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Bill to let military lease properties for service-member housing wins support and flags municipal tax issues
Summary
SB 492, authorizing the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services to lease underused military properties for housing to help recruitment and retention, drew support for the concept from the Adjutant General and veterans groups; municipal assessors and bankers urged clarity on tax treatment and lien language, leading to an amendment addressing bankers' concerns.
Senate Bill 492 was presented to the committee as a tool to turn underused military properties (such as former barracks) into housing for junior enlisted service members and families. Sponsor Senator David Waters described potential sites in Stratford and Pembroke and linked the measure to other housing initiatives at Pease Air National Guard Base.
Major General David Michalaitis (Adjutant General) supported the bill, saying Pease has no on-post housing and some active-duty airmen must find housing on the economy; converting barracks or pursuing leased developments could reduce long commutes and help recruitment and retention. Veterans representatives and the State Veterans Advisory Committee voiced conceptual support but emphasized that careful business and legal planning is required.
Municipal testimony raised statutory and tax issues. Jim Michaud (chief assessor, Hudson) said RSA 72:23 already governs how municipalities treat state-owned property used by non-state entities and suggested the committee avoid duplicating statutory provisions or ensure necessary carve-outs. The New Hampshire Bankers Association raised a concern that original language could grant a priority lien on lessee equipment; the sponsor accepted an amendment addressing that concern. Fish and Game and other agencies were not opposed but noted tax and accounting sections will need detailed work.
What happens next: The committee accepted an amendment clarifying lien language and discussed whether RSA 72:23 could be used or should be supplemented; the bill will move to finance or technical review for further work on tax and accounting details.
