Sen. David Watters

Maddy summaryThis bill allows property owners to remove woody debris and blockages from waterways and structures like culverts without needing a special permit. The exemption applies only if the work minimizes sediment disturbance and does not create any new permanent changes to the riverbed. It is designed to help communities clear flood debris after natural disasters or flooding events. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the administrative structure of the Site Evaluation Committee for Energy Facility Siting by making it part of the Public Utilities Commission. The change requires the committee to operate under the direct supervision of the commission rather than as an independent body. This adjustment affects how the committee is managed and integrated within the state's energy regulatory framework. The legislation does not alter the committee's core duties or the specific energy projects it reviews.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in New Hampshire to display a poster informing employees about benefits and services available to veterans. The state labor commissioner will create and distribute this notice, which must be placed in a location accessible to all staff. The poster will list resources such as mental health support, education and training options, tax benefits, and contact information for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Employers must comply with this requirement starting 60 days after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations for septic systems on waterfront properties in New Hampshire by clarifying that "developed waterfront" includes land within 250 feet of fresh water, coastal waters, or rivers. It requires a more detailed four-part site assessment study for these properties, which must include specific data on soil, slope, and water tables, along with a professional evaluation of the existing system. The legislation also mandates that if a designer finds a septic system is failing during an assessment, the system must be replaced before the property is sold. Additionally, the bill preserves the ability of local governments to enforce stricter septic standards than those set by the state. These changes take effect on September 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 1490 updates the Solid Waste Management Act by clarifying legal definitions and strengthening permit oversight for solid waste facilities. The bill explicitly defines "abutters" as property owners adjacent to or across from waste facilities and specifies which vehicles count as "end-of-life" for disposal purposes. It grants the state department authority to terminate permits when a facility closes and requires that all permits be continuous in duration unless revoked for cause. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the department must wait 30 days after a public hearing before issuing final permit decisions to ensure public concerns are fully considered.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates pesticide laws to allow licensed agricultural pilots to use drones for spraying chemicals at heights of 20 feet or less. It specifically exempts these drone operations from certain notification requirements that would otherwise apply to aerial pesticide use. The law takes effect on September 1, 2024, and only covers applications conducted by individuals holding valid state registration or permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new chapter in state law to regulate how government agencies use artificial intelligence, defining specific terms like generative AI and deepfakes. It prohibits the use of AI for manipulating individuals, classifying people in ways that could lead to discrimination, conducting public surveillance with facial recognition, or creating deceptive deepfakes. While the law allows for certain AI applications, it requires human review for irreversible decisions affecting rights or law enforcement actions and mandates that users be informed when interacting with AI systems. State agencies must audit their current systems within nine months to ensure compliance and remove any prohibited tools, while also submitting annual reports to the governor and legislative leaders.

Maddy summaryHB 1060 creates a new Geologic Resources Advisory Committee to oversee the state's long-term plan for geologic mapping. The committee will include representatives from various state departments, consulting firms, universities, and the public, and it will meet at least once a year to decide which mapping projects to prioritize. Its primary function is to select specific geologic mapping projects for submission to the federal National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program to secure funding from the United States Geological Survey. If federal funding for this program ends, the committee and its authority will automatically be dissolved.

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 rules for transporting marijuana and alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles and off-highway recreational vehicles within the state. It requires that these items be kept in their original, sealed containers and stored in the trunk or the least accessible area of the vehicle, with an exception for the glove compartment if a trunk is unavailable. Drivers and passengers who violate these storage requirements face a $150 fine and potential suspension of their driving privileges. The law also specifically restricts drivers under the age of 21 from transporting these substances unless they are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other specified adult relative. These regulations take effect on January 1, 2025.