HB 1698-FN (2024): relative to the use of drones for the aerial application of pesticides.

HB 1698-FN (2024)

relative to the use of drones for the aerial application of pesticides.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2023-2024
• House committee: Environment and Agriculture
• Senate committee: Energy and Natural Resources
• Subject: Agriculture
• Chapter law: 142

The Story

It was introduced on January 3, 2024 and referred to the House Environment and Agriculture committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 13, 2024, with 27 people signed in online: 17 in support and 10 in opposition. The committee held work sessions on March 13, 2024 and March 19, 2024. The committee met in executive session on March 19, 2024 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 20–0, to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2024-1147h), and the report was placed on the consent calendar. The committee's amendment (2024-1147h) 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 April 18, 2024. The committee voted unanimously, 4–0, to recommend that the Senate pass it. A floor amendment (2024-1731s), offered by Sen. Debra Altschiller, was rejected on a voice vote on May 2, 2024. On May 2, 2024 the Senate voted to pass it on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. 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 3, 2024, making it Chapter 142 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Judy Aron (R - Sull 4) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. Keith Ammon (R - Hills 42)
• Rep. James Creighton (R - Hills 30)
• Rep. Skip Rollins (R - Sull 3)
• Rep. Carol McGuire (R - Merr 27)
• Rep. Thomas Schamberg (D - Merr 6)
• Rep. Barbara Comtois (R - Belk 7)
• Rep. James Spillane (R - Rock 2)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Sen. David Watters (D - SD4)
• Sen. Ruth Ward (R - SD8)

Hearings and Sessions

• March 13, 2024, 1:30 PM: public hearing, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 301-303
• March 13, 2024, 2:30 PM: full committee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 301-303
• March 19, 2024, 10:00 AM: full committee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 301-303
• March 19, 2024, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 301-303
• April 18, 2024, 1:20 PM: hearing, Senate Energy and Natural Resources, SH 103

Votes

• March 28, 2024, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-1147h — voice vote, passed
• May 2, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 430:34-a

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HC 12, page 14
• SC 15
• SC 17