enabling regional, conservation, and energy resource planning for habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors and creating a commission to study transferring ownership of the Winnipesaukee River Basin program to an alternative authority.
Sponsored By: David H. Watters (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Regional planners must account for wildlife habitat
Municipal conservation commissions must inventory key wildlife habitats, wildlife travel corridors, and wetlands for regional planning information. Regional planning commissions must include key habitats and wildlife corridors in their plans. Municipalities cannot use these inventories as the basis for local zoning or planning decisions. The Fish and Game Commission’s executive director may consult with planning commissions, conservation commissions, and transportation officials about these areas.
Winnipesaukee River Basin gets leadership and review
The law creates a director within New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services to oversee Winnipesaukee River Basin operations, maintenance, and projects. The governor appoints a director qualified by education and experience, with Executive Council approval, from the commissioner’s nomination. The term is four years, with pay category JJ and a new funding account class. Estimated salary and benefits are $176,000 in fiscal 2027, $182,000 in 2028, and $192,000 in 2029. The 10 participating municipalities reimburse program costs; the law sets no household bill increase. A study commission must report by November 1, 2026, on transferring program ownership or operations, including assets, governance, workforce, and financing. The law authorizes a study, not a transfer.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
David H. Watters
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Cathryn A Harvey
Democratic • House
Cindy Rosenwald
Democratic • Senate
Debra Altschiller
Democratic • Senate
Kevin A. Avard
Republican • Senate
Mike Ouellet
Republican • House
Peter W Bixby
Democratic • House
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka
Democratic • Senate
Regina Birdsell
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
III. Remainder Effective 09/13/2026
7/17/2026SenateII. Section 7 Effective 11/01/2026
7/17/2026SenateI. Section 5&6 Effective 07/15/2026
7/17/2026SenateSigned by the Governor on 07/15/2026; Chapter 337
7/17/2026SenateEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 15
7/6/2026SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15
7/6/2026HouseEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2196e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/04/2026); SJ 14
6/23/2026SenateEnrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2196e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 53
6/23/2026HouseSen. Avard Moved to Concur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
5/14/2026SenateOught to Pass: MA VV 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 24
5/7/2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass 04/27/2026 (Vote 24-0; RC) HC 18 P. 12
4/28/2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/27/2026 01:00 pm GP 230
4/16/2026HouseDivision I Work Session: 04/20/2026 10:00 am GP 234
4/16/2026HouseReferred to Finance 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 16
4/9/2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1277h: MA VV 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 15
4/9/2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1277h: AA VV 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 15
4/9/2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1277h 03/25/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC)
4/1/2026HouseExecutive Session: 03/25/2026 10:00 am GP 228
4/1/2026HousePublic Hearing: 03/25/2026 11:00 am GP 228
3/18/2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 02/19/2026 and referred to Resources, Recreation and Development HJ 5 P. 127
2/26/2026HouseCommittee Amendment # 2026-0516s, AA, VV; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
2/9/2026SenateOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0516s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 02/19/2026; SJ 4
2/9/2026SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0516s, 02/19/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 6
2/4/2026SenateHearing: 01/08/2026, Room 103, SH, 01:15 pm; SC 46
12/9/2025SenateIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 1
11/25/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Amended
6/23/2026
Enrolled
6/23/2026
Introduced
11/25/2025
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
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