Rep. Rosemarie Rung

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the disposal of wet-cell batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and electronic devices in New Hampshire's solid waste landfills, incinerators, and composting facilities. To help facilities comply, the law requires them to post informational signs or notify customers about the ban, while also mandating that local governments and waste operators provide educational materials and recycling opportunities. The legislation further clarifies legal definitions for terms like "computer" and "electronic device" to specify which items are covered and which are excluded, such as those built into household appliances. These changes are designed to reduce hazardous waste and promote recycling, with the rules taking effect on July 1, 2025.

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 allows local municipalities to add a specific section to their land use master plans dedicated to waste reduction. The new provision requires these plans to outline strategies for lowering solid waste disposal through methods like recycling, composting, and managing hazardous or electronic waste. Communities can implement these strategies by conducting needs analyses, organizing town waste committees, seeking grant funding, and collaborating with neighboring regions. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed, giving towns time to update their existing planning documents.

Maddy summaryHB 1103 modifies the penalties under New Hampshire's Shoreland Protection Act by clarifying the conditions under which individuals can be fined for damaging public waterways. Specifically, the bill states that people who harm waterways and fail to make a good faith effort to fix the damage after being notified by the Department of Environmental Services will face penalties. This change aims to streamline the enforcement process by removing barriers that previously made it harder for the department to seek civil fines for proven violations. The law takes effect on January 1, 2025, and does not alter the maximum amount of fines that can be imposed per violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of "development of regional impact" in New Hampshire to explicitly include solid waste landfills. Under the new rules, any proposed landfill must notify all communities located within its watershed or within a 10-mile radius of the site. Local land use boards are required to share meeting minutes and project plans with regional planning commissions and affected municipalities within five business days of making a decision. The law applies to new landfill projects but excludes existing facilities that were fully permitted before December 1, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state of New Hampshire to distribute funds from the estate of Tekeste Berhanu, a resident of Nashua, to three specific nonprofit organizations. If the estate has no heirs and the money is turned over to the state, one-third of the proceeds will go to Ascentria Care Alliance, one-third to the International Institute of New England, and one-third to the Roca Kidz Club. These funds are intended to support the resettlement of refugee children through the work of these agencies. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage and was signed into law by the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations for septic systems on waterfront properties in New Hampshire by clarifying that "developed waterfront" includes land within 250 feet of fresh water, coastal waters, or rivers. It requires a more detailed four-part site assessment study for these properties, which must include specific data on soil, slope, and water tables, along with a professional evaluation of the existing system. The legislation also mandates that if a designer finds a septic system is failing during an assessment, the system must be replaced before the property is sold. Additionally, the bill preserves the ability of local governments to enforce stricter septic standards than those set by the state. These changes take effect on September 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire's Clean Lakes Program to include specific authority for managing cyanobacteria blooms, which are harmful algal growths that can degrade water quality. It empowers the Department of Environmental Services to take short-term actions like chemical or physical treatments to control these blooms and to reduce the nutrient inputs that cause them. The legislation also allows the department to provide financial grants to local groups and individuals for managing both exotic aquatic weeds and cyanobacteria, while requiring consultation with other state agencies before implementing certain treatments. Effective September 1, 2024, the program will focus on diagnosing water issues, implementing long-term solutions, and ensuring safe conditions for public recreation.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for a special commission to investigate the environmental and health effects of perfluorinated chemicals in five towns to November 1, 2029. The commission, which studies pollution in the air, soil, and groundwater of Merrimack, Bedford, Londonderry, Hudson, and Litchfield, will now submit its final report and any legislative recommendations by that new date. Additionally, the bill delays the official end of the commission's work until November 1, 2029, allowing more time for analysis. These changes apply directly to the commission members and the officials who receive their reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts meals provided through the state's restaurant voucher program from the meals and rooms tax. It directly affects elderly and adult services agencies that use vouchers to purchase food for eligible seniors and adults, as well as the restaurants that serve these meals. By removing the tax requirement for these specific transactions, the legislation aims to reduce the cost burden on program participants and the agencies administering the vouchers. The change takes effect on July 1, 2024, and is expected to decrease state tax revenue by an estimated $86,000 annually based on current program usage.