New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1037

Introduced
11/7/25  
Refer
11/7/25  
Report Pass
2/9/26  
Engrossed
2/25/26  
Refer
2/25/26  
Report Pass
3/19/26  

Caption

Extending the commission to study OHRV use in New Hampshire and adding a member from the department of tourism.

Impact

By extending the commission's duration and adding a new member, HB1037 signifies the state's commitment to thorough research and assessment regarding OHRV use. It reflects a proactive approach to understanding how OHRVs can coexist with existing recreational activities and contribute to the state’s economy through tourism. The involvement of the division of travel and tourism development particularly underscores the importance of recreational activities in attracting visitors and promoting local economies, thus setting a precedent for future regulatory considerations regarding OHRVs.

Summary

House Bill 1037 proposes to extend the commission tasked with studying the use of Off Highways Recreational Vehicles (OHRVs) in New Hampshire by an additional two years. This extension aims to further examine the impact of OHRVs on the state's recreational landscape and its associated regulations. Along with the extension, the bill also seeks to expand the commission's membership by adding a representative from the division of travel and tourism development, indicating a recognition of the tourism industry's relevance to recreation in the state.

Contention

The bill may eventually face contention regarding the implications of OHRV use, especially among various stakeholders including environmental groups, local municipalities, and recreational associations. Some stakeholders may express concerns over land management and environmental impact, while others may advocate for increased recreational opportunities and tourism-driven economic benefits. The balance between regulation and access to recreational areas is likely to be a primary point of discussion within the extended commission's deliberations as they seek to address diverse perspectives and interests.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB161

Changing the membership of the New Hampshire commission on Native American affairs.

NH HB127

Extending the closing date of the OHRV trails on the Connecticut Lakes headwaters working forest property.

NH HB118

Repealing certain committees and commissions and relative to the membership of the New Hampshire rare disease advisory council.

NH HB72

Extending the commission to study telehealth services.

NH SB141

Extending the time to petition for a new trial in certain cases and relative to adding library cards and membership status to the list of confidential library user records.

NH HB123

Defining pre-sequestration timber tax revenue, establishing a moratorium on carbon sequestration and establishing a commission to study the effects of carbon sequestration in New Hampshire forests upon state and local tax revenue, effective forest management, and the health of New Hampshires logging industry.

NH HB477

Establishing a commission to study safety and security procedures in the New Hampshire state house.

NH SB130

Establishing a commission to study delivery models for emergency medical services in the state of New Hampshire.

NH HB258

Establishing a study commission to determine the readiness of the New Hampshire Seacoast Emergency Evacuation Plan.

NH SB303

Directing the commissioner of the department of education to compile a report on the effects of the dissolution of the United States Department of Education on New Hampshire and its residents.

Similar Bills

NH SB560

Modernizing the New Hampshire coordinate system.

NH SB59

Establishing a recruitment incentive program within the community college system for public safety communicators and dispatchers and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB659

Establishing the New Hampshire college graduate retention incentive program.

NH HB1685

Establishing a committee to study aiding the growth of assistive technology businesses and adoption of assistive technologies in New Hampshire.

NH HR13

Opposing the permitting of a landfill next to Forest Lake State Park in Dalton, New Hampshire.

NH HB445

Establishing a study commission to examine the causes of and ways to alleviate the shortage of law enforcement officers in New Hampshire.

NH HR43

Recognizing the Manchester school district's community partners.

NH SB526

Establishing a New Hampshire-Greece trade council.