SB 163 (2025): repealing the temporary moratoria and limitation on building permits and the approval of subdivisions and site plans.

SB 163 (2025)

repealing the temporary moratoria and limitation on building permits and the approval of subdivisions and site plans.

• Status: Died on the table
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Housing
• Senate committee: Commerce
• Subject: Housing

The Story

It was introduced on January 9, 2025 and referred to the Senate Commerce committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 4, 2025. The committee voted 4–2 to recommend that the Senate pass it. A floor amendment (2025-0910s), offered by Sen. Howard Pearl, was adopted on a voice vote on March 20, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On March 20, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 27, 2025 and was referred to the House Housing committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 15, 2025, with 43 people signed in online: 8 in support and 35 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on May 6, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 17–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-1950h), and the report was placed on the regular calendar. On June 5, 2025 the House adopted “Lay SB163 on Table” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Alexander Jr. The bill died on the table when the session ended on December 17, 2025, having been set aside and never taken back up.

Sponsors

• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Rep. Michael Moffett (R - Merr 4)
• Sen. Timothy Lang (R - SD2)
• Sen. Tim McGough (R - SD11)
• Rep. Joe Alexander (R - Hills 29)
• Sen. Keith Murphy (R - SD16)
• Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia (R - Belk 3)
• Rep. Jonathan Morton (R - Hills 39)
• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4)

Hearings and Sessions

• March 4, 2025, 11:30 AM: hearing, Senate Commerce, SH 100
• March 20, 2025: floor debate, Senate
• April 15, 2025, 11:30 AM: public hearing, House Housing, LOB 302-304
• May 6, 2025, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Housing, LOB 305
• June 5, 2025: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 20, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-0910s — voice vote, passed
• June 5, 2025, House: Lay SB163 on Table — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 674:21
• RSA 674:35
• RSA 674:23

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 11
• SC 13
• HC 27, page 22