It’s the beginning of the 2018 legislative session and coinciding meetings. Below is a list of the current prioritized legislation that is of interest to the NH Wildlife Federation to date.
David McKillop and Dave Collins from Rath, Young and Pignatelli have prioritized the legislation into four categories; Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Firearms Related Legislation, Tier 1 being a number one priority.
NHWF will discuss these at our Annual Meeting, and will be posting updates as they become available.
Abbreviations:
ITL: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE
JLCAR: Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules
OTP: Ought To Pass
-FN: Indicates there are Financial Notes regarding the impact of the legislation
Due to the flexibility of the legislative calendar and the potential for short notifications of committee meetings please check the New Hampshire General Court website for the latest information.
Updated April 30, 2018
There are no hearings scheduled the week of April 30, 2018.
SB 569-FN, (New Title) relative to animal cruelty and establishing a commission to study certain language applicable to the transfer of animals. (Full Committee Work Sessions)
Tier 1 Legislation:
Bill: HB 1342
Title: relative to live trapping of wild rabbits and hares by sporting clubs.
Sponsor: Spillane
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study for February 22, 2018. Consent Calendar.
NHWF Position: Oppose as written. Prime Sponsor wanted the bill placed in Interim Study in case the rulemaking process does not produce an acceptable product.
Bill: HB 1343
Title: relative to the protection of beavers.
Sponsor: Matthews
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study for February 22, 2018. Consent Calendar.
Comments: Oppose. Committee will work with the department to establish educational tools.
NHWF Position: Oppose
Bill: HB 1349
Title: relative to biological products and diagnostic reagents for animal use.
Sponsor: Scruton
House: Adopted on February 8, 2018.
Senate: Adopted on April 5, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Energy and Natural Resources
Status: Bill is Enrolled.
NHWF Position: Monitor
Bill: HB 1352-FN
Title: eliminating the nonresident freshwater bait dealer’s license.
Sponsor: Webb
House: Adopted on February 22, 2018.
Senate: Adopted with Amendment on April 5, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Energy and Natural Resources
Status: House Concurred with the Senate Amendment on April 19, 2018.
Comments: Monitor. NH Fish and Game Department stated there will be minimal fiscal impact. Non-Germane Amendment proposes to allow the NH Wildlife Federation to administer hunting adventure permits.
Bill: HB 1394
Title: relative to animals in motor vehicles.
Sponsor: Stone
Committee: House—Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Status: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for February 15, 2018.
Comments: Inexpedient to Legislate for February 22, 2018. Consent Calendar.
NHWF Position: Monitor
Bill: HB 1411-FN-A
Title: relative to funds transferred to the nongame species account.
Sponsor: Webb
House: Adopted with Amendment on March 21, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Finance
Status: Committee Report: Ought to Pass for April 26, 2018.
Comments: Support. Amendment changes the effective date to July 1, 2019.
Bill: HB 1458
Title: relative to exempting certain rules governing marine species from the administrative procedures act.
Sponsor: Webb
House: Adopted on February 22, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Energy and Natural Resources
Status: Committee Report: Ought to Pass for April 26, 2018.
Comments: Support. NH Fish and Game Department stated this will align the state with federal regulations.
Bill: HB 1526
Title: relative to fish and game authority to adopt rules to set fees.
Sponsor: Hoell
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for February 22, 2018.
NHWF Position: Oppose Committee felt that the department knows best when it comes to setting fees and adopting rules.
Bill: HB 1527
Title: relative to the authority of fish and game officers regarding arrest and search and seizure.
Sponsor: Hoell
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for February 22, 2018.
NHWF Position: Oppose Committee concerned with the consequences of removing all statutory law enforcing authority from Fish and Game officers. NH State Police, NH Fish and Game Department, NH Commercial Fishermen Association, and NH Guides Association spoke in opposition. No testimony provided in support.
Bill: HB 1575
Title: permitting hunting with an air rifle.
Sponsor: Spillane
House: Adopted with Amendment on March 6, 2018.
Senate: Adopted on April 5, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Energy and Natural Resources
Status: Bill is Enrolled.
Comments: Monitor. Bill as amended prohibits hunting with an air rifle for large game and makes the necessary changes in public safety and hunting statutes to ensure consistency.
Bill: HB 1585
Title: requiring conservation commissions to keep a natural resources inventory.
Sponsor: Graham
Committee: House—Resources, Recreation and Development
Status: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for February 22, 2018. Consent Calendar.
NHWF Position: Monitor
Bill: HB 1706
Title: relative to the construction of a Lake Sunapee public boat ramp.
Sponsor: Hansen
Committee: House—Public Works and Highways
Status: Executive Session on February 20, 2018 @ 1:00 p.m.
Comments: Committee heard equal testimony in support and in opposition. Bill will likely head to a subcommittee. Report due 15 March 2018.
NHWF Position: Monitor
Bill: HB 1726-FN
Title: relative to reimbursement to municipalities for certain search and rescue operations.
Sponsor: Buco
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for February 22, 2018. Consent Calendar.
NHWF Position: Oppose
Bill: HB 1745
Title: making appropriations for costs involved in controlling invasive aquatic species.
Sponsor: McConnell
House: Adopted on February 8, 2018.
Committee: House—Finance (2nd Committee)
Status: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for March 21, 2018. Consent Calendar.
Comment: Monitor.
Bill: SB 410-FN
Title: (New Title) establishing a commission to study creating a boat safe card.
Sponsor: D’Allesandro
Senate: Adopted with Amendments on March 8, 2018.
Committee: House—Resources, Recreation, and Development
Status: Adopted by the House on April 26, 2018.
Comments: Support. Amendment creates a study commission to examine the implementation of a boat safe card program. NH Fish and Game spoke in support.
Bill: SB 451
Title: relative to wildlife trafficking.
Sponsor: Watters
Senate: Adopted with Amendment on March 8, 2018.
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Adopted by the House with Amendment on April 26, 2018.
Comments: Monitor. Bill as amended exempts sport-hunted trophies legally obtained in accordance to federal law. Amendment modifies the “antiques” definition to have it correspond with the federal definition. Committee Chairman stated that there are additional issues that need to be addressed in committee.
Bill: SB 48
Title: (New Title) establishing a commission to study the efficiency and effectiveness of fish and game department operations.
Sponsor: Bradley
Senate: Adopted with Amendments on March 9, 2017.
House: Adopted with Amendment on January 9, 2018.
Status: Signed into Law by the Governor on February 15, 2018.
Comments: Appointment process underway. Efforts are being undertaken to secure appropriate representation.
NHWF Position: Monitor.
Tier 2 Legislation:
Bill: HB 1280-FN
Title: relative to bow and arrow hunting licenses for permanently disabled military veterans.
Sponsor: Shurtleff
House: Adopted on February 22, 2018.
Senate: Adopted on April 5, 2018.
Status: Bill is Enrolled.
Comments: Support. NH Fish and Game Department suggested there may be minimal fiscal impact to department.
Bill: HB 1286
Title: (New Title) relative to fishing and hunting licenses for permanently disabled veterans.
Sponsor: Spillane
House: Adopted with Amendment on March 6, 2018.
Senate: Adopted with Amendment on April 5, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Energy and Natural Resources
Status: House Non-Concurred with the Senate Amendment and requested a Committee of Conference.
Comments: Oppose as Written. Senate Amendment language ensures that only NH residents who are 80% permanently disabled and have served in the armed forces as defined under RSA 21:50 II can take advantage of this proposal.
Bill: HB 1385
Title: establishing a committee to study animal welfare in New Hampshire.
Sponsor: Scruton
Committee: House—Environment and Agriculture
Status: Public Hearing on February 13, 2018 @ 10:00 a.m.
NHWF Position: Oppose as Written Committee seemed favorable, citing potential advantages of studying all animal welfare issues through one committee rather than through the legislature.
Bill: HB 1440
Title: relative to prohibiting the adoption of administrative rules after final objection by the joint legislative committee on administrative rules.
Sponsor: Itse
Committee: House—Executive Departments and Administration
Status: Subcommittee Work Session on February 13, 2018 @ 1:00 p.m.
NHWF Position: Monitor.
Bill: SB 569-FN
Title: (New Title) relative to animal cruelty and establishing a commission to study certain language applicable to the transfer of animals.
Sponsor: Bradley
Senate: Adopted with Amendments on March 8, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Finance (2nd Committee)
Status: Full Committee Work Session on April 24, 2018 @ 8:30 a.m.
Full Committee Work Session on April 25, 2018 @ 9:00 a.m.
Comments: Monitor. Majority of testimony presented in support. NH Veterinary Medical Association, American Kennel Club, and NH Farm Bureau spoke in opposition.
Tier 3 Legislation:
Bill: HB 1238
Title: (New Title) relative to animal cruelty involving an equine colt.
Sponsor: Marsh
House: Adopted with Amendment on March 6, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Energy and Natural Resources
Status: Committee Report: Ought to Pass for May 2, 2018. Consent Calendar.
Comments: Monitor. Amendment replaces the entirety of the bill with provisions relative to animal cruelty towards colts less than 90 days old.
Bill: HB 1289
Title: (New Title) relative to trespassing domestic fowl.
Sponsor: Moffett
House: Adopted with Amendment on February 22, 2018.
Senate: Adopted on April 19, 2018.
Status: Schedule Pending.
Comments: Monitor. Bill language as amended adds “domestic” before fowl and gives powers to local law enforcement officials and animal control officers.
Bill: HB 1723-FN
Title: relative to the reckless beating of animals.
Sponsor: Hynes
Committee: House—Environment and Agriculture
Status: Killed by the House on February 8, 2018.
NHWF Position: Monitor
Bill: SB 445
Title: designating the Warner River as a protected river.
Sponsor: Feltes
Senate: Adopted on February 1, 2018.
Committee: House—Resources, Recreation, and Development
Status: Adopted by the House on April 26, 2018.
NHWF Position: Support.
Firearm Related Legislation:
While the legislative committee voted to not get involved in any gun legislation this session, for the benefit of members who might have an interest, the status of various gun related bills is listed below.
Bill: HB 1313
Title: relative to prohibitions on carrying a loaded firearm on an OHRV or snowmobile.
Sponsor: Burt
House: Adopted on March 22, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Judiciary
Status: Committee Report: Refer to Interim Study for May 2, 2018. Consent Calendar.
Comments: Monitor. NH Fish and Game Department spoke in opposition, stating the bill will potentially conflict with provisions adopted in SB 500.
NHWF Position: Monitor
Bill: HB 1316-FN
Title: relative to revenue collected from concealed carry licenses.
Sponsor: Umberger
House: Adopted on March 22, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Judiciary
Senate: Adopted on April 19, 2018.
Committee: Senate—Finance (2nd Committee)
Status: Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for May 2, 2018.
Comments: Monitor.
Bill: HB 1438
Title: relative to residential leases including provisions prohibiting tenants from possessing firearms, explosives, or ammunition within the premises.
Sponsor: Schmidt
Committee: House—Judiciary
Status: Schedule Pending.
Comments: Monitor. Firearm rights groups spoke in opposition.
Bill: HB 1463
Title: relative to requirements for noise ordinances in towns.
Sponsor: Matthews
Committee: House—Municipal and County Government
Status: Killed by the House on March 21, 2018.
Bill: HB 1566
Title: prohibiting open carry of a firearm in certain public places.
Sponsor: Burridge
Committee: House—Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Status: Killed by the House on February 15, 2018.
Comments: Monitor.
Bill: SB 500
Title: amending references to firearms terminology.
Sponsor: Avard
Senate: Adopted with Amendment on March 8, 2018.
House: Adopted with Amendment on April 12, 2018.
Status: Schedule Pending.
Comments: Monitor. Amendment language adds muzzleloaders and air rifles under restrictions of possessing a loaded weapon in a moving vehicle, restricts farmers from possessing a loaded weapon on a public way, and repeals RSA 214, the ability for the executive director to suspend licensure of a mental improper or incompetent person.
2018 Interim Study Bills
Bill: HB 1342
Title: relative to live trapping of wild rabbits and hares by sporting clubs.
Sponsor: Spillane
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Referred to Interim Study on March 6, 2018.
Comments: Oppose as Written. Prime Sponsor wanted the bill placed in Interim Study in case the rulemaking process does not produce an acceptable product.
Bill: HB 1343
Title: relative to the protection of beavers.
Sponsor: Matthews
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Referred to Interim Study on February 22, 2018.
Comments: Oppose. Committee will work with the department to establish educational tools.
Bill: HB 1385
Title: establishing a committee to study animal welfare in New Hampshire.
Sponsor: Scruton
Committee: House—Environment and Agriculture
Status: Referred to Interim Study on March 6, 2018.
Comments: Oppose as Written.
Bill: HB 1749
Title: relative to the state’s authority to prohibit or regulate firearms and relative to the selectmen’s authority to manage town property.
Sponsor: Hoell
Committee: House—Municipal and County Government
Status: Referred to Interim Study on February 8, 2018.
Comments: Monitor.
Bill: SB 560-FN-L
Title: relative to updating the state trails plan and making an appropriation therefor.
Sponsor: Feltes
Senate: Adopted with Amendment on March 15, 2018.
Committee: House—Resources, Recreation, and Development
Status: Referred to Interim Study on April 5, 2018.
Comments: Monitor.
2018 Killed/Tabled Bills
Bill: HB 1380
Title: relative to unauthorized use of firearms.
Sponsor: Dyer
Status: Killed by the House on February 8, 2018.
Bill: HB 1390-FN
Title: using a portion of meals and rooms revenues for fish and game search and rescue operations.
Sponsor: Brewster
Status: Killed by the House on February 8, 2018.
Bill: HB 1394
Title: relative to animals in motor vehicles.
Sponsor: Stone
Status: Killed by the House on March 6, 2018.
Bill: HB 1412-FN
Title: relative to cruelty to non-captive wildlife.
Sponsor: Horrigan
Status: Tabled by the House on February 8, 2018.
Bill: HB 1438
Title: relative to residential leases including provisions prohibiting tenants from possessing firearms, explosives, or ammunition within the premises.
Sponsor: Schmidt
Status: Killed by the House on March 6, 2018.
Bill: HB 1440
Title: relative to prohibiting the adoption of administrative rules after final objection by the joint legislative committee on administrative rules.
Sponsor: Itse
Status: Killed by the House on March 6, 2018.
Bill: HB 1463
Title: relative to requirements for noise ordinances in towns.
Sponsor: Matthews
Status: Killed by the House on March 21, 2018.
Bill HB 1526
Title: relative to fish and game authority to adopt rules to set fees.
Sponsor: Hoell
Status: Killed by the House on February 22, 2018.
Bill: HB 1527
Title: relative to the authority of fish and game officers regarding arrest and search and seizure.
Sponsor: Hoell
Status: Killed by the House on March 6, 2018.
Bill: HB 1566
Title: prohibiting open carry of a firearm in certain public places.
Sponsor: Burridge
Status: Killed by the House on February 15, 2018.
Bill: HB 1585
Title: requiring conservation commissions to keep a natural resources inventory.
Sponsor: Graham
Status: Killed by the House on March 6, 2018.
Bill: HB 1706
Title: relative to the construction of a Lake Sunapee public boat ramp.
Sponsor: Hansen
Status: Killed by the House on March 6, 2018.
Bill: HB 1714
Title: relative to chemical analysis of fish in stocked waterways.
Sponsor: Messmer
Status: Killed by the House on February 8, 2018.
Bill: HB 1723-FN
Title: relative to the reckless beating of animals.
Sponsor: Hynes
Status: Killed by the House on February 8, 2018.
Bill: HB 1726-FN
Title: relative to reimbursement to municipalities for certain search and rescue operations.
Sponsor: Buco
Status: Killed by the House on February 22, 2018.
Bill: HB 1745
Title: making appropriations for costs involved in controlling invasive aquatic species.
Sponsor: McConnell
House: Adopted on February 8, 2018.
Status: Killed by the House on March 21, 2018.
Bill: HB 1794-FN
Title: requiring a portion of rental fees for canoes, kayaks, and personal watercraft to be deposited in the fish and game search and rescue fund.
Sponsor: Manley
Status: Killed by the House on February 8, 2018.
===================================================================
2017 Legislative Activities.
Bill: HB 84
Title: (Second New Title) relative to having a loaded firearm in a motor home, and relative to having or carrying a loaded rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle.
Sponsor: Proulx
House: Adopted with Amendment on February 15, 2017.
Senate: Adopted with Amendment on April 20, 2017.
Status: Schedule Pending.
NHWF Position: Watch
Bill: HB 163
Title: relative to the responsibility of a municipality to enforce its ordinances.
Sponsor: Smith
House: Adopted on February 2, 2017.
Senate: Adopted on April 20, 2017.
Status: Schedule Pending.
NHWF Position: Monitor
Bill: HB 190
Title: relative to the wildlife habitat account and the fisheries habitat account.
Sponsor: Chandler
House: Adopted with Amendment on March 23, 2017.
Committee: Senate—Energy and Natural Resources
Status: Public Hearing held on April 11, 2017.
NHWF Position: Support as Amended
Bill: HB 211-FN
Title: (New Title) relative to temporary OHRV registrations for nonresidents, and OHRV and snowmobile trail connectors.
Sponsor: Smith
House: Adopted on February 9, 2017.
Senate: Adopted with Amendment on April 20, 2017.
Status: Schedule Pending.
NHWF Position: Support
Bill: HB 237
Title: (New Title) establishing a committee to study helmet and restraint laws for youth operators and passengers of OHRVs and snowmobiles, and relative to a trail connector in the town of Henniker.
Sponsor: Smith
House: Adopted on February 2, 2017.
Senate: Adopted with Amendment on April 20, 2017.
Status: Schedule Pending.
Bill: HB 315
Title: (New Title) relative to persons who may accompany a youth operator of an OHRV.
Sponsor: Smith
House: Adopted on March 8, 2017.
Senate: Adopted with Amendment on April 20, 2017.
Status: Schedule Pending.
NHWF Position: Oppose
Bill: HB 428-FN
Title: relative to crossbow hunting by persons 68 years of age and older.
Sponsor: Crawford
House: Adopted with Amendment on February 15, 2017.
Senate: Adopted on March 29, 2017.
Status: Signed into Law by the Governor on April 17, 2017.
NHWF Position: Support
Bill: SB 12-FN
Title: repealing the licensing requirement for carrying a concealed pistol or revolver.
Sponsor: Bradley
Senate: Adopted on January 19, 2017.
House: Adopted on February 9, 2017.
Status: Signed into Law by the Governor on February 22, 2017.
NHWF Position: Support
2017 Retained/Tabled Bills:
Bill: HB 381-FN
Title: relative to cruelty to non-captive wildlife.
This bill created by the Humane Society to address cruelty to wildlife
Sponsors: Rogers
Committee: House – Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Tabled by the House on February 16, 2017.
NHWF Position: Oppose
Bill: SB 48
Title: (New Title) establishing a commission to study the efficiency and effectiveness of the fish and game department’s operations, governance, and management structure.
Sponsor: Bradley
Senate: Adopted with Amendments on March 9, 2017.
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Retained in Committee.
NHWF Position: Oppose
2017 Killed Bills:
Bill: HB 126
Title: prohibiting hunting on Willand Pond in Strafford County.
Sponsor: Bixby
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Killed by the House on February 15, 2017.
NHWF Position: Oppose
Bill: HB 132
Title: hunting adventure permits to be used by certain non-resident applicants.
Sponsor: Mullen
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Killed by the House on February 15, 2017.
NHWF Position: Oppose
Bill: HB 224-FN
Title: repealing the provision for nonresident student hunting and fishing licenses.
Sponsor: Bates
Committee: House—Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Killed by the House on February 15, 2017.
NHWF Position: Oppose
Bill: HB 248
Title: relative to operation of OHRVs on trail connectors in Coos and Grafton counties.
Sponsor: Smith
Committee: House—Resources, Recreation, and Development
Status: Killed by the House on February 15, 2017.
NHWF Position: Monitor
Bill: HB 289
Title: allowing humane societies to place tourist oriented directional signs on the side of the road.
Sponsor: Schmidt
Committee: House—Environment and Agriculture
Status: Killed by the House on February 15, 2017.
NHWF Position: Oppose
Bill: HB 392-FN
Title: relative to licenses required for hunting with a crossbow.
Sponsor: Gagnon
Committee: House – Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Killed by the House on February 9, 2017.
NHWF Position: Oppose
Bill: HB 467
Title: relative to the duties of the fish and game commission.
Sponsor: Eaton
Committee: House – Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Status: Killed by the House on February 15, 2017.
NHWF Position: Oppose