Natalie Medved

I oppose this bill for various reasons. First, STR are already clearly defined under NH Law and subject to Rooms and Meals Tax. Expanding the definition of hotels to include STR creates confusion and is unnecessary. Many home owners in NH have to rent out their space on an interim or short term basis to cover increasing taxes and costs. Adding additional taxes or requirements that apply to actual hotels is not only costly but interferes with a landowners use of their property. I, like many others in the White Mountain region, have only been able to keep out families property (which we have owned since 1970) by welcoming families for short stays and then continuing to use the property ourselves. Additionally, the proposed legislation will be another step towards eroding the rights and liberties of New Hampshire landowners, the consequences of which have played out in Massachusetts. State interference with an individuals lawful use of their property, be it direct or indirect (via additional unnecessary requirements and taxes), is a step towards stripping said landowners of their rights and liberties. New Hampshire is not Vermont, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island. The proposed legislation will be another step towards stripping New Hampshire owners of their freedoms, choices, and privileges as property owners and members of the community.