HB 522 establishes a new legal expectation of privacy for personal information held by third-party providers (such as phone companies, banks, or social media platforms) in New Hampshire. It prohibits state and local government entities from acquiring, collecting, retaining, or using this personal information - defined to include biometric data, financial details, and location information - without specific statutory authorization. Exceptions exist for law enforcement investigations, emergencies, or court-ordered requests, but violations would be misdemeanors with potential penalties including $1,000 per violation and attorney fees. The bill directly affects New Hampshire residents whose data is managed by third-party services and requires government entities to comply with these privacy restrictions starting January 1, 2026.
Inexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 05/08/2025; SJ 12
HB 666 strengthens privacy protections for library users by adding library cards and membership status to confidential records. It prohibits libraries or staff from disclosing these details without a court order or explicit consent, imposing a $1,000 civil penalty on violators. The penalty is paid directly to the affected person, and the violator must send a notarized apology via certified mail. This bill directly affects public and non-public libraries, their staff, and patrons whose records might be mishandled.
HB 732 requires medical providers prescribing psychotropic drugs (including ADHD medications like methylphenidate, antidepressants, and antipsychotics) to Medicaid-covered children to provide and review FDA medication guides with parents, guardians, or state-designated caregivers before issuing a prescription. These guides detail pediatric-specific risks, side effects, and adverse reactions. Providers must obtain written consent confirming caregivers received and understood this information. The bill directly affects Medicaid providers, caregivers, and children under 18 receiving these medications.
Inexpedient to Legislate: MA DV 202-157 05/08/2025 HJ 14 P. 42
Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 05/08/2025 HJ 14 P. 5
Reconsider ITL (Rep. H. Howard): MF RC 158-206 05/08/2025 HJ 14 P. 28
SB 225 requires municipalities with a population over 10,000 that conduct annual property appraisals to hold two public hearings before authorizing the appraisal. It mandates that these municipalities provide property owners with at least 45 days' notice of changes to their assessed valuation before the final tax bill is issued. For all municipalities performing five-year property reappraisals, the bill also requires a 45-day notification period for valuation changes. Notices must be distributed through various methods, including individual mail, local newspapers, municipal websites, and public postings.
SB 217 would require cities and towns to post public notices about proposed taxpayer-funded building projects, such as new schools or libraries. These notices would need to be displayed on the front page of official websites and on official social media pages. Each summary would include a statement detailing the average estimated tax impact on residents, calculated per one thousand dollars of equalized valuation. This aims to inform residents about the potential tax implications of new public projects.
HB 291 proposes a new penalty structure for the incorrect application of fertilizers to urban turf and lawns. The bill would apply to any person or corporate agent who violates existing regulations on fertilizer use. Under the proposed system, a first offense would result in a written warning. A second offense would incur a $250 fine per acre and be classified as a violation. For a third or subsequent offense, the individual or corporate agent would be guilty of a misdemeanor.
HB 357 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 05/01/2025; SJ 11
HB 240 modifies the process for addressing unlicensed dogs by changing the local governing body's obligation to issue warrants for nonpayment of licensing fees from mandatory to discretionary. The bill also allows these warrants to authorize local law enforcement to seize unlicensed dogs, but only after a written warning is issued to the owner. If a dog is seized, it would be held for seven days, during which the owner can reclaim it by licensing the dog and paying daily holding and veterinary fees. Otherwise, ownership of the dog transfers to the holding facility.
