Rep. Wendy Thomas

Maddy summaryThis bill requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without charging patients any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The law specifically mandates that these services be provided free of cost-sharing for individuals who have met their annual deductible, while also ensuring that preventive care screenings are covered even before the deductible is met. Diagnostic examinations are defined as medically necessary tests for evaluating abnormalities found during routine screenings, whereas supplemental examinations are for high-risk individuals who have no current abnormalities but need screening based on their personal or family history. Effective January 1, 2025, this legislation removes financial barriers for New Hampshire residents accessing these specific breast health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for a state commission studying environmentally triggered chronic illnesses from 2024 to 2029. The commission, which investigates how environmental factors contribute to long-term health conditions, will continue to submit annual progress reports and a final summary to state officials and the public. By delaying the final report date, the legislation gives the commission more time to gather data and formulate recommendations for potential laws. The change applies specifically to the existing commission's timeline without altering its core mission or the groups it studies.

Maddy summaryHB 1350 increases the legal amount of usable therapeutic cannabis that patients and their designated caregivers can possess from two ounces to four ounces. The bill allows qualifying patients and caregivers to hold up to four ounces of usable cannabis and any amount of unusable cannabis without facing arrest, prosecution, or penalties. It also updates the rules for alternative treatment centers, permitting patients to obtain up to four ounces of usable cannabis every ten days. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Hampshire law to presume that patients registered in the state's therapeutic cannabis program have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to these patients unless doing so would cause significant difficulty or expense for the business. Additionally, the bill establishes a legal presumption that an employee using cannabis while on duty is a hardship for the employer, which could affect termination decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1231 allows qualifying patients and their designated caregivers to grow cannabis at home for medical purposes, provided the plants are kept in a locked, enclosed area that is not visible to the public. The bill sets specific limits on cultivation, permitting patients to possess up to three mature plants, three immature plants, and 12 seedlings, while allowing caregivers to assist with up to five patients or cultivate for one patient if they live far from treatment centers. To participate, individuals must register with the state, obtain an identification card, and report their cultivation location, which must be situated at their residence and approved by property owners. The legislation also clarifies that caregivers can receive up to $500 annually for expenses related to assisting patients and grants legal protections against arrest for those following the rules while transporting or testing cannabis.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the penalties for individuals who illegally sell cannabis to people who are not authorized medical patients or caregivers. It specifically removes a previous criminal penalty for such sales and instead mandates the revocation of the seller's registry identification card. The law applies to both qualifying patients and designated caregivers who violate these rules. These changes are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025.