Rep. Mark Proulx

Maddy summaryHB 59 increases criminal penalties for assaulting firefighters, emergency medical care providers, and law enforcement officers. The bill directly affects individuals who commit such assaults by raising the severity of potential sentences under state law. Key provisions would elevate these offenses to higher felony classifications, imposing stricter punishments than current penalties. The bill recently advanced through committee with a recommendation to pass, including an amendment dated 2025-3083s.

Maddy summaryHB 109 amends New Hampshire law to elevate the penalty for knowingly making false reports to law enforcement from a standard misdemeanor to a class A misdemeanor. The bill specifically targets two actions: (1) providing false information to make police believe someone committed a crime, or (2) reporting a non-existent danger involving explosives or hazardous substances. This change directly affects individuals who intentionally deceive law enforcement officers, increasing potential penalties for such conduct. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summarySB 199 proposes a new program to recruit and retain new New Hampshire state troopers. The bill directly affects the New Hampshire State Police by establishing mechanisms to attract and keep new officers, addressing staffing challenges in law enforcement. Key provisions include creating a structured recruitment initiative and retention strategies, though specific details like bonuses or training programs aren't outlined in the context. The bill passed committee unanimously (6-0) but was later deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" under Senate Rule 3-23 on October 31, 2025. It focuses on practical policy changes to strengthen the state police workforce.

Maddy summarySB 123 would require the state Medicaid program to cover ear acupuncture as a treatment for substance misuse disorders. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries with substance use disorders and healthcare providers who offer this service. The key provision mandates that ear acupuncture be included as a covered benefit under the state Medicaid plan, ensuring providers can bill Medicaid for these treatments. The bill does not alter eligibility or funding levels but adds a specific service to the list of covered treatments.

Maddy summaryHB 776 designates the Virginia opossum as New Hampshire's official state marsupial (correcting the title's reference to "Virginia" as a drafting error). The bill contains no substantive policy changes to criminal law, despite the misleading title mentioning "aggravated driving while intoxicated." It became law on August 1, 2025 (Chapter 290), taking effect on January 1, 2026, for the marsupial designation, with the effective date for related provisions expiring September 30, 2025. This is a symbolic, non-substantive legislative measure.

Maddy summarySB 143 establishes certification standards for recovery residences serving individuals with substance use disorders. It requires these facilities to meet nationally recognized safety, health, and operational standards - including building inspections, insurance, resident agreements, grievance procedures, and anti-discrimination policies - before accepting residents. The law designates a certifying body (like NARR) to oversee a voluntary certification program, effective July 15, 2025. This directly affects recovery residences seeking to operate under state standards.

Maddy summaryHB 282 increases the maximum retirement benefits for first responders (like police, firefighters, and EMTs) critically injured in the line of duty. It adjusts how these benefits are calculated within the state retirement system by linking them to the formula used for education adequacy grants. The bill phases in these benefit increases over time, with full implementation starting January 1, 2026, and subsequent adjustments through 2034. This change directly affects eligible first responders and modifies retirement benefit calculations without altering education funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 179 modifies penalties for delayed payments following hazardous waste accidents. It sets a daily penalty of up to $1,000 for responsible parties who fail to pay claims beyond 90 days, capping the total penalty at 25% of the accident cost. If a responsible party follows a mutually agreed payment plan, no additional daily penalties apply. The bill directly affects businesses or entities liable for hazardous waste incidents who miss payment deadlines. It takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 133 designates emergency medical services provided by ambulance service providers as essential services under state law. This change directly affects ambulance providers and their employees, ensuring these services are recognized as critical during emergencies or labor disputes. The bill establishes that ambulance services must continue operating during strikes or emergencies to maintain public safety. It became law on June 10, 2025, and takes effect on August 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 390 adds retired fire trucks (fire apparatus) to the list of vehicles eligible for antique vehicle exemptions. This change directly affects owners of retired fire trucks who previously did not qualify for the tax or registration benefits associated with antique vehicle status. The bill modifies existing law by explicitly including "retired fire apparatus" in the definition of antique vehicles under the exemption rules. The law became effective on July 28, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte.