Rep. Donald McFarlane

Maddy summaryHB 1699 allows individuals to carry certain firearms (like loaded rifles, shotguns, or crossbows) on boats operating at "no-wake speed" or "not exceeding 1.5 times headway speed," which are defined as slow-moving vessels. This change directly affects boat operators and passengers using mechanically propelled boats or towed boats at low speeds. The bill modifies existing law (RSA 207:7) by creating an exception to the general prohibition on carrying firearms on such boats when moving slowly. It does not change the definition of "loaded" or apply to law enforcement officers. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.

Maddy summaryNew Hampshire's CACR 15 proposes adding a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest game to the state constitution. It states that all citizens have this right, including using traditional methods, but only under existing laws and regulations. The amendment specifies that these rules must promote wildlife conservation, maintain resources for public use, and preserve hunting/fishing for future generations. It does not change current laws on property rights, trespass, or eminent domain. The proposal requires voter approval in the November 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1045 clarifies rules for using artificial lights during nighttime hunting and outdoor activities in New Hampshire. It prohibits using lights (other than normal vehicle headlights and incidental lights like reversing lights during typical driving) to locate or take wildlife between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. Exceptions include agricultural work (e.g., protecting livestock), utility operations, and using lights solely for navigation or property inspection without targeting wildlife. The bill does not change existing nighttime hunting bans but provides clearer guidelines to prevent accidental violations. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1041 repeals a law that previously prohibited car manufacturers from operating dealerships in the same market areas as their franchised dealers. This change allows manufacturers to directly own and operate dealerships competing with franchise dealers in the same geographic regions. The bill directly affects car manufacturers, existing franchise dealers, and consumers who purchase vehicles in New Hampshire. It takes effect on June 30, 2026, removing a long-standing restriction on manufacturer dealership operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1340 requires New Hampshire state agencies to review all occupational regulations (such as rules, fees, or tests for entering a profession) to ensure they are strictly necessary for public health, safety, or welfare. It mandates agencies to justify each regulation's purpose within one year and repeal or modify those that don't meet this standard, with a follow-up report due 15 months after enactment. The bill explicitly excludes occupational licenses (like professional certifications) from its scope but defines "occupational regulations" broadly to include any barrier to entering a profession. It also allows individuals to petition agencies to revise or remove non-compliant regulations within 90 days. This directly affects state agencies managing professional rules and the businesses/professionals subject to those rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1644 allows any single town within a cooperative school district to initiate withdrawal from the district without needing approval from the entire district. Previously, a 3/5 supermajority vote of all district voters could block a town's withdrawal; this bill removes that requirement. The process now begins when a town's voters approve withdrawal by a 3/5 majority at a town meeting, after which the state board reviews the withdrawal plan. This change directly affects towns in cooperative school districts by giving them unilateral authority to leave the arrangement.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (CACR 10) would require any bill establishing or increasing a state tax to pass with at least two-thirds of members present and voting in both legislative chambers. Currently, tax bills only need a majority vote to pass. If approved by voters in November 2026, this change would apply to all state tax legislation originating in the House of Representatives. The amendment would raise the voting threshold for tax bills from majority to supermajority, affecting how legislators vote on tax policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 requires New Hampshire candidates for public office to publicly disclose whether they hold citizenship in any country other than the United States. Candidates must declare this information under oath or affirmation to the Secretary of State, including details like the specific country, basis for citizenship, date acquired (if known), and other relevant facts. This disclosure will be made publicly available, increasing transparency for voters. The bill does not change the existing requirement that candidates must be U.S. citizens (by birth or naturalization) but mandates this additional transparency measure regarding dual citizenship.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a New Hampshire House resolution (not a law) that formally reaffirms support for the Second Amendment and New Hampshire's state constitutional right to bear arms. It specifically urges Congress and the President to stop potential federal restrictions on firearm ownership based on characteristics like sexual orientation or religion, referencing reports of internal DOJ discussions about such rules. The resolution also calls for advancing the SHORT Act to address existing constitutional infringements, though it has no legal force and serves as a symbolic statement to federal leaders.

Maddy summaryHB 1414 allows dogs to be present year-round in all New Hampshire state parks when under the owner's control. Dogs must be leashed to a maximum of 6 feet or reliably controlled through other approved methods. The bill prohibits blanket park-wide dog bans, restricting access only in specific areas like swimming zones, beaches during peak seasons, environmentally sensitive sites, or temporary events (e.g., Mount Sunapee arts festival). It takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to follow these rules without overriding them with conflicting policies.