HB 1079 (2026): allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain non-conforming structures.

HB 1079 (2026)

allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain non-conforming structures.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Housing
• Senate committee: Commerce
• Subject: Housing
• Chapter law: 210

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Housing committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 22, 2026, with 12 people signed in online: 8 in support, 3 in opposition and 1 as neutral. The committee held a work session on February 17, 2026. The committee met in executive session on March 3, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee held a work session on March 3, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 17–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0823h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0823h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 11, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 11, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on March 12, 2026 and was referred to the Senate Commerce committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 21, 2026. The committee voted 4–1 to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1710s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1710s) was adopted on a voice vote on May 7, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 7, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On May 21, 2026 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1710s” on a division vote 269–73, on a motion by Rep. Alexander Jr. The bill was enrolled on June 4, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 2, 2026, making it Chapter 210 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Allan Howland (D - Straf 20) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. David Paige (D - Carr 1)
• Rep. David Preece (D - Hills 17)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 22, 2026, 2:00 PM: public hearing, House Housing, GP 231
• February 17, 2026, 2:30 PM: subcommittee work session, House Housing, GP 231
• March 3, 2026, 9:45 AM: subcommittee work session, House Housing, GP 231
• March 3, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Housing, GP 231
• March 11, 2026: consent calendar, House
• April 21, 2026, 10:00 AM: hearing, Senate Commerce, SH 100
• May 7, 2026: consent calendar, Senate
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• March 11, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0823h — voice vote, passed
• May 7, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1710s — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1710s — yeas 269, nays 73, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 674:71
• RSA 674:72

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 5
• HC 10, page 23
• HJ 7, page 47
• SJ 7
• SC 15
• SC 17
• SJ 11
• HJ 14, page 12
• SJ 14
• HJ 15, page 52