Rep. Barbara Comtois

Maddy summaryHB 1616 prohibits New Hampshire state agencies and local governments (like cities and towns) from using public funds to advertise vaccines. It bans both direct advertising by these entities and payments to contractors for vaccine promotion. The law specifically targets spending from state or local budgets on vaccine-related advertising, including through federal immunization grants. This bill does not affect vaccine access, safety, or public health programs - only the use of public funds for promotional activities.

Maddy summaryHB 396 exempts meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared within New Hampshire for sale in the state from certain federal inspection requirements. It directly affects small-scale processors, custom slaughter facilities, and local businesses like restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and boarding houses that prepare or sell meat to New Hampshire consumers. The key provision allows meat to be processed without USDA certification if it's distributed exclusively within New Hampshire to household consumers or businesses serving meals directly to customers. This change modifies existing law to expand exemptions for intrastate meat distribution while maintaining state-level oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1766 limits when animals can be taken from livestock owners during cruelty investigations. It requires the state veterinarian to accompany officers in livestock cases to confirm if immediate danger exists before confiscation, and prohibits taking animals unless someone is charged with cruelty or the animal faces imminent harm. The bill also mandates a court hearing within 14 days of confiscation, protects ownership rights for non-accused owners, and requires convicted individuals to cover costs for animal care during legal proceedings. This directly affects livestock owners, law enforcement, courts, and state veterinarians by setting clear rules for animal seizure and custody.

Maddy summaryHB 1511 removes a representative from the Granite State Dairy Promotion from the Agriculture in the Classroom committee. The bill amends state law by repealing the specific provision that required this dairy industry representative to serve on the committee. This change directly affects the committee's membership composition but does not alter the committee's duties, funding, or other operational aspects. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Hampshire's dog control law to explicitly allow dogs to guard crops without being restrained (e.g., leashed or confined), provided the owner can see, hear, or has reasonable knowledge of the dog's location. It directly affects farmers and agricultural property owners who use dogs for crop protection, such as deterring wildlife. The key provision clarifies that "guarding crops" is a permitted use under existing law, removing ambiguity about owner supervision requirements. The change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for businesses repeatedly violating laws governing the sale of seeds, plants, and nursery stock in New Hampshire. It establishes a three-tier penalty system for "habitual offenders": a six-month sales ban at the violation location for a second offense, a one-year ban for a third offense, and permanent prohibition for a fourth violation. The Department of Agriculture will define "habitual violation" through rules, and penalties apply specifically to the business location where violations occur. These changes take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting sellers of agricultural products who face repeated enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire's egg labeling and storage regulations to align with modern practices. It requires all egg packages sold to consumers or businesses to display the producer's name and contact information, and mandates that size/grade labels (e.g., "AA," "A," "B") comply with federal USDA standards - prohibiting misleading claims for unlabeled eggs. Eggs must be stored at specific temperatures: 45°F for most packaged eggs and 55°F for "nest run" eggs (unwashed eggs collected directly from hen houses). These rules apply to all producers, sellers, and retailers handling eggs within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1226 amends New Hampshire law to prohibit the director of the division of motor vehicles from manufacturing, advertising for sale, selling, or possessing fictitious, facsimile, or simulated driver's licenses. This specifically targets the state agency's own actions, removing an existing allowance for the director to handle such items. The bill directly affects the director and the division of motor vehicles by restricting their authority over fake license materials. It takes effect 60 days after passage and does not address general public possession or use of fake IDs.

Maddy summaryHB 1395 requires the New Hampshire governor to annually issue a proclamation designating the third Friday after Labor Day as "New Hampshire Day at The Big E." This bill directly affects the governor's office by mandating this ceremonial recognition each year. The proclamation aims to honor the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) for its over 100-year support of agriculture and regional cooperation in New England. The bill creates no new legal obligations for citizens or businesses, solely establishing a formal annual observance.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would grant New Hampshire adults aged 21 and older the right to possess a modest amount of cannabis for personal consumption. If approved by voters in November 2026, it would amend the state constitution to explicitly protect this right, replacing current laws that lack such a provision. The amendment specifically covers personal possession and consumption, not cultivation, sales, or public use. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in the referendum to take effect.