Bill > HB206

This bill, known as the "New Hampshire Private Lands Protection Act," establishes specific requirements for government agents entering "secured premises," which are defined as privately-owned lands that are posted with signs, fenced, or otherwise enclosed to prevent unauthorized entry. Generally, a government agent, defined as a local or state official, cannot enter such secured premises without a search warrant, which is a court order based on "probable cause" (sufficient facts to believe a crime is happening or has happened). However, exceptions exist: agents can enter if they have the property owner's permission, or if there are "exigent circumstances," meaning an immediate threat to life or public safety that the agent is aware of. If an agent enters without permission or under exigent circumstances, they must notify the landowner if reasonably possible and, if entering with a warrant, must show it to the owner if present. The bill also clarifies that agents cannot seize private property without a warrant unless they entered under consent or exigent circumstances and have probable cause for the seizure. Evidence or arrests made in violation of these rules would be inadmissible or invalid, though the bill exempts conservation officers enforcing wildlife laws on property outside of buildings and does not limit access to businesses or other premises as otherwise provided by law.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=72&inflect=2