hb 0556

CHAPTER 266

HB 556-FN-A - FINAL VERSION

AN ACT relative to responsibilities of the department of cultural resources and the department of safety regarding building preservation and rehabilitation, and allowing the commissioner of the department of cultural resources to accept donations for purposes stipulated by the donor.

SPONSORS: Rep. Robb, Sull 11; Rep. Welch, Rock 18; Rep. Dyer, Hills 8; Sen. Johnson, Dist 3

This bill allows the commissioner of the department of cultural resources to accept grants, for the purpose of holding conferences on building rehabilitation and historic preservation. The bill allows the commissioner of the department of safety to accept grants, and contract for services for the development, publication, and distribution of a handbook that will provide information on life safety, fire and building codes and standards, procedures and guidelines for local and state approval of preservation and rehabilitation projects, and resources available to assist political subdivisions, property owners, non-profit organizations, and developers with preservation and rehabilitation projects.

This bill also allows the commissioner of the department of cultural resources to accept donations for purposes stipulated by the donor.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

266:1 Findings. The general court finds that the preservation and rehabilitation of historic and culturally significant buildings and structures enhances the quality of life in New Hampshire; that the rehabilitation and continued use or reuse of older commercial and industrial buildings strengthens the economic vitality of the state's towns and cities; and that the state and its political subdivisions should encourage and support the rehabilitation and restoration of such buildings. Further, the general court finds that the state and its political subdivisions should develop strategies, policies, and services that encourage the preservation of historic and culturally significant buildings and structures and the continued use or reuse of older commercial and industrial buildings, and ensure that life safety, fire protection, structural integrity, handicapped accessibility, energy conservation, traffic, parking, and other health and safety considerations for such buildings are satisfied in an appropriate manner.

I. The department of cultural resources shall hold conferences on building rehabilitation and historic preservation, in order to assist municipal, county, and state officials, New Hampshire Main Street organizations, regional development corporations, regional planning commissions, property owners, design professionals, and non-profit organizations to understand and develop strategies for the successful preservation and rehabilitation of historic and culturally significant buildings and structures and older commercial and industrial buildings. The commissioner of cultural resources may accept grants, services, and property from state agencies, the federal government, foundations, organizations, and other entities as may be available for the purposes of paying the costs of holding the conferences. Any sums accepted by the commissioner pursuant to this section shall not be used for any other purpose, are hereby appropriated, and shall not lapse.

II. The department of safety shall provide for the development, publication, and distribution of a handbook, and/or other media, that will include information on life safety, fire and building codes and standards, historic preservation codes and standards, procedures and guidelines for local and state approval of preservation and rehabilitation projects, and resources available to assist political subdivisions, property owners, non-profit organizations, and developers with preservation and rehabilitation projects. The department may enter into contracts with individuals, public or private corporations or institutions for assistance in the development, publication, and distribution of said handbook, and/or other media. The commissioner of safety may accept grants, services, and property from state agencies, the federal government, foundations, organizations, and other entities as may be available for the purposes of paying the costs of this project. Any sums accepted by the commissioner pursuant to this section shall not be used for any other purpose, are hereby appropriated, and shall not lapse.

III. The provisions of this section shall be subject to the availability of funds and any other resources accepted by the commissioner of cultural resources and the commissioner of safety pursuant to paragraphs I and II.

266:3 New Section; Donations. Amend RSA 21-K by inserting after section 4 the following new section:

21-K:4-a Donations. The commissioner may receive and accept at any time such sums of money as may be donated for any purpose related to cultural resources. Money so received shall be converted into a continuous fund or funds, which shall not lapse, to be held by the state treasurer from which payments shall be made in accordance with the stipulations of the donor.