Thomas Daniels

Testimony in Opposition to HB 1580-FN-LOCAL (V2 – Policy Alignment) I am a New Hampshire resident submitting this testimony to encourage thoughtful consideration of HB 1580-FN-LOCAL and its broader implications. Residency-Based Taxation Concerns HB 1580 introduces a surcharge based on residency status rather than property value, marking a significant shift in New Hampshire’s approach to property taxation. Workforce Housing & Rural Resilience Housing policy is workforce policy. In rural New Hampshire, housing flexibility is essential to maintaining access to healthcare, education, construction, and other critical services. New Hampshire relies on traveling and contract-based healthcare providers at a significantly higher rate than the national average due to rural access challenges and workforce shortages. Short-term and flexible housing options are a necessary component of recruiting and retaining these professionals, particularly visiting nurses and traveling clinicians. Housing Flexibility & Market Effects Short-term rentals function as flexible housing infrastructure. Over time, these homes are used not only by visitors, but also by displaced families, traveling professionals, seasonal workers, and mid-term residents. The ability to operate as a short-term rental is what allows this housing to remain available for multiple community needs as demand shifts. Risk of Consolidation & Reduced Local Control Experience in highly regulated jurisdictions shows that excessive taxation or regulation of short-term rentals tends to push small, local owners out of the market. The result is increased consolidation by institutional investors and large corporate operators, reducing local control and weakening community resilience. Conclusion Housing and tax policy should support workforce mobility, healthcare access, and local ownership rather than create barriers to participation.