HB 1554 (2024): relative to certified culvert maintainer program reporting and requiring the commissioner of the department of environmental services to regulate the cutting of native aquatic vegetation on submerged lands in public waters or certain public-owned water bodies and establishing rulemaking authority for such regulation.

HB 1554 (2024)

relative to certified culvert maintainer program reporting and requiring the commissioner of the department of environmental services to regulate the cutting of native aquatic vegetation on submerged lands in public waters or certain public-owned water bodies and establishing rulemaking authority for such regulation.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2023-2024
• House committee: Resources, Recreation and Development
• Senate committee: Energy and Natural Resources
• Subject: Environment - Administration
• Chapter law: 270

The Story

It was introduced on January 3, 2024 and referred to the House Resources, Recreation and Development committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 21, 2024, with 2 people signed in online: 2 in support. The committee held a public hearing on March 13, 2024 on a proposed non-germane amendment (2024-0969h), with 50 people signed in online: 47 in support and 3 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on March 13, 2024 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 20–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2024-0969h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2024-0969h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 28, 2024, changing the text of the bill. On March 28, 2024 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate and was referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on May 7, 2024. The committee's amendment (2024-1829s) was adopted on a voice vote on May 15, 2024, changing the text of the bill. On May 15, 2024 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On May 15, 2024 the Senate adopted “Special Order to Beginning of Calendar, Without Objection”. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2024-1829s). On May 30, 2024 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2024-1829s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Renzullo. The bill was enrolled on June 13, 2024 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on July 26, 2024, making it Chapter 270 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Mark McConkey (R - Carr 8) (prime sponsor)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 21, 2024, 2:30 PM: public hearing, House Resources, Recreation and Development, LOB 305
• March 13, 2024, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Resources, Recreation and Development, LOB 305
• May 7, 2024, 9:40 AM: hearing, Senate Energy and Natural Resources, SH 103

Votes

• March 28, 2024, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-0969h — voice vote, passed
• May 15, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-1829s — voice vote, passed
• May 30, 2024, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2024-1829s — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 482-A:3
• RSA 482-A

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HC 12, page 18
• SC 18
• SC 19