HB 1159 (2026): relative to updating the state building code.

HB 1159 (2026)

relative to updating the state building code.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Executive Departments and Administration
• Senate committee: Executive Departments and Administration
• Subject: Zoning and Planning
• Chapter law: 49

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Executive Departments and Administration committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 28, 2026, with 71 people signed in online: 5 in support and 66 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on January 28, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 12–0, to recommend that the House pass it, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On February 12, 2026 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate and was referred to the Senate Executive Departments and Administration committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 4, 2026. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1058s), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-1058s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 12, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 12, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On April 9, 2026 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1058s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Erica Layon. The bill was enrolled on April 23, 2026 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on May 8, 2026, making it Chapter 49 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Carol McGuire (R - Merr 27) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Keith Erf (R - Hills 28)
• Rep. Heath Howard (D - Straf 4)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 28, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Executive Departments and Administration, GP 231
• January 28, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Executive Departments and Administration, GP 231
• February 12, 2026: consent calendar, House
• March 4, 2026, 9:30 AM: hearing, Senate Executive Departments and Administration, SH 103
• March 12, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• April 9, 2026: floor debate, House

Votes

• February 12, 2026, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• March 12, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1058s — voice vote, passed
• April 9, 2026, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1058s — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 155-A:1

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HJ 1, page 8
• HC 6, page 5
• SJ 4
• HJ 4, page 4
• SC 7
• SC 9
• SJ 6
• HJ 10, page 8
• SJ 11
• HJ 11, page 82