Sen. David Watters

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 proposes creating a dedicated fund to finance the design and construction of noise barriers along state highways. It would allow the state to sell up to $10 million annually in toll credits from the turnpike, with the proceeds restricted to this new fund. The commissioner of transportation would use these funds for projects that meet specific noise reduction criteria, subject to approval by legislative committees. The bill aims to address highway traffic noise by establishing a clear funding source for barrier construction.

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 proposes to formally establish the Woodsville fire district in Haverhill as an independent village district with its own governing board and legal status. It transfers full responsibility for maintaining local roads and providing fire protection from the town of Haverhill to the district, while also allowing the district to share expenses with other communities. The legislation sets up a specific funding formula where the town compensates the district for these services based on the district's share of the town's road mileage, property value, and population. Additionally, residents of the district retain the right to vote on whether to return these responsibilities to the town at any time.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new committee to examine how insurance appraisers are currently licensed in New Hampshire. The committee will consist of one senator and four representatives who will investigate whether adding a licensing requirement would better protect consumers and review the use of digital appraisal methods. To gather information, the group will hear testimony from insurance officials, industry professionals, and the public before submitting their findings and any legislative recommendations by November 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program to offer financial retention grants to teachers working in rural or underserved schools in New Hampshire. To qualify, educators must be full-time staff at schools located in low-density areas or those facing economic challenges, and they must sign a contract to stay at the same school for up to four years. The program provides increasing payments of $1,500 through $4,500 as teachers complete each year of their contract, with the Department of Education responsible for identifying eligible schools and managing the application process. The legislation also authorizes an initial appropriation of $1 for the 2025 fiscal year to fund these grants, with the governor permitted to access these funds from the state treasury.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $300,000 to the state's loan repayment program specifically for qualified nursing professionals licensed in New Hampshire. The funds are intended to help these nurses manage student debt, with the money designated to the Department of Health and Human Services for the biennium ending June 30, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires the department to submit a report by November 1, 2024, proposing a separate student loan forgiveness program for nurses who do not currently qualify for the repayment assistance. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passing and includes provisions for reporting to various legislative leaders and the governor.

Maddy summarySB 517 seeks to clarify the employment status of university students working as residence hall assistants or dormitory counselors who are part of a bona fide educational program. The bill proposes amending multiple state laws to explicitly exclude these specific students from being classified as employees under regulations covering wages, workers' compensation, and workplace protections. By redefining their status, the legislation aims to ensure that such students are not subject to the same legal requirements and benefits as other workers. Although the bill outlines these specific changes, it was ultimately deemed inexpedient to legislate and did not become law.