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CHAPTER 258
SB 523-FN - FINAL VERSION
03/05/2026 0831s
7May2026... 1589h
2026 SESSION
26-2153
09/06
SENATE BILL
523-FN
AN ACT
establishing a committee to study the implementation of a residential builder registration system.
SPONSORS: Sen. Ward, Dist 8; Sen. Pearl, Dist 17; Sen. Innis, Dist 7; Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Altschiller, Dist 24
COMMITTEE: Commerce
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AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a committee to study the implementation of a residential builder registration system.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
03/05/2026 0831s
7May2026... 1589h 26-2153
09/06
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT
establishing a committee to study the implementation of a residential builder registration system.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
258:1 Findings and Statement of Purpose. The general court finds that the New Hampshire residential home building industry is essential to New Hampshire’s economic vitality, workforce development, and housing availability. The general court also finds that while the overwhelming majority of New Hampshire builders operate with integrity and professionalism, isolated instances of fraud and abuse, often from out of state, have caused harm to consumers and undermined confidence in the industry. The general court recognizes that leaders within the New Hampshire residential building community have expressed a commitment to strengthening accountability measures and supporting reasonable mechanisms to promote transparency and consumer protection without creating unnecessary financial or regulatory burdens.
258:2 Committee Established. There is established a committee to study the implementation of a statewide registration system for residential builders and contractors. For the purposes of this act, “residential builder” shall mean a person or business entity whose primary source of income is derived from the construction, reconstruction, or substantial renovation of residential properties consisting of 4 or fewer dwelling units in a single building.
258:3 Membership and Compensation.
I. The members of the committee shall be as follows:
(a) Two members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(b) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
II. Legislative members of the committee shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the committee.
258:4 Duties. The committee shall:
I. Examine the viability, process, and necessity of implementing a statewide registration for residential builders.
II. Assess whether a registration system would enhance consumer protection and address instances of fraud, misrepresentation, exploitation, and miscommunication.
III. Evaluate the scope and structure of a registration system, including eligibility requirements, renewal standards, complaint procedures, fee structures, oversight, and disciplinary mechanisms.
IV. Identify which, if any, existing state agency or department would be best suited to oversee and administer a registration system, including but not limited to the department of labor, the office of professional licensure and certification, or the department of justice.
V. Solicit testimony from members of the public, representatives of the residential building industry, municipal officials, consumer protection advocates, and other interested stakeholders.
VI. Recommend a fee structure sufficient to fully fund administration without reliance on general funds.
258:5 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the study committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the committee shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the committee shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Three members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
258:6 Report. The committee shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2026.
258:7 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved: July 02, 2026
Effective Date: July 02, 2026