NH HB1425

Simplifies wetland permitting for small projects by establishing a "permit by notification" process for minor projects with minimum impact, replacing the previous expedited application process

Grants the Department of Environmental Services authority to create an alternative, adaptive permitting process for emergency or natural disaster response, including allowing certain activities before receiving formal authorization when necessary to protect public safety and property

Removes the New Hampshire Rivers Council from the list of entities that can investigate and report on wetland permit applications, leaving only municipal conservation commissions and local river management advisory committees

Reduces the suspended action period from 40 days to 21 days for permit by notification applications while conservation commissions or river management advisory committees conduct investigations

Takes effect 60 days after passage, with fiscal impact of less than $10,000 annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2029