Changes in the State Senate
A significant, but not surprising change in the State Senate is coming. Several weeks ago, Senate President Jeb Bradley announced he’s not seeking re-election. Bradley’s public service career spans three decades, first in the N.H. House, then U.S. House, then N.H. Senate, where he served several terms as Majority Leader and the last two as Senate President.
His departure opens up his District 3 seat, which includes Carroll County, two towns in northern Strafford County and a few in southern Coos County. The two candidates coming forth are current State Representative Mark McConkey of Freedom (Republican) and former House member Bill Marsh of Brookfield (Democrat). Marsh ran against Bradley in 2022 and received 42% of the vote.
In District 20, “Dean” of the Senate Lou D’Allesandro, serving his 12th term (24 years) after four years in the House, is also not seeking re-election. His district heavily favors Democrats, and the Democratic Party will nominate Pat Long, a current State Representative. That district is made up of Manchester Wards 2, 3, 4, 10, 11 and 12.
In District 1 first term Senator Carrie Gendreau has decided to not seek re-election. Running to replace her are retired Pharmacist and current State Representative from Littleton David Rochefort (Republican), and Rusty Talbot, founder of North Country Climbing Center, an indoor climbing gym. District 1 is made up of most of Coos County and 17 towns in northwestern Grafton County.
End of Session 2024
The 2024 legislative session ended with no major changes to state policy. Cannabis (marijuana) legalization failed again as the House & Senate could not agree on the right model each thought best for the state.
Among legislation of note that passed are:
- HB 1065, “Relative to Fire Sprinkler Requirements In Residential Buildings”, which adds an exception to the state fire code for fire suppression or sprinkler system requirements for buildings intended for no more than 4 dwelling units. The bill also adds language to RSA 674:51,V (Local Land Use Planning and Regulatory Powers) that states “counties, towns, cities, and village districts shall not adopt rules, regulations, ordinances that are more stringent than the state fire code relative to residential sprinkler systems”.
- SB 373, which requires buildings or dwelling units to be tested for air leakage and sets a maximum air leakage rate.
Two bills that had passed the House in February were held up and not passed by the Senate. HB 1291, relative to accessory dwelling unit uses allowed by right, and HB 1399, allowing municipalities to permit 2 residential units in certain single-family residential zones, were both stopped by the Senate. Addressing the workforce housing shortage remains a problem with few solutions in the works.
Recapping a bill NHRLA was active in, HB 1033, Relative to The Advertising Of Nominal Dimensions Of Lumber, would have prohibited the advertising of nominal dimensions of lumber and required actual dimensions to be stated instead. We don’t need to go into detail on the numerous reasons this wouldn’t work and is a bad idea. NHRLA presented testimony and the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association did as well. The House Commerce Committee did not take long to vote unanimously to recommend the ill not pass, and the House adopted that motion, quickly killing the bill.
NHRLA’s legislative committee met before summer kicked off to begin the planning for the 2025 session.