NH Public Indecency Statute

[Waumbek]

Just in time for the summer hiking season, new rules about urination in public. Knowledge of impact on others, apparently, is all. It appears that this was passed on Jan. 1, 2008, so this article running in today's Concord Monitor is belated "news" at best.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Because indecent exposure is a sex offense, multiple convictions could land habitual public urinators on a sex offender registry, a penalty lawmakers felt was too severe for the crime.

That's a definite improvement... Peeing in public ought definitely not land you on the sex offender's list.

To be guilty, the person would have to know the act would affront or alarm someone else.

How are they going to enforce this? Are we required to poll our companions prior to taking a leak? Is peeing off trail in the woods in an area of limited population density really "public" urination?

I think very little changes here, except maybe it's harder to become a sex offender - which is a good thing.

Unless, they just want to get that $1000 fine to increase revenue...


Tim

 

[WhiteMTHike]

Looks like I'll have to make sure there is a port-a-john close by if I'm drinking a bottle of Tuckerman's Pale Ale.

 

[McRat]

Gee whiz.

 

[Solitary]

Gee whiz.

no need to get all pissy about it.

 

[David Metsky]

You're in haters country now.

 

[SAR-EMT40]

At my age, a ticket for public urination would be something I would pin on my chest like an award.

Keith

 

[DrewKnight]

Wait till the legislators find out what bears are doing in the woods.

 

[eddie]

Aw, piss on it...

This really pisses me off... more silly laws. What happens if you poop in the woods???

 

[miehoff]

Why expose yourself?

I just go in my pants. It washes out.

 

[NH_Mtn_Hiker]

Believe it or not, this was done to help people out. Under federal law, those charged with indecent exposure twice in three years must register as sex offenders.

The law was passed this week and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2009

...so you still have time to make the sex offender list!

 

[trailbiscuit]

What happened to "Pee Free or Die"?!?!?

 

[Maddy]

Can you pee above treeline, or do you have to hold it say all the way from Mizpah to Lakes???

 

[David Metsky]

I've contributed to the train wreck myself, but I think we've covered all the hiking related materials.

-dave-