HB1625

I do think this is excellent information to collect. The Fiscal Note is ridiculous. The cities and towns can collect this information as they are already issuing the permits and doing the assessments. It would not be a full time job for even one person to compile this together.

Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, I write in support of HB 1625, a practical and responsible bill that will help New Hampshire make better housing policy decisions through improved data and transparency. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are increasingly discussed as part of the solution to our housing shortage, yet policymakers currently lack reliable, statewide information about how many ADUs are being built, how they are used, and whether they are serving their intended purposes. HB 1625 addresses that gap by requiring a straightforward annual report that provides policymakers, municipalities, and the public with meaningful insight into ADU development across the state. Importantly, HB 1625 is not a mandate. It does not alter zoning laws, require municipalities to allow ADUs, or impose new regulations on homeowners. Instead, it provides decision-makers with factual information needed to evaluate whether existing policies are working and where adjustments may be necessary. In a state that values local control and evidence-based governance, this is a sensible and measured approach. Reliable data is especially important as ADUs are often cited as tools for expanding workforce housing, supporting aging in place, and making more efficient use of existing infrastructure. Without accurate information, future debates risk being driven by assumptions rather than outcomes. HB 1625 helps ensure that future housing policy is grounded in facts, not speculation. The bill also represents responsible stewardship of public resources. By relying on existing agency capacity and focusing solely on reporting, HB 1625 advances transparency without creating new programs or regulatory burdens. New Hampshire’s housing challenges will require thoughtful, coordinated solutions. HB 1625 is a modest but important step toward that goal, ensuring lawmakers and communities have the information necessary to make informed choices. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to find HB 1625 ought to pass. Thank you for your consideration and your service to the people of New Hampshire. Respectfully submitted, David John Preece State Representative, Hillsborough District 17 Manchester, New Hampshire