Committee votes ITL on bill directing planning for new New Hampshire overlay area code; DOE says NANPA controls timing

Representative Timothy Horrigan (D‑Durham) introduced HB 708, a bill that would direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to begin planning for the introduction of an additional overlay area code for New Hampshire.

Horrigan said conservation measures have delayed exhaustion of the 603 area code but noted projections still show eventual exhaust in the next decade unless carriers or planners take action. He said the current central-office code inventory for New Hampshire is limited and that previous conservation work has pushed the projected "exhaust" date outward.

DOE testimony: Megan Stone, the department's legislative liaison, told the committee the department is neutral on the bill but raised a jurisdictional point: the state itself cannot reserve area codes or unilaterally begin planning — the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) controls when the formal planning period for a new area code begins. Stone described steps DOE has already taken under last year's Senate bill 603, including asking telecommunications providers to return unused 1,000-number blocks by March 31, 2024; DOE reported roughly 150 returned blocks and said its efforts moved the projected exhaust date from 2024 to 2027 and then to 2029 in successive NANPA analyses.

Committee action: committee members raised jurisdiction questions and noted the practical work already under way. During an on‑the‑record executive session the committee adopted a motion recommending ITL (Inexpedient To Legislate) on HB 708. The motion was moved and seconded; the committee recorded a roll-call vote of 14 in favor, 1 opposed. The committee placed the ITL recommendation on the consent calendar and assigned Representative Harrington to write the committee report. In committee discussion several members said DOE's existing outreach and block‑return efforts had already addressed the practical conservation tasks HB 708 would direct.

What that means: the committee's ITL recommendation does not prevent further action but indicates the panel decided against pursuing the measure in its current form because planning authority and number‑assignment timing reside with NANPA and the industry. If NANPA triggers a formal planning period in future years, DOE indicated it would work with NANPA and carriers then.

Provenance: Horrigan introduced HB 708 in the morning hearing; the committee took final action in an afternoon executive session, recording the ITL motion and roll call.