HB 1619: The Property Owners’ Bill of Rights
Public Hearing: February 3, 2026
An upcoming New Hampshire House bill, HB 1619, includes language that directly affects property owners statewide. We encourage property owners to review the bill and consider providing testimony.
Bill Details
- Bill: HB 1619
- Public Hearing: February 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM
- Committee: House Housing
- Location: 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH — Room GP 231
- 👉 View the full bill text here
Why This Bill Matters
Point 1 of HB 1619 could reasonably be described as a Property Owners’ Bill of Rights.
It puts into statute a principle many people already believe:
“Property owners should be able to use and enjoy their property as they see fit, so long as that use does not cause real harm to others.”
This expectation is widely shared, but it is not always clearly stated in law.
Point 1 helps put that principle on paper.
Points 2 & 3 Are Separate
Points 2 and 3 are separate from Point 1 and raise additional, more complex policy questions. Some may view these sections as more contentious, and they are not required to support the core property-rights principle in Point 1.
Our Recommendation
- Support Point 1 — the Property Owners’ Bill of Rights
- Encourage lawmakers to amend out Points 2 and 3 or refer them for separate study
This approach allows lawmakers to move forward on a broadly supported principle without forcing agreement on unrelated issues.
Please Consider Testifying (In Person If You’re Able)
The most effective way to support this effort is to testify at the public hearing. Hearing directly from residents makes a difference. Written testimony is also accepted if you cannot attend in person.
How to Submit Testimony (2–3 Minutes)
- Select date: February 3, 2026
- Committee: House Housing
- Choose bill: 1:00 pm – HB 1619
- I am: A Member of the Public
- I’m representing: Myself
- Position: I Support this Bill
- Testimony: Type directly into the box or upload a PDF (optional)
🕚 Testimony may be submitted until 11:59 pm on the day of the hearing.
Sample Testimony (Optional)
The text below is sample language. Feel free to copy and personalize it.
I am a New Hampshire property owner writing in support of the Property Owners’ Bill of Rights language in HB 1619.
Point 1 captures a common-sense idea: ownership should mean being able to use and enjoy property unless that use causes real harm to others. That expectation is widely shared and should be clearly reflected in statute.
I recognize that Points 2 and 3 involve separate and more contentious issues. I encourage the legislature to consider amending those sections out or referring them for separate study, so the core property-rights principle in Point 1 can stand on its own.
Thank you for your time and service.
Supporting a Property Owners’ Bill of Rights, while separating out more complex issues, is a reasonable and constructive path forward.
New Hampshire Vacation Rental & Tourism Association (NHVRTA)
The NHVRTA Board