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Committee backs bill allowing electronic notice to municipalities for agency permits, 14–0
Summary
The committee voted 14–0 in executive session to recommend SB 527, which gives state agencies flexibility to use electronic notification instead of first‑class mail for permit notices while preserving mail for appeal processes and allowing municipalities to opt out.
The House Executive Departments and Administration committee voted unanimously in executive session on April 1 to recommend Senate Bill 527, which would allow state agencies to use electronic notifications — rather than automatically sending first‑class mail — to notify municipalities about permit applications.
Representative Mike Moffitt introduced SB 527 on behalf of Senator Lang and deferred technical questions to Philip Trowbridge, manager of land resources at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Trowbridge told the committee DES issues roughly 10,000 permits a year and that first‑class mail requirements have been a barrier to moving toward online, paperless permitting. He said the bill provides flexibility to use electronic notification, allows municipalities to opt out, and preserves first‑class mail for matters (such as appeals) that will later require the higher evidentiary standard.
Representative Slochee moved the committee’s executive motion of "ought to pass" and Representative Grotta seconded. After brief remarks in support, the clerk called the roll and the motion passed, 14–0. The measure was placed on the committee’s consent calendar.
