Revision: March 21, 2018, 1:45 p.m.
HB 1463 - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE
21Mar2018... 1007h
2018 SESSION
18-2346
06/01
HOUSE BILL 1463
AN ACT relative to requirements for noise ordinances in towns.
SPONSORS: Rep. Matthews, Rock. 3; Rep. Rouillard, Hills. 6; Sen. Carson, Dist 14
COMMITTEE: Municipal and County Government
-----------------------------------------------------------------
ANALYSIS
This bill limits the authority of towns to enact bylaws regulating noise.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
21Mar2018... 1007h 18-2346
06/01
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eighteen
AN ACT relative to requirements for noise ordinances in towns.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Powers of Towns; Bylaws; Noise Ordinances. Amend RSA 31:39, I(n) to read as follows:
(n) Regulating noise, provided that such bylaw requires a specified decibel level which may vary according to the time of day, that the decibel level be determined by a person qualified to use a decibel meter, and that any law enforcement action shall be taken only as the result of a complaint.
2 Shooting Ranges; Exemption. Amend RSA 159-B:1 to read as follows:
159-B:1 Exemption. Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 31:39, RSA 644:2, III(a) or any other law to the contrary, no person who owns, operates, or uses a shooting range in this state shall be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise or noise pollution, provided that the owners of the range are in compliance with any applicable noise control ordinances in existence at the time the range was established, was constructed, or began operations.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.