Committee backs bill to let National Guard lease state property for enlisted housing
May 05, 2026 | Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Committees , Legislative, New Hampshire
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The House Ways and Means Committee on the work session on SB492 voted to recommend an "ought to pass" report after hearing from Major General David Michalaitis, the Adjutant General.
Major General David Michalaitis told the committee SB492 is intended "to solve ... affordable housing on the Seacoast for our younger service members." He said the New Hampshire Air National Guard at Pease has about 1,100 assigned airmen and an additional roughly 150 active‑duty service members who currently have no on‑post housing, forcing some to commute more than an hour.
Michalaitis described two near‑term options the bill would enable: converting existing Army National Guard barracks in Pembroke (about 130 rooms) and Stratford (about 100 rooms) into short‑term apartment‑style housing, or issuing a statewide request for proposals for developers to assess conversion of a limited number of rooms as a pilot. He emphasized the focus would be on junior enlisted ranks (E‑1 through E‑5) rather than officers or civilian contractors.
On land, Michalaitis said the Pease Development Authority approved transfer of seven acres near the base's back entrance, but the transfer requires Federal Aviation Administration approval and faces environmental‑contamination and redevelopment‑cost uncertainties; he called that a less likely short‑term option than converting existing facilities in Stratford or Pembroke.
Members asked about taxation and revenue. The committee noted the bill creates a Veterans Services Property Fund; Michalaitis said rental income would normally be held in a dedicated account and used for facility needs rather than deposited into the general fund, and he said the Department would expect a developer to fund conversion costs rather than the military budget.
Representative Cole moved the OTP motion in executive session, seconded by Representative Schamberg; the clerk recorded the roll call and the motion passed unanimously (20–0). The chair placed SB492 on the consent calendar and assigned a majority report.
The committee's action advances the bill to the next stage with broad bipartisan support; lawmakers and the adjutant general said further steps will include a request for proposals and required approvals from the governor/executive council and federal authorities before any conversions or land transfers proceed.
Major General David Michalaitis told the committee SB492 is intended "to solve ... affordable housing on the Seacoast for our younger service members." He said the New Hampshire Air National Guard at Pease has about 1,100 assigned airmen and an additional roughly 150 active‑duty service members who currently have no on‑post housing, forcing some to commute more than an hour.
Michalaitis described two near‑term options the bill would enable: converting existing Army National Guard barracks in Pembroke (about 130 rooms) and Stratford (about 100 rooms) into short‑term apartment‑style housing, or issuing a statewide request for proposals for developers to assess conversion of a limited number of rooms as a pilot. He emphasized the focus would be on junior enlisted ranks (E‑1 through E‑5) rather than officers or civilian contractors.
On land, Michalaitis said the Pease Development Authority approved transfer of seven acres near the base's back entrance, but the transfer requires Federal Aviation Administration approval and faces environmental‑contamination and redevelopment‑cost uncertainties; he called that a less likely short‑term option than converting existing facilities in Stratford or Pembroke.
Members asked about taxation and revenue. The committee noted the bill creates a Veterans Services Property Fund; Michalaitis said rental income would normally be held in a dedicated account and used for facility needs rather than deposited into the general fund, and he said the Department would expect a developer to fund conversion costs rather than the military budget.
Representative Cole moved the OTP motion in executive session, seconded by Representative Schamberg; the clerk recorded the roll call and the motion passed unanimously (20–0). The chair placed SB492 on the consent calendar and assigned a majority report.
The committee's action advances the bill to the next stage with broad bipartisan support; lawmakers and the adjutant general said further steps will include a request for proposals and required approvals from the governor/executive council and federal authorities before any conversions or land transfers proceed.
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