This bill creates a new class of judicial employees called magistrates to handle pre-trial release decisions and other court tasks. It authorizes the chief justice to appoint at least 15 magistrates, ensuring at least one is assigned to every county in the state. These magistrates would have the power to decide on bail, conduct arraignment hearings, and issue arrest and search warrants, with the requirement that those handling bail cases be licensed attorneys. The legislation also mandates that individuals released on bail receive information about local services for homelessness, hunger, mental health, and substance use. Additionally, the bill changes the rules for when arrested individuals must appear before a judge and allows for electronic payment of bail in both physical and remote court settings.
This bill creates new criminal penalties for operating small unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, in violation of Federal Aviation Administration rules. It establishes that breaking FAA regulations is a misdemeanor for a first offense and a misdemeanor for subsequent offenses, while more severe actions like interfering with other aircraft or crashing them can lead to felony charges. The law also specifically bans flying drones over correctional facilities unless authorized by law enforcement and prohibits using drones equipped with weapons or devices capable of causing harm. These new rules will take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to anyone operating or possessing such aircraft.
Sen. Pearl Moved Nonconcur with the House Amendment, MA, VV; 05/30/2024; SJ 16
This bill requires local towns and school districts to publicly display on their websites the total amount of state funding they receive within 30 days of getting the money. It also changes vehicle inspection rules by allowing new cars bought in their model year to skip inspections for the first two years after purchase. Additionally, the legislation exempts older vehicles that are at least 20 years old from needing a certificate of title, while keeping annual safety checks for most other cars. These changes aim to increase transparency in government spending and reduce the number of inspections required for newer and classic vehicles.
This bill creates a legislative committee to study the Child Protection Act, focusing on definitions, harm presumptions, and reporting requirements for health care providers treating young children for sexually transmitted diseases. It also mandates that family courts explain their decisions on admitting or rejecting evidence and testimony in family proceedings. Additionally, the bill requires courts to notify parties about automatic wage garnishment for child support unless an agreement is reached and establishes a formal process for appointing parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases. These coordinators would help create parenting plans and manage disputes, with specific qualifications, training, and rules regarding their fees and liability.
HB 115 moves the date of New Hampshire's state primary election from the second Tuesday in September to the second Tuesday in June. It also shifts the deadline for changing party registration and filing candidacy declarations from June to March, allowing voters and candidates more time to prepare earlier in the year. The bill updates related forms and hearing schedules for election officials to align with these new dates, ensuring that all primary election activities occur in the spring rather than the fall. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and directly impact voters, political parties, and candidates participating in the state's primary process.
This bill has two main parts: it allocates $40 million in state funds to design and construct a replacement for the New Hampshire State Prison for Men, and it establishes a system to share mental health court records with federal firearms background check databases. The prison funding is intended for architectural planning, engineering, and construction documents to build a new correctional facility. The second part, known as "Bradley's Law," allows courts and the Department of Safety to report specific mental health adjudications to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which can lead to a person being prohibited from buying or possessing firearms. Additionally, the bill creates a process for individuals to petition the court for relief from these firearm disabilities if their mental health status has improved.
This bill expands legal liability for PFAS contamination by establishing strict liability rules that require owners or operators of PFAS facilities to cover state cleanup costs and provide safe drinking water to affected property owners. It defines PFAS and related terms to clarify which facilities are subject to these rules while exempting public water systems and wastewater treatment plants from certain provisions. Additionally, the bill modifies tenancy laws to require landlords of leases lasting six months or longer to give tenants at least 30 days' written notice before a lease expires and is not renewed. These changes aim to streamline the process for holding polluters accountable and ensuring residents have access to clean water without needing to prove negligence.
This bill updates the rules for selling pari-mutuel pools in New Hampshire, specifically regarding historic horse racing and charitable gaming. It establishes new eligibility requirements for operators to sell tickets on historic races, restricts where these sales can occur, and strictly prohibits the transfer or sale of gaming licenses. Additionally, the legislation changes how charitable organizations are compensated by ensuring they receive at least 35 percent of gross revenue and removing certain fees, while also repealing old rules about employee residency and financial reporting.
This bill modifies New Hampshire's vehicle inspection rules by extending the grace period for newly registered or transferred vehicles from 10 days to 30 days. It also exempts new vehicles purchased from licensed dealers during their model year from inspection until the end of the registered owner's birth month in the second year after purchase. Additionally, the legislation removes the requirement for dealers to perform inspections within a specific time frame and repeals an outdated statute regarding vehicle sales to residents. These changes aim to provide owners with more time to schedule inspections while maintaining safety standards for vehicle registration.
SB 419 updates the state's medical cannabis program by requiring the health department to publish an annual report containing detailed statistics on patients, caregivers, medical conditions, and enforcement actions. The bill also permits qualifying patients and their designated caregivers to grow cannabis at home under specific conditions, such as keeping plants in a locked, enclosed area with a canopy limit of 50 square feet per person. To support this, the law clarifies definitions for plant maturity and establishes that caregivers may receive up to $500 annually for their assistance without it being considered illegal sales. Additionally, the legislation provides legal protections for patients and caregivers who cultivate within the allowed limits and for laboratories testing cannabis samples.
This bill updates state regulations to clarify the standards for military training required for specific professions and sets a deadline of January 1, 2026, for relevant boards to finalize these rules. It also strengthens child protection laws by detailing the specific information required in reports of suspected abuse or neglect and clarifying that reporters can be held criminally or civilly liable if they file false reports with malicious intent. Additionally, the legislation introduces new civil liability provisions for professionals who knowingly fail to report suspected abuse, while maintaining immunity for those who act in good faith.
