Rep. Jonathan Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Transportation to create a master plan for the Conway Branch rail line, focusing on the section from north of Route 28 to Conway, with a completion deadline of December 31, 2024. The state will provide funding from the general fund for this planning effort, though the department must first use any available money from other sources such as federal grants or public donations. The governor is authorized to issue warrants to access these general funds from the state treasury to support the project. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024, and was signed into law by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire hunting laws to allow lever-action carbines in areas where only handguns or pistols are typically permitted for game. The legislation specifically authorizes the use of rifles chambered in .357, .44 Magnum, or .45 Colt, as well as straight-walled pistol cartridges of .38 or .357 caliber and greater. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to all hunters operating within the state's designated handgun-only hunting zones.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations for sewage and waste disposal systems in New Hampshire to allow stone and pipe systems to be installed up to 24 inches above the seasonal high water table, provided there is at least 6 inches of sand beneath them. It requires property owners subdividing land or building new systems to submit detailed plans that include specific data on burial sites and soil conditions for department review. The law also streamlines the approval process for larger lots of five acres or more by reducing the need for extensive soil testing unless hydric soils are present, while still mandating final inspections before any system goes into operation. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for construction while maintaining safety standards for wastewater management.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire bill updates state hunting laws to allow hunters to use a wider range of pistol calibers, including any caliber .38 or .357 Magnum and larger, for taking deer. The law specifically limits the ammunition capacity in these hunting pistols to no more than six rounds at any time. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to individuals hunting deer under existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the New Hampshire Property Protection Act, would limit when government officials can enter private property without a court warrant. It defines "secured premises" as areas posted with signs, fences, or other barriers intended to keep intruders out and requires agents to obtain a warrant unless they have the property owner's permission or face an immediate life-threatening emergency. The law mandates that agents activate body cameras during entry, show warrants to owners if present, and prohibits seizing private property without a warrant or valid emergency justification. Furthermore, any evidence gathered or arrests made in violation of these rules would be considered invalid in court. The legislation specifically excludes conservation officers from these requirements, allowing them to continue enforcing wildlife laws on private land.