New Hampshire Senators advance audit reforms for manufactured housing communities

The New Hampshire Senate Commerce Committee convened on March 7, 2025, to discuss several legislative bills, focusing primarily on issues related to municipal authority over private covenants and audit requirements for consumer cooperative associations.

One of the key discussions centered around Senate Bill 175, which addresses the enforcement of private covenants by municipalities. Concerns were raised regarding the potential expectation from homeowners associations (HOAs) and condo associations that local governments would enforce these private agreements. The Municipal Association expressed apprehension that such enforcement could lead to discriminatory practices and subsequent lawsuits. The committee ultimately decided to re-refer the bill for further consideration in the fall, allowing time to explore amendments that could make it more acceptable to cities and towns.

Another significant topic was Senate Bill 166, which pertains to audit requirements for resident-owned manufactured housing communities. Senator Reardon highlighted that these communities, which represent approximately 9,000 households in New Hampshire, face financial burdens due to outdated audit requirements that have not changed in 25 years. The committee unanimously supported the bill, recognizing the need to alleviate costs for these nonprofit cooperatives and maintain affordable housing options.

Additionally, the committee discussed Senate Bill 167, which aims to improve notification processes when units in cooperative communities are sold. This bill was also recommended for passage, as it seeks to ensure transparency and facilitate smoother transactions in volunteer-run communities.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions reflect a commitment to addressing the needs of residents in manufactured housing and cooperative communities while navigating the complexities of municipal authority over private agreements. The re-referral of Senate Bill 175 indicates a cautious approach to potential changes in local governance, while the support for Senate Bills 166 and 167 underscores the importance of affordable housing and community transparency in New Hampshire.