Sen. David Watters

Maddy summaryHB 1229 would require sellers and their agents to provide a "minimum standards" document to buyers before the sale of any property bordering public waters. The buyer must sign an acknowledgment confirming they have read and understood this document, which outlines requirements for water quality protection, and a copy of this signed form must be sent to the Department of Environmental Services within seven days. If a property owner violates these new disclosure rules along with existing shoreland laws, they face a civil penalty of $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for each subsequent offense. The bill also ensures that any future changes to shoreland regulations will not apply retroactively to properties already under these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates state laws to require drivers to slow down and give a wide berth to stopped vehicles, emergency responders, and people in the roadway when approaching highway emergencies or traffic stops. It mandates that motorists obey directions from authorized personnel and clear blocked lanes as soon as possible, while removing a specific provision that previously required giving a wide berth to vehicles with emergency lights. The changes aim to improve safety by standardizing driver behavior around stationary vehicles and incidents, and the law would have taken effect 60 days after passing.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $450,000 from the state's General Fund to the Department of State for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The funds are designated to maintain the Statewide Voter Registration System and to develop new features, specifically an election information portal. The money is classified as nonlapsing, meaning it remains available for use until fully spent rather than reverting to the general treasury at the end of the fiscal year. This legislation directly impacts the state budget by increasing expenditures for the Department of State while aiming to improve voter registration services.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow municipalities to provide temporary shelter and aid to homeless individuals on public property without fear of being sued for negligence. It establishes a legal shield for government employees and units, stating they will not be held liable for injuries or damages occurring in designated homeless aid areas unless the harm was caused by intentional misconduct. Additionally, the bill exempts these government entities from standard landlord-tenant laws when operating such shelters. The legislation aims to encourage local governments to create homeless assistance programs by clarifying their legal protections regarding liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, or distribution of lithium-ion batteries and electric scooters in New Hampshire unless they are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The law requires that certified products display the laboratory's logo or name on the packaging, documentation, or the device itself, with specific exceptions for second-hand sales where such documentation is absent. Additionally, the legislation bans the assembly, reconditioning, or sale of second-use batteries intended for electric bicycles and scooters, while allowing these devices if they are registered with the state motor vehicle division. Violations of these safety standards can result in civil fines of up to $250 for a first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new commission to evaluate how New Hampshire supports technology-based start-up businesses. The commission will include representatives from the state legislature, the governor's office, and private industry sectors such as venture capital and tech alliances. Its main task is to assess the current business ecosystem, compare it with other states, and propose ways to improve funding, tax incentives, and job training opportunities. The group must submit its findings and legislative recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2024. Additionally, the bill repeals an existing, similar commission to prevent duplication of efforts.