Maddy summaryThis bill requires all conservation officers in New Hampshire to wear body-worn cameras and mandates that these devices be used according to specific policies. It restricts who can access or alter the video footage, prohibiting editing, sharing, or using facial recognition technology except for identifying suspects in crimes. The law also sets rules for how long recordings must be kept, generally requiring destruction within 180 days unless the footage involves serious incidents like the use of deadly force, complaints filed against officers, or interactions with hunters and fishermen. Finally, the bill allows conservation officers to apply for grants from the Public Safety Enhancement Fund to help cover the costs associated with these cameras.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill allows registered voters to examine digital images of ballots created by electronic counting devices to verify the accuracy and integrity of election equipment. Under the new rules, the Secretary of State would manage a supervised viewing process where observers can inspect stored images on state computers without downloading or copying the data. Access to these images would be permitted only after all recounts and appeals are finished, and any discrepancies found by observers could trigger an investigation by the Attorney General. The legislation also gives the Secretary of State authority to disqualify specific voting machines or vendors if issues are discovered during these reviews.
Maddy summaryHB 1633 would have legalized and regulated the sale of cannabis in New Hampshire by creating a new state framework similar to the existing alcohol industry. The bill proposed establishing a licensing system for various businesses, including growers, manufacturers, distributors, and retail stores, while mandating age verification and prohibiting marketing directed at minors. It also included provisions to fund education and treatment programs using tax revenue from legal sales and to ensure all products are tested for safety and contaminants. Although the bill passed a conference committee, it ultimately failed to become law after being removed from the table and the legislative session ended.
Maddy summaryHB 1640 proposes creating a new cause of action that allows individuals to sue the state or local government when a government employee violates their constitutional rights, such as through excessive force. The bill explicitly removes federal and common law doctrines like qualified immunity and sovereign immunity from these specific claims, ensuring that courts can determine liability without those legal barriers. Under this plan, the government employer would be the only defendant and would bear financial responsibility, while the individual employee would be protected from personal liability and given the right to intervene in the lawsuit. The legislation also establishes a three-year deadline for filing such claims and requires courts to evaluate the reasonableness of an employee's actions based on the facts known at the time of the incident. Although the bill includes provisions to protect judges and legislators from liability for their official duties, it was ultimately laid on the table by the House and did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new committee to examine how current laws impact the production of beef, pork, and poultry in New Hampshire. The committee will be made up of three representatives and one senator, who will meet to review state laws, conflicts with federal regulations, and various mandates affecting farmers. They are required to submit their findings and any legislative recommendations to state officials by November 1, 2024.
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.