By Meredith Kendrick
The N.H. Legislature continues to advance a sweeping package of housing-related bills aimed at addressing the state’s growing housing shortage. Critics warn that the proposals could erode local control over development decisions.
One of the most high-profile bills, SB 538, dubbed the “HOMEnibus,” passed the Senate in April 2024 but was voted down in the House on May 2 by a vote of 188 to 173. The bill sought to promote office to residential conversions, reduce local restrictions on small multi-unit housing, and streamline approval processes. Its defeat marked a significant setback for advocates of statewide housing reform.
Other proposed legislation remains in play. HB 1399, SB 482, and HB 1215 are still under review in committee, with no votes scheduled. In contrast, HB 577, which requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right, passed both chambers earlier this year and now awaits final concurrence or the governor’s signature. If enacted, the bill could reshape zoning regulations in Hudson, which has traditionally limited ADUs in many neighborhoods. Local officials are concerned that the law may trigger unexpected growth in areas without adequate infrastructure.
Parking focused measures, HB 382 and SB 284, which aim to reduce parking requirements for small scale developments, have cleared the Senate and are now awaiting action in the House. In Hudson, where roads like Lowell Road and Route 102 already experience heavy traffic, reduced parking minimums could put additional strain on local streets and commercial zones.
Several additional bills passed the Senate in March 2025 and are pending in the House. These include SB 84, which prohibits towns from setting minimum lot sizes over one acre in serviced areas for at least half of residential zones, HB 631, which allows residential or mixed-use development by right in commercial areas with water and sewer, and SB 282, which permits certain mid-rise buildings to use a single stairwell under specific fire safety conditions. These changes could affect Hudson’s ability to maintain lower density zoning, especially in areas where the town has worked to balance growth with public safety, school capacity, and infrastructure maintenance.
SB 81, which proposes doubling funding for the state’s Affordable Housing Trust from $5 million to $10 million annually, passed the Senate on March 6. However, it is currently on hold in the Senate Finance Committee amid broader budget negotiations. If implemented, the fund could offer financial support for infrastructure upgrades in towns like Hudson, but only if they comply with new state zoning requirements.
Meanwhile, HB 685 has emerged as one of the more controversial proposals. The bill would require every municipality to allow manufactured housing in all residential zones. It passed both chambers in May and entered conference committee for final reconciliation on June 17. Supporters argue the measure promotes housing affordability and flexibility. Opponents, however, say it removes important local decision-making powers. In testimony before the Senate on May 2, Rep. Len Turcotte stated, “As with every other one of the dozen plus state imposed, top down zoning dictates that have been introduced, each municipality already has the ability to alter their zoning regulations using the warrant article process. Therefore, none of these bills are needed.” In Hudson, where manufactured housing is currently limited to specific zones, the bill could override existing planning strategies and increase housing density in areas not designed to support it.
Hudson officials have raised concerns in recent years about the town’s ability to accommodate rapid development without straining services, schools, and transportation networks. Residents can voice their support or opposition to the bills by submitting testimony online at gencourt.state.nh.us, contacting their local legislators, or attending public hearings at the State House.