Rep. Jared Sullivan

Maddy summaryHR 13 is a New Hampshire legislative resolution opposing the permitting of a landfill adjacent to Forest Lake State Park in Dalton. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's stance based on the park's ecological significance (including its 397 acres, 200-foot beach, and role in recreational activities), its economic value to tourism (supporting $2.35 billion in visitor spending annually), and New Hampshire's commitment to protecting natural resources. It does not create new laws but urges state agencies to deny the landfill permit by citing the park's role in flood control, water quality, wildlife habitat, and the state's conservation mission. The resolution passed committee with a 14-0 vote and was approved by the full chamber.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require fiber optic internet providers to fix service outages for public safety and public health organizations before addressing commercial or residential customers. The rule applies specifically to disruptions in communication and internet access caused by damage to fiber optic cables. If passed, the law would become active 60 days after its enactment. However, a recent interim study recommended against moving forward with this legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to the rules for issuing liquor licenses to full-service restaurants in New Hampshire. It would require restaurants to prove that at least 15 percent of their sales come from food, though those with annual food sales over $75,000 would be exempt. Additionally, the law would mandate that these dining rooms be open for evening meals at least three days per week unless an exception is granted. The bill also clarifies that a dining room cannot be used as a substitute for a lounge and requires the licensing commission to review these conditions annually.

Maddy summaryHB 1597 proposes to change how a person's weekly unemployment benefit is calculated by adjusting the amount of earned wages that are subtracted from the maximum benefit. Under the bill, the reduction applied to a claimant's benefit would increase from 30 percent to 40 percent of their weekly earnings, meaning they would receive a smaller portion of their previous wages while unemployed. The legislation also clarifies which types of payments count as wages for this calculation and sets a 60-day period after passage for the law to take effect. This change directly affects individuals filing for unemployment benefits in the state by altering the formula used to determine their weekly payment.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits the sale of new consumer products that contain intentionally added chemicals known as PFAS, which are commonly used for stain and water resistance. The ban covers a wide range of household items, including mattresses, carpets, cosmetics, food packaging, and furniture, while excluding products made with high percentages of recycled content or those regulated by federal law. Manufacturers and distributors must stop producing or importing these items, and the state can also pursue civil lawsuits against companies responsible for PFAS contamination in public drinking water systems. Additionally, the legislation provides a framework for settling legal claims related to the impacts of these chemicals on water supplies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to study the current scope and role of veterinary technicians in New Hampshire. The committee will be composed of five state legislators and tasked with examining practice opportunities, particularly for large animal care, and assessing the value of licensure for these professionals. To inform its work, the group will gather input from various veterinary and agricultural organizations before submitting a final report with recommendations by November 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definitions of "full course meals" and "full service restaurants" for alcohol licensing purposes in New Hampshire. It specifies that a full course meal includes a variety of prepared foods like grilled items, fried dishes, baked goods, sandwiches, salads, soups, and stove-top cooked options. A full service restaurant is now defined as an establishment with seating for at least ten guests that must offer multiple meal choices from at least two of these food categories. These changes affect businesses seeking or holding liquor licenses by clarifying the requirements for their dining areas and menus.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the lead poisoning prevention and treatment act of 2024, requires health insurance providers in the state to cover the costs of blood lead testing for residents. The law applies to both individual and group health insurance plans and mandates that these tests be covered without higher co-payments, deductibles, or coinsurance compared to other similar medical benefits. Additionally, the coverage includes any necessary follow-up testing required when initial results show elevated lead levels or are inconclusive. The legislation takes effect on September 1, 2024.