Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a New Hampshire Legal Tender Act that would allow gold and silver bullion, along with digital representations of these metals, to be used as legal tender for private debts and state taxes. It establishes a state-run bullion depository to securely store these metals and permits individuals and businesses to hold accounts for storing, transferring, and exchanging bullion without incurring tax liabilities on exchanges or sales. The legislation also allows taxpayers to report income in a functional currency of their choice, such as gold or silver, and requires the state to maintain detailed records of all depository transactions for at least seven years. However, the bill was ultimately not recommended for future legislation during a 2024 interim study, indicating it did not advance to become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a fee structure for New Hampshire state parks that provides financial discounts to state residents compared to nonresidents. It mandates that entry fees for residents collected online or at park entrances must be no more than 50% of the fees charged to nonresidents. Additionally, the law allows park officials to set separate rates for specific services like camping or parking, requiring resident fees to be capped at 90% of nonresident rates. Residency for these purposes can be verified through various documents such as state ID cards, utility bills, or vehicle registrations. The changes are scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1488 establishes a new Municipal Hazard Mitigation Funding Program to help New Hampshire towns repair infrastructure and prevent damage from future natural disasters. The bill authorizes an initial $2 million transfer from state funds to support municipalities that have existing hazard mitigation plans but lack the money to implement them. To receive grants, towns must apply once per year for up to $50,000, providing details on specific projects and proving they cannot afford the work themselves. The program requires the state to review applications within 60 days and mandates that recipients complete their projects within three months of receiving funds. Additionally, the bill modifies the state disaster relief fund to allow it to be used for hazard mitigation projects and creates a committee to oversee individual and municipal assistance requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire state park admission rules to allow retired military members and their spouses to enter day-use areas for free. To qualify, these individuals must show a valid military ID and provide proof that they live in New Hampshire. The law also clarifies that while general admission is waived, fees for specific enterprise activities like boat rentals or campsite reservations still apply. Changes to the statute take effect 60 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows property owners to remove woody debris and blockages from waterways and structures like culverts without needing a special permit. The exemption applies only if the work minimizes sediment disturbance and does not create any new permanent changes to the riverbed. It is designed to help communities clear flood debris after natural disasters or flooding events. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.