Rep. Katy Peternel

Maddy summaryHB 349 would authorize optometrists to perform specific ophthalmic laser procedures within their scope of practice. This bill directly affects optometrists by expanding their permitted treatments and patients seeking these laser-based eye care services. The key provision allows optometrists to conduct certain laser procedures (like those for diabetic retinopathy) without requiring a physician's direct supervision, as outlined in the bill's current committee report. The bill is pending further legislative action after passing committee with amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 377 modifies rules for healthcare professionals providing hormone treatments and puberty blockers, though specific requirements aren't detailed in the provided context. It also designates the second Thursday in October as "Children's Environmental Health Day" for recognition purposes. The bill was signed into law by Governor Ayotte on August 1, 2025, with key provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026, and one section expiring September 30, 2025. It directly affects healthcare providers administering these treatments and promotes awareness of children's environmental health. The bill's health-related provisions appear procedural or regulatory without further context on specific changes.

Maddy summarySB 296 increases the minimum percentage of education scholarships for nonpublic schools that must go to low-income students from 40% to 50%. It requires scholarship organizations to award at least half of their funds to students who qualified for federal free/reduced-price lunch in the prior school year, verified through household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill also allows students temporarily losing eligibility to retain their scholarship for one "probationary year" before becoming ineligible. This applies directly to scholarship organizations distributing funds under New Hampshire's education freedom account program, affecting families seeking nonpublic school funding.

Maddy summarySB 246 requires New Hampshire Medicaid and private health insurers to cover maternal depression screenings at well-child visits and during prenatal/postpartum care for new mothers. It mandates coverage for screenings at specific intervals (1, 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum) and includes referrals to mental health resources. The bill allocates $275,000 to establish a perinatal psychiatric provider consult line and $75,000 for rural maternal health EMS services. These changes directly affect new mothers and infants in New Hampshire by expanding access to mental health support during the perinatal period.

Maddy summaryHB 71 prohibits public school facilities from being used to house non-citizens and requires health department contracts to align with this restriction. It also mandates that local governments provide public notice before reassessing property values for tax purposes. The bill directly affects school districts, health agencies, and property owners who may face new administrative requirements. These provisions focus on restricting shelter use in schools and ensuring transparency in property tax assessments.

Maddy summaryHB 143 makes it a crime for anyone to use AI-powered communication tools (like chatbots) to facilitate, encourage, offer, solicit, or recommend harmful acts to a child. It directly affects developers and operators of generative AI services interacting with minors, imposing criminal penalties for violations. The bill also creates a private right to sue for individuals harmed by such interactions. It became law on August 1, 2025, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 771 changes how public schools with open enrollment policies receive state funding. It modifies the funding formula to better support these schools, which allow students to attend outside their district boundaries. The bill directly affects all public schools operating under open enrollment programs statewide. It became law on July 15, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 148 would permit state agencies and public entities to classify individuals based on biological sex in specific contexts, such as access to certain public services or facilities. It directly affects individuals interacting with state programs where sex-based distinctions are currently used, like healthcare services or gender-segregated spaces. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing such classifications without requiring additional justification, shifting from existing policies that may have prioritized gender identity. The bill passed both chambers in May 2025 but was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 90 amends the legal definition of "part-time teachers" in public school settings. This change directly affects part-time educators employed by public school districts, clarifying their classification under state education law. The bill's key provision updates the statutory definition without altering employment terms or benefits, simply establishing a new standard for determining part-time status. It became effective on July 7, 2025, the date Governor Ayotte signed it into law.

Maddy summaryHB 235 amends the state's educator code of ethics and code of conduct to explicitly require public school educators to uphold a "responsibility to parents." This policy change directly affects teachers, administrators, and school staff in public schools, mandating they consider parental input and concerns in educational decisions. The key provision adds specific language to existing codes, requiring educators to engage with parents regarding student conduct, learning, and school policies. The bill became law on July 1, 2025, and takes effect August 30, 2025.