Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summaryThis bill updates state regulations to clarify the standards for military training required for specific professions and sets a deadline of January 1, 2026, for relevant boards to finalize these rules. It also strengthens child protection laws by detailing the specific information required in reports of suspected abuse or neglect and clarifying that reporters can be held criminally or civilly liable if they file false reports with malicious intent. Additionally, the legislation introduces new civil liability provisions for professionals who knowingly fail to report suspected abuse, while maintaining immunity for those who act in good faith.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces three main policy changes: it requires new applicants for a fish and game guide license in New Hampshire to undergo a criminal background check using fingerprints or alternative police clearances, it strengthens restrictions on carrying or selling certain weapons like blackjacks and slung shots to individuals under 18, and it grants local governments the authority to regulate accessory parking in residential complexes of ten or more units. The background check requirement places the cost on the applicant and mandates that the state police conduct the check through both state and federal records. The weapon restrictions prohibit anyone under 18 from carrying specific items and make it a violation for adults to sell or transfer them to minors. Additionally, the parking provision allows municipalities to set parking space requirements for multi-unit housing but limits them to one space per unit, with an exception allowing one-and-a-half spaces per two-bedroom unit in larger complexes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new safety rules for wake surfing in New Hampshire to protect both surfers and others on the water. It prohibits wake surfing on bodies of water smaller than 50 acres and within 300 feet of shorelines, docks, or other boats. Additionally, the law bans operating a motorboat while someone is wake surfing behind it unless the boat is specifically designed for that activity. The Department of Safety is also tasked with promoting safe boating practices and educating operators on how to direct waves away from shorelines. These regulations will become effective on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits companies owned or controlled by the People's Republic of China from purchasing, leasing, or controlling real property within 10 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure in New Hampshire. The law defines critical infrastructure broadly to include essential systems such as energy facilities, communications networks, transportation hubs, and government buildings. Any violation of this prohibition is classified as a misdemeanor, and the restrictions take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $300,000 to the state's loan repayment program specifically for qualified nursing professionals licensed in New Hampshire. The funds are intended to help these nurses manage student debt, with the money designated to the Department of Health and Human Services for the biennium ending June 30, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires the department to submit a report by November 1, 2024, proposing a separate student loan forgiveness program for nurses who do not currently qualify for the repayment assistance. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passing and includes provisions for reporting to various legislative leaders and the governor.

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 summaryThis bill establishes new standards for informed consent and outlines specific patient rights within the state's medical practice laws. It requires physicians to clearly explain diagnoses, treatment options, risks, and benefits while documenting these discussions, and it grants patients the right to refuse care, request second opinions, and maintain privacy. Additionally, the legislation ensures that doctors will not abruptly stop medically necessary treatment without providing adequate notice and assistance for finding new care. These changes apply to all patient-physician interactions and take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis law updates rules for historic horse racing and establishes a new requirement for casinos to host games that benefit their local communities. Under the new provisions, operators of historic horse racing tracks must sell betting pools only at facilities located in the same city or town where they originally obtained their licenses, and these licenses cannot be sold or transferred to other entities. Additionally, the bill mandates that game operators run between seven and ten special gaming events each year to generate revenue for their host municipalities without charging rent or fees. The legislation also clarifies that facilities must prioritize awarding these community gaming dates to local charities if they are available and wish to use the venue.

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 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.