Rep. Jim Spillane

Maddy summaryThis bill updates rules regarding tree stands, observation blinds, and game cameras on private land in New Hampshire. It extends the season for placing portable tree stands and observation blinds from April 25 to June 1 and from August 1 to December 31, while requiring their removal by June 1 unless the property owner grants permission. The legislation also mandates that all such equipment be labeled with the owner's contact information and clarifies that property owners may contact law enforcement to remove unauthorized items. Additionally, the bill adjusts the expiration dates for property owner permits and explicitly allows state officials to use electronic tracking devices on private land only with written landowner consent or a scientific permit.

Maddy summaryHB 1269 strengthens safety and accountability measures for schools by requiring that any use of seclusion or restraint be continuously monitored by trained staff. The bill mandates that these incidents be recorded with audio and video if the student's individualized education plan includes such accommodations, and it ensures parents or guardians are notified promptly after an incident occurs. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that recordings made for disciplinary purposes must be preserved as part of the official record. These changes aim to increase transparency and oversight regarding how schools handle student behavioral interventions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies to respond to all citizen inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance within three business days. It mandates that these responses come directly from a human employee rather than an automated system and must be delivered via email, phone, or in person. The law applies to all divisions, bureaus, and sections within state agencies to ensure prompt communication with the public. Although the bill was referred for an interim study, the committee ultimately did not recommend it for future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state treasurer and all state agencies, departments, and local political subdivisions from accepting payments made with central bank digital currency. It also forbids these entities from participating in any tests of such currency conducted by Federal Reserve branches. The law defines central bank digital currency as a digital form of money issued by a central bank for public use, noting that the Federal Reserve does not currently operate one. If passed, the restrictions would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits companies owned or controlled by the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party from purchasing, leasing, or controlling agricultural land and land essential to critical industries like technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. It defines these entities broadly to include various business structures and government agencies within China, ensuring that any such acquisition or lease is illegal. Violations of this rule are classified as felonies, and the law is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces the physical registration seal system with a digital confirmation number system for tracking wild deer and moose in New Hampshire. It directly affects hunters, requiring them to obtain a unique confirmation number for each animal instead of attaching a physical seal to the carcass or tag. The law mandates that these confirmation numbers accompany the animal during transport, whether by the hunter personally or through a licensed carrier, and establishes specific registration stations to issue these numbers. Once signed into law, the new system will become effective on September 24, 2024, streamlining how the state verifies and monitors harvested game.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire bill prohibits doctors from performing genital gender reassignment surgery on anyone under the age of 18. It allows such procedures only for adults and explicitly permits necessary medical treatments like correcting birth defects, treating cancer, or performing male circumcision on minors. The law defines specific surgical types that are banned for those under the age of majority while ensuring exceptions remain for reconstructive surgeries required for health or safety. Violations of this rule are considered unprofessional conduct that could lead to disciplinary action against the physician, and families may seek legal damages if a prohibited surgery is performed.

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 law allows employees to legally store a locked, non-visible firearm or ammunition in their personal vehicle while on employer property without facing discipline. It prohibits employers from forcing employees to reveal if they have a gun in their car and bars workplace searches for firearms unless conducted by law enforcement with a warrant or valid exception. Additionally, the bill shields employers from civil lawsuits regarding injuries or thefts involving these stored weapons, provided the employer did not intentionally encourage the harm. These protections apply to private businesses, the state, and municipalities, effective January 1, 2025.