Citing public safety concerns, Governor Maggie Hassan has vetoed a bill that aimed to limit the power of local building inspectors. This is Hassan's first veto of the year.
The Republican-sponsored bill would have allowed building inspectors to seek only such information that is "reasonably required" before acting on permit applications. The bill drew little public attention and cleared both chambers of the legislature by voice vote.
But in her veto-message, Governor Hassan wrote that the bill would create a vague standard that could make buildings less safe and spark lawsuits. She said no evidence was ever presented showing current law was places an unnecessary burden on permit applicants.
She also cited opposition to bill from state fire chiefs and the NH planners association.
