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New HampshireHB18372025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

relative to the New Hampshire marine patrol.

Sponsored By: John T MacDonald (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.

Changed annual fees for mooring fields

Applicants for public mooring fields pay the annual fee set in RSA 270:62 instead of the former $25 fee. Permitted congregate mooring fields also use that statute's fee instead of the former $25 charge per installed mooring. The supplied text does not state the replacement amount, so it does not show whether applicants pay more or less.

Set fines for boating violations

Covered boating violations carry a $50 fine plus a penalty assessment for a first offense. Later offenses in the same calendar year carry $100 plus an assessment, unless another statute sets a different penalty. Covered conduct includes operating an unregistered boat, breaking boating or equipment rules, and failing to show registration when authorized officials ask. Owners can also be liable when they allow the boat's operation. The assessment amount is not stated here. The entire law took effect upon passage.

Stricter number displays for boat owners

Owners of boats requiring New Hampshire registration must display their assigned numbers and boat fee decal, unless exempt under RSA 270-E:9. Numbers must appear on both sides of the boat's front half in contrasting block letters at least 3 inches high. They must stay legible and readable while the boat operates. No other numbers may appear on the front half. Operating without required numbers or decals is a violation the first time and a misdemeanor the second time.

Motorboat operators must keep passengers seated safely

The law keeps the ban on operating a motorboat underway while someone sits on its gunwale or transom. These are the boat's upper side edge and rear wall. Operators also cannot proceed while someone straddles the bow, or front of the boat.

Boating course and checklist provisions repealed

The law repeals RSA 270:46-a, the section about boat safety courses. It also repeals RSA 270-D:2-c, III, the subsection about rental boat safety checklists. These repeals remove statutory safety provisions and any duties they imposed. The supplied text does not describe those duties or identify replacements, so the practical effects remain unclear.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John T MacDonald

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Joseph Hamblen

    Republican • House

  • Karel A. Crawford

    Republican • House

  • Katy Peternel

    Republican • House

  • Rosemarie Rung

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor Ayotte 05/28/2026; Chapter 99; eff.05/28/2026

    6/1/2026House

  2. Enrolled (in recess of) 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 147

    5/18/2026House

  3. Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13

    5/18/2026Senate

  4. Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-1880e: AA VV (in recess of) 05/07/2026 HJ 12 P. 41

    5/13/2026House

  5. Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-1880e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 05/07/2026); SJ 12

    5/13/2026Senate

  6. Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/09/2026; SJ 8

    4/3/2026Senate

  7. Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 04/09/2026; Vote 3-0; CC; SC 13

    4/2/2026Senate

  8. Hearing: 03/31/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:20 am; SC 12

    3/26/2026Senate

  9. Introduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 6

    3/6/2026Senate

  10. Referral Waived by Committee Chair per House Rule 47(f) 02/24/2026 HJ 5 P. 127

    2/24/2026House

  11. Referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety 02/12/2026 HJ 4 P. 57

    2/12/2026House

  12. Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0332h: MA VV 02/12/2026 HJ 4 P. 57

    2/12/2026House

  13. Amendment # 2026-0332h: AA VV 02/12/2026 HJ 4 P. 57

    2/12/2026House

  14. Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0332h 01/28/2026 (Vote 16-0; RC) HC 6 P. 19

    2/3/2026House

  15. Executive Session: 01/28/2026 10:00 am GP 228

    1/21/2026House

  16. Public Hearing: 01/21/2026 03:15 pm GP 228

    1/8/2026House

  17. Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Resources, Recreation and Development HJ 1 P. 38

    12/18/2025House

Bill Text

  • As Amended

    5/13/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    5/13/2026

    HTML

  • Introduced

    12/18/2025

    PDF

  • CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION

    PDF

  • Version adopted by both bodies

    PDF

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