This bill proposes a three-year pilot program allowing recovery centers and community mental health centers to receive free passes to state parks for their clients. Funded through state and federal grants plus donations, the initiative would require these facilities to report annually on how the program is used and its impact. The pilot is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2024, with the specific provisions set to expire in 2027. Although the bill was referred for study, it was ultimately not passed during the 2024 legislative session.
HB 1522 proposes to update the rules for calculating unemployment compensation benefits in New Hampshire by replacing the current formula with a new schedule based on an individual's annual earnings. To qualify, a person must have earned at least $1,400 in each of two calendar quarters, and their weekly payment would then be determined by a specific table that links their total yearly income to a maximum weekly and total benefit amount. The bill directly affects eligible job seekers who file for unemployment, setting new caps on how much they can receive per week and over the course of a benefit year. If passed, these changes would take effect 60 days after the law is enacted.
HB 1410 sought to update the rules and powers of New Hampshire's Board of Nursing to better regulate the practice of nursing and the education of nursing students. The bill proposed changes such as requiring board members to have five years of nursing experience, establishing new standards for nursing programs, and giving the board authority to limit out-of-state licensure privileges to protect local residents. It also included provisions for criminal background checks for applicants, the creation of modified licenses for those with limited practice scopes, and the ability to issue medication administration certificates to nursing assistants. Although the bill contained specific policy updates, it was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law during the 2024 legislative session.
HB 1317 updates the rules for charitable organizations seeking property tax exemptions in New Hampshire by requiring them to file annual financial statements with their local municipalities before June 1. The bill allows municipalities to charge a late fee of $50 per week for overdue forms but prohibits granting exemptions once the local tax rate has been approved for the year. It also empowers city assessors and selectmen to request specific organizational documents within 30 days, with failure to provide these materials potentially resulting in a denial of exemption. Additionally, the legislation expands the grounds for tax abatement to include "good cause" beyond just errors or inability to pay, while setting a March 1 deadline for applying for such relief.
This bill proposes creating a permanent, nonpartisan Independent Redistricting Commission in New Hampshire to draw boundaries for all state and federal election districts. The commission would consist of six members selected from a pool of applicants who are not current or recent political officials, ensuring that no member has held specific elected offices or worked for campaigns in the last decade. Members would serve ten-year terms and must follow strict rules regarding campaign contributions and outside communications to maintain neutrality. The commission is tasked with redrawing maps after every federal census using criteria that prioritize population equality, compliance with laws, and the avoidance of partisan bias.
This bill authorizes the New Hampshire Department of Labor to hire up to three additional staff members to review and update safety rules for public sector employees. The legislation allocates funding of up to $400,000 to cover the salaries and benefits for these new positions, which are intended to help evaluate existing occupational safety standards before they expire in 2025. The additional personnel will focus on analyzing current regulations and recommending necessary changes to ensure worker safety requirements remain effective. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, allowing the department to begin the staffing process and subsequent rule review immediately.
This bill would change the deadline for charter schools and school districts in New Hampshire to review and update their memorandums of understanding from the start of the school year to November 1. The updated agreement would ensure compliance with state and federal laws and confirm that services for students with disabilities are being provided correctly. The change is intended to give more time for these administrative reviews before the school year begins.
HB 301 requires New Hampshire legislators to step away from voting on any bill where they or their household members have a potential financial gain or a leadership role in an affected organization. The law also mandates that lawmakers verbally disclose such conflicts before speaking in committees or on the legislative floor. While the bill defines specific situations requiring recusal, it includes an exception allowing legislators to vote on broad-based tax measures or state budget items where their personal interest is minimal. These rules apply to both elected officials and their immediate families to ensure decisions are made without the influence of personal gain.
This bill proposes moving any leftover money in New Hampshire's education trust fund to the state's general fund at the end of each fiscal year. The change would allow the general fund to access these surplus funds, which are currently restricted to education purposes. The legislation does not alter how the education trust fund is collected or spent, but rather changes the destination of any excess balance. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately removed from consideration before the legislative session ended.
This bill establishes a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years to life for anyone convicted of distributing specific controlled drugs, such as methamphetamine or PCP, when the recipient dies as a result. Under the new law, prosecutors must prove that the drug distribution directly caused the death, but the accused cannot use the victim's own reckless behavior or consent as a defense. The legislation applies strictly to the sale, manufacture, or dispensing of these substances and does not prevent separate charges for homicide or drug enterprise leadership. If passed, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, and could increase costs for the state and local governments related to the judicial and correctional systems.
This bill would prevent local governments from enforcing rules that limit the number of people living in a rental unit based on whether they are related or restrict occupancy to only family members. Specifically, it bans ordinances that cap residents at fewer than two people per bedroom or that require occupants to be related by blood or marriage. The law applies to cities, towns, and counties that contain unincorporated areas or unorganized places. If passed, these restrictions would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.
HB 1370 directs the Secretary of State to prepare and distribute secure, durable containers and tamper-evident sealers to town and ward clerks for preserving ballots before state elections. The bill also requires these officials to use special containers specifically designed for separate ballots related to questions posed to voters. Although the legislation was adopted by the conference committee, it was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law before the end of the session.
