotic aquatic weeds and species committee to include studying factors behind cyanobacteria and algae blooms and assisting in their control and eradication.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · June 1, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill adds cyanobacteria and algae blooms to the study of the exotic aquatic weeds and species committee.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

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

“Study the spread of exotic aquatic weeds and exotic aquatic species of wildlife, as defined in RSA 487:16, I-a, in the waters of New Hampshire including education, management, and potential means to eliminate the spread of these weeds and wildlife.”
Section 89:1
“Study and discuss potential factors contributing to the proliferation of harmful algal blooms and cyanobacteria in the state's surface waters, including the potential relationship between aquatic invasive species and nutrient dynamics that may contribute to harmful algal bloom formation.”
Section 89:1

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Tanya DonnellyRPrimeAssistant Majority Whip
  • Sen. Howard PearlRVice Chair· Energy and Natural Resources

Also: Rep. Will DarbyD

Public testimony

238 signed in online · 121 wrote testimony

100% support0% oppose0% neutral

ForNeed for scientific study of bloom causes

AgainstConcern about new costs or fees on property owners

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Cyanobacteria is a serious issue that threatens New Hampshire's water. I support all efforts to study, understand and ultimately prevent these toxic blooms.”
— Steven Liffmann, Salemsupports
“Necessary for control of Cyanobacteria and algae, to increase waterbody management and improve statewide water quality.”
— Tina Larochelle, Boscawensupports
“Algae and cyanobacteria blooms threaten the economy in NH. The lakes are a very important part of the economy and the water quality has to be studied and protected. This bill helps with monitoring the health of the lakes. Please support this bill!”
— Nina Lian, Sunapeesupports
“Not that the millionaires in the NH House care; this just another NH tax on property owners. My little sailboat will cost us <$100 / year for a few hours of use. We are OPPOSED to increasing individual mooring fees!”
— Ed LaCoursiere, Meredith and Leeopposes

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 4, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Ought to Pass13–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Feb 19, 2026HouseVoice voteOught to Passadopted
  • Apr 16, 2026SenateCommittee report: Ought to Pass5–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Apr 16, 2026SenateVoice voteOught to Passadopted
  • May 14, 2026SenateVoice voteEnrolledadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 4, 2026Public hearingHouse Resources, Recreation and Development5:08:11–5:15:527m 41slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Ought to Pass; Public Hearing; Executive Session
  • Feb 19, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamOught to Pass — adopted, voice vote
  • Mar 19, 2026Public hearingSenate Energy and Natural Resources17:38–18:431m 5slocated in the stream transcriptHearing
  • Apr 16, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Ought to Pass; Ought to Pass — adopted, voice vote
  • May 14, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamEnrolled 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 Resources, Recreation and Development HJ 1 P. 8
  2. Feb 4, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/04/2026 02:00 pm GP 228
  3. Feb 4, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/04/2026 02:00 pm GP 228
  4. Feb 4, 2026House: Ought to Pass 02/04/2026 (Vote 13-0; CC) HC 7 P. 19
  5. Feb 19, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 31
  6. Feb 19, 2026SenIntroduced 02/19/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 5
  7. Mar 19, 2026SenHearing: 03/19/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:10 am; SC 10
  8. Apr 16, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 04/16/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 14A
  9. Apr 16, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/16/2026; SJ 9
  10. May 14, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
  11. May 14, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 147
  12. May 28, 2026HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 05/28/2026; Chapter 89; eff. 07/27/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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