Sen. Carrie Gendreau

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to formally establish the Woodsville fire district in Haverhill as an independent village district with its own governing board and legal status. It transfers full responsibility for maintaining local roads and providing fire protection from the town of Haverhill to the district, while also allowing the district to share expenses with other communities. The legislation sets up a specific funding formula where the town compensates the district for these services based on the district's share of the town's road mileage, property value, and population. Additionally, residents of the district retain the right to vote on whether to return these responsibilities to the town at any time.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits undocumented immigrants from driving in New Hampshire if they hold out-of-state driver's licenses issued specifically to individuals without lawful presence in the United States. Under the new law, anyone caught driving with such a license commits a class B misdemeanor, and the Department of Safety must maintain a public list of these invalid license types on its website. The measure also updates the state's driver license compact to explicitly exclude recognition of these specific foreign licenses, while requiring the department to update its systems and potentially hire staff to manage the new list.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for drivers who refuse chemical testing when arrested for driving while intoxicated or aggravated driving while intoxicated. It mandates that first-time testers who refuse consent face a one-year license suspension, while those with prior convictions or previous refusals face a three-year suspension. Additionally, the legislation imposes stricter punishments for aggravated driving while intoxicated offenses, including mandatory jail time, fines, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device. The law also introduces a new condition where individuals convicted of aggravated driving while intoxicated must undergo a substance use disorder evaluation and follow a service plan developed by the state. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to both residents and non-residents operating vehicles in the state.

Maddy summarySB 517 seeks to clarify the employment status of university students working as residence hall assistants or dormitory counselors who are part of a bona fide educational program. The bill proposes amending multiple state laws to explicitly exclude these specific students from being classified as employees under regulations covering wages, workers' compensation, and workplace protections. By redefining their status, the legislation aims to ensure that such students are not subject to the same legal requirements and benefits as other workers. Although the bill outlines these specific changes, it was ultimately deemed inexpedient to legislate and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the process for transferring individuals to state prison after a criminal conviction. It requires the court clerk to send the official sentencing order directly to the Department of Corrections, either electronically or in person, while removing the requirement for the county sheriff to handle this specific transfer. The law also mandates that the Department of Corrections verify the validity of the order before taking custody of the person. These changes streamline the handover between the court system and the corrections department, effective January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire laws regarding concealed carry permits and adds legal protection for officers who issue them. It clarifies that residents and non-residents can apply for licenses to carry loaded pistols or revolvers for self-defense, hunting, or target practice, provided they are not banned from owning firearms by state or federal law. The legislation sets specific timelines for issuing permits within 14 days, establishes a $10 fee for residents and $100 for non-residents, and requires that licenses remain valid for all allowable purposes regardless of the original reason for issuance. Additionally, it grants immunity from liability to law enforcement officers who issue these licenses in good faith, shielding them from lawsuits if a permit holder later commits misconduct with a firearm.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire bill requires presidential candidates to include the specific primary date designated by the Secretary of State in their official declaration of candidacy. The law mandates that candidates sign a sworn statement confirming their eligibility under the U.S. Constitution and declaring their party affiliation or status as a recognized candidate. By updating the required form, the legislation ensures that the primary election date is explicitly listed in the official filing documents submitted to the state. These changes take effect on July 13, 2024, and directly impact individuals running for the presidency in New Hampshire.