Rep. Matt Coker

Maddy summaryHB 1314 allows New Hampshire residents under 18 to obtain a freshwater fishing license without paying a fee. Minors must present proof of age to the Fish and Game Department when applying. The license will be marked as designated by the department and will not require a fee, replacing the previous requirement for a fee that was collected from 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 212 extends the temporary operating permit for vehicles that fail emission tests from 60 to 180 days. It applies to drivers whose vehicles pass all other inspection requirements but fail the EPA OBD II emission test. The waiver allows owners to legally operate their vehicles while making necessary repairs, with only one waiver permitted per inspection cycle. The bill also directs the department to consider economic hardship when establishing repair waiver rules.

Maddy summaryHB 212 would allow vehicle owners to continue operating a motor vehicle for up to 180 days after failing an emissions test while they arrange repairs. This directly affects drivers whose vehicles fail required emissions inspections but need to keep driving. The key provision is a temporary operational waiver, replacing the standard requirement to repair the vehicle immediately. The bill was referred to committee and ultimately reported "Inexpedient to Legislate" (16-0 vote) on November 18, 2025, meaning it did not advance further.

Maddy summaryHB 209 would allow owners of newly purchased vehicles to delay their first required safety inspection until the second year after purchase, instead of the typical first year. This change directly affects new vehicle owners who would gain an extra year before needing an inspection, applying to vehicles purchased in the model year or earlier. The bill proposes modifying inspection timing requirements for new vehicles, shifting the first inspection from year one to year two of ownership. (Note: The bill was referred to committee and deemed "inexpedient to legislate" as of November 2025.)

Maddy summaryHB 312 would allow college student-athletes in the state to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL), such as through endorsements or personal branding deals. It directly affects student-athletes at public and private colleges within the state by removing current restrictions that prevent them from monetizing their personal brand. The key provision requires athletic departments and institutions to establish clear, transparent processes for student-athletes to secure and manage NIL agreements without penalty. This policy change aligns with similar laws in other states, aiming to provide athletes with direct financial opportunities tied to their public identity.

Maddy summaryHB 529 creates a new "Restaurant Delivery License" allowing existing restaurant license holders to deliver alcoholic beverages (wine, liquor, and beer) to customers. To qualify, restaurants must pay a $250 annual fee, deliver only when their business is open, and always include food ordered by the customer. Deliveries must use tamper-proof containers labeled with alcohol content details and health warnings, and drivers must be W-2 employees over 21. The bill prohibits deliveries to schools, libraries, parks, and areas where alcohol sales are banned.

Maddy summarySB 64 allocates state funding to the New Hampshire Department of Justice specifically for New Hampshire child advocacy centers. These centers provide critical support services to child abuse victims and their families across the state. The bill creates a dedicated funding stream within the Department of Justice budget to sustain these centers' operations. The bill passed committee unanimously (6-0) but was later deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the Senate on October 31, 2025, halting further progress.

Maddy summaryHB 321 would allow drivers to request a 90-day extension to pay fines for certain motor vehicle violations, instead of the current 30-day deadline. Drivers must formally ask the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for this extension. The bill changes the standard payment period only for eligible violations when a request is made. It does not alter the fine amount or apply to all traffic violations.

Maddy summarySB 39 would create an alternative program for driver education, offering a new pathway for new drivers to meet licensing requirements beyond traditional classroom instruction. It directly affects teenagers and young adults seeking their first driver's license, who typically complete mandatory driver education courses. The bill establishes specific criteria for this alternative program, including curriculum standards and instructor qualifications, to ensure it meets safety and training goals. This policy change would provide an additional option for schools or organizations to deliver driver education, potentially increasing accessibility for students. The bill is currently in committee review with a scheduled hearing.

Maddy summarySB 40 updates requirements for safe boater education certificates in the state. It requires all boaters to hold a certificate valid for 10 years, replacing the previous 5-year standard. The bill affects anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft who needs this certification. Key changes take effect starting September 13, 2025, for new certificates and January 1, 2026, for renewals.