Kelly Bokhan

Brief Statement in Support of HB 1580 I support this bill as a primary resident of New Hampshire who pays nearly $10,000 a year in property taxes and cannot afford a second home. Year-round residents like me shoulder the financial responsibility for local schools, roads, emergency services, and municipal infrastructure, while a growing number of non-primary residences place strain on those same systems without contributing equitably. Second homes and seasonal properties reduce housing availability, drive up home values, and increase property taxes for people who live and work here full time. This bill creates a modest, targeted surcharge that applies only to higher-value non-primary residences, while exempting long-term rentals and primary homes, ensuring the policy is fair and focused. Importantly, the revenue stays local, allowing municipalities to reduce property tax pressure or invest directly in schools, infrastructure, and community services that benefit year-round residents. This bill is about fairness, housing stability, and protecting New Hampshire residents who are already stretched thin, not punishing homeowners. It helps ensure those who can afford multiple homes contribute appropriately to the communities they rely on.