This bill would regulate wakeboating and wakesports in New Hampshire by defining specific terms and establishing safety rules for these activities. It prohibits wakesports between sunset and sunrise, on waters smaller than 50 acres, within 500 feet of shorelines, and in areas less than 20 feet deep. The legislation also bans wakesports behind boats with propulsion systems extending beyond the swim platform and requires the state commissioner to create maps identifying legal zones for these activities. Although the bill passed committee review, it was ultimately removed from consideration and did not become law before the legislative session ended.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure New Hampshire's presidential primary is the first such contest held in the nation. It requires the state's primary to take place at least one week before any other similar nominating events, directly affecting how presidential candidates compete for support early in election cycles. The measure would be voted on by New Hampshire residents during the November 2024 general election, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass and become law. If approved, this change would permanently alter the state constitution to codify New Hampshire's current status as the first primary state.
Died on Table, Session ended 10/10/2024 HJ 17
This bill updates regulations for the New Hampshire Board of Optometry by expanding the types of pharmaceutical agents that licensed optometrists can dispense to patients, including specific oral pain relievers and certain vaccines. It establishes a dedicated funding source to support health professional licensing boards and clarifies that pharmacy inspections will be conducted by trained pharmacists rather than the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Additionally, the legislation amends the legal definition of the practice of optometry to explicitly include the diagnosis and treatment of acute angle closure glaucoma while listing specific surgical procedures that remain outside the scope of optometric practice.
This bill proposes to set a new speed limit of 45 miles per hour on unimproved rural highways, which are defined as areas adjacent to two-lane roads that lack paved shoulders and have low-density driveway access. The legislation directly affects drivers traveling on these specific roadways by establishing a maximum speed that is lower than the current 55 miles per hour limit applicable to other locations. It also creates a new legal definition for "unimproved rural highway" to clarify which roads fall under this restriction and updates the fine schedule for speeding violations to align with the new limit.
Died on Table, Session ended 10/10/2024 HJ 17
This bill would allow members of the New Hampshire General Court to join the state employee assistance program run by the Department of Health and Human Services. The costs for this participation would be covered by funds from the legislative branch rather than the individual legislators. The legislation specifies that the program's per-person fees are to be paid directly to the department by the legislative branch. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law during the 2024 session.
This bill, known as the Anti-Sanctuary Act, would require state and local law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. It explicitly prohibits any government entity from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration requests, such as honoring detainers or withholding inmate information. While the law mandates efforts to support federal enforcement, it includes specific exceptions that prevent the use of immigration status information against victims or witnesses of certain serious crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault. If a local agency violates these requirements, the state attorney general could file a lawsuit to stop the policy and seek court orders to enforce compliance.
This bill would allow the state to sell or lease surplus real estate to nonprofit organizations at prices below fair market value specifically for building affordable housing. The governor and council would determine the discounted price, and the state would attach legal restrictions to ensure the property remains dedicated to affordable housing purposes. Directly affecting state property management and nonprofit developers, the measure aims to provide discounted assets to support low-income housing projects. Although the bill passed a committee, it was ultimately tabled and did not become law during the 2024 session.
This bill proposes adding a new article to the New Hampshire constitution to explicitly guarantee a fundamental right to abortion. It would protect this right for all individuals up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, allowing restrictions only if there is a compelling state interest addressed by the least restrictive means. After 24 weeks, the bill permits abortion if an attending physician judges it necessary based on applicable standards of care. The legislation also outlines the process for submitting this constitutional amendment to voters for a decision at the November 2024 general election.
HB 1210 proposes to change how Strafford County commissioners are elected by replacing the current district-based system with a single election where all voters in the county choose three commissioners at large. The bill also includes specific provisions for Sullivan County, outlining its existing three districts, though the primary focus is on altering Strafford County's representation structure. If passed, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, shifting the method of selecting county leadership to a countywide vote rather than one per district.
This bill would have allowed the private sale, purchase, and donation of human blood, blood products, and organs within New Hampshire by removing existing state prohibitions. It specifically directs health facility regulations to exclude these transactions from licensing requirements, ensuring that individuals could legally engage in such exchanges without government interference. The legislation defines "blood and blood products" to include whole blood, plasma, serum, and any derivatives of these substances. Although the bill passed its committee stages, it was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law when the legislative session ended.
