Rep. Will Darby

Maddy summaryHB 1324 establishes a legal framework for natural organic reduction, a process that accelerates the conversion of human remains into soil, and defines related terms such as natural burial and scattering gardens. The bill requires any facility performing this process to be licensed by the state board of registration of funeral directors and embalmers, while also mandating that scattering gardens be owned by municipalities or nonprofits and located on protected land. It further outlines specific building codes, environmental protections, and notification requirements for constructing these facilities to ensure safety and resource conservation. Ultimately, the legislation aims to regulate and standardize alternative, eco-friendly methods of handling human remains within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all properly noticed meetings and hearings of municipal agencies to be livestreamed for public viewing or, if technology fails, video recorded and made accessible online. Local governments must post these recordings on their websites within 72 hours and keep them archived for at least five years. To fund this requirement, municipalities must vote to raise money at their annual town meetings, except those already livestreaming their meetings. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and explicitly states that it does not change existing rules about emergency meetings or allow officials to attend meetings remotely.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow groups of at least 25 residents or property owners in a town to petition the state commissioner to ban or limit wake surfing on local lakes, ponds, or rivers. If approved, the commissioner must hold a public hearing to evaluate factors such as environmental impact, water depth, safety concerns, and existing water uses before making a decision. The proposed restrictions would take effect no earlier than October 1 of the year the order is issued and would apply to any person operating a motorboat for wake surfing in the affected area.

Maddy summaryThis bill would regulate wakeboating and wakesports in New Hampshire by defining specific terms and establishing safety rules for these activities. It prohibits wakesports between sunset and sunrise, on waters smaller than 50 acres, within 500 feet of shorelines, and in areas less than 20 feet deep. The legislation also bans wakesports behind boats with propulsion systems extending beyond the swim platform and requires the state commissioner to create maps identifying legal zones for these activities. Although the bill passed committee review, it was ultimately removed from consideration and did not become law before the legislative session ended.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to examine the funding and partnerships of the state Fish and Game Department. The committee will be composed of one senator and three representatives from various legislative committees, who will meet to review the department's budget, staffing needs, and potential collaborations with other state agencies and private entities. Its specific tasks include analyzing current funding sources, considering general fund requirements for operations, and exploring ways to improve partnerships related to outdoor recreation and land conservation. The group is required to submit its findings and any legislative recommendations to state officials and the governor by November 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 1314 updates the requirements for New Hampshire's Comprehensive State Development Plan to include specific sections on smart growth, affordable housing, economic development, and environmental protection. The bill mandates that the plan address critical topics such as land use, transportation, natural hazards, and threats from chemical or biological contamination. It also requires the inclusion of policies for preserving cultural resources, managing regional concerns, and ensuring adequate public utilities and recreation services. By adding these detailed components, the legislation aims to create a more structured framework for guiding the state's long-term growth and resource management.