10 New NH Laws That May Change Your Life In 2016

More than 200 new New Hampshire laws go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016. Here are 10 of the most significant and interesting changes to laws governing sexual assault, vehicular homicide, lobsters, drones, and more.

The following laws, approved during the 2015 legislative session, go into affect Jan. 1, 2016. You can search the full list of new laws here.

Vehicular homicide

The burden of proof in any fatal car wreck now shifts to the defendant. The state will not have to prove that the driver violated any motor vehicle laws, just that some “negligent” operation contributed to the crash.

Sexual Assault in the Wild

Anyone convicted of sexual assault while hunting, fishing or trapping will not only face the likelihood of prison time, but will also have their fish and game license revoked. The license suspension is 10 years to life for a felony conviction; 5 years to life for a misdemeanor conviction.

Motor Vehicle Offenses

• Penalties for passing a stopped school bus have increased to $500 plus a 30-day license suspension for a first offense. Subsequent offenses call for fines up to $1,200 and a mandatory court appearance.
• The fine for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle will increase from $100 to $150 for the first offense; $200 to $250 for subsequent offenses.
• The fine for failing to yield to road construction equipment or an officer who has pulled a driver over will be $75 for a first offense, $250 for any subsequent offenses.
• Fines for speeding above the 70 mph limit have been increased and will increase incrementally: $65 for 1-5 miles over the limit, up to $400 for for more than 20 mph over the limit.

Gross Lewdness on a Child

The penalty for exposing oneself or performing any acts of lewdness in front of a child under 16 has been increased. Anyone who commits such an act will be guilty of a Class B felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

Mutilated Lobsters

Any lobsters, “dead or alive, cooked or uncooked” that have been mutilated to make measuring by regulators impossible shall be deemed to be too small to be sold or processed. The state has strict laws regarding lobster processing, but will allow appropriately sized shell-on lobster tails to be processed on-shore in a state-approved facility.

Hunters Don’t Like Drones

No one can use a radio controlled drone to monitor or interfere with any hunting, fishing or trapping activities in New Hampshire. “No person shall use a drone or UAV with the intent to conduct video surveillance of private citizens who are lawfully hunting, fishing, or trapping without obtaining the written consent of the persons being surveilled prior to conducting the surveillance.”

Hike, Hunt, Fish at your Own Risk

Hunting, hiking and other outdoor activities carry inherent risks that should not be assumed by any property owners, according to a new law. “Each person who participates in outdoor recreational activities accepts, as a matter of law, the dangers inherent in such activities, and shall not maintain an action against an owner, occupant, or lessee of land for any injuries,” the sew section of RSA 212:34 reads.

No Tans for Kids

Tanning facilities will be barred from serving anyone under 18 years of age. Previously, tanning salons could serve minors with their parents’ written permission.

Student Social Media

Schools in New Hampshire will no longer be allowed to require or even request passwords or access to any student’s social media accounts.

Homestead Increase

Residents may now claim a higher exemption on their home’s taxable value. A single resident may now exempt $120,000, up from $100,000; married couples may now claim $240,000, up from $200,000.