Rep. Jonathan Smith

Maddy summaryHB 1046 modifies New Hampshire law to allow a person to carry a loaded firearm on a snowmobile operated on private property when the operator has the landowner's permission (express or implied). It specifically excludes public trails, corridors, or rights-of-way. The bill maintains existing definitions for "unloaded" firearms but removes the prior prohibition on carrying loaded firearms on snowmobiles in permitted private settings. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated state or local fiscal impact.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 44) expresses support for maintaining public ownership of New Hampshire's state and federal lands, including the White Mountain National Forest and other conserved areas. It specifically opposes efforts to rescind the federal Roadless Rule, which protects roadless areas from logging and development. The resolution urges New Hampshire's governor, attorney general, and congressional delegation to take action against any attempts to weaken these protections. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally states legislative support for preserving public lands.

Maddy summaryHB 1699 allows individuals to carry certain firearms (like loaded rifles, shotguns, or crossbows) on boats operating at "no-wake speed" or "not exceeding 1.5 times headway speed," which are defined as slow-moving vessels. This change directly affects boat operators and passengers using mechanically propelled boats or towed boats at low speeds. The bill modifies existing law (RSA 207:7) by creating an exception to the general prohibition on carrying firearms on such boats when moving slowly. It does not change the definition of "loaded" or apply to law enforcement officers. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 1045 clarifies rules for using artificial lights during nighttime hunting and outdoor activities in New Hampshire. It prohibits using lights (other than normal vehicle headlights and incidental lights like reversing lights during typical driving) to locate or take wildlife between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. Exceptions include agricultural work (e.g., protecting livestock), utility operations, and using lights solely for navigation or property inspection without targeting wildlife. The bill does not change existing nighttime hunting bans but provides clearer guidelines to prevent accidental violations. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1439 modifies penalties for New Hampshire retirement system retirees who exceed part-time work hour limits. It replaces full annuity suspensions with proportional reductions based on excess earnings, spread over 12 months. Retirees may avoid penalties by demonstrating good faith (e.g., relying on employer reporting errors), and full suspension is limited to willful, repeated violations or failure to cooperate with system inquiries. The bill directly affects retirees working part-time while receiving state retirement benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 1058 amends New Hampshire law to allow carrying a loaded firearm on an off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV), such as an ATV or dirt bike, when operating it on private property with the landowner's permission. Currently, the law prohibits carrying a loaded firearm on an OHRV, but this bill creates a specific exception for private property use (excluding public trails, rights-of-way, or designated OHRV corridors). The change does not affect existing exceptions for law enforcement officers or for carrying pistols/revolvers. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1459 standardizes post-retirement part-time work limits for certain New Hampshire retirees under the state retirement system. It allows retirees who were working part-time at 1,664 hours per year as of January 1, 2019, to retain this higher limit when changing part-time jobs with participating employers, provided they maintain continuous part-time employment (no break longer than 28 days) and avoid positions requiring mandatory retirement system membership. The bill clarifies that this hour limit applies to successive part-time roles regardless of job title, duties, or employer changes. It directly affects retirees who met the 2019 employment conditions and work for participating employers like state agencies or local governments. The policy change has no fiscal impact, as noted in the bill's fiscal note.

Maddy summaryHB 1400 allows property owners to opt out of funding locally adopted property tax credits or exemptions by submitting form PA-29 annually by April 15th. It directly affects property owners who pay local property taxes but do not currently receive any local tax credits or exemptions. The key provision requires annual submission of the form to stop contributing to these programs, with the exception that those already receiving benefits cannot opt out. This creates a straightforward mechanism for property owners to decline funding local tax programs without needing to alter their existing tax status. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates rules regarding tree stands, observation blinds, and game cameras on private land in New Hampshire. It extends the season for placing portable tree stands and observation blinds from April 25 to June 1 and from August 1 to December 31, while requiring their removal by June 1 unless the property owner grants permission. The legislation also mandates that all such equipment be labeled with the owner's contact information and clarifies that property owners may contact law enforcement to remove unauthorized items. Additionally, the bill adjusts the expiration dates for property owner permits and explicitly allows state officials to use electronic tracking devices on private land only with written landowner consent or a scientific permit.