Rep. Rosemarie Rung

Maddy summaryHB 1229 would require sellers and their agents to provide a "minimum standards" document to buyers before the sale of any property bordering public waters. The buyer must sign an acknowledgment confirming they have read and understood this document, which outlines requirements for water quality protection, and a copy of this signed form must be sent to the Department of Environmental Services within seven days. If a property owner violates these new disclosure rules along with existing shoreland laws, they face a civil penalty of $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for each subsequent offense. The bill also ensures that any future changes to shoreland regulations will not apply retroactively to properties already under these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire laws to strengthen consumer protections for home heating oil, kerosene, and propane contracts. It requires dealers to provide clear, plain-language written agreements that detail all costs, contract terms, and contact information for both the dealer and the state consumer protection hotline. The legislation mandates that dealers securing prepaid contracts must maintain financial backing, such as futures contracts, bonds, or inventory, to ensure they can fulfill their obligations. Additionally, it restricts advertising for prepaid plans to specific months in the heating season and requires dealers to refund unused funds promptly if a contract ends early.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local planning boards to include specific rules in their subdivision regulations regarding water supply and costs. It requires developers to conduct water supply studies and ensure enough water exists for current and future land uses, while also setting minimum testing standards for private wells. These requirements apply to new subdivisions but exclude large community water systems and major groundwater withdrawals already regulated by state law. Additionally, the bill permits planning boards to charge reasonable fees to cover administrative expenses and notification costs associated with reviewing subdivision applications.

Maddy summaryHB 1148 proposes changes to how members of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission are appointed and qualified. The bill would increase the commission size to 11 members, requiring the governor to publish nominee names and wait at least 30 days before the council can approve an appointment. It also expands the ability for hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations to nominate candidates and updates member qualifications to include specific experience in fields like forestry, ecology, and wildlife management. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the process for removing commissioners and disqualifying those who no longer meet the required qualifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a commission to examine how New Hampshire funds special education and to explore ways to reduce the reliance on local property taxes. The commission will be composed of representatives from the state legislature, school administrators, educators, and business officials, who will meet to analyze current costs and study alternative revenue sources. Their work includes reviewing student referral rates, estimating the expenses for various support services like therapy and tutoring, and comparing funding methods used by other states. The group is required to submit an initial report by January 31, 2025, and a final report by January 31, 2026, which will include specific cost estimates and draft legislation for any recommended funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1293 updates New Hampshire laws to regulate the sale and application of fertilizers specifically for urban lawns and turf. The bill establishes strict limits on nitrogen content, capping application rates at 0.7 pounds per 1,000 square feet per use, and defines specific categories for low-phosphate and no-phosphate products intended for new or established urban grass. It also introduces new definitions for terms like "enhanced efficiency fertilizer" and "plant biostimulant" to clarify what products fall under regulatory oversight. Although the governor initially vetoed the measure, the legislature overrode the veto, and the law is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1415 establishes strict liability for owners or operators of facilities where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been released into groundwater or surface water at concentrations of 100 parts per trillion or higher. The bill defines specific chemical terms and designates any site where PFAS are used, stored, or disposed of as a PFAS facility. Under this law, responsible parties would be required to follow federal regulations for the closure, removal, or decommissioning of tanks, pipes, equipment, and building surfaces associated with PFAS management. Although the bill was vetoed by the governor, the legislature overrode the veto to make it effective law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would regulate wakeboating and wakesports in New Hampshire by defining specific terms and establishing safety rules for these activities. It prohibits wakesports between sunset and sunrise, on waters smaller than 50 acres, within 500 feet of shorelines, and in areas less than 20 feet deep. The legislation also bans wakesports behind boats with propulsion systems extending beyond the swim platform and requires the state commissioner to create maps identifying legal zones for these activities. Although the bill passed committee review, it was ultimately removed from consideration and did not become law before the legislative session ended.