This bill authorizes school districts and the Department of Education to hire transportation network companies to provide student transportation services using private passenger vehicles. To ensure safety, the legislation establishes strict requirements for drivers, including mandatory criminal background checks, medical examinations, and specialized certification. The law also mandates that these vehicles undergo regular inspections and requires providers to maintain detailed qualification files for every driver. Additionally, the bill clarifies that students with disabilities may ride in these vehicles unless their individualized education plans explicitly prohibit it.
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HB 1648 would have updated wage payment rules to allow employers to pay employees via debit cards, provided the employer covers all associated fees and ensures free access to funds. The bill required employers to offer clear written disclosures about any potential charges, obtain voluntary consent before using payroll cards, and give employees the option to switch to direct deposit without penalty. It also mandated that employers replace lost or stolen cards within 24 hours and provide a list of fee-free withdrawal locations. Although the legislation outlined these consumer protections, it was ultimately not enacted after the House voted to take no action on the measure.
This bill would require local election officials in New Hampshire to verify voter registration lists every four years, starting in 2027. Under the proposed rules, officials must notify voters via mail and online if their names are not updated, giving them 30 days to reregister before names are removed from the list. A voter's name would be kept on the list if they voted in the preceding four years or were added to the list since the last general election. The bill also mandates that officials file a certificate with the Secretary of State confirming the completion of this verification process.
HB 1665 raises the annual household income limit for students to qualify for New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account program from 350 percent to 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. This change directly affects families with higher incomes who currently do not meet the eligibility requirements to use these accounts for private or home schooling options. The bill also adjusts the definitions of average daily membership in attendance and residence to align with the updated eligibility criteria. By expanding the income threshold, the legislation allows more students to access state-funded education vouchers, while excluding students in the special school district within the Department of Corrections.
HB 1616 requires schools to obtain written parental consent for each new medical or dental service provided to a student under the Medicaid to Schools program, defining a new service by a change in the diagnostic billing code. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services submit annual reports detailing the program's costs and the number of students served. Additionally, the legislation establishes a pilot recruitment and retention program for the department to address staffing vacancies, allowing for specific incentives that are exempt from certain state gift and collective bargaining rules. This pilot program must conclude with a report on its effectiveness by December 31, 2024, to determine if it will be included in future state budgets.
HB 1215 updates state laws to provide greater stability for land developers and clarifies how building code appeals are handled. The bill extends the time period during which approved land subdivisions are protected from new zoning or fee changes from five to ten years, provided the project begins construction within five years and stays compliant with health standards. It also establishes a higher-level review board to hear appeals against local building code decisions, ensuring consistency across the state. Additionally, the law requires the Register of Deeds to record land plats even if they do not meet regulations adopted after the project was approved. These changes aim to reduce uncertainty for property owners and streamline the approval process for construction projects.
This bill proposes creating a dedicated fund to finance the design and construction of noise barriers along state highways. It would allow the state to sell up to $10 million annually in toll credits from the turnpike, with the proceeds restricted to this new fund. The commissioner of transportation would use these funds for projects that meet specific noise reduction criteria, subject to approval by legislative committees. The bill aims to address highway traffic noise by establishing a clear funding source for barrier construction.
This bill would require insurance companies operating in the state to provide written details of their liability coverage limits within 60 days of receiving a request from a personal injury claimant or their attorney following a motor vehicle accident. The disclosure is intended to be used solely for resolving the specific claim or any related lawsuit. If an insurer fails to provide this information, they could face a $500 penalty along with payment for the claimant's legal fees and expenses. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately not passed by the legislature.
This bill requires the state insurance commissioner to issue written guidance to health care providers and insurance companies regarding the coverage of pelvic floor therapy. The commissioner must also review current insurance plans to identify any gaps in coverage and submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to state officials by November 1, 2024. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed, ensuring that these administrative steps are taken to clarify how pelvic floor therapy is covered under health insurance plans.
This bill prohibits companies owned or controlled by the People's Republic of China from purchasing, leasing, or controlling real property within 10 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure in New Hampshire. The law defines critical infrastructure broadly to include essential systems such as energy facilities, communications networks, transportation hubs, and government buildings. Any violation of this prohibition is classified as a misdemeanor, and the restrictions take effect on January 1, 2025.
This bill proposes to formally establish the Woodsville fire district in Haverhill as an independent village district with its own governing board and legal status. It transfers full responsibility for maintaining local roads and providing fire protection from the town of Haverhill to the district, while also allowing the district to share expenses with other communities. The legislation sets up a specific funding formula where the town compensates the district for these services based on the district's share of the town's road mileage, property value, and population. Additionally, residents of the district retain the right to vote on whether to return these responsibilities to the town at any time.
