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Hampton Falls Selectmen approve letter opposing HB1023 and ask state reps for advance notice on impactful bills
Summary
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to sign a letter aligning with the New Hampshire Planners Association opposing HB1023 and approved a separate request that state legislators notify the town in advance of bills that may affect New Hampshire municipalities.
The Hampton Falls Board of Selectmen voted Feb. 18 to approve a letter of opposition to proposed New Hampshire House Bill 1023 and to send a separate request to the town's state representatives and senator asking for advance notice when proposed legislation may affect the quality of New Hampshire towns.
Town Administrator Rachel D. Webb told the board she had reviewed a technical four-page analysis from the New Hampshire Planners Association and recommended the Selectmen endorse that group's opposition. Selectman Lou Gargiulo described HB1023 as a bipartisan proposal introduced by three state representatives that would allow an "alternative business" use on residential property of up to 1,000 square feet, and said the change could reduce local control if enacted. The board approved Webb's recommendation and signed the letter (motion by Edward B. Beattie, second by Lou Gargiulo; vote: unanimous).
The board also approved a separate motion (moved by Lou Gargiulo, seconded by Edward B. Beattie; vote: unanimous) to send a letter to Hampton Falls' State Representatives and the State Senator requesting that the Board of Selectmen be notified in advance when proposed bills may have municipal impacts. Webb said the town will continue to monitor the NH Municipal Association legislative bulletin for updates.
Why it matters: Selectmen framed the actions as steps to protect local zoning and permitting authority. The town's formal endorsement of the New Hampshire Planners Association's technical review signals official municipal concern about HB1023's potential to alter how towns regulate home-based or small-scale commercial activity.
What happens next: The town will forward the signed opposition letter to the appropriate state contacts and monitor HB1023 through the municipal association's updates. No further local votes on the matter were recorded at the meeting.
