HB1293 regulates fertilizer use on urban turf and lawns in New Hampshire, establishing application limits and defining terms such as “low phosphate” and “enhanced efficiency” fertilizers. The bill prohibits fertilizer application during heavy rain, on frozen ground, or within 25 feet of storm drains and water bodies. While aiming to reduce environmental risks, these restrictions could inadvertently put countless well-meaning families in violation of the law when maintaining their privately owned lawns. Retailers would also be required to display educational signs about fertilizer runoff and its legal implications, though golf courses and sod farms are exempt if they follow best management practices.
The New Hampshire State Senate overrode the governor’s veto on October 10, 2024 by a vote of 22 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill is a significant government overreach into private property rights. By imposing restrictive regulations on how citizens manage their lawns while exempting certain industries, the bill creates an uneven playing field and undermines individual autonomy. Government interference in personal property decisions sets a dangerous precedent, prioritizing centralized control over citizens’ lives.