Sen. Regina Birdsell

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new class of judicial employees called magistrates to handle pre-trial release decisions and other court tasks. It authorizes the chief justice to appoint at least 15 magistrates, ensuring at least one is assigned to every county in the state. These magistrates would have the power to decide on bail, conduct arraignment hearings, and issue arrest and search warrants, with the requirement that those handling bail cases be licensed attorneys. The legislation also mandates that individuals released on bail receive information about local services for homelessness, hunger, mental health, and substance use. Additionally, the bill changes the rules for when arrested individuals must appear before a judge and allows for electronic payment of bail in both physical and remote court settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local towns and school districts to publicly display on their websites the total amount of state funding they receive within 30 days of getting the money. It also changes vehicle inspection rules by allowing new cars bought in their model year to skip inspections for the first two years after purchase. Additionally, the legislation exempts older vehicles that are at least 20 years old from needing a certificate of title, while keeping annual safety checks for most other cars. These changes aim to increase transparency in government spending and reduce the number of inspections required for newer and classic vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 419 updates the state's medical cannabis program by requiring the health department to publish an annual report containing detailed statistics on patients, caregivers, medical conditions, and enforcement actions. The bill also permits qualifying patients and their designated caregivers to grow cannabis at home under specific conditions, such as keeping plants in a locked, enclosed area with a canopy limit of 50 square feet per person. To support this, the law clarifies definitions for plant maturity and establishes that caregivers may receive up to $500 annually for their assistance without it being considered illegal sales. Additionally, the legislation provides legal protections for patients and caregivers who cultivate within the allowed limits and for laboratories testing cannabis samples.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require insurance companies operating in the state to provide written details of their liability coverage limits within 60 days of receiving a request from a personal injury claimant or their attorney following a motor vehicle accident. The disclosure is intended to be used solely for resolving the specific claim or any related lawsuit. If an insurer fails to provide this information, they could face a $500 penalty along with payment for the claimant's legal fees and expenses. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately not passed by the legislature.

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 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 grants the New Hampshire Air National Guard, Army National Guard, and the 157 Air Refueling Wing Staff Judge Advocate offices access to criminal history, investigation, and court records. The law specifically applies to New Hampshire National Guard employees and service members, allowing these offices to retrieve such information to carry out their legal and administrative duties. By adding a new section to state law, the measure ensures that attorneys within these units can access confidential and public records as needed for their responsibilities. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

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 summarySB 363 amends New Hampshire state laws to officially include simulcast dog racing under the same regulatory framework as horse racing. The bill places the authority to oversee and regulate these racing activities under the Lottery Commission, which will also manage existing charitable gaming operations. It requires licenses for anyone conducting dog racing simulcasts and repeals previous specific statutes that governed dog racing separately. The legislation also clarifies restrictions on electronic gaming devices used for wagering while allowing for historic horse race betting. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.