Rep. Jim Hawkins

Maddy summaryHD 1243 requires private gas and distribution companies to increase transparency when awarding construction contracts over $100,000 for work on public ways. Companies must notify all qualified bidders within two business days of their decision, including the award criteria, bidder score, and winning amount. They must also post the contractor name, project location, and work duration on their website. This applies to all such contracts except single-bid situations or when disclosure would harm law enforcement, public interest, or commercial interests. The state department enforces these requirements.

Senate, March 12, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet shops (Senate, No. 2720),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft entitled "An Act promoting pet equity, treatment and safety" (Senate, No. 3014).

Maddy summaryHD 2442 would change New Hampshire law to allow police to stop drivers solely for not wearing a seatbelt, without needing another reason for the stop. Currently, seatbelt violations are enforced only as a "secondary offense," meaning officers could only issue tickets if they had already stopped the driver for a different violation. This bill removes the restriction that limited enforcement to such situations, making seatbelt compliance a "primary enforcement" offense. The policy change directly affects drivers who may be stopped for seatbelt violations alone and gives law enforcement that authority statewide. If passed, it would shift how seatbelt laws are enforced in New Hampshire.

Maddy summaryHD 2972 permits municipal emergency management and public works vehicles to display flashing green lights only during emergencies or official public works duties, requiring a permit from the motor vehicle registrar. The permit must be applied for by the municipal director (emergency management or public works) and includes written consent from the vehicle owner if the operator isn't the owner. Operators must carry the permit while using the lights, and the permit is revoked once the emergency or duty ends. Unauthorized use of green lights can result in a $500-$1,000 fine.

Maddy summaryHD 1729 amends a Massachusetts law to explicitly include municipal police officers who conduct arson investigations within the definition of personnel covered under certain provisions. The change modifies Section 94B of Chapter 32 by adding "members of municipal police departments who perform arson investigations" after "military reservation fire department." This is a technical correction to clarify that police arson investigators, who were previously excluded, are now included in the scope of the law. It directly affects municipal police departments and their arson investigation units in Massachusetts. The bill does not create new requirements or funding but adjusts an existing legal definition.

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines wetlands restoration by removing permit requirements for certain projects, such as restoring salt marshes, provided they're approved by state agencies, don't block public access, and avoid building structures. It also simplifies rules for manually removing invasive plants from natural areas, requiring new state regulations to protect native habitats. The bill mandates a 12-month review of state laws affecting wetland projects to cut permitting costs and time, and launches a 5-year pilot program to fast-track eco-friendly restoration projects like living shorelines. These changes directly affect environmental agencies, restoration contractors, and coastal communities working on wetland conservation.

Maddy summaryHD 1533 amends Massachusetts law to strengthen licensing enforcement for trades regulated by the State Fire Marshal. It adds $500 fines for first offenses when individuals work without required licenses or loan/sell their licenses to others. The bill also creates a new provision (Section 33A) allowing the State Fire Marshal to immediately suspend licenses without a hearing if a holder poses an immediate public safety threat, with a mandatory 30-day hearing right. Additionally, it increases a related penalty from $1,000 to $1,500 for certain violations. These changes directly affect unlicensed workers in fire-related trades and license holders who share credentials.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a Massachusetts law by changing the legal definition of "full-call fire department" to "at large fire department" in Chapter 6. It makes a purely technical correction to terminology within the statute, without creating new programs, altering funding, or changing responsibilities. The change affects how fire departments are classified under this specific section of law but does not directly impact any specific department or policy outcome. As a procedural definition update, it has no substantive policy effects.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes definitions for "Nature Services" (including clean air, water, recreation, and carbon storage) and "Reforestation," and amends land protection laws to prioritize "natural and working lands." It creates a voluntary municipal program requiring communities to adopt specific land protections - like zoning ordinances for conservation, tree canopy rules, and agricultural planning - to qualify as "natural and working lands friendly communities." State agencies must avoid converting protected lands, prioritize conservation in projects, and coordinate with the environmental office. The program aims to protect land for climate resilience, biodiversity, and equitable access to nature benefits, particularly in environmental justice communities, using state, federal, and private funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of fur products made from animals raised on fur farms (such as mink or fox) within Massachusetts. It directly affects sellers of new fur products, including retailers and online businesses operating in the state, but excludes used fur items, religious items, and products legally sold under federal law. The law defines "fur product" broadly (covering clothing, accessories, and home goods) but exempts items converted to leather or made from certain animals like sheep or deer. Sellers violating the ban face civil penalties of $500-$5,000 per product, enforced by the Attorney General, with rules to be issued within six months. The law takes effect one year after passage.