Revision: Feb. 10, 2026, 3:53 p.m.
Rep. D. Paige, Carr. 1
February 2, 2026
2026-0456h
04/08
Amendment to HB 1732-FN
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to universal design standards in the housing champion designation program.
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Paragraph; New Hampshire Housing Champion Designation. Amend RSA 12-O:71 by inserting after paragraph VII the following new paragraph:
VIII. Qualifications to receive the New Hampshire housing champion designation may also include, but are not limited to, adoption of financial tools that incentivize the development of housing meeting universal design standards, as defined by the RL Mace Universal Design Institute or as otherwise approved by the department of business and economic affairs, to support accessibility for seniors and persons with disabilities, including but not limited to the waiver of impact fees for units meeting universal design standards and the exemption of 20 percent, or up to 5 units, whichever is less, of universally designed units from density calculations.
2 New Paragraph; Duration of Tax Relief Period. Amend RSA 79-E:5 by inserting after paragraph IV the following new paragraph:
V. The governing body may add up to an additional 2 years of tax relief for a project if at least 20 percent of the dwelling units shall be designed and constructed in accordance with universal design standards as defined by the RL Mace Universal Design Institute or as otherwise approved by the municipality.
3 New Section; Rulemaking Authority. Amend RSA 12-O by inserting after section 71 the following new section:
12-O:71-a Rulemaking Authority. The department of business and economic affairs may adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to implementing the universal design provisions in the housing champion designation under RSA 12-O:71, III.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2027.
2026-0456h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill adds universal design incentives to housing champion designation criteria and gives the department of business and economic affairs rulemaking authority to implement those provisions.