Sen. Debra Altschiller

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "child" in child sexual abuse image laws to include images that portray a person as under 18 years old and are indistinguishable from a real child. It clarifies that these protections apply to digital images, computer-generated pictures, and modified photos where the subject appears to be a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The legislation also specifies that these rules cover various forms of visual media, such as photographs and videos, while excluding drawings, cartoons, sculptures, or paintings. The changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and aim to close legal gaps regarding how such imagery is identified and prosecuted.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for pre-trial competency evaluations in New Hampshire to ensure defendants are assessed by qualified professionals before facing trial. It allows courts to order evaluations by state or private psychiatrists or psychologists and expands where these exams can take place, including secure units, local clinics, or even remotely via electronic means, provided no party objects to the remote format. The law sets strict deadlines for completing these exams, requiring them within 45 days for incarcerated individuals and 90 days for others, while also mandating that courts review bail status or schedule status conferences if the evaluation is delayed. Additionally, the bill requires courts to provide forensic examiners with relevant medical and mental health records from the past three years and establishes that defendants must participate in the evaluation or face potential court sanctions.

Maddy summarySB 506 updates New Hampshire laws to align the age of juveniles with 18 rather than 17, affecting how minors are treated in the justice system and child welfare settings. The bill requires that individuals under 18 be considered children for various legal definitions, including school attendance, arrest record classification, and the duration of sex offender registration. It also mandates that criminal background checks for licensing residential care facilities must include all household members aged 18 or older. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that juveniles cannot be held in county correctional facilities for unpaid fines and sets specific age limits for shelter care facilities. These changes take effect on July 30, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands legal liability for PFAS contamination by establishing strict liability rules that require owners or operators of PFAS facilities to cover state cleanup costs and provide safe drinking water to affected property owners. It defines PFAS and related terms to clarify which facilities are subject to these rules while exempting public water systems and wastewater treatment plants from certain provisions. Additionally, the bill modifies tenancy laws to require landlords of leases lasting six months or longer to give tenants at least 30 days' written notice before a lease expires and is not renewed. These changes aim to streamline the process for holding polluters accountable and ensuring residents have access to clean water without needing to prove negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary committee to examine whether transportation costs should be included in default budgets designed to maintain current service levels. The committee will consist of six legislators, three appointed by the Senate and three by the House, who will meet to study the issue and develop recommendations. They are required to submit their findings and any proposed legislation to state leaders and the governor by November 1, 2024. The committee members will receive standard mileage reimbursement for attending meetings, and the group must elect a chairperson and hold its first session within 45 days of the bill's passage.

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 requires the state insurance commissioner to issue written guidance to health care providers and insurance companies regarding the coverage of pelvic floor therapy. The commissioner must also review current insurance plans to identify any gaps in coverage and submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to state officials by November 1, 2024. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed, ensuring that these administrative steps are taken to clarify how pelvic floor therapy is covered under health insurance plans.

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 expands the definition of disability and special needs for the Child Care Scholarship Program to include children who are at risk of or experiencing delays in social or emotional development. Under the new rules, eligibility would be determined through standardized developmental screening tools rather than requiring a formal medical diagnosis or special education code. Licensed child care providers and treating clinicians would be authorized to verify a child's eligibility based on these screening results. The legislation also appropriates $375,000 to fund the implementation of these changes and allows for the use of certain federal funds if available.