Rep. Will Darby

Maddy summarySB 235 allows New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department to use federal Pitman-Robertson conservation funds specifically for protecting threatened and endangered species, and permits the department to collect donations at approved sites without needing governor or council approval. It establishes that donation funds must go into the Fish and Game Fund and can only be used for conservation, restoration, management, or educational efforts related to fish, game, and wildlife. The bill directly affects the Fish and Game Department by expanding its funding sources and flexibility for species conservation programs. Key mechanisms include setting up donation collection points through the executive director's approval and explicitly restricting fund use to conservation purposes. The bill was signed into law on June 24, 2025, and takes effect August 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 647 adjusts the fee for newborn lifetime hunting and fishing licenses in New Hampshire. It directly affects newborns and their parents who apply for these licenses, changing the fee amount for the lifetime permit. The bill modifies the existing fee structure without specifying a dollar amount, as the context only confirms the fee adjustment. It became law on June 10, 2025, and takes effect July 10, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 51 reallocates $9.50 from boat decal fees to fund specific lake conservation programs. It directs $0.50 toward general lake restoration (excluding weed control), $5 for exotic aquatic weed management, and $4 specifically to a non-lapsing special account for preventing milfoil and other invasive plants. The Department of Environmental Services will manage these funds, using them for water quality programs under RSA 487:25. The bill takes effect August 9, 2025, after being signed by the governor on June 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 397 proposed creating a multi-agency task force under the Department of Safety to address safety-related issues, directly affecting state agencies required to participate. The bill’s key mechanism would have established this task force, chaired by the Department of Safety, to coordinate efforts across relevant agencies. However, the bill was marked "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the committee on May 22, 2025, and was not enacted into law. The proposal did not advance beyond committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 211 modifies hunting regulations by expanding the types of game that can be taken with air rifles. It permits the use of air rifles for small game, and now also for moose, bear, or deer. The bill authorizes the executive director to establish specific kinetic energy requirements for air rifles used on these larger animals. Additionally, the executive director will define the methods and manners for using air rifles for small game, moose, bear, or deer through administrative rules. This bill primarily affects hunters and the state's wildlife management agency.