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Bill to require removal of temporary dock agitators wins unanimous committee support

House Committee on Resources, Recreation and Development · March 25, 2026

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Summary

Senate Bill 594 would make owners remove agitators tied to temporary docks when docks are wintered out; sponsor and lake groups said agitators create thin‑ice safety hazards and alter winter ecology. Committee voted ought‑to‑pass (15–0).

Senator Regina Bursell introduced SB594 to close a gap in RSA 270 by requiring removal of agitators associated with temporary docks when the dock itself must be removed for winter. The sponsor cited constituent safety incidents and earlier drownings linked to thin ice around running agitators.

Testimony: Samantha Parkman of New Hampshire Lakes urged passage on safety and ecological grounds, explaining that open water created by agitators can reduce ice cover, destabilize winter ecology and increase the risk of algal problems. The marine patrol indicated the issue can be a safety hazard, particularly when absentee owners leave devices running.

Committee action: After brief questions on device size and enforcement, the committee moved the bill to ought‑to‑pass in executive session and recorded a unanimous 15–0 vote.