Rep. Brian Cole

Maddy summaryHB 1164 would allow physician associates (not just physicians) to certify that a person with a permanent disability may hunt using a crossbow. The bill amends existing law to permit physician associates or advanced practice nurses to complete the medical section of the certification, confirming the disability's permanence. This change directly affects individuals with qualifying disabilities seeking to hunt with crossbows under New Hampshire's current regulations. The policy update simplifies the certification process by expanding who can provide the required medical attestation.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 247 modifies regulations for contracts between health carriers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and pharmacies. It requires PBMs and carriers to provide more transparency regarding drug reimbursement calculations, known as Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) pricing, and establishes a formal appeal process for pharmacies to dispute these costs. The bill also allows pharmacies to decline to dispense a drug if the reimbursement amount is less than their acquisition cost. Additionally, it mandates that Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations (PSAOs) provide pharmacies with copies of PBM contracts and prohibits them from requiring pharmacies to purchase drugs from specific entities. These provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 207 would remove existing legal restrictions on possessing or selling blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles for all adults, while maintaining the prohibition for minors. This bill directly affects individuals who currently face criminal penalties for owning these items, as well as businesses that might sell them. The key provision repeals current prohibitions, allowing unrestricted possession and sale by adults. The bill does not change the existing legal restrictions that continue to apply to minors.

Maddy summaryHB 733 requires individuals or organizations that fund lawsuits (such as large companies or advocacy groups) to disclose their identities and funding amounts to the court. This directly affects plaintiffs' attorneys and entities financing legal cases by mandating transparency about who is paying for the lawsuit. The key provision creates a new reporting requirement for these funders to submit details to the court before certain legal actions proceed. The bill aims to increase public awareness of financial influences in litigation without specifying penalties or enforcement mechanisms. (Note: The bill is still pending committee review as of the provided dates.)

Maddy summaryHB 123 establishes a temporary moratorium on new carbon sequestration projects in New Hampshire forests and creates a commission to study how carbon sequestration affects state/local tax revenue, forest management, and the logging industry. The bill also grants the Pasquaney School District an exception to standard tax assessment rules, allowing member towns to adjust tax rates for the 2025 partial payment to align with the district’s budget needs. The commission will examine impacts on timber tax revenue (defined as revenue before carbon sequestration projects began), forest health, and the logging industry’s economic health. These provisions directly affect New Hampshire’s forestry sector, local tax calculations for the Pasquaney School District, and state policy regarding carbon sequestration.

Maddy summaryHB 655 requires nonresidents who want to commercially sell marine species caught in New Hampshire waters to obtain a specific license from the state executive director. It applies directly to out-of-state commercial fishers selling species like cod or haddock, but excludes northern shrimp (covered under separate rules), lobsters, and crabs. The bill also prohibits nonresidents from harvesting certain species - such as sea urchins, clam worms, or river herring - unless their home state offers reciprocal licensing for New Hampshire residents. The law takes effect September 13, 2025, for key provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 591 modifies the operating hours for keno gaming in New Hampshire, allowing keno venues to operate later in the evening. The bill directly affects licensed keno gaming facilities by extending their permitted operating hours beyond previous limits. It became law on July 1, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025. This change represents a specific adjustment to gaming regulations without altering broader licensing or tax structures.

Maddy summaryHB 124 allows municipal forest committees or conservation commissions to transfer any surplus funds they hold directly to the municipality's general unreserved fund balance. This affects local committees managing forest or conservation funds and the municipalities receiving those funds. The key provision removes barriers to moving leftover money from these specialized committees into the main municipal account, streamlining fund management. The bill became law on July 15, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 413 requires developers to complete specified construction improvements (such as roads and utilities) before receiving building permits for new subdivisions. This directly affects residential developers and local governments that issue building permits. The bill changes current practice by mandating that these improvements must be finished and approved prior to permit issuance, rather than allowing permits to be granted before completion. The law took effect on July 1, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte.

Maddy summaryHB 373 establishes new regulations for how towns manage and regulate their owned real property, including land and buildings. It directly affects municipal governments by requiring standardized procedures for property transactions, maintenance, and record-keeping. The bill sets clear guidelines for town officials to follow when acquiring, selling, or leasing public property. Signed into law by Governor Ayotte on June 23, 2025, it takes effect August 23, 2025.