This bill amends existing laws related to the sale of seeds, plants, and nursery stock by introducing stricter penalties for individuals identified as "habitual offenders." The Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food is granted the authority to define what constitutes a habitual violation. New provisions state that any person who habitually violates these laws will be prohibited from selling at the location of the violation for a period of six months. If they continue to violate the law during this period, the prohibition extends to one year, and further violations will result in a permanent ban from selling at that location.

The bill also modifies penalties for violations of the New Hampshire Seed Law, specifically under RSA 433:15 and RSA 433:20, by inserting new language that establishes similar penalties for habitual offenders in the context of certified plants, seeds, and seed potatoes. The penalties include misdemeanor charges for each offense and potential marketing prohibitions ranging from two to four years for repeat offenders. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 433:9-b, 433:15, 433:20, 433:32
HB1780 text: 433:9-b, 433:15, 433:20, 433:32