This bill protects tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by preventing landlords from evicting them solely based on their victim status. It allows victims to stay in their homes if they provide written proof of a protective order, a report to law enforcement, a statement from a professional, or a court-approved self-certification form. The law also permits victims to request new locks at their own expense to exclude abusers and clarifies that landlords cannot be held liable for damages caused by these lock changes. While the bill offers these protections, it explicitly states that landlords can still evict tenants for unrelated reasons such as nonpayment of rent. Additionally, the bill requires landlords to keep all information regarding a tenant's victim status strictly confidential.
This bill expands property tax exemptions for disabled veterans who own homes specially adapted with assistance from the Veterans Administration. To qualify, veterans must be 100 percent permanently and totally disabled, a double amputee, or blind in both eyes due to service-connected conditions, and they must provide proof of these disabilities to local assessors. The exemption applies to the veteran or their surviving spouse who has not remarried, removing all property taxes on their specially adapted homestead. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.
This bill updates the process for transferring individuals to state prison after a criminal conviction. It requires the court clerk to send the official sentencing order directly to the Department of Corrections, either electronically or in person, while removing the requirement for the county sheriff to handle this specific transfer. The law also mandates that the Department of Corrections verify the validity of the order before taking custody of the person. These changes streamline the handover between the court system and the corrections department, effective January 1, 2025.
SB 363 amends New Hampshire state laws to officially include simulcast dog racing under the same regulatory framework as horse racing. The bill places the authority to oversee and regulate these racing activities under the Lottery Commission, which will also manage existing charitable gaming operations. It requires licenses for anyone conducting dog racing simulcasts and repeals previous specific statutes that governed dog racing separately. The legislation also clarifies restrictions on electronic gaming devices used for wagering while allowing for historic horse race betting. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
This bill updates New Hampshire laws regarding concealed carry permits and adds legal protection for officers who issue them. It clarifies that residents and non-residents can apply for licenses to carry loaded pistols or revolvers for self-defense, hunting, or target practice, provided they are not banned from owning firearms by state or federal law. The legislation sets specific timelines for issuing permits within 14 days, establishes a $10 fee for residents and $100 for non-residents, and requires that licenses remain valid for all allowable purposes regardless of the original reason for issuance. Additionally, it grants immunity from liability to law enforcement officers who issue these licenses in good faith, shielding them from lawsuits if a permit holder later commits misconduct with a firearm.
This New Hampshire bill requires presidential candidates to include the specific primary date designated by the Secretary of State in their official declaration of candidacy. The law mandates that candidates sign a sworn statement confirming their eligibility under the U.S. Constitution and declaring their party affiliation or status as a recognized candidate. By updating the required form, the legislation ensures that the primary election date is explicitly listed in the official filing documents submitted to the state. These changes take effect on July 13, 2024, and directly impact individuals running for the presidency in New Hampshire.
SB 514 modifies New Hampshire's timber tax by increasing the amount of wood that certain landowners can cut without paying a tax or filing an intent to cut. The bill raises the annual exemption limits for individuals cutting logs for personal construction projects from 10,000 to 15,000 board feet and for fuel wood from 20 to 30 cords. It also expands the exemption for land conversion purposes to include up to 15,000 board feet of logs and 300 tons of whole tree chips, provided the owner has secured all necessary permits for the land's new use. These changes directly affect private landowners and utility providers who harvest timber for their own use, allowing them to keep more of their harvested wood tax-free. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024.
This bill allows vehicles registered with municipal license plates in New Hampshire to drive on toll roads without paying fees. The law achieves this by adding a specific exemption to the state's toll collection rules for these government-issued plates. It applies to all motor vehicles bearing plates issued by a New Hampshire municipality and will become effective on July 13, 2024.
This bill creates a new committee to study foster care families and the foster care system in New Hampshire. The committee will be made up of members from the state Senate and House of Representatives who will meet to gather information from foster parents and government officials. Their main task is to identify challenges within the current system and offer recommendations to improve how foster care is managed. The group must submit their findings and any suggested laws to state leaders by November 1, 2024.
This bill directs the Department of Energy to conduct a study on establishing a framework for electricity microgrids within the state. The department must consult with various stakeholders, including utility companies, technology firms, and local governments, to examine definitions, security standards, and potential benefits like improved grid reliability and cost savings. The study will also look at regulatory barriers and how microgrids can support economic growth and clean energy innovation. Finally, the department is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature and the public utilities commission within one year to guide future pilot programs.
This bill eliminates the Judicial Conduct Commission in New Hampshire by repealing the specific law that created it. The change directly affects the state's judicial oversight system by removing the commission's authority to investigate judges and handle complaints regarding their professional behavior. Because the commission is abolished, its existing powers and responsibilities are effectively ended, and any future judicial conduct matters would need to be handled through different legal channels. The legislation takes effect immediately upon being signed into law.
Signed by Governor Sununu 04/16/2024; Chapter 8; eff. 06/15/2024
