SB 174 (2025): prohibiting planning boards from considering the number of bedrooms a given unit or development has during the hearing and approval process.

SB 174 (2025)

prohibiting planning boards from considering the number of bedrooms a given unit or development has during the hearing and approval process.

• 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. On March 20, 2025 the Senate voted to pass it 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 8, 2025, with 22 people signed in online: 4 in support and 18 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on May 6, 2025 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 16–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2025-1639h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2025-1639h) was adopted on a voice vote on May 22, 2025, changing the text of the bill. A floor amendment (2025-2343h), offered by Rep. Allan Howland, was adopted on a division vote 234–124 on May 22, 2025, changing the text of the bill. On May 22, 2025 the House failed “Lay SB174 on Table” on a roll call 179–180, on a motion by Rep. Bill Boyd. On May 22, 2025 the House rejected a motion to pass it with changes on a roll call 176–183. On May 22, 2025 the House adopted “Lay SB174 on Table” on a division vote 239–120, 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. Keith Murphy (R - SD16) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Daniel Innis (R - SD7)
• Rep. Jason Osborne (R - Rock 2)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Rep. Joe Alexander (R - Hills 29)

Hearings and Sessions

• March 4, 2025, 10:15 AM: hearing, Senate Commerce, SH 100
• March 20, 2025: floor debate, Senate
• April 8, 2025, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Housing, LOB 305
• May 6, 2025, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Housing, LOB 305
• May 22, 2025: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 20, 2025, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• May 22, 2025, House: Adopt Floor Amendment — yeas 234, nays 124, passed
• May 22, 2025, House: Lay on Table — yeas 179, nays 180, failed
• May 22, 2025, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment — yeas 176, nays 183, failed
• May 22, 2025, House: Lay SB174 on Table — yeas 239, nays 120, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 674

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SC 11
• SC 13
• House Calendar 25, 2025, committee report