Revision: Jan. 29, 2026, 6:45 p.m.
SB 490 - AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE
01/29/2026 0118s
2026 SESSION
26-2055
06/08
SENATE BILL 490
SPONSORS: Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. Innis, Dist 7; Sen. Lang, Dist 2; Sen. Rosenwald, Dist 13; Sen. Fenton, Dist 10; Sen. Reardon, Dist 15; Sen. Perkins Kwoka, Dist 21; Sen. Pearl, Dist 17; Sen. Gannon, Dist 23; Sen. Prentiss, Dist 5; Sen. Altschiller, Dist 24; Rep. Mandelbaum, Rock. 21; Rep. Moffett, Merr. 4; Rep. Meuse, Rock. 37; Rep. Cornell, Hills. 22
COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration
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ANALYSIS
The bill establishes a task force to study housing feasibility, funding mechanisms, operational models, and resident support systems. This bill also authorizes the development of housing on the Great Bay community college property within the Pease development area, in coordination with relevant state agencies.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
01/29/2026 0118s 26-2055
06/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Subdivision; Great Bay Community College Housing Development. Amend RSA 12-G by inserting after section 13 the following new subdivision:
Great Bay Community College Housing Development
12‑G:13‑a Great Bay Community College Housing Development; Task Force.
I. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including RSA 188‑F and RSA 674, the authority may, in consultation with the community college system of New Hampshire and the department of military affairs and veterans services, authorize, lease, or otherwise facilitate the construction and operation of housing on the Great Bay community college property within the Pease development area. Such housing may be designed to accommodate Great Bay community college students, faculty, and staff, and active or reserve military personnel assigned to duties in the New Hampshire national guard.
II. Notwithstanding RSA 14:49, there is established a task force on housing at Great Bay community college to study and make recommendations concerning the feasibility of developing such housing facilities. The task force shall:
(a) Review the permissibility of military and student housing on Pease Development Authority property pursuant to the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and avenues for any needed amendment to federal statute.
(b) Consider community college system residence hall models, leased apartment models, and military dormitory or housing models.
(c) Review potential construction and operation funding sources, including subsidies, grants, low‑income housing programs, or state or federal appropriations.
(d) Determine ownership and leasing models, construction financing mechanisms, and revenue sources sufficient to operate and maintain the facility.
(e) Evaluate staffing options for residential life, maintenance, and security.
(f) Compile data on cost, occupancy, resident demographics, student outcomes, affordability and sustainability.
III. The task force shall include the following members:
(a) One senator appointed by the president of the senate.
(b) One representative appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(c) The commissioner of the department of military affairs and veterans services, or designee.
(d) The chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire, or designee.
(e) The executive director of the Pease development authority, or designee.
(f) The president of Great Bay community college, or designee.
IV. The task force shall submit a report with findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the governor, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the city of Portsmouth no later than December 30, 2026.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.