Sen. Dan Innis

Maddy summarySB 31 creates an "apprentice guide license" for individuals seeking to become hunting or fishing guides but who haven't yet met all requirements for a full license. It requires apprentices to pass a criminal background check, obtain first aid/CPR certification, and work only under the direct supervision of a fully licensed guide who is 18 or older. The bill does not set specific fees but directs that they be established through existing administrative rules. This change directly affects aspiring guides in New Hampshire who need structured training under supervision before qualifying for full licensure, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 235 allows New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department to use federal Pitman-Robertson conservation funds specifically for protecting threatened and endangered species, and permits the department to collect donations at approved sites without needing governor or council approval. It establishes that donation funds must go into the Fish and Game Fund and can only be used for conservation, restoration, management, or educational efforts related to fish, game, and wildlife. The bill directly affects the Fish and Game Department by expanding its funding sources and flexibility for species conservation programs. Key mechanisms include setting up donation collection points through the executive director's approval and explicitly restricting fund use to conservation purposes. The bill was signed into law on June 24, 2025, and takes effect August 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 206 requires all public school districts and chartered public schools in New Hampshire to create and implement policies banning student use of personal cell phones and electronic devices during instructional hours - from the first bell until the dismissal bell. The policy must include approved exceptions for medical needs (like insulin pumps), disabilities (per IEPs or 504 plans), or language support programs for multilingual students. Schools must develop these policies with input from parents and teachers and review them annually. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 96 requires New Hampshire school employees (like teachers) to respond in writing to parent inquiries about their child within 5 school days, answering completely and honestly where permitted by law. School districts may withhold information only if disclosure could cause abuse, neglect, or abandonment (with written documentation), but must otherwise provide full responses. This directly affects parents seeking information about their child’s education and school staff who must follow these communication rules. Violations would be treated as breaches of educator conduct standards. The bill is currently pending in committee.

Maddy summarySB 141 extends the deadline for criminal defendants to petition for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence or forensic testing. It allows petitions up to 3 years after conviction, with exceptions for cases involving new forensic methods, scientific understanding, or evidence not available at trial. To qualify, petitioners must prove innocence under penalty of perjury and demonstrate how the new evidence would exonerate them. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals convicted of felonies who seek to challenge their convictions using evidence unavailable at trial. It does not address library records, as the title's mention of "library cards" appears inconsistent with the bill's actual content.

Maddy summarySB 19 permits hotels, motels, and similar lodging establishments to deny rental agreements to guests under 21 years of age without violating public accommodation laws. The bill amends New Hampshire law by adding a specific provision stating that such age-based policies are not prohibited. This directly affects lodging businesses that currently implement minimum age requirements for guests and guests under 21 seeking accommodations. The law became effective immediately upon the governor's signature on June 19, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 201 allows New Hampshire state agencies to convert certain non-term unclassified or qualifying classified positions to "classified exempt salary" positions, primarily affecting state employees whose roles meet federal overtime exemption standards (FLSA). The bill requires conversions to be voluntary for current employees or occur when a position becomes vacant, with no pay reduction allowed - employees must be placed at the closest pay step matching their previous rate. It also mandates that converted positions be classified under standard job categories based on duties, ensuring consistent placement. The policy change applies to executive departments and agencies seeking to reclassify specific roles without altering employee compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 554 clarifies existing rules about where businesses can place advertising signs on state-owned property, such as highways, government buildings, and public rights-of-way. It provides specific guidelines to reduce confusion for businesses and state agencies regarding permitted locations and placement requirements. The bill does not create new restrictions but aims to make current placement rules clearer and more consistent. This directly affects advertising companies and businesses seeking to display signs on state property.

Maddy summaryHB 342 allows cities and towns to streamline approval processes for new construction projects and adopt designated "energy efficient and clean energy districts" within their boundaries. The bill establishes a new review process for construction permits to prioritize energy efficiency standards, while enabling municipalities to create districts where clean energy projects (like solar installations) are actively encouraged. These districts would provide targeted incentives for renewable energy development and energy-efficient building practices. The legislation directly affects local governments and developers working on new construction projects in communities that choose to implement these districts.

Maddy summaryHB 156 clarifies the specific duties and responsibilities of the state's advisory committee on procurement. The bill directly affects committee members and state agencies that rely on the committee's guidance for purchasing processes. It modifies the committee's role in reviewing procurement policies and procedures without altering the underlying state procurement laws. This is a procedural bill focused on administrative structure, not new spending or regulations.