Selectmen instruct manager to send lawmakers brief opposition to bills seen as limiting municipal advocacy and local zoning control

The Board of Selectmen on March 19 agreed to send an electronic letter to the town’s state representatives expressing opposition to legislation the board said would limit municipal advocacy and impose state zoning mandates.

Board members discussed House Bill 456, which the municipal association characterized as restricting agency and organizational testimony before legislative committees, and a package of Senate bills and other LSRs the board said could impose minimum lot‑size or other land‑use mandates on municipalities. Selectman John moved that the town oppose language that would restrict local and municipal organizations from providing legislative input; Selectman Paul seconded the motion. The board asked that the manager transmit a short, electronic letter to Wolfeboro’s state representatives early the next morning.

Supporters of the motion said municipal organizations such as the New Hampshire Municipal Association provide essential information and coordination at the statehouse and that the bills could force local officials to divert time from municipal duties to attend legislative hearings without organizational support. A number of senators’ and representatives’ bill numbers were discussed during the meeting; board members asked staff to identify the immediate bills of concern and to send the board‑approved letter to the town’s delegation.

Town manager Jim Peneo said he would send the letter and share a copy of what he had already sent as a reference to the board.