Rep. John Hunt

Maddy summaryHB 1491 regulates two types of pooled risk management programs used by state and local governments. It requires "advance premium pooled risk management programs" (which collect fixed premiums without later assessments) to be licensed by the insurance department and maintain specific reinsurance coverage. The bill also establishes that the secretary of state will regulate "assessment pooled risk management programs" (which can require members to pay extra if funds run low). These programs directly affect political subdivisions like cities, towns, and school districts that use pooled insurance to manage their risk.

Maddy summaryHB 1523 requires condominium associations in New Hampshire to maintain specific records, including financial statements, meeting minutes, board member lists, and architectural approval records. Associations must make these records available for inspection by owners upon 5 days' written notice during business hours, with a reasonable fee capped at government record-copying rates. Certain sensitive materials - like attorney communications, ongoing litigation details, or personnel records - are exempt from disclosure. This bill directly affects condominium associations and their owners by increasing transparency in financial and operational decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1207 raises annual fees for New Hampshire state-chartered banks, credit unions, trust companies, and family trust companies. It establishes a $28,000 annual fixed base fee for most institutions (excluding family trust companies, which pay $11,000) and creates an asset-based assessment system for funding the Banking Department. The bill also eases restrictions for individuals with felony convictions to obtain mortgage loan originator licenses. These changes directly affect financial institutions operating under the Banking Department’s authority and mortgage professionals seeking licensure.

Maddy summaryHB 1765 allows New Hampshire wine and beverage manufacturers to offer tastings and sell products at expanded locations. It removes the requirement that wine manufacturer retail outlets must sell only the manufacturer's own products, enabling them to sell products from other qualifying manufacturers. Small beverage manufacturers (producing 15,000 barrels or less annually) can now distribute directly to retailers or other beverage manufacturers, with a 5,000-barrel annual sales limit for direct retail. The bill affects local wineries and small beverage producers by broadening sales opportunities, with potential state revenue increases of $10,000-$100,000 annually, though exact amounts remain uncertain.

Maddy summaryHB 1384 requires commercial litigation financiers to disclose certain information about their funding agreements for civil lawsuits. The bill defines "commercial litigation financing agreements" as third-party funding arrangements that create a financial interest in case proceeds, while excluding contingency fee agreements between lawyers and clients, health insurance arrangements, and standard loans. It also restricts funding from "foreign entities of concern" as defined by U.S. sanctions lists. The legislation aims to increase transparency around who is financing lawsuits and under what terms. This would affect law firms, claimants, and third-party financiers entering into such agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 1502 establishes a new "Uniform Special Deposits Act" to regulate funds held by banks and credit unions for specific, contingent purposes. The law requires written agreements (account agreements) specifying the purpose, beneficiaries, and triggering events (contingencies), such as escrow for property sales or security deposits. Banks must pay beneficiaries only after a defined event occurs and the bank has actual or implied knowledge of it, preventing premature access to funds. This directly affects banks, credit unions, and their customers using specialized accounts like escrow, security deposits, or future benefit distributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1193) names the new 911 call service center in Laconia, New Hampshire (located at 311 Meredith Center Road) the "Bruce Cheney 911 Service Center" in recognition of Bruce G. Cheney's role in developing New Hampshire's statewide 911 emergency call system. It does not change any laws or policies - it is a commemorative act honoring Cheney's contributions. The naming takes effect 60 days after the bill is passed. This bill directly affects the facility's official designation and serves as a tribute to Cheney.

Maddy summaryHB 1197 makes technical corrections to New Hampshire's insurance laws, specifically amending RSA 400-A:16 (Investigations, Enforcement) and RSA 400-A:36 (Annual Financial Statement). The Insurance Department requested these changes to clarify language, remove outdated references, and fix minor errors without altering substantive requirements for insurers or the department's authority. The bill does not create new obligations or change enforcement procedures but ensures the laws are accurately worded and consistent. It directly affects insurers, agents, and the Insurance Department by updating administrative language in existing statutes.

Maddy summarySB 524 allows restaurants with liquor licenses to deliver alcohol to customers only when the customer has ordered a meal for home delivery. It requires restaurants to obtain a $250 annual "restaurant delivery license" and mandates that all alcohol deliveries must include food ordered by the customer, be made during business hours by employees over 21, and use sealed containers labeled with the restaurant's name. Deliveries cannot occur at schools, parks, or libraries, and must include a signed receipt from the customer. This bill directly affects restaurants seeking to expand delivery services while adding specific safety and operational requirements.

Maddy summarySB 487 amends New Hampshire law to allow credit unions to pay their board members for serving on the board, which is currently prohibited. The bill removes the existing restriction preventing such payments, enabling credit union members (the owners) to set the compensation amount at an annual meeting. This change directly affects credit unions and their board members by making board service compensable, rather than requiring it to be voluntary. The law now permits credit unions to establish board compensation as part of their operational structure.