New Hampshire 2025 Legislative Session: Lake Protection Highlights
During the 169th session of the New Hampshire Legislature, lawmakers considered approximately 1,155 bills. NH LAKES closely monitored approximately 40 of them and took action on eight key bills directly impacting our lakes.
These priority bills were identified by our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and our statewide Lake Advocates Network.
Our advocacy focuses on aquatic invasive species prevention, shoreland and wetland protection, and water quality restoration. Below is a summary of our priority lake-related bills and their outcomes during the 2025 session.
While three key lake-friendly bills became law this session, several important initiatives stalled. NH LAKES will continue to advocate for stronger protection for our lakes, and we’ll need your voice, too. Stay engaged with us and help protect what makes New Hampshire’s lakes so special.
Sign up for NH LAKES Advocacy Alerts for periodic updates and information on how to make your voice heard! Visit: nhlakes.org/email-list-sign-up.
Questions? Visit nhlakes.org/state-government or contact Andrea LaMoreaux, NH LAKES President & Public Policy Advocate, at alamoreaux@nhlakes.org or 603.226.0299.
Lake-Friendly Bills That Passed
HB 167 – Banning the Sale of Ski, Boat & Board Waxes Containing PFAS
Why it matters: PFAS (“forever chemicals”) don’t break down easily and can contaminate our lakes and drinking water. These chemicals have been found in our lakes and are harmful to both human and environmental health. PFAS-free waxes are readily available.
Status: Signed by Governor Ayotte on May 14, 2025—takes effect in 60 days.
HB 416 – Prohibiting Yard Waste Disposal in Surface Waters
Why it matters: Dumping yard waste (like leaves or grass clippings) into lakes adds excess nutrients, harming water quality. This bill helps build awareness and prevent nutrient pollution.
Status: Signed into law on July 15, 2025—takes effect January 1, 2026.
SB 299 – Establishing Penalties for Shoreland Violations by Contractors
Why it matters: It imposes penalties on contractors who supervise or perform work in violation of the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act. Under current law, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services can only impose a penalty if a violation is not restored within a year after notification. This bill helps protect the health of our lakes and protects property owners who hire contractors who break the law.
Status: Signed into law on June 10, 2025—takes effect January 1, 2026.
Lake-Friendly Bills That Did Not Pass
HB 105 -”Love New Hampshire’s Lakes” License Plate to Fund Cyanobacteria Mitigation
Why it matters: This special conservation license plate would feature a loon and be available for $30/year. Proceeds from the plate sale would go to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund to help lake associations and other groups reduce pollution fueling cyanobacteria blooms. There is no sustainable funding source for the fund.
Status: Passed the House, stalled in the Senate due to concerns over competition with the Moose Plate. It will be reconsidered during Fall 2025.
HB 332 – Allowing the Formation of a Village District to Protect Surface Water Health
Why it matters: Would allow towns around a lake to voluntarily work together under one governing body to consistently protect lake health.
Status: Failed in the House due to concerns over new layers of government and potential fees.
HB 334 – Adding Environmental Protections to the State Development Plan
Why it matters: It would have required the state to factor in lake and river protection in long-term planning.
Status: Defeated in the House due to cost concerns.
HB 397 – Creating a Multi-Agency Task Force for Lake Patrols
Why it matters: Aimed to strengthen law enforcement presence on lakes by coordinating among state agencies.
Status: Passed the House, but the Senate felt a law wasn’t needed to form such a task force.
HB 422 – Increasing Fines for Shoreland Protection Violations
Why it matters: Would raise fines from $5,000 to $15,000 per violation, serving as a stronger deterrent. Penalties haven’t been updated in decades.
Status: Defeated in the House over concerns about necessity.
by Martech Consulting