Opinion ID: 1945624
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Constitutionality of RSA chapter 159-B

Text: Sara Realty argues that RSA chapter 159-B contravenes Part I, Article 14 of the State Constitution, which provides: Every subject of this state is entitled to a certain remedy, by having recourse to the laws, for all injuries he may receive in his person, property, or character; to obtain right and justice freely, without being obliged to purchase it; completely, and without any denial; promptly, and without delay; conformably to the laws. N.H. CONST. pt. I, art. 14. Sara Realty argues that RSA chapter 159-B impermissibly discriminates, with respect to remedies, by disparately treating two similarly situated classes: landowners living in communities with established noise control prior to the establishment of a shooting range, who can enforce that ordinance or prosecute a private nuisance action; and landowners living in towns such as Newton that lacked noise control ordinances when the shooting range came into existence and, thus, are barred from seeking any relief. It argues that RSA chapter 159-B unconstitutionally disfavors the latter class by granting absolute immunity. Assuming without deciding that the asserted classification triggers a constitutional analysis, we note that the classification is only created by virtue of RSA 159-B:2. Compare RSA 159-B:2 (conditioning protection upon compliance with any noise control ordinance that was in existence at the time the range was established, was constructed, or began operations), with RSA 159-B:5 (conditioning protection upon the shooting range being established, constructed, or being used on a regular basis as of the date the [complaining] person acquired the property). We therefore read Sara Realty's brief as challenging only the constitutionality of RSA 159-B:2, and not that of RSA 159-B:5. Because RSA 159-B:2 and:5 provide alternative bars to Sara Realty's nuisance action and the bar within RSA 159-B:5 is sufficient to support summary judgment for Country Pond, we need not reach the constitutionality of RSA 159-B:2. See N.H. Assoc. of Counties, 158 N.H. at ____, 965 A.2d 1012. Affirmed.