HB 1273 aims to strengthen the protection of personal data found on driver licenses by clarifying what information is considered private and restricting how private businesses can use it. The bill defines personal information to include details like photos, social security numbers, and addresses, while explicitly prohibiting private companies from electronically capturing, copying, or storing this data after verifying a customer's identity for financial transactions. It establishes strict penalties for violations, requiring businesses to pay $10,000 to affected individuals for identity theft resolution costs and allowing consumers to file legal cases against entities that improperly request or share license information. However, the bill includes exceptions for specific government officials, such as notaries and court clerks, who may retain copies of licenses for official record-keeping purposes.
Interim Study Report: Not Recommended for Future Legislation (Vote 11-6)
HB 1657 establishes new laws to prohibit hazing at secondary and post-secondary educational institutions in New Hampshire by defining hazing as any act that forces a student to violate laws, consume harmful substances, endure physical or mental abuse, or risk their health and safety. The bill imposes criminal penalties on individuals and organizations that knowingly participate in hazing and requires schools to report serious incidents to local authorities within 72 hours. Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, the law mandates that all students and student organization advisors complete an anti-hazing education program before participating in school activities. Additionally, educational institutions must publicly report annual findings of hazing violations on their websites while protecting the privacy of individual students.
This bill proposes creating a new Condominium Dispute Resolution Board to handle complaints from unit owners regarding issues like bylaw violations or improper voting procedures. The board would be composed of representatives from the legislature, condominium owners, association boards, management companies, and the legal profession, with members serving staggered terms to ensure stability. To resolve disputes, the board would review complaints filed with a $250 fee, conduct hearings with relaxed evidence rules, and issue written decisions that can be enforced as court judgments if no appeal is filed. The legislation also establishes procedures for member disqualification due to conflicts of interest, requires annual reporting of complaint statistics, and designates the Department of Justice to provide legal counsel to the board.
This bill would require fiber optic internet providers to fix service outages for public safety and public health organizations before addressing commercial or residential customers. The rule applies specifically to disruptions in communication and internet access caused by damage to fiber optic cables. If passed, the law would become active 60 days after its enactment. However, a recent interim study recommended against moving forward with this legislation.
Interim Study Report: Not Recommended for Future Legislation (Vote 16-0)
This bill requires all conservation officers in New Hampshire to wear body-worn cameras and mandates that these devices be used according to specific policies. It restricts who can access or alter the video footage, prohibiting editing, sharing, or using facial recognition technology except for identifying suspects in crimes. The law also sets rules for how long recordings must be kept, generally requiring destruction within 180 days unless the footage involves serious incidents like the use of deadly force, complaints filed against officers, or interactions with hunters and fishermen. Finally, the bill allows conservation officers to apply for grants from the Public Safety Enhancement Fund to help cover the costs associated with these cameras.
This bill establishes a process for municipalities to return excess education property tax payments to the state for deposit into the education trust fund. It requires local governments to submit these surplus funds by March 15 each year, ensuring that only the actual excess amount is remitted while allowing municipalities to keep any remaining balance for unrestricted use. The legislation also mandates the creation of specific reporting forms and updates the timeline for issuing tax warrants to ensure the correct calculation and transfer of these funds. Effective July 1, 2024, the changes clarify how the state determines education grants by subtracting these excess payments from the total tax warrant issued to municipalities.
Interim Study Report: Not Recommended for Future Legislation (Vote 16-0)
This bill would create a new legal framework in New Hampshire allowing the therapeutic use of specific psychedelics, such as psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline, for patients with certain mental health conditions and chronic pain. It establishes a regulated system where not-for-profit alternative treatment centers can cultivate and distribute these substances to qualifying patients under the supervision of licensed medical providers. The legislation defines strict eligibility criteria for patients, including a list of treatable conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while also outlining roles for designated caregivers and facility staff. To protect users, the bill provides immunity from arrest and prosecution for patients and caregivers who possess and use these substances within the limits set by the program.
HB 1148 proposes changes to how members of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission are appointed and qualified. The bill would increase the commission size to 11 members, requiring the governor to publish nominee names and wait at least 30 days before the council can approve an appointment. It also expands the ability for hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations to nominate candidates and updates member qualifications to include specific experience in fields like forestry, ecology, and wildlife management. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the process for removing commissioners and disqualifying those who no longer meet the required qualifications.
This bill requires school districts to use special education funds exclusively for special education purposes, preventing their use for any other needs. It mandates that districts report the total balance of these funds and the costs associated with special education line items to the school board annually by October 1. The law takes effect on April 1, 2024, ensuring financial transparency and strict adherence to designated funding categories for special education programs.
