Sen. David Watters

Maddy summaryThis bill would require doctors who perform abortions to send written reports to their medical facility detailing the date, location, patient's age and residence, method used, gestational age, and any related prescriptions. The medical facilities would then be responsible for compiling this data and submitting an annual report to the state Department of Health and Human Services. The collected information would be used to create statistical tables on maternal health and abortion procedures, which the department would present to the state legislature each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how the state calculates funding for students with special education needs, directly affecting school districts and the families of these students. It establishes different funding levels based on the intensity of services a student receives, distinguishing between those who attend regular classes most of the day, those with partial inclusion, and those in separate schools or homebound settings. The legislation also introduces a new method for adjusting these costs in the future by applying specific numerical multipliers to a base funding amount. These changes are designed to ensure that financial support aligns more closely with the actual resources required to educate students with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-level disaster relief program in New Hampshire to help municipalities repair roads and bridges after natural disasters, even without a federal declaration. It allows the state to declare emergencies based on local damage assessments and provides up to $5 million per municipality per year for critical infrastructure repairs when local funds are insufficient. To qualify, a town must show that damage costs at least half of its annual budget and that it cannot wait for federal aid, while accepting state money means forfeiting future FEMA reimbursement for those specific repairs. The legislation also creates and consolidates two state funds to finance these emergency responses and sets up a committee to review requests for individual assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 1314 updates the requirements for New Hampshire's Comprehensive State Development Plan to include specific sections on smart growth, affordable housing, economic development, and environmental protection. The bill mandates that the plan address critical topics such as land use, transportation, natural hazards, and threats from chemical or biological contamination. It also requires the inclusion of policies for preserving cultural resources, managing regional concerns, and ensuring adequate public utilities and recreation services. By adding these detailed components, the legislation aims to create a more structured framework for guiding the state's long-term growth and resource management.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the process for transferring individuals to state prison after a criminal conviction. It requires the court clerk to send the official sentencing order directly to the Department of Corrections, either electronically or in person, while removing the requirement for the county sheriff to handle this specific transfer. The law also mandates that the Department of Corrections verify the validity of the order before taking custody of the person. These changes streamline the handover between the court system and the corrections department, effective January 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 363 amends New Hampshire state laws to officially include simulcast dog racing under the same regulatory framework as horse racing. The bill places the authority to oversee and regulate these racing activities under the Lottery Commission, which will also manage existing charitable gaming operations. It requires licenses for anyone conducting dog racing simulcasts and repeals previous specific statutes that governed dog racing separately. The legislation also clarifies restrictions on electronic gaming devices used for wagering while allowing for historic horse race betting. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire bill requires presidential candidates to include the specific primary date designated by the Secretary of State in their official declaration of candidacy. The law mandates that candidates sign a sworn statement confirming their eligibility under the U.S. Constitution and declaring their party affiliation or status as a recognized candidate. By updating the required form, the legislation ensures that the primary election date is explicitly listed in the official filing documents submitted to the state. These changes take effect on July 13, 2024, and directly impact individuals running for the presidency in New Hampshire.

Maddy summarySB 514 modifies New Hampshire's timber tax by increasing the amount of wood that certain landowners can cut without paying a tax or filing an intent to cut. The bill raises the annual exemption limits for individuals cutting logs for personal construction projects from 10,000 to 15,000 board feet and for fuel wood from 20 to 30 cords. It also expands the exemption for land conversion purposes to include up to 15,000 board feet of logs and 300 tons of whole tree chips, provided the owner has secured all necessary permits for the land's new use. These changes directly affect private landowners and utility providers who harvest timber for their own use, allowing them to keep more of their harvested wood tax-free. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows vehicles registered with municipal license plates in New Hampshire to drive on toll roads without paying fees. The law achieves this by adding a specific exemption to the state's toll collection rules for these government-issued plates. It applies to all motor vehicles bearing plates issued by a New Hampshire municipality and will become effective on July 13, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new committee to study foster care families and the foster care system in New Hampshire. The committee will be made up of members from the state Senate and House of Representatives who will meet to gather information from foster parents and government officials. Their main task is to identify challenges within the current system and offer recommendations to improve how foster care is managed. The group must submit their findings and any suggested laws to state leaders by November 1, 2024.