Sen. David Watters

Maddy summaryThis law requires a legislative committee studying New Hampshire's adult parole system to submit a second report by November 1, 2024, in addition to an earlier one due in 2023. The additional report must include findings and any recommendations for new laws and will be sent to state officials including the governor and legislative leaders. The bill also officially repeals the original 2023 law that established the committee and sets the effective date for these changes to January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Cost of Care Fund to pay third parties directly for expenses related to caring for animals involved in cruelty cases. It authorizes arresting officers to apply for grants to cover costs incurred while animals are in pretrial care, between seizure and the final resolution of the case. The Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food will review these applications within 15 days and limit payments to $500,000 per application. The changes take effect on July 30, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Corrections Education and Vocational Planning Group to design and oversee career and educational programs within New Hampshire state prisons. The group will include representatives from corrections, higher education, community colleges, and formerly incarcerated individuals to assess labor market needs, plan curriculum, and address barriers to reentry. Key tasks include creating credit transfer agreements with colleges, evaluating facility resources, and exploring funding options to support inmates pursuing degrees. The group is required to submit annual reports to state officials starting in December 2024 to track its progress and recommendations.

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 summaryThis bill proposes adding a new article to the New Hampshire Constitution that explicitly states all people have the right to be free from slavery and involuntary servitude. It directs local officials to place this question on the November 2024 ballot for voters to decide whether to adopt the change. If approved by two-thirds of those voting on the specific amendment, the prohibition would become law upon the governor's proclamation. The measure does not alter current laws but seeks to codify this fundamental right directly within the state's constitutional text.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal penalties for operating small unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, in violation of Federal Aviation Administration rules. It establishes that breaking FAA regulations is a misdemeanor for a first offense and a misdemeanor for subsequent offenses, while more severe actions like interfering with other aircraft or crashing them can lead to felony charges. The law also specifically bans flying drones over correctional facilities unless authorized by law enforcement and prohibits using drones equipped with weapons or devices capable of causing harm. These new rules will take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to anyone operating or possessing such aircraft.

Maddy summaryThis bill has two main parts: it allocates $40 million in state funds to design and construct a replacement for the New Hampshire State Prison for Men, and it establishes a system to share mental health court records with federal firearms background check databases. The prison funding is intended for architectural planning, engineering, and construction documents to build a new correctional facility. The second part, known as "Bradley's Law," allows courts and the Department of Safety to report specific mental health adjudications to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which can lead to a person being prohibited from buying or possessing firearms. Additionally, the bill creates a process for individuals to petition the court for relief from these firearm disabilities if their mental health status has improved.

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 modifies New Hampshire's vehicle inspection rules by extending the grace period for newly registered or transferred vehicles from 10 days to 30 days. It also exempts new vehicles purchased from licensed dealers during their model year from inspection until the end of the registered owner's birth month in the second year after purchase. Additionally, the legislation removes the requirement for dealers to perform inspections within a specific time frame and repeals an outdated statute regarding vehicle sales to residents. These changes aim to provide owners with more time to schedule inspections while maintaining safety standards for vehicle registration.

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.