Subcommittee advances bill requiring affidavits for buyers/lessees near select defense sites after debate on enforcement and discrimination

Representative Lily Walsh, sponsor and member of the Commerce and Consumer Affairs subcommittee, asked members to advance an amended bill that would require purchasers and lessees of property within a 10‑mile radius of specified defense installations to electronically file an affidavit with the New Hampshire Department of Justice stating whether they are a “foreign principal.” Walsh said the amendment removes short‑term rentals and notarization requirements and narrows leases covered to those longer than 14 days.

Why it matters: supporters, including officials from New Boston Space Force Station, described the measure as a layer of protection for a national‑defense facility. Opponents — including a real estate practitioner on the panel and several committee members — raised concerns about enforceability, overlap with federal processes, and potential for national‑origin discrimination.

What the amendment changes: Walsh told the committee she removed short‑term leases (to exclude typical VRBO/Airbnb stays), limited covered leases to periods greater than 14 days, and replaced a notarization requirement with electronic…