HB1017

"HB 1017 is likely to protect vulnerable populations by expanding affordable workforce housing and providing municipalities with tools to enforce long-term affordability. The bill balances municipal flexibility with statewide housing needs, promoting stability for low- and moderate-income households. While implementation challenges and potential inequities exist, the use of restrictive covenants and clear eligibility criteria can mitigate these risks. Partisan Implications: The bill appears less partisan than others affecting housing, as it provides municipalities flexibility without outright deregulation or elimination of affordable housing requirements. However, implementation may reflect local political priorities that could advantage certain municipalities over others. Key Takeaways for Policymakers: Prioritize clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms for ADU affordability. Monitor demographic impacts to ensure equitable access. Combine ADU incentives with broader workforce and affordable housing strategies to maximize benefits. "

Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, I write in strong support of HB 1017, a thoughtful, practical reform that connects accessory dwelling units (ADUs) directly to New Hampshire’s workforce housing obligations in a way that is fair, enforceable, and locally driven. This bill recognizes something simple but powerful: ADUs are already being built across New Hampshire, but under current law they often do not count toward a municipality’s fair share of workforce housing—even when they are rented at affordable, workforce rates. That discourages towns from using one of the most efficient, low-impact housing tools available. HB 1017 fixes that. By allowing qualifying ADUs to be counted toward a municipality’s regional fair share requirement, this bill gives communities a real incentive to encourage ADUs as part of their housing strategy. These units are ideal for seniors, young workers, people with disabilities, and small households. They fit naturally into existing neighborhoods, use existing infrastructure, and can be delivered far faster and at far lower cost than large apartment complexes. Just as important, HB 1017 ensures that affordability is real, not theoretical. By authorizing municipalities to require restrictive covenants recorded in the Registry of Deeds, the bill guarantees that when an ADU is counted as workforce housing, it stays affordable over time. That protects tenants, communities, and taxpayers while preventing gaming of the system. This is exactly how housing policy should work: • it rewards communities for producing real affordable units, • it gives homeowners a path to help solve the housing crisis, and • it keeps decisions local, enforceable, and transparent. HB 1017 does not mandate ADUs. It does not force density. It simply allows towns that choose to use ADUs to do so in a way that meaningfully contributes to meeting their workforce housing responsibilities. At a time when New Hampshire is struggling to house teachers, nurses, first responders, and young families, we need housing solutions that are scalable, neighborhood-friendly, and affordable. HB 1017 delivers exactly that. I respectfully urge the Committee to recommend Ought to Pass. Sincerely, David John Preece State Representative, Hillsborough District 17