New Hampshire HB 1732: relative to housing accessibility and voucher allocation in new multi-unit developments.

Bill Text

HB 1732-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2026 SESSION

 26-2698

 06/08

HOUSE BILL 1732-FN

AN ACT relative to housing accessibility and voucher allocation in new multi-unit developments.

SPONSORS: Rep. Horrigan, Straf. 10; Rep. H. Howard, Straf. 4

COMMITTEE: Housing

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ANALYSIS

 This bill establishes a requirement that certain new multi-unit housing developments must comply with inclusion and accessibility standards, including reserving a portion of units for individuals eligible under the federal Mainstream Housing Voucher program.

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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 Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

 26-2698

 06/08

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

AN ACT relative to housing accessibility and voucher allocation in new multi-unit developments.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 1 New Subdivision; Inclusive Housing Developments. Amend RSA 674 by inserting after section 61 the following new subdivision: 

Inclusive Housing Developments

 674:61-a Inclusive Housing Development Requirements. 

 I. Any new multi-unit housing development containing more than 6 dwelling units shall meet the following requirements: 

 (a) At least 5 percent of the dwelling units shall be designated for individuals who qualify for a federal Mainstream Housing Voucher under 24 C.F.R. section 982.201.

 (b) At least 5 percent of the dwelling units shall be designed and constructed in accordance with universal design standards, as defined by the United States Access Board or its successor, to ensure baseline accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

 II. Paragraph I shall apply to developments approved by a planning board on or after January 1, 2027. 

 III. Regional and municipal housing authorities shall monitor compliance with this section and may issue guidance to developers and municipalities as necessary.

 IV. The department of health and human services, in consultation with the New Hampshire housing finance authority, shall develop and distribute informational materials to assist housing authorities and developers in implementing this section. 

 2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

 LBA

 26-2698

 12/12/25

HB 1732-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS INTRODUCED

AN ACT relative to housing accessibility and voucher allocation in new multi-unit developments.

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

$120,000-$130,000

$100,000

$100,000

 Funding Source(s)

General 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 establishes a requirement that certain new multi-unit housing developments must comply with inclusion and accessibility standards, including reserving a portion of units for individuals eligible under the federal Mainstream Housing Voucher program. In addition, the bill states that the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, shall develop and distribute informational materials to assist housing authorities and developers.

The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) anticipates needing one additional staff member at the estimated cost of $100,000 per year in order to meet the requirements of monitoring compliance and assisting with the Department of Health and Human Services in the developing and distributing informational materials to assist housing authorities and developers.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has indicated that the development of housing-related informational materials falls outside its area of expertise and recommends clarifying its role in this initiative or evaluating whether another agency with housing-specific expertise may be better positioned to lead the effort. A consultant will need to be contracted to support this effort. DHHS estimates a one-time cost of approximately $25,000 to develop and distribute materials related to inclusive housing initiatives. However, actual costs may vary based on the scope and format, with a projected range between $20,000 and $30,000.

AGENCIES CONTACTED:

Department of Health and Human Services and New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority