SB 521 New Hampshire Senate · 2026 Regular Session

relative to unauthorized camping on private property.

SB 521 prohibits unauthorized camping on private property in New Hampshire municipalities with over 10,000 residents. It requires campers to have either written permission from the property owner or the owner's continuous presence on-site to legally camp. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors, with offenders liable for property damage costs. The law applies to tents, camping devices, and sleeping on the ground, excluding regulated campgrounds. It takes effect January 1, 2027.
Bill status failed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Jan 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Nov 21, 2025 Last action Apr 9, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Apr 1, 2026
Committee
Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 03/20/2026 (Vote 12-0; CC)
lower
Feb 26, 2026
Introduced
Introduced (in recess of) 02/19/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 5 P. 124
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Upper · Passed
Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 01/29/2026; SJ 2
upper
Jan 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 01/29/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 3
upper
Nov 21, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 1
upper
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors

Sponsors