Rep. Fred Plett

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for the Department of Environmental Services to transfer ownership of state-owned dams to local towns or groups of landowners before the dams are removed. Under the new rules, the department must offer the dams to affected municipalities first, providing them with detailed information about the dam's condition and estimated repair costs, and only proceed with removal if no one accepts the transfer within a set timeframe. To support these transfers and future maintenance, the legislation creates a loan program funded by a state dam maintenance fund, offering 20-year loans at a 5 percent interest rate to towns or associations that take ownership. The bill also mandates that any loans taken must be repaid using local budget appropriations or property taxes from areas bordering the impoundment, with a cap of 50 percent of those taxes. Additionally, the process includes an exemption for dams deemed to be in imminent danger of failure, allowing the state to remove them immediately without offering a transfer.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens the Department of Energy's authority to enforce compliance orders against public utilities and their agents by establishing a civil penalty of up to $100,000 for violations, with funds directed toward ratepayer credits or low-income assistance programs. It expands community solar opportunities by allowing developers to designate projects for low- and moderate-income households, subject to a 6-megawatt annual capacity limit, while also updating reporting requirements for the state's renewable energy fund and net metering data. The legislation clarifies definitions for useful thermal energy in renewable portfolio standards and streamlines the process for municipalities to receive information regarding personal wireless service facility applications. Additionally, it exempts small utilities with less than $10,000 in annual revenue from certain assessments and repeals older statutes related to wireless tower mapping and departmental guidance.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates driveway construction rules to limit new driveways to a maximum width of 50 feet and restricts the number of driveways allowed per property unless the land frontage is over 500 feet. It also mandates that local planning boards issue driveway permits within 60 days for residential projects and grants them authority to regulate stone walls and fences near public roads. Separately, the legislation expands eligibility for the state's child care scholarship program by including children with delays in social or emotional development, even without a formal medical diagnosis. To support these changes, the bill appropriates $375,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services for rulemaking and program administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the safe harbor compensation limit for the New Hampshire Business Profits Tax from $75,000 to $100,000. It allows business owners to automatically deduct up to this amount for their own compensation without needing to prove the value of their services, simplifying tax filing for many small businesses. Starting in 2025, the threshold will be automatically adjusted every two years based on changes in the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation. The law applies to tax years ending on or after December 31, 2024, and takes effect 60 days after passing.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum expense deduction allowed against New Hampshire's business profits tax from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for qualifying property placed in service on or after January 1, 2025. The change applies to all businesses filing for taxable periods ending on or after December 31, 2024, allowing them to deduct a larger portion of their capital investments immediately rather than spreading the cost over several years. While the Department of Revenue Administration estimates this could reduce state revenue by up to $4.7 million, it notes that the actual financial impact is indeterminable because the bill may simply shift when businesses claim deductions rather than eliminate them entirely. The legislation requires the state to update its tax forms and electronic systems to reflect the new deduction limit.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the law to direct the Grid Modernization Advisory Group to study ways to improve how energy efficiency programs and incentives are delivered. The group will focus on finding methods to streamline these programs and maximize the benefits for consumers using existing state, federal, and utility funding. The advisory group must provide its recommendations to the Department of Energy, and the changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summarySB 363 amends New Hampshire state laws to officially include simulcast dog racing under the same regulatory framework as horse racing. The bill places the authority to oversee and regulate these racing activities under the Lottery Commission, which will also manage existing charitable gaming operations. It requires licenses for anyone conducting dog racing simulcasts and repeals previous specific statutes that governed dog racing separately. The legislation also clarifies restrictions on electronic gaming devices used for wagering while allowing for historic horse race betting. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.