Committee hears proposal to let Fish and Game director grant mobility‑device permits for hunters with disabilities; agency asks for objective criteria

A representative introduced legislation on behalf of Representative Alexander to permit the Fish and Game director to grant special permits allowing hunters with certain mobility impairments (for example, loss or loss of use of one lower extremity) to use motorized mobility devices while hunting.

Supporters included a constituent who recently lost both legs and said recovering mobility‑friendly access is important to continue participating in hunting, and representatives of the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation and its Dream Hunts program who described successful efforts to get people with disabilities into the outdoors. "We want these kids to be out there," said Mark Close of Dream Hunts, describing logistical challenges carrying disabled participants in tracked wheelchairs.

Melissa Nemeth of Fish and Game said the agency is not opposed to the concept but expressed concern about leaving eligibility to sole director discretion without clear objective criteria, which could produce inconsistent results across administrations. Nemeth suggested statutory guidance—such as specifying loss of use of one lower extremity or requiring certain documentation—could increase transparency and reduce unequal application.

Committee members asked whether a doctor's note would clarify eligibility and whether the director's discretion could run afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Nemeth said those are amendable drafting points and would need careful language; Colonel Jordan said the commission supports allowing people with disabilities to hunt but likewise favors explicit statutory definitions to guide decisions.

The committee heard brief testimony in support from affected individuals and organizations and did not act on the bill at the hearing; sponsors indicated a willingness to craft narrower language and possible doctor‑verification requirements.