Sen. Keith Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint Legislative Historical Committee to accept and display portraits of former Senator Martha Fuller Clark and Wentworth Cheswell. It also requires that money earned from commemorative bottles sold for the American Revolution's 250th anniversary be placed into a specific trust fund. These actions aim to honor historical figures and manage funds related to a significant historical anniversary.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specific criminal offense for assaulting or harassing sports officials, such as referees, umpires, or timers, while they are working at a sports event. It applies to anyone who commits acts of violence or threats against these officials in designated areas like the field, parking lots, or spectator zones, treating these actions with the same legal penalties as standard assault charges. Additionally, the law allows courts to ban convicted individuals from participating in sports events for a set period, up to life for repeat offenses but no more than 12 months for a first violation. The legislation is designed to protect both paid and volunteer officials who enforce rules during organized amateur or professional athletic contests.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new state laws to protect freedom of speech and association at public colleges and universities in New Hampshire. It designates outdoor campus areas as public forums where students and staff can engage in peaceful expression without being forced into designated "free speech zones." The legislation prohibits institutions from discriminating against student groups based on their religious, political, or ideological views and defines specific limits on when speech can be restricted, such as during unlawful fights or harassment. Additionally, the bill creates a legal remedy allowing individuals or groups to sue schools for violations, with a monetary cap on damages adjusted annually for inflation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the lead vehicle of a funeral procession to obey stop and yield signs at intersections, just like any other driver. Once the lead vehicle has legally passed through an intersection, all following vehicles in the procession may proceed without stopping. The law clarifies that while the procession has the right-of-way, it must still operate with due caution. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to all funeral escort vehicles in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for a specific local tax cap in New Hampshire towns and districts that have already chosen to use it. It clarifies that the estimated tax amount for the upcoming year must include both the operating budget and all other approved spending, ensuring the total does not rise by more than the previously set cap unless adjusted for specific factors. The law applies automatically to existing tax cap programs without requiring towns to pass new local amendments to adopt it. It became effective on September 1, 2024, after being signed into law by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis law updates regulations for physician assistants in New Hampshire by adding a specific requirement for continuing medical education for those who hold certification but choose not to maintain it. It also clarifies that physician assistants are exempt from certain licensing rules when performing their professional duties. The changes take effect on September 1, 2024, and were signed into law by the Governor in July 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to examine how New Hampshire laws handle consent and confidentiality for adolescents and young adults seeking healthcare. The committee, composed of five legislators appointed by Senate and House leaders, will review existing rules regarding parental consent, assess current privacy protections for minors, and identify any gaps in medical care coverage. After gathering testimony from relevant experts and organizations, the group must submit its findings and any proposed legal changes to state officials by November 1, 2024.

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 allows hotel guests to carry one alcoholic drink from the hotel bar or restaurant to their room, provided they do not take it into a vehicle. The law clarifies that hotels are not required to offer this service but cannot forbid it if they choose to allow it, while also permitting hotels to designate specific areas where carrying alcohol is prohibited. It updates existing regulations to explicitly permit this practice and does not change the monthly deposit requirements for the liquor commission. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.