2019-2020 BILL SUMMARIES

New Hampshire legislators will likely consider around 1,800 bills in 2019 and 2020. Our analysts read every single one of them and summarize them in plain language so you can easily discover what's really up for debate.

Browse the list of all available bills below, organized by category. We're adding new bill summaries as soon as the text of the bills is available for us to read.

Our issue pages also show summaries of all bills related to each issue, along with their current status in the Legislature. Browse our issue list.

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY
Gun laws, marijuana decriminalization, and the death penalty are some of the many issues included in this category.

HB 101 (2019)

Allows a school district, school administrative unit (SAU), or charter school to ban or limit firearms and other weapons on school grounds.

HB 109 (2019)

Requires commercial sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks. Also requires private sales or transfers to go through a licensed firearm dealer, if it’s not absolutely clear that both the owner and the recipient are allowed to own guns.

HB 115 (2019)

Revises the licensure and regulation of private investigators, security guards, and bail recovery agents.

HB 123 (2019)

Requires each school's emergency response plan to include at least one drill to test emergency response to an armed assailant.

HB 134 (2019)

Reduces the penalty for most first offense drug possession charges from a class B felony to an unspecified misdemeanor.

HB 153 (2019)

Makes law enforcement officer disciplinary records public under the right-to-know law, if there has been a final adjudication involving a death or serious injury due to the officer using a firearm, where the officer was found guilty of sexual assault, or where there was a sustained finding of dishonesty by the officer (e.g. perjury, false statements, concealing evidence).

HB 155 (2019)

Requires a determination of whether there is exculpatory evidence in a police officer's file. The police officer would have an opportunity to challenge such a determination. This relates to the "Laurie List" of officers whose behavior might cast doubt on a defendant's guilt, now known as the Exculpatory Evidence Schedule. The House amended the bill to also state that the Schedule is a public record subject to the Right-to-Know law.

HB 189 (2019)

Exempts juvenile victims of human trafficking from prosecution for criminal offenses which were committed as a result of being trafficked.

HB 198 (2019)

Repeals the prohibition on texting while driving. The House amended the bill to instead revise the fines for using a mobile electronic device while driving. The Senate removed those fine increases, instead allowing a fifteen-day license suspension after a second offense and requiring a thirty-day license suspension after subsequent offenses.

HB 201 (2019)

Changes the penalty for a person who pays to engage in sexual contact with another person under the age of 18 who is a victim of human trafficking, from a Class B to a Class A Felony.

HB 205 (2019)

Defines the term "multiple line telephone system" and sets forth requirements for such a system's use, as requested by the Department of Safety.

HB 208 (2019)

Expands the allowable use of physical force for self-defense within a person's home to cover actions taken against someone who is likely to use unlawful force while committing a felony against any person on the property.

HB 218 (2019)

Removes the legal authority for a law enforcement officer to use deadly force in making an arrest. Deadly force would still be allowed for defense or to prevent escape.

HB 224 (2019)

Makes emergency medical technicians and rescue squad members eligible for a $100,000 death benefit if killed in the line of duty.

HB 229 (2019)

Requires various policies and procedures at the Department of Corrections to go through the regular rulemaking process, which includes legislative oversight.

HB 282 (2019)

Limits the ability of conservation officers to search without a warrant when they suspect violations of hunting and/or fishing laws.

HB 306 (2019)

Removes the ability of the state to destroy sexual assault evidence collection kits after a certain amount of time.

HB 334 (2019)

Changes the time municipalities must keep non-criminal internal affairs investigations of police, from "as required by attorney general and union contract and town personnel rules" to "as required by attorney general plus 20 years." The House amended the bill to simply require that municipalities keep those records for a minimum of 20 years after an officer leaves, unless a preexisting collective bargaining agreement says otherwise.

HB 343 (2019)

States, "A foster family home shall be exempt from local fire regulations and ordinances, provided that the home complies with the requirements of the state fire code."

HB 349 (2019)

Permits state and county prisoners to have a second medical opinion from a licensed health care provider, with the prisoner responsible for costs. The Senate amended the bill to allow county correctional facilities to charge a $35 fee for a second opinion.

HB 372 (2019)

Requires that motorists give a wide berth to all vehicles that are displaying blue, red, or amber emergency or warning lights, rather than just stationary vehicles.

HB 399 (2019)

Establishes a procedure for annulment of arrests or convictions for possession of 3/4 of an ounce or less of marijuana where the offense occurred before September 16, 2017 (when possession of 3/4 of an ounce was decriminalized).

HB 410 (2019)

Allows state agencies, counties, and municipalities to have access to address information through enhanced 911. The House and Senate failed to agree on a final version of the bill.

HB 425 (2019)

Increases the penalty for vehicular assault when the victim is a "vulnerable user," defined as a pedestrian, a person riding an animal, or a person riding a bike, scooter, wheelchair, etc.

HB 426 (2019)

Establishes a committee to study allowing town clerks to accept proof of exemption from the rabies vaccine for the purpose of registering dogs.

HB 439 (2019)

Allows law enforcement to remove a person entering or occupying privately-owned structures or non-open land unless the person has written permission from the owner.

HB 444 (2019)

Imposes a mandatory license suspension of 30 to 120 days for persons who illegally overtake or pass a school bus for a third or subsequent time.

HB 445 (2019)

When determining whether a person qualifies as a habitual offender under the state motor vehicle laws, this bill only allows consideration of a driver's offenses after to the most recent license restoration.

HB 455 (2019)

Changes the penalty for any offense eligible for the death penalty to life imprisonment without parole.

HB 481 (2019)

Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. A Cannabis Control Commission, similar to the Liquor Commission, would be responsible for licensing and enforcement. The bill also allows limited home-growing of marijuana for personal use.

HB 486 (2019)

Requires that probation-parole officers receive instruction on the rights of individuals who have attained "final discharge" of their sentence. The bill states that "final discharge" occurs when a prisoner is released, even if that release is conditional or supervised. The House amended the bill to also require correctional facilities to notify prisoners of their right to vote while on parole.

HB 491 (2019)

Clarifies that refusing to answer an officer's questions about name and address is not grounds for arrest.

HB 513 (2019)

Allows a facility dog or therapy animal to assist during testimony in a proceeding involving a sexual offense, child abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

HB 514 (2019)

Establishes a seven day waiting period for the delivery of a firearm. There are some exceptions for rifle or shotgun purchases by hunters, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces. The Senate amended the bill, shortening the waiting period to three days.

HB 518 (2019)

Repeals the "cost of care" law that allows the state to petition a court to bill an inmate for the cost of incarceration. ˙According to the Department of Corrections, at the time of this bill's submission two inmates pay for cost of care.

HB 524 (2019)

Exempts a home child day care agency from sprinkler system requirements under the state and local fire code if the agency has at least 2 accessible exits. The House amended the bill to instead establish a committee to study issues and impediments to starting, running, and growing home and commercial day care facilities in New Hampshire.

HB 529 (2019)

Prohibits a superintendent and any other school employees from supporting an employee removed due to a conviction for sexual misconduct. Prohibited behavior includes, for example, providing a character reference.

HB 537 (2019)

Allows the Department of Motor Vehicles to release "any person's name, age, height, weight, eye color, photograph, or computerized image in matters of personal or public safety."

HB 545 (2019)

Prohibits law enforcement officers from questioning a minor on school property without a parent or guardian present.

HB 564 (2019)

Makes it a misdemeanor to carry a firearm in a safe school zone. ˙There are some exceptions, for example if a person gets permission from the school board. The House amended the bill so that parents do not need to remove or unload firearms in their cars when picking up students. The amendment also specifically bans firearms on "school property" rather than in "school zones." School property includes buildings, grounds, school buses, and vans. A conference committee of representatives and senators amended the bill so that the school board may only give permission for a person to carry a firearm after holding a public hearing.

HB 566 (2019)

Requires a private employer to release video or security recordings at the request of a party in a lawsuit.

HB 605 (2019)

Makes it a felony to possess, transfer, or manufacture animal fighting paraphernalia with the intent to be present at, aid in, or contribute to such fighting. ˙The bill also requires the court to ban a person from possessing animals for at least five years if they have a conviction related to animal fighting.

HB 609 (2019)

Makes it a Class A Misdemeanor to possess or distribute "child erotica," which is defined as "any visual representation of a partially-clothed child, where the visual representations are unrelated to the sale of a commercially available legal product and are used for purely prurient purposes."

HB 637 (2019)

Requires the Division of State Police maintain an electronic database of criminal records accessible to the public. This bill similarly removes the requirement for a person to give notarized, written permission for another to view his or her criminal history. The Senate amended the bill to remove the requirement that the database be available to the public on the state police website.

HB 687 (2019)

Establishes "extreme risk protection orders," based on evidence that there is "a significant risk of causing bodily injury to himself or herself or others," which would require the subject of the order to surrender any firearms to law enforcement.

HB 694 (2019)

Authorizes municipalities, governmental entities, and private entities to establish take-back programs for illegal drugs.

HB 705 (2019)

Increases crime victim rights. In particular, this bill raises the cap on payouts from the victims' compensation fund from $30,000 to $50,000. The bill also makes victims of child abuse eligible for compensation, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. That compensation can cover counseling and other costs related to prosecution of the abuser. The bill also expands the legal rights of crime victims to include, for example, the right to file a complaint and petition the court to require any public agency to comply with victim rights law or pay a $1,000 fine. Lastly, this bill requires the Department of Justice to develop a victims' rights card and code of professional ethics for crime victims assistance providers.

HB 722 (2019)

Legalizes and taxes marijuana sales at a rate of 8% of the retail sale price. The bill allows towns and cities to regulate marijuana sales as it relates to the agricultural use of land. The bill does not lay out further regulations of marijuana.

HB 723 (2019)

Adds drug convictions, first degree assault, second degree assault, domestic violence, and arson to the criminal background checks for school employees and volunteers. The bill also requires the Department of Education to oversee criminal background checks for teacher certification.

HB 732 (2019)

Prohibits a law enforcement agency from engaging in racial profiling, requires the Department of Corrections to collect data on racial and ethnic disparity in criminal sentencing, authorizes the courts to reduce the sentence of a defendant whose sentence was disproportionate because of racial or ethnic bias, and requires the Commissioner of Education to submit a report on racial disparity or segregation in public schools.

ECONOMY, BUDGET & TAXES
From this year's property taxes to next year's budget, this category includes issues related to taxpayer issues.

CACR 1 (2019)

Constitutional amendment that requires 5% of liquor commission profits to go to alcohol and other drug abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

CACR 10 (2019)

Constitutional amendment requiring any income tax revenue be used to provide local property tax relief.

CACR 11 (2019)

Constitutional amendment prohibiting a broad-based sales tax.

CACR 12 (2019)

Constitutional amendment prohibiting a tax on earned personal income.

HB 1 (2019)

2020-2021 state budget bill.

HB 104 (2019)

Establishes a housing appeals board in the attorney general's office to hear appeals of final decisions of municipal boards, committees and commissions regarding questions of housing and housing development.

HB 108 (2019)

Increases the number of days a charitable organization may offer bingo, from 10 to 16 a month.

HB 110 (2019)

Requires that the cost of the fiscal analysis of proposed legislation done by the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) be reimbursed from general funds. The NHRS says costs for analyzing legislation vary from about $20,000 to $50,000.

HB 112 (2019)

Clarifies the definitions of persons licensed by the mechanical licensing board and requires business entities to show proof of good standing and insurance.

HB 114 (2019)

Prohibits the state of New Hampshire from entering into or enforcing agreements with other states concerning sales tax collection by those other states.

HB 116 (2019)

Changes the method for determining the classification of an existing or newly created state or local position in the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS).

HB 117 (2019)

Increases the filing threshold and income exemption for the Interest and Dividends Tax from $2,400 to $3,500. The bill also decreases the research and development tax credit against business taxes from $7 million to $2 million.

HB 119 (2019)

Requires the state to regulate the training of electrologists using intense pulsed light for hair removal.

HB 120 (2019)

Requires licensure and inspection of establishments for tattooing, body piercing, or branding.

HB 121 (2019)

Requires licensure and inspection of massage establishments.

HB 128 (2019)

Allows municipalities to adopt a property tax exemption for veterans who have been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a 100 percent, service-connected, total and permanent disability. The House amended the bill to instead establish a committee to study the use of property tax credits and exemptions to recognize the service of New Hampshire veterans.

HB 129 (2019)

Allows municipalities to establish a cap on the education property tax for residents aged 65 and older, if the property has been the taxpayer's primary residence for at least 5 years and no school aged child has resided with the taxpayer for the last 5 years.

HB 130 (2019)

Clarifies the property tax exemption for certain permanently and totally disabled veterans by referencing the definition of permanent total disability in the federal regulations.

HB 132 (2019)

Requires internet service providers (ISPs) to operate under net neutrality principles in order to do business in the state and also to be eligible to be awarded contracts by the state.

HB 133 (2019)

Repeals the laws requiring local licensing of showmen and similar performers, billiard tables, pool tables and bowling alleys.

HB 136 (2019)

Increases the time frame within which the Zoning Board of Adjustment must hold a public hearing.

HB 142 (2019)

If the owner of property subject to a tax deferral dies, this bill requires the mortgage holder to pay all deferred taxes before selling the property in a foreclosure proceeding.

HB 144 (2019)

Requires municipalities to notify the property owner of changes in the assessed value.

HB 151 (2019)

Modifies the definition of "agriculture" to include farms that raise livestock with no intent to sell the livestock.

HB 159 (2019)

Allows for a condominium unit owners association to collect additional operating costs resulting from owners in arrears.

HB 160 (2019)

Modifies the requirements for the number of unit owners of a condominium association to be present for a vote to reject the budget.

HB 161 (2019)

Prohibits telemarketers from hiding or using false caller ID information.

HB 168 (2019)

Appropriates $10 million to the FRM Victims' Recovery Fund, which provides restitution to victims of the Financial Resources Mortgage (FRM) fraud.

HB 173 (2019)

Requires tenants requesting a hearing to contest eviction for nonpayment of rent to pay the amount of the claimed unpaid rent to the court prior to the hearing. This bill also removes a $1,500 limit on monetary rulings by the court.

HB 178 (2019)

Raises the state minimum wage to $10 per hour.

HB 182 (2019)

Establishes a commission to study adaptation of the tax structure of the state to economic and demographic change.

HB 185 (2019)

Lowers the Interest and Dividends (I&D) tax from 5% to 4%, starting in 2020. So long as revenue stays level, each following year the I&D tax will decrease another percentage point. If revenues are lower than expected two years in a row, the I&D tax will increase. This bill also doubles the thresholds and exemptions for the I&D tax.

HB 186 (2019)

Raises the state minimum wage to $9.50 in 2020 and $12 in 2021, with cost of living adjustments every following year. This bill also raises the base rate for tipped employees from 45% to 60% of the minimum wage. Lastly, this bill establishes a "training wage," one dollar below minimum wage, for employees under age eighteen for the first three months of employment. The House amended the bill to raise the minimum wage to $9.50 in 2020, $10.75 in 2021, and $12 in 2022. The House amendment also increases the tipped minimum wage from 45% to 50% of the minimum wage rate. Lastly, the House version allows sixteen year-olds to be paid one dollar less.

HB 190 (2019)

Allows the use of gold and silver as lawful mediums of exchange in any transaction in this state.

HB 197 (2019)

Expands the Consumer Protection Act to cover the failure of telephone, Internet, and cable television service providers to credit or rebate charges after an interruption of service of over 72 hours.

HB 2 (2019)

2020-2021 state budget bill (part 2).

HB 203 (2019)

Requires cable system television operators to offer a basic tier of programming and an economy-customer select option that allows subscribers to choose a limited number of additional channels.

HB 207 (2019)

Allows towns and cities to adopt an education property tax credit for individuals over 55 years of age who have no children in the public school system.

HB 211 (2019)

Prohibits an employer from requiring a prospective employee to disclose his or her salary history prior to an offer of employment.

HB 212 (2019)

Prohibits a state agency from acting as a withholding agent - or otherwise providing free acounting services - for an unregistered foreign corporate trust not authorized to do business in this state.

HB 213 (2019)

Excludes persons engaged in computer or digital forensic services or computer network or system testing from requirements for licensure as a private investigator, bail recovery agent, or security guard.

HB 220 (2019)

Extends the deadline for practicing septic system evaluators and designers to comply with the license requirements of the board of septic system evaluators.

HB 223 (2019)

States, "No youth who works more than 2 nights in a week past 8 o'clock p.m. or before 6 o'clock a.m. shall be permitted to work more than 8 hours in any shift during that particular week."

HB 227 (2019)

Limits the length of time that a person may work for an employee leasing company to 120 days.

HB 234 (2019)

Establishes an exemption from business taxes for media production companies producing film, video, television, or digital media in New Hampshire.

HB 235 (2019)

Establishes requirements for foreclosing on vacant and abandoned residential property.

HB 241 (2019)

Clarifies the tax collection exemption from attachment or liability that applies to the homestead right, and provides that a municipality's failure to send notice of the exemption in certain cases doubles the exemption amount. The homestead exemption excludes some of the value of a home from taxes if the owner's spouse dies.

HB 243 (2019)

Changes the membership of the Pease Development Authority board of directors to give representation to the town of Greenland.

HB 245 (2019)

Modifies the filing deadline for plats or applications for approval submitted to land use boards, from "at least 21 days prior to the meeting" to a shorter period of time specified by the planning board.

HB 247 (2019)

Updates the definition of the state building code to include various international codes.

EDUCATION
Curious about Common Core or school funding? Browse these issues related to education in the Granite State.

HB 123 (2019)

Requires each school's emergency response plan to include at least one drill to test emergency response to an armed assailant.

HB 131 (2019)

Establishes a commission to develop and promote mental health curriculum and education programs in kindergarten through grade 12.

HB 149 (2019)

Allows the apportionment formula for a cooperative school district to be subject to review 5 years after an article to continue the current formula was passed.

HB 164 (2019)

Requires school principals to report the following student behavior to the school board: theft, destruction, or violence in a safe school zone, and any case of bullying or pornographic use of social media. These reports must be included in the school board minutes.

HB 169 (2019)

Requires all public schools to submit annual reports to the Department of Education detailing the policies and procedures that are in place to identify and accommodate the needs of gifted students.

HB 170 (2019)

Requires high school students to pass the U.S. citizenship test, with a score of at least 70 percent.

HB 171 (2019)

Establishes a commission to study equal access and opportunity for students with disabilities to participate in cocurricular activities.

HB 172 (2019)

Authorizes a waiver of the driver education requirement if a father, mother, guardian, or other responsible adult provides equivalent classroom instruction and behind the wheel training.

HB 175 (2019)

Establishes a revised timeline for school districts to apply for building aid grants, and clarifies the information required in building aid applications.

HB 176 (2019)

Changes the current $50 million maximum for annual school building aid to a minimum. This would effectively increase state aid for school building projects.

HB 177 (2019)

Freezes stabilization grants for school districts that would otherwise receive less per-pupil school funding from the state. Starting in fiscal year 2020, municipalities would receive the 2018 stabilization grant every year. The House amended the bill to restore stabilization funds back to 2016 levels.

HB 181 (2019)

Keeps members of the state House of Representatives and Senate on the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees.

HB 184 (2019)

Ends the system of funding full-day kindergarten programs through Keno, and instead includes full-day kindergarten students in the calculation of per-pupil state education funding for all students in grades K-12.

HB 222 (2019)

Increases the requirements for charter school teachers, so that at least 75% of teachers must be licensed to teach in New Hampshire.

HB 225 (2019)

Clarifies revenues available to the National Guard scholarship fund.

HB 226 (2019)

Reduces from 5 to 3 the consecutive years of teaching required for a teacher to be entitled to a hearing if the teacher is not reappointed. The legislature amended the bill to establish an Experienced Educator Certificate, issued to a teacher with 3 years of full-time teaching experience who has successful local evaluations and completes professional development. Teachers with an Experienced Educator Certificate who have taught in the same district for 2 years may request a hearing if they are not reappointed.

HB 231 (2019)

Requires school districts to adopt policies regarding school suspensions and expulsions.

HB 251 (2019)

Requires nonpublic schools and any school receiving public funds for tuition, directly or indirectly, to perform criminal history background checks on school employees and designated school volunteers.

HB 258 (2019)

Establishes a committee to study teacher preparation and education programs.

HB 269 (2019)

Allows the state to deny a charter school application due to lack of state funding.

HB 275 (2019)

Repeals many of the requirements for school nurses, instead only requiring that a school nurse is a registered professional nurse licensed in New Hampshire.

HB 289 (2019)

Repeals the law permitting the recitation of the Lord's prayer in public elementary schools.

HB 302 (2019)

States, "All communications and filings between the Department of Education, the state Board of Education, the Department of Revenue Administration, and a school administrative unit shall be made available to every school board member of that school administrative unit."

HB 327 (2019)

Sets aside $400,000 over two years for the community college system to continue the math learning communities program in partnership with New Hampshire high schools.

HB 329 (2019)

Permits a school board to review and adopt a data security plan at a non-public meeting, protected from disclosure under the right-to-know law.

HB 356 (2019)

If an institution of higher learning ceases instruction, this bill requires the Higher Education Commission to retain a copy of student transcripts for 40 years. At the time of this bill's submission, the law did not specify how long the commission must keep the transcripts. The Senate amended the bill to keep the transcripts for 50 years.

HB 357 (2019)

Stops unused money from the Public School Infrastructure Fund from returning to the general fund of all tax revenue. The House amended the bill to instead extend the Public School Infrastructure Fund to just June 30, 2021, after which any unused money will return to the general fund.

HB 375 (2019)

Generally increases the state Board of Education's oversight of charter schools, for example to require that charter schools develop a policy for parents to object to course material. This bill also requires charter schools to authorize a time for the pledge of allegiance.

HB 380 (2019)

Permits a designee of the superintendent to perform the the superintendent's duties regarding criminal background checks.

HB 383 (2019)

Extends state laws against discrimination to all public schools, private schools, and approved school tuition programs that receive public funds. This bill specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, race, religious creed, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, or economic status.

HB 400 (2019)

Authorizes the use of private vehicles to transport students to and from school activities, under certain circumstances.˙For example, parents must sign a permission slip and the driver must have gone through a background check.

HB 411 (2019)

Modifies the apportionment of public taxes in cooperative school districts, so that it can only be based on equalized property valuation. At the time of this bill's submission, cooperative school districts may choose some other formula for calculating taxes, such as a formula that takes into account the school attendance from each town in the district.

HB 414 (2019)

Requires a superintendent to give a monthly report of substantiated incidents of bullying to the school board.

HB 430 (2019)

Requires the state Board of Education to adopt rules requiring each school district to implement a conflict of interest policy.

HB 435 (2019)

Adds reference to a "code of conduct" in the laws giving rulemaking authority of the state Department of Education.

HB 447 (2019)

Authorizes local school boards to determine opening and closing school calendar dates.

HB 448 (2019)

Makes technical corrections to the laws governing the Department of Education, for example changing "office of teacher education and professional standards" to "bureau of credentialing."

HB 449 (2019)

Adds charter schools to safe school zones. The safe school zones law includes a requirement to report any crimes as well as entailing extra penalties for perpetrators.

HB 468 (2019)

Includes attendance stipends and bonuses in the compensation that must be reported to the New Hampshire Retirement System. The Senate amended the bill to also include additional pay for instructional activities of full-time faculty of the community college system. The House must agree to that change.

HB 489 (2019)

Modifies the process for a parent/guardian to petition a superintendent to have a child transferred to another school due to "manifest educational hardship." In particular, this bill adds a definition for "manifest educational hardship" rather than leaving that definition to state Board of Education rules.

HB 493 (2019)

Provides a method for a cooperative school district to place an article on the warrant for an elected budget committee. This bill also permits a cooperative school district to adopt a local tax cap.

HB 502 (2019)

Establishes a committee to study the will of Benjamin Thompson and determine whether the reorganization of the Thompson School of Applied Science by the University of New Hampshire is in compliance with the terms of the will.

HB 523 (2019)

Prohibits pesticide use on school grounds unless a school has an integrated pest management plan. ˙If a school applies pesticides, they must report it to the Division of Pesticide Control, which will maintain a public database of pesticide use by schools.

HB 529 (2019)

HB 544 (2019)

Establishes a charter commission to recommend a procedure to revise, amend, or replace the Manchester school district charter without legislative approval.

HB 545 (2019)

Prohibits law enforcement officers from questioning a minor on school property without a parent or guardian present.

HB 551 (2019)

Establishes a commission to study school funding.

HB 564 (2019)

HB 569 (2019)

Permits schools and school districts to develop plans for becoming an "innovation school", and establishes processes for state Board of Education approval and Department of Education review.

HB 570 (2019)

Establishes a commission to study career pathways from full-time service year programs to postsecondary education and employment opportunities.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
This issue category starts with eminent domain and ends with wind farms. Click here to see issues related to your next electricity bill.

HB 102 (2019)

Allows towns to regulate single-use plastics, such as plastic straws.

HB 107 (2019)

Appropriates $10 million over two years to manage invasive aquatic species in state waters.

HB 138 (2019)

Exempts fish and game rules governing marine species managed under the Magnusson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act from rulemaking requirements.

HB 156 (2019)

Establishes a commission to study the establishment of a state department of energy.

HB 157 (2019)

Deletes certain limits on the inclusion of methane gas as a class III renewable energy source in the renewable portfolio standard. This bill also increases the class rate for biomass in the renewable portfolio standard.

HB 162 (2019)

Repeals the requirement for the inspection of timber.

HB 166 (2019)

Requires the system benefits charge to be used to fund energy efficiency programs, and allows an increase in the system benefits charge for this purpose without legislative approval of the increase.

HB 183 (2019)

Establishes a committee to study the changes in law necessary to allow for microgrids in electricity supply. The Senate amended the bill to also require electric distribution companies to purchase electricity from eligible biomass facilities.

HB 192 (2019)

Prohibits the introduction of fluoride into the drinking water of the state.

HB 199 (2019)

Exempts nonprofits from the groundwater permit application fee.

HB 204 (2019)

Establishes a committee to review the penalties for contaminating drinking water and groundwater and propose legislation to update such penalties if necessary.

HB 206 (2019)

Exempts a person from the requirement of filing an intent to cut and payment of the timber tax, if the person cuts wood or timber from land the person both owns and occupies for residential uses and such land is not classified for current use taxation.

HB 209 (2019)

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to adjust the rates of payment into the renewable energy fund for Class III-biomass/methane according to the Consumer Price Index instead of a fixed rate.

HB 219 (2019)

Removes a member of the Structures on Non-tidal Public Waterways Commission.

HB 228 (2019)

Extends the commission charged with studying the current laws related to management of non-tidal public waterways and the construction or placement of structures within them. The Senate amended the bill to also change who appoints Local River Management Advisory Committee members, from the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services to the Rivers Management Advisory Committee.

HB 238 (2019)

Establishes a legislative task force to study applications of microgrids in electricity supply.

HB 261 (2019)

Requires the Department of Environmental Services to revise rules relative to arsenic contamination in drinking water, not to exceed a contaminant limit of 5 micrograms per liter.

HB 290 (2019)

Requires the removal of some wood stoves in densely populated areas upon the sale of a home.

HB 318 (2019)

Requires electric utilities to inform their customers about inexpensive devices - such as LED bulbs and programmable thermostats - that are available to lower energy costs.

HB 326 (2019)

Adds some detail to the definition of prime wetland as it relates to fill and dredge permitting.

HB 352 (2019)

Appropriates roughly $7.5 million over two years for eligible wastewater projects under the state aid grant program.

HB 358 (2019)

Expands a ban on combustion to include the combustion of bio-oil or biosynthetic gas and municipal waste combustors.

HB 365 (2019)

Increases the electric generating capacity of customer generators who may participate in net energy metering, generally from 1 megawatt to 5 megawatts.

HB 404 (2019)

Requires a town to vote on whether or not to site a liquified natural gas storage facility in the town.

HB 412 (2019)

Establishes a committee to study the long-term consequences of decommissioning nuclear power plants.

HB 413 (2019)

Increases the number of members of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board to include two more representatives from not-for-profit groups knowledgeable in energy conservation .

HB 443 (2019)

Allows a local government to restrict the use of water for commercial outdoor watering during periods of drought. At the time of this bill's submission, local governments may only restrict residential water use. The Senate amended the bill to give municipalities the choice to either include or exclude recreational fields, agricultural fields, and golf courses from any restriction.

HB 454 (2019)

Modifies the criteria the Site Evaluation Committee must consider when approving a project, to include the effect on property values.

HB 464 (2019)

Updates the definitions of solar energy systems and wind-powered energy systems for the purpose of assessing property value. The definitions would specifically include systems both connected to the grid and off-grid. The bill includes a local property tax exemption for electric energy storage systems.

HB 466 (2019)

At the time of this bill's submission, 80% of net metering tariffs must go to facilities under 100 kilowatts; this bill raises that threshold to 500 kilowatts, and revises other regulations accordingly.

HB 475 (2019)

Establishes a shoreland septic system study commission.

HB 477 (2019)

Sends all of the auction proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, minus administrative costs, to ratepayer rebates. This would end funding for energy efficiency programs.

HB 494 (2019)

Directs the Department of Environmental Services to propose a remedy regarding the removal or containment of contaminants entering Berry's Brook from the Coakley Landfill by January 1, 2020.

HB 495 (2019)

Reestablishes the Seacoast Commission on Long Term Goals and Requirements for Drinking Water.

HB 496 (2019)

Establishes a committee to analyze the requirements for committing New Hampshire to the goal of providing 50 percent of electricity for residents and businesses from renewable sources by the year 2040.

HB 522 (2019)

Establishes a commission to study the environmental and health effects of evolving 5G technology.

HB 523 (2019)

HB 542 (2019)

Creates a Wetlands Regulations Fund to assist municipalities in updating or adopting wetlands regulations. This bill sets aside $350,000 for the fund.

HB 543 (2019)

Adds to the Wetlands Protection Act to require a buffer for high value wetlands.

HB 557 (2019)

Establishes a fund for dredging the Seacoast and sends $1,000 to the fund. The House amended the bill to specifically set aside $243,750 to dredge Seabrook/Hampton harbor and $637,500 to dredge Rye harbor.

HB 558 (2019)

Prohibits food service businesses from providing a single-use plastic straw to a customer unless specifically requested.

HB 559 (2019)

Enables municipalities to prohibit the distribution, sale, and purchase of products that contribute to plastic pollution, such as disposable plastic shopping bags and beverage straws.

HB 560 (2019)

Prohibits the distribution of single-use carryout bags by stores and food service businesses. The Senate amended the bill to instead require towns to make an annual report on the state’s goal of achieving a 40% minimum weight diversion of solid waste away from landfilling or incineration on a per capita basis. The House and Senate failed to agree on a final version of the bill.

HB 568 (2019)

Requires the state energy strategy to consider the effects of climate change.

HB 582 (2019)

This bill ends residential rebates under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, instead sending those proceeds to the Energy Efficiency Fund. The bill also prohibits the government from using money from the Energy Efficiency Fund for anything other than its intended purpose. This bill also requires the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board to provide recommendations to the PUC on the energy efficiency and renewable energy funds. Lastly, this bill removes the future repeal of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The Senate amended the bill to remove a provision requiring the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider the impact of climate change in its decisions.

HB 614 (2019)

Increases the fines for air pollution violations. The House amended the bill to also increase fines for water pollution.

HB 617 (2019)

Establishes a committee to study recycling streams and solid waste management in New Hampshire.

HB 625 (2019)

Requires powerboats registered in another state to purchase and display a $20 aquatic invasive species decal.

HB 646 (2019)

Restricts the use of bee-toxic pesticides, and requires the state to provide information about the harm of bee-toxic pesticides.

HB 661 (2019)

Allows lawsuits for violation of any solid waste or hazardous waste permit and for medical monitoring damages. This bill also establishes strict liability for the release of toxic substances.

HEALTH CARE
Do you support the Affordable Care Act in NH? What about the medical marijuana or physician-assisted suicide? This category covers all of those issues and more.

CACR 1 (2019)

Constitutional amendment that requires 5% of liquor commission profits to go to alcohol and other drug abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

H R 986 (2019)

Blocks a Trump administration policy that would give states greater flexibility to allow short-term and association health care plans. Those plans would not have to meet the same requirements as originally laid out under the Affordable Care Act.

HB 113 (2019)

Allows experience as a master licensed alcohol and drug counselor to qualify as experience for licensure as a clinical social worker or clinical mental health counselor.

HB 118 (2019)

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to notify a child's primary health care provider of a report of suspected abuse or neglect regarding the child. The bill also permits a child's primary health care provider to access the child's case record.

HB 127 (2019)

Clarifies the role of various members of the Board of Medicine. The Senate amended the bill to also require health care professionals to complete a survey or an opt-out form for collecting data on the primary care workforce.

HB 131 (2019)

Establishes a commission to develop and promote mental health curriculum and education programs in kindergarten through grade 12.

HB 158 (2019)

Requires any health care provider that provides an abortion to submit information about the patient to the state through an electronic form. Patients and providers would be assigned confidential identification numbers. Under this bill, the public would be able to view aggregate data on abortions, including the woman's age, the woman's county of residence, the gestational age of the fetus, the method of abortion, and the woman's use of contraception.

HB 174 (2019)

Authorizes a new alternative treatment center for medical marijuana in the Hillsborough and Merrimack area.

HB 179 (2019)

Establishes a New Hampshire Health Access Corporation, which would contract with health insurers to provide coverage for residents without access to affordable insurance.

HB 180 (2019)

Establishes a commission to examine the feasibility of the New England states entering into a compact for a single payer health care program.

HB 200 (2019)

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt rules that require serologic test results to reflect that many tests only look for the presence of antibodies to antigens, and not for specific diseases. This is particularly relevant to tests for Lyme disease.

HB 233 (2019)

Adds provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act to state law, such as mandatory coverage for preexisting conditions and the 10 "essential health benefits" insurers must cover.

HB 237 (2019)

Establishes the New Hampshire Rare Disease Advisory Council to advise the Legislature and the Department of Health and Human Services on rare diseases in New Hampshire.

HB 239 (2019)

Reduces the number of hours or work experience required for licensure as a master licensed alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed clinical supervisor, a clinical social worker, and a clinical mental health counselor. The House amended the bill to instead provide that supervision of candidates for licensure as mental health counselors or alcohol and drug counselors shall be at locations convenient to both the supervisor and the candidate.

HB 240 (2019)

Establishes a commission to study the causes of high suicide rates for emergency and first responders.

HB 250 (2019)

Allows a dental patient to demand an oral prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) be performed even if the supervising dentist determines that a dental procedure or surgery is required.

HB 257 (2019)

Declares that health coverage purchased through a qualified purchasing alliance shall be considered by the Department of Insurance to be large group coverage, and makes related changes to some other health insurance laws. Large group coverage generally has fewer regulations, for example allowing insurance to consider health status and/or experience in setting pricing. Members of a purchasing alliance may be small employers that belong to the same trade group or association. This bill would therefore give small employers more access to less regulated health insurance.

HB 275 (2019)

Repeals many of the requirements for school nurses, instead only requiring that a school nurse is a registered professional nurse licensed in New Hampshire.

HB 277 (2019)

Establishes a commission to study a public option program for health insurance in New Hampshire. The Senate amended the bill to instead authorize the Insurance Commissioner to enforce the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. The House and Senate did not agree on a final version of the bill.

HB 278 (2019)

Updates the insurance commissioner's annual public hearing requirement relative to premium rates, as requested by the Insurance Department. For example, this bill repeals some of the specific information required by law and moves deadlines to later in the year.

HB 284 (2019)

Requires persons required by federal law to conduct biennial controlled substance inventories to conduct them every odd-numbered year, rather than specifically on May 1. This would allow flexibility if May 1 falls on a Sunday.

HB 291 (2019)

Establishes a committee to study initiatives and recommendations related to palliative care and the end of life. The House and Senate failed to agree on a final version of the bill.

HB 292 (2019)

Includes brokers fees in the calculation of the insurance premium tax.

HB 304 (2019)

Repeals the requirement that certain health care facilities, such as facilities maintained by an educational institution and outpatient rehabilitation clinics, enforce a written policy that requires the facility to provide its services to those in need regardless of the source of payment.

HB 310 (2019)

Modifies the membership of the wellness and primary prevention council.

HB 311 (2019)

Allows a municipality to adopt an ordinance regulating the occupancy and safety of sober living facilities.

HB 331 (2019)

Allows a veterinarian to vary a rabies vaccine dosage based on the results of a rabies antibody titer test.

HB 335 (2019)

Allows for second dispensary locations for medical marijuana in all four geographic regions of the state, if the Department of Health and Human Services determines it is necessary to meet the needs of patients and caregivers.

HB 350 (2019)

Adds physician assistants to the definition of "provider" in the medical marijuana law.

HB 359 (2019)

Requires any drug which contains an opiate to have a colored sticker and a warning label regarding the risks of the drug.

HB 364 (2019)

Permits qualifying patients and registered caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home.

HB 366 (2019)

Adds opioid addiction to the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana.

HB 369 (2019)

Requires health care providers writing prescriptions for substance use disorders to use the prescription drug monitoring program.

HB 373 (2019)

Authorizes counties to establish drug and alcohol use prevention and treatment programs.

HB 422 (2019)

Prohibits a health care provider or student from performing a pelvic examination on an anesthetized or unconscious female patient unless the patient gave informed consent or such examination is within the scope of care for the surgical procedure.

HB 461 (2019)

Adds insomnia, anxiety, and Lyme disease to the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana.

HB 463 (2019)

Establishes an optional license for pharamcist assistants that would allow assistants to perform more pharmacist tasks.

HB 483 (2019)

Creates an interstate compact for psychologists to practice telepsychology from other states with patients living in New Hampshire and practice "face to face" psychology on a temporary basis in New Hampshire.

HB 487 (2019)

Establishes a registry in the Department of Health and Human Services to include all reported cases of persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf/blind in New Hampshire.

HB 490 (2019)

Requires health care providers to provide certain information to persons being tested for Lyme disease about false negatives.

HB 508 (2019)

Exempts primary care providers, who are providing care under a primary care agreement, from state insurance laws. This bill also establishes a committee to study direct primary care.

HB 509 (2019)

Establishes a pilot program for the regulation and licensure of graduate physicians. Graduate physicians could only practice in medically underserved areas and rural health clinics.

HB 511 (2019)

Adds e-liquid, e-cigarettes, vape pens, etc. to the law banning youth access to tobacco products. The bill also adds e-cigarettes and similar devices to the Indoor Smoking Act. The Senate amended the bill to allow minors prescribed medical marijuana to possess e-liquid containing cannabis.

HB 528 (2019)

Requires insurers to consider the presenting symptoms rather than just the final diagnosis when determining whether to cover and pay for emergency services.

HB 546 (2019)

Regulates art therapy and requires health insurance to cover art therapy from a licensed art therapist.

HB 547 (2019)

Requires licensing of polysomnographers.

HB 552 (2019)

Requires the Department of Justice's Charitable Trusts Unit to consider access to quality and affordable health care when evaluating acquisition transactions involving charitable trusts.

HB 555 (2019)

Requires hospitals to provide new parents with information on shaken baby syndrome, and requires day care providers to participate in training on shaken baby syndrome.

HB 578 (2019)

Extends services for the developmentally disabled to individuals age 18 to 21 upon graduation from high school.

HB 587 (2019)

States that a person's decision to be an organ donor is not subject to amendment or revocation after the person dies.

POLITICS/POLITICAL PROCESS
Learn about campaigns and voting rights, from SB2 elections at the town level all the way up to the Electoral College in Presidential elections.

CACR 2 (2019)

Constitutional amendment that allows the Legislature to change their compensation with approval of the Executive Council (current pay is $200 per session).

CACR 4 (2019)

Constitutional amendment that creates a right to local, community self-government. The language of this amendment differs slightly from the language in a similar 2019 constitutional amendment, CACR 8. This amendment states, in part, the right "to enact local laws that protect health, safety, and welfare by recognizing or establishing rights of natural persons, their local communities, and nature."

CACR 5 (2019)

Constitutional amendment allowing 17 year-olds to vote in primary elections, provided they turn 18 by the time of the general election.

CACR 6 (2019)

Constitutional amendment that allows any voter to vote by absentee ballot, even if he or she will be present on election day.

CACR 7 (2019)

Constitutional amendment that decreases the size of the state House of Representatives from 400 to 200.

CACR 8 (2019)

Constitutional amendment that creates a right to local, community self-government. The language of this amendment differs slightly from the language in a similar 2019 constitutional amendment, CACR 4. This amendment states, in part, the right "to enact local laws that recognize, secure, and protect the economic, social, and environmental well-being of people, their communities, and natural environments."

CACR 9 (2019)

Constitutional amendment that creates a seven member independent redistricting commission, appointed by legislative leaders and a public application process.

HB 103 (2019)

Establishes a right-to-know ombdusman, responsible for responding to complaints under the right-to-know law. There would be a $300 fee for a complaint to the ombudsman.

HB 105 (2019)

Generally repeals the voter registration changes passed in SB 3. For example, this bill removes the stricter requirements for voters who register within 30 days of an election. This bill also removes much of the new language on voter registration forms about domicile. This bill also removes the authority of the secretary of state to conduct post-election voter registration investigations, leaving that to the attorney general.

HB 106 (2019)

Repeals the changes in HB 1264, which removed the unique definition of domicile for voting purposes. HB 1264 required all voters domiciled in New Hampshire to follow residency laws, such as the requirement to register any car in New Hampshire.

HB 122 (2019)

States that legislators and legislative staff may gather gifts, grants, or donations for a meeting by a national legislative association, such as the National Conference of State Legislatures.

HB 125 (2019)

Allows the county convention and the county commissioners to choose their officers by secret ballot.

HB 143 (2019)

Prohibits any person from serving on 2 boards or committees at the same time if decisions of one board or committee are appealable to the other.

HB 145 (2019)

Requires town officials to count a ballot at a town meeting so long as the intent of the voter is clear, regardless of failure to follow instructions.

HB 146 (2019)

In any town meeting vote, this bill requires "every ballot shall be counted if the intent of the voter can be determined, regardless of whether the voter followed any instructions relative to marking the ballot provided before the vote."

HB 147 (2019)

Increases the time frame to appeal for an election recount.

HB 150 (2019)

Establishes a civil penalty, up to $5,000, for candidates and officials who fail to file the financial disclosure form required by state law. The financial disclosure form is a statement of financial interests intended to ensure officials do not have a conflict of interest while working for the state. The House amended the bill to instead require the Attorney General to notify anyone who fails to file a financial disclosure form, and fine the person $50 if they fail to file within 30 days of that notice.

HB 152 (2019)

Increases the dollar threshold for political committees to itemize receipts and expenditures, from $25 to $100.

HB 154 (2019)

Makes a nondisclosure agreement unenforceable in any settlement with a state officer, employee, agency, or other official. The House amended the bill to prohibit any "non-disparagement clause or other language which either prevents the parties from discussing the facts of the underlying claim or speaking negatively about each other."

HB 165 (2019)

Makes it a misdemeanor for a public official to enter into a contract with a third party to perform his or her official duties.

HB 187 (2019)

Establishes new state representative districts for Hudson and Pelham.

HB 191 (2019)

Expands the definition of "official oppression" so that it is a misdemeanor for a public servant to fail to respond to an affidavit within 30 days. "Official oppression" already includes committing an unauthorized act and refraining from performing a duty. This bill also bars an official found guilty of "official oppression" from public office for ten years.

HB 193 (2019)

Requires a county attorney to prosecute any public servant who violates "the unalienable rights and privileges of an inhabitant of this state."

HB 194 (2019)

Allows inhabitants of this state to seek damages against the state and have access to the bond covering state officials and employees who fail to perform duties or commit fraudulent acts.

HB 195 (2019)

Allows an inhabitant of the state to guarantee the proection of Article 14 of the state Bill of Rights by filing an affidavit with a government entity that violates his or her rights.

HB 202 (2019)

Requires any presidential primary candidate to disclose 5 years' worth of his or her federal income tax returns.

HB 210 (2019)

Permits legal action against a public official of a city or town by a person who is aggrieved by the enactment of an ordinance, bylaw, or regulation.

HB 214 (2019)

Repeals an obsolete mileage provision for Concord legislators.

HB 215 (2019)

Requires the appointment of town managers and administrators to be approved by the legislative body. This bill also prohibits all elected and appointed officials from hiring independent contractors to perform their duties.

HB 216 (2019)

Decreases the mileage reimbursement rate for legislators, and prohibits deductions from mileage reimbursements.

HB 217 (2019)

Allows inhabitants of this state to seek damages against the state, counties, and municipalities and have access to the bond covering public servants who fail to perform duties or commit fraudulent acts.

HB 242 (2019)

Changes some of the process to call a special election to fill a vacancy in the House of Representatives.

HB 246 (2019)

States, "Any public servant who remains silent and fails to be accountable as expressed in article 8 of the New Hampshire Bill of Rights, shall ipso facto be deemed guilty of fraud"

HB 256 (2019)

Allows persons who serve as notaries in abutting states to serve as notaries public in New Hampshire.

HB 273 (2019)

Provides for a memorial bench in the Statehouse to honor the public service career of former representative Steve Vaillancourt of Manchester.

HB 286 (2019)

Declares that no cost or fee shall be charged for the inspection or delivery of uncopied governmental records under the right-to-know law. The Senate amended the bill to allow state and municipal governments to charge to inspect a record if they must first redact confidential information.

HB 287 (2019)

Expands the prohibition on nepotism in the executive branch by adding stepparent, grandparent, and grandchild.

HB 288 (2019)

Changes the notice requirements for county convention meetings, for example removing the requirement to publish the notice in a newspaper.

HB 297 (2019)

Requires that any political advertisements made on behalf of political action committees (PACs) or political advocacy organizations contain the same name and address on the advertisement as is registered with the secretary of state.

HB 305 (2019)

Assigns many more duties to the register of probate.

HB 315 (2019)

Repeals the authority of the secretary of state to participate in the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck Program. The Senate amended the bill to also allow the secretary of state to join an alternative national program "whose purpose is to share and exchange information to improve the accuracy and efficiency of voter registration systems."

HB 344 (2019)

Allows the county delegation for each county to examine the reports and enforce compliance with the prohibitions and reporting requirements for gifts, honorariums, or expense reimbursements for its county elected officials.

HB 345 (2019)

Requires the ballot law commission to approve a new secure electronic ballot counting device every five years and audit the devices at regular intervals.

HB 363 (2019)

Establishes the Legislature as a public employer under the Public Employee Labor Relations Act and establishes procedures for collective bargaining by nonpartisan legislative employees. This bill also requires the Joint Committee on Legislative Facilities to adopt and enforce a policy against sexual and other unlawful harassment and discrimination and provide mandatory training on the policy for legislators and legislative staff.

HB 370 (2019)

Removes the prohibition against appointed city planning board members holding other municipal offices, and permits any 2 appointed or elected members of a city planning board to serve on other boards or commissions.

HB 374 (2019)

Prohibits the secretary of state, state treasurer, or candidates for thoses offices to be involved in fundraising, political committees, or political advocacy organizations.

HB 381 (2019)

Repeals the procedures for transfers of departmental appropriations in Carroll county. The current procedures involve the county commissioners and require approval of the county executive committee.

HB 382 (2019)

Prohibits the Carroll county attorney from engaging in the private practice of law, whether civil or criminal.

HB 396 (2019)

If a public body delays or denies release of records under the right-to-know law, this bill requires the body to provide written explanation.

HB 398 (2019)

Amends the membership requirements for the New Hampshire Masonicare board of trustees. ˙For example, this bill states that the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire shall be a nonvoting member.

TRANSPORTATION/RECREATION
NH doesn't require seat belts or motorcycle helmets, but there are boat speed limits on Lake Winnipesaukee. Click here to learn about laws affecting travel, infrastructure, and recreation.

CACR 3 (2019)

Constitutional amendment that creates a right to hunt and fish, subject to laws promoting sound wildlife conservation and management.

HB 135 (2019)

Requires the Department of Transportation to notify the municipality in which state-owned rail property is located of any lease of such property. This bill also requires the lessee of state-owned rail property to meet the same municipal regulatory and safety requirements as private property owners.

HB 137 (2019)

Establishes a commission to examine the effects of wake boats in the state of New Hampshire.

HB 139 (2019)

Bans smoking on state park property. The House amended the bill to instead give the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources the option to restrict smoking at state parks.

HB 140 (2019)

Establishes a commission to study the licensing of drivers from foreign countries.

HB 148 (2019)

Defines and regulates electric bicycles. An electric bicycle is generally defined as a pedaled bicycle with a small engine that assists the rider up to 28 miles per hour.

HB 167 (2019)

Allows the town of Kingston to hold a bonfire event in 2019 in honor of the town's 325th anniversary.

HB 172 (2019)

Authorizes a waiver of the driver education requirement if a father, mother, guardian, or other responsible adult provides equivalent classroom instruction and behind the wheel training.

HB 188 (2019)

Removes the 6 mile per hour portion of the definition of headway speed.

HB 196 (2019)

Allows for the use of a DD Form 214 from any branch of the armed forces to prove residency for fish and game purposes. The House and Senate amended the bill to instead allow the use of any form of identification that would be accepted by the Division of Motor Vehicles for a New Hampshire driver's license.

HB 198 (2019)

HB 230 (2019)

Prohibits smoking in a motor vehicle if a passenger is under age sixteen.

HB 236 (2019)

Increases the fine for persons who illegally pass school buses to $500 and imposes mandatory license suspensions.

HB 244 (2019)

Repeals the moorings appeals board and provides for appeals to be made directly to the Department of Safety.

HB 248 (2019)

Gives the Legislature the power to change turnpike toll rates, instead of the governor and Executive Council.

HB 260 (2019)

Adds violations to the type of records that shall be purged from a motor vehicle record after seven years. This bill also specifies that certain offenses - such as a DUI - cannot be purged from a motor vehicle record until 10 years after a defendant's driver's license is reinstated.

HB 264 (2019)

Appropriates a total of $4 million to freight rail improvements projects in Carroll, Strafford, and Coos counties. The appropriation is contingent upon the receipt of matching private funds.

HB 267 (2019)

Repeals the international registration plan and incorporates it by reference, as requested by the Department of Safety.

HB 276 (2019)

Allows swimming at public boat access areas which are restricted to launching non-motorized or cartop watercraft such as a canoes.

HB 279 (2019)

Names a bridge in the town of Bristol in honor of Mathew Seaver.

HB 281 (2019)

Permits the installation of "beaver deceiver" water flow control devices for the purpose of discouraging beaver damming and reducing the risk of flooding.

HB 296 (2019)

Requires anyone bringing an animal into a state park or state forest to clean up or remove all solid waste produced by such animal, subject to a $50 fine.

HB 298 (2019)

Makes it a misdemeanor to misrepresent or falsify information on documents submitted by congregate mooring field operators to the Marine Patrol Bureau in the State Police.

HB 299 (2019)

Classifies the sharing of a mooring permit in a congregate mooring field as a transfer unless the field's bylaws or usage regulations provide otherwise.

HB 300 (2019)

Restricts the number of entries a congregate mooring field operator may accept in a mooring lottery to one entry per vessel.

HB 307 (2019)

Removes the requirement that drivers' license photographs be in color.

HB 316 (2019)

Repeals the permit and fee required to train bird dogs and trail or tree hounds.

HB 317 (2019)

Allows for aftermarket tinting of side windows in vehicles.

HB 319 (2019)

Adds the Friends of Seabrook Rail Trail to the list of organizations approved to issue decals for multi-use plates.

HB 320 (2019)

Adds Future in Sight and the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of New Hampshire to the list of organizations approved to issue decals for multi-use plates.

HB 321 (2019)

Alllows organizations authorized to issue decals in the multi-use decal number plate program to issue more than one decal design for their organization.

HB 322 (2019)

Requires the Fish and Game Department to develop telephonic and online registration of wild turkeys taken.

HB 324 (2019)

Prohibits the operation of personal water craft within 300 feet of any marsh or flat in the Hampton/Seabrook Estuary without regard to tide height.

HB 325 (2019)

Enables public boat access facility owners to provide tools for cleaning boats at their access sites and requires boaters at such facilities to use those available tools to clean their boats in order to prevent the spread of aquatic exotic invasive species.

HB 368 (2019)

Authorizes autism spectrum disorder to be printed on a drivers' license or a non-driver identification card in addition to any other medically recognized disorder authorized under Department of Safety rules.

HB 384 (2019)

Permits a municipality to create and maintain a path to a historic burial site on state land within the municipality.

HB 391 (2019)

Requires that a current photo identification be presented to the town or city clerk for vehicle registration.

HB 395 (2019)

Allows passenger vehicles to only display one license plate, on the rear of the vehicle.

HB 397 (2019)

Authorizes the issuance of a driver's license, under the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, for residents who do not provide a social security card or number. According to Rep. Casey Conley, "This bill is intended to give the 15,000 undocumented people already in the state a chance to demonstrate their driving proficiency, which could, in turn, improve public safety on our roadways."

HB 401 (2019)

Allows teen drivers to be on the road between 1:00 am and 4:00 am to travel between home, school, and work, with permission from the director of the Division of Motor Vehicles.

HB 409 (2019)

Increases the maximum optional fee municipalities may charge for transportation improvements when collecting motor vehicle registration fees, from $5 to $10.

HB 428 (2019)

Clarifies that motorists may make right turns after stopping at red lights during walk signals when pedestrians are not crossing. Motor vehicles must still yield to pedestrians.

HB 442 (2019)

Prohibits coyote hunting April 1 through August 31, to coincide with coyote pup rearing.

HB 444 (2019)

Imposes a mandatory license suspension of 30 to 120 days for persons who illegally overtake or pass a school bus for a third or subsequent time.

HB 445 (2019)

HB 467 (2019)

Requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to post a notice at its locations stating that according to case law, "the automobile is classified as a consumer good and is both exempt from license requirements, registration fees, and taxes, and is in contrast with and distinct from a 'motor vehicle', which is classified for commercial use and is subject to the government's compelled performance and jurisdiction."

HB 472 (2019)

Allows veterans who qualify for special license plates - such as Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor, Former Prisoner of War, and Disabled Veteran plates - to receive those plates for more than one vehicle at a time, although they would have to pay for the second set of plates.

HB 478 (2019)

Establishes a road usage fee ranging from $0 to $111, based on a vehicle's miles per gallon, as part of annual car registration.

HB 498 (2019)

Prohibits operation of OHRVs on class V highways.

HB 500 (2019)

Names the roundabout in the town of Warner in honor of Warner resident Barbara Annis.