HB 1102 proposes to amend state animal cruelty laws by adding specific prohibitions against selling young equine colts under 90 days old and breeding animals with deformities that cause suffering, such as brachycephaly. The bill also aims to prevent the sale of two individual animals that share the same painful birth defect when the intent is to sell them. These changes would directly affect animal owners, breeders, and sellers by making these specific practices illegal under the cruelty statutes. The legislation was introduced to clarify and expand the definition of animal cruelty regarding breeding practices and the sale of animals with congenital issues. Although the bill was referred for further study and ultimately did not pass during the 2024 session, its text outlines these proposed policy adjustments.
This bill would allow groups of at least 25 residents or property owners in a town to petition the state commissioner to ban or limit wake surfing on local lakes, ponds, or rivers. If approved, the commissioner must hold a public hearing to evaluate factors such as environmental impact, water depth, safety concerns, and existing water uses before making a decision. The proposed restrictions would take effect no earlier than October 1 of the year the order is issued and would apply to any person operating a motorboat for wake surfing in the affected area.
This bill directs the Attorney General to immediately inform legislative leaders if they have probable cause to believe a state legislator no longer lives in the district they represent. The law requires the Attorney General to notify the presiding officer, minority leader, and clerk of the relevant chamber but explicitly prohibits them from sharing details of any ongoing criminal investigation beyond the residency issue. It applies specifically to legislators and aims to establish a formal process for verifying district residency without revealing sensitive investigative information. The measure would take effect 60 days after passing, though it did not become law in the 2024 session.
This bill proposes adding a new article to the state constitution that grants parents a fundamental right and responsibility to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children. It establishes that the state or local governments cannot interfere with these parental rights unless they prove a compelling interest of the highest order that cannot be served any other way. The measure includes a specific exception stating that this right does not apply to parental actions that would end a child's life or cause physical harm to them. Rather than passing into law directly, the bill sets up a process to put this constitutional amendment to a vote of the qualified voters in November 2024.
This bill would require institutions of higher education approved by the state commission to be non-profit organizations exempt from federal taxes. It mandates that these schools follow specific federal eligibility rules and comply with state and federal laws against discrimination. The changes apply to any school already approved under the existing higher education regulations. The bill would become effective 60 days after it is passed into law.
This bill prohibits the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization from having any jurisdiction within New Hampshire. It prevents state and local government entities from enforcing, collaborating on, or using guidance from these organizations to mandate masks, vaccines, or medical testing. The law also states that any rules issued by these organizations have no legal force or effect in the state.
HB 1084 proposes to update the qualifications required for the commissioner and deputy commissioner of the Department of Education. Under this bill, these leaders would need to hold an advanced degree, possess current certification as a teacher or school administrator, and have at least five years of combined experience in public school teaching or administration. The legislation also establishes a four-year term for these positions, allowing for reappointment, and sets an effective date of July 1, 2024.
This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create a report detailing how to expand access to the medications mifepristone and misoprostol. The report must identify potential ways to protect and increase access, outline methods for better public education on these drugs, and list any obstacles currently preventing their availability. The legislation requires the report to be submitted to state legislative leaders by November 1, 2024, without using state general funds, and notes that the department must not violate existing state or federal laws while conducting this study.
Died on Table, Session ended 10/10/2024 HJ 17
HB 1640 proposes creating a new cause of action that allows individuals to sue the state or local government when a government employee violates their constitutional rights, such as through excessive force. The bill explicitly removes federal and common law doctrines like qualified immunity and sovereign immunity from these specific claims, ensuring that courts can determine liability without those legal barriers. Under this plan, the government employer would be the only defendant and would bear financial responsibility, while the individual employee would be protected from personal liability and given the right to intervene in the lawsuit. The legislation also establishes a three-year deadline for filing such claims and requires courts to evaluate the reasonableness of an employee's actions based on the facts known at the time of the incident. Although the bill includes provisions to protect judges and legislators from liability for their official duties, it was ultimately laid on the table by the House and did not become law.
This bill proposes to align the rules for filing for office and conducting school district elections with the existing systems used in town elections. It allows school districts to choose between a non-partisan ballot system, which currently applies to most districts, or a new partisan ballot system where candidates run with party labels and a plurality vote wins. Under the new partisan option, school districts would vote to adopt the system at a meeting, and the rules for preparing ballots and managing candidates would mirror those used for partisan town elections. The legislation clarifies that references to town clerks in current laws should instead refer to school district clerks when applying these election procedures.
Died on Table, Session ended 10/10/2024 HJ 17
