New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill CACR16

Introduced
12/1/25  
Refer
12/1/25  
Report DNP
2/9/26  

Caption

Relating to property. Providing that individuals may sleep on property they own or have a legal right to occupy.

Impact

The proposed amendment would significantly impact state laws related to property rights and personal liberties. Currently, there is no explicit constitutional provision protecting the right to sleep on owned or occupied property, which leaves individuals vulnerable to local ordinances. If passed, CACR16 would fill this legal gap, providing robust protections for property owners and enhancing individual rights concerning their living conditions.

Summary

CACR16 proposes a constitutional amendment to affirm individuals’ rights to sleep on property they own or have legal occupancy rights. This bill seeks to ensure that no regulations or ordinances can unjustly prohibit or limit this behavior, asserting the necessity of personal repose on one’s property. By amending the state constitution, it aims to explicitly protect against local laws that may criminalize sleeping on one's own property.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding CACR16 appears mixed, with supporters likely viewing it as a necessary step towards protecting individual rights and enhancing personal freedoms. Opponents may raise concerns about potential abuses of this right or the implications it may have on local governance and public safety. As this bill touches on foundational aspects of property law and personal liberty, discussions are expected to evoke strong views from varying stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the potential consequences of recognizing such a right. Critics might argue that allowing individuals the unfettered right to sleep on any property—regardless of context—could lead to unforeseen issues, including public safety or nuisance concerns. Proponents of the bill, however, would argue that it only secures a fundamental right, thereby ensuring that personal occupancy does not come under attack through municipal regulations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH CACR6

Relating to the right to compute. Providing that the right of individuals to use computation resources shall not be infringed.

NH SB275

Providing property tax relief for some child care agencies.

NH HB585

Relative to the property tax exemption for religious organizations.

NH SB291

Relative to the religious use of land property tax exemption.

NH HB147

Relative to clarifying tax exemptions for properties used by religious, educational, and charitable organizations.

NH CACR4

Relating to voting eligibility. Providing that only legal resident citizens who are at least 18 years of age or older who reside in the place they claim as a domicile shall be eligible voters.

NH HB423

Requiring the consent of property owners for the placement of political advertisements on public property abutting their land.

NH HB425

Allowing tax-exempt entities to keep their tax-exempt status while renting facilities or property to entities that share their mission.

NH HB561

Relative to the transfer of state-owned real property to municipalities.

NH SB45

Clarifying the placement of advertising signs on state-owned property.

Similar Bills

TX HB9

Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property that is held or used for the production of income.

NJ S2025

Increases gross income tax relief based on rent constituting property taxes for residential tenants and establishes refundable gross income tax credit in place of gross income tax deduction for residential tenants.

NJ A2680

Increases gross income tax relief based on rent constituting property taxes for residential tenants and establishes refundable gross income tax credit in place of gross income tax deduction for residential tenants.

FL S1510

Homestead Property Exemptions and Assessment Limitation

NJ A2684

Increases, from 18 percent to 30 percent, amount of rent constituting property taxes for purposes of gross income tax deduction for certain tenants.

NJ A2656

Increases, from 18 percent to 30 percent, amount of rental payments defined as rent constituting property taxes for purposes of deduction from gross income for property tax payments.

LA HB412

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to assessment and reappraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes and establishes a property tax exemption (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

NJ SCR101

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide property tax exemption for primary residence owned and occupied by surviving spouse of first responder who dies in line of duty.