Rep. Judy Aron

Maddy summaryHB 1060 creates a new Geologic Resources Advisory Committee to oversee the state's long-term plan for geologic mapping. The committee will include representatives from various state departments, consulting firms, universities, and the public, and it will meet at least once a year to decide which mapping projects to prioritize. Its primary function is to select specific geologic mapping projects for submission to the federal National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program to secure funding from the United States Geological Survey. If federal funding for this program ends, the committee and its authority will automatically be dissolved.

Maddy summaryHB 1648 would have updated wage payment rules to allow employers to pay employees via debit cards, provided the employer covers all associated fees and ensures free access to funds. The bill required employers to offer clear written disclosures about any potential charges, obtain voluntary consent before using payroll cards, and give employees the option to switch to direct deposit without penalty. It also mandated that employers replace lost or stolen cards within 24 hours and provide a list of fee-free withdrawal locations. Although the legislation outlined these consumer protections, it was ultimately not enacted after the House voted to take no action on the measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires applicants seeking permits for solid waste management facilities in New Hampshire to undergo criminal background checks. Under the new rules, the Department of Environmental Services can request that the Attorney General investigate the criminal records and performance history of the applicant, its officers, directors, and any individuals with managerial or decision-making authority. The cost of these investigations will be paid by the facility applicants rather than the state. This change aims to ensure that those responsible for managing solid waste operations have no disqualifying criminal history before a permit is granted.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires dogs, cats, and ferrets entering the state to be held for at least 48 hours at a licensed facility or a veterinarian's separate area before they can be transferred. The law allows the state veterinarian to create rules permitting littermates of certain ages to share enclosures during this holding period. Additionally, it sets limits on the daily boarding and care costs for animals that are confiscated by animal control officers. These measures aim to standardize how animals are quarantined and cared for after crossing state lines.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the New Hampshire Property Protection Act, would limit when government officials can enter private property without a court warrant. It defines "secured premises" as areas posted with signs, fences, or other barriers intended to keep intruders out and requires agents to obtain a warrant unless they have the property owner's permission or face an immediate life-threatening emergency. The law mandates that agents activate body cameras during entry, show warrants to owners if present, and prohibits seizing private property without a warrant or valid emergency justification. Furthermore, any evidence gathered or arrests made in violation of these rules would be considered invalid in court. The legislation specifically excludes conservation officers from these requirements, allowing them to continue enforcing wildlife laws on private land.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-level disaster relief program in New Hampshire to help municipalities repair roads and bridges after natural disasters, even without a federal declaration. It allows the state to declare emergencies based on local damage assessments and provides up to $5 million per municipality per year for critical infrastructure repairs when local funds are insufficient. To qualify, a town must show that damage costs at least half of its annual budget and that it cannot wait for federal aid, while accepting state money means forfeiting future FEMA reimbursement for those specific repairs. The legislation also creates and consolidates two state funds to finance these emergency responses and sets up a committee to review requests for individual assistance.

Maddy summarySB 514 modifies New Hampshire's timber tax by increasing the amount of wood that certain landowners can cut without paying a tax or filing an intent to cut. The bill raises the annual exemption limits for individuals cutting logs for personal construction projects from 10,000 to 15,000 board feet and for fuel wood from 20 to 30 cords. It also expands the exemption for land conversion purposes to include up to 15,000 board feet of logs and 300 tons of whole tree chips, provided the owner has secured all necessary permits for the land's new use. These changes directly affect private landowners and utility providers who harvest timber for their own use, allowing them to keep more of their harvested wood tax-free. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024.