Bill > HB338

This bill modifies the legal authority of conservation officers in New Hampshire by changing the standard for conducting warrantless searches from "reasonable and articulable suspicion" to "probable cause" when searching for wildlife or marine species. Specifically, the bill allows conservation officers to stop, search, and examine people, vehicles, boats, containers, and other receptacles without a warrant when they have probable cause to believe illegal wildlife or marine species are present. The bill applies to searches in various settings, including highways, streams, and public waters, and covers a wide range of containers such as game bags, crates, lockers, and fish houses. Probable cause is a higher legal standard than reasonable suspicion, meaning the officer must have more substantial evidence or factual grounds to believe a crime has been committed. The changes will apply to both wildlife and marine species investigations, expanding the search powers of conservation officers while maintaining the requirement to conduct searches in the presence of the owner or occupant when possible. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0595&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB338