New Hampshire Legislature Considers Bill to Allow Local Data Center Zoning

The New Hampshire Legislature is in its "bill-grinding time," with both the House and Senate nearing the end of the 2026 session. As committees finalize hearings and executive sessions, several key bills are being considered before moving to the floor. Among the legislative items, the House Municipal and County Government Committee is scheduled to take up Senate Bill 439 (SB 439) on Tuesday, May 5. This bill seeks to authorize New Hampshire cities and towns to regulate data centers under their existing zoning rules. This move could empower local municipalities to have more control over data center development within their jurisdictions. The broader legislative agenda for the week in Concord also includes debates on raising tolls for out-of-state drivers, student ID requirements for voting, legislative ethics, education reforms, the state's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and various social issues.