Rep. Glen Cordelli

Maddy summaryThis bill allows liquor store owners to fill their own-brand refillable beer bottles with any beer they choose, regardless of the bottle's original label. Previously, stores were required to match the beer inside the bottle with the brand printed on the container. The change gives retailers the freedom to decide which beer to pour into these reusable bottles without being restricted by the bottle's branding. This policy applies specifically to businesses that hold a license to sell beer in refillable containers.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Transportation to create a master plan for the Conway Branch rail line, focusing on the section from north of Route 28 to Conway, with a completion deadline of December 31, 2024. The state will provide funding from the general fund for this planning effort, though the department must first use any available money from other sources such as federal grants or public donations. The governor is authorized to issue warrants to access these general funds from the state treasury to support the project. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024, and was signed into law by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the membership rules for the state advisory committee on the education of students with disabilities, which advises on policies affecting children with disabilities from birth through age 26. The legislation expands the committee by adding specific seats for representatives from health and human services, correctional facilities, and advocacy organizations, while also requiring one member from the House Education Committee. A key provision mandates that a majority of the committee must consist of individuals with disabilities or their parents, ensuring that those directly impacted lead the group. Appointments for these roles will be made by the governor, with some specific members recommended by relevant agencies or organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 1552 clarifies the definition of "superintendent" to include any staff members assigned to perform administrative duties, thereby extending certain legal responsibilities to these personnel. The bill mandates that local fire chiefs annually inspect school buildings during the school year and submit compliance reports to state officials and school leaders by December 15. It also updates regulations regarding the confidentiality of student records within specific case contexts and grants exemptions for single-district administrative units from most chapter requirements while maintaining superintendent service standards. Finally, the law allows superintendents in single school districts to qualify for alternative certification as principal instructional leaders through a rigorous competency process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Hampshire high schools to provide students with information and access to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Schools must offer guidance on financial aid eligibility, application deadlines, and the benefits of early submission, while also making the FAFSA form available upon request. The legislation mandates that schools handle any shared personal information in compliance with privacy laws and removes a previous requirement for schools to report on how many students completed the form.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for state school building aid to explicitly include chartered public schools alongside traditional school districts. It establishes that these independent schools must own any buildings they construct with state funds and outlines how the aid is disbursed, providing an initial 30 percent of the eligible cost followed by annual payments over 20 years. The legislation also sets a requirement that facilities built with this assistance must be used for K-12 instruction for at least two decades or the school must repay the full grant amount. Additionally, the bill clarifies eligibility criteria, such as excluding office space and temporary structures from funding, and sets a new deadline for submitting construction applications starting in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens privacy protections for student data by requiring schools to obtain written parental consent before sharing personally identifiable information with third parties. It mandates that parents be notified at least 14 days in advance whenever their child's data is released, specifying who received the data, what information was shared, and the educational purpose for its use. The law explicitly excludes internal transfers between state departments and local schools from these notification requirements while ensuring that third parties cannot further share the data without additional parental permission.

Maddy summaryHB 1298 creates a new pathway for part-time educators to receive adjunct authorization in specific shortage subject areas. To qualify, individuals must work less than 20 hours per week, hold a relevant bachelor's degree, pass required exams, and provide proof of five years of related work experience. The bill also mandates criminal background checks for these hires and clarifies that this temporary authorization does not lead to a standard teaching certificate unless the educator completes a formal preparation program. Additionally, the law updates the professional code of ethics to explicitly include part-time teachers and excludes anyone with a revoked teaching license from eligibility.