NH HB1029

Amends RSA 374:48 to clarify that hand planting of perennial or annual flowers, small shrubs, and bushes not exceeding 3-gallon pots does not constitute "excavation" under underground utility damage prevention laws

Excludes shallow irrigation repairs dug by hand from the definition of excavation, eliminating the requirement to contact utility locating services for these minor activities

Maintains existing exemptions for agricultural tilling, non-mechanized residential landscaping, certain mechanized vegetation cutting activities, permitted excavations under RSA 155-E, and replacement of DOT delineator posts

Takes effect 60 days after passage

Fiscal impact determined to be less than $10,000 per year from FY 2026 through FY 2029