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HB 1612-FN - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-2609
07/06
HOUSE BILL
1612-FN
AN ACT
relative to the use of price-fixing websites, algorithms, or other software by landlords.
SPONSORS: Rep. Read, Rock. 10; Rep. Wheeler, Hills. 33; Rep. D. Paige, Carr. 1; Rep. Hegner, Hills. 41
COMMITTEE: Housing
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ANALYSIS
This bill makes the use of price-fixing software by landlords a violation of the consumer protection act and requires the department of justice to investigate complaints of the use of price-fixing software by landlords.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in
bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [
in brackets and struckthrough.
]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-2609
07/06
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT
relative to the use of price-fixing websites, algorithms, or other software by landlords.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Subdivision; Rental Property Price Fixing. Amend RSA 358-A by inserting after section 13 the following new subdivision:
Rental Property Price Fixing
358-A:14 Property Price Fixing Software.
I. The use of any type of price-fixing software by any landlord shall constitute an unfair method of competition and a deceptive act or practice in violation of this chapter.
II. Any person who suspects that a landlord has engaged, or is engaged in, the use of any type of price-fixing software may file a consumer complaint with the department of justice's consumer protection and antitrust bureau.
III. The consumer protection and antitrust bureau shall investigate complaints of the use of price-fixing software by landlords pursuant to paragraph II.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
LBA
26-2609
12/8/25
HB 1612-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT
relative to the use of price-fixing websites, algorithms, or other software by landlords.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This bill does not provide funding, nor does it authorize new positions.
Estimated State Impact
FY 2026
FY 2027
FY 2028
FY 2029
Revenue
$0
$0
$0
$0
Revenue Fund(s)
None
Expenditures*
$0
$72,000
$138,000
$140,000
Funding Source(s)
Consumer Protection Fund
Appropriations*
$0
$0
$0
$0
Funding Source(s)
None
*Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill
METHODOLOGY:
This bill makes the use of price-fixing websites, algorithms, or other software by landlords a violation of the Consumer Protection Act and requires the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau to investigate complaints alleging such conduct.
The Department of Justice states this bill will result in an indeterminable increase in state expenditures beginning in FY 2027. The bill expands the Bureau’s responsibilities by requiring investigation and enforcement of a new category of unfair or deceptive practices under RSA 358-A. The Department anticipates an increase in the number of consumer complaints and investigations but cannot estimate the volume. To administer these complaints, the Department states it would require one additional full-time unclassified attorney. The cost of this position is $72,000 in FY 2027, reflecting only a half-year of expenses because the bill is effective January 1, 2027. The full-year cost is $138,000 in FY 2028 and $140,000 in FY 2029.
This bill does not authorize nor fund the requested position. However, if the position is authorized, it is assumed the costs for FY 2028 and FY 2029 would be included in the Department’s FY 2028 and FY 2029 operating budget request.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Justice