Rep. Jim Kofalt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Hampshire school districts to create policies ensuring parents receive at least two weeks' advance notice before specific curriculum materials covering human sexuality, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity are used in class. It also mandates that districts make these materials available for parental review upon request and allows parents to request exceptions to specific course content if they find it objectionable, provided they arrange and pay for an alternative education plan. Additionally, the legislation prohibits schools from preventing parents from asking about their child's mental, emotional, or physical well-being, while maintaining an exception for situations where disclosure could lead to abuse or neglect.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire hunting laws to allow lever-action carbines in areas where only handguns or pistols are typically permitted for game. The legislation specifically authorizes the use of rifles chambered in .357, .44 Magnum, or .45 Colt, as well as straight-walled pistol cartridges of .38 or .357 caliber and greater. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to all hunters operating within the state's designated handgun-only hunting zones.

Maddy summaryThis law allows employees to legally store a locked, non-visible firearm or ammunition in their personal vehicle while on employer property without facing discipline. It prohibits employers from forcing employees to reveal if they have a gun in their car and bars workplace searches for firearms unless conducted by law enforcement with a warrant or valid exception. Additionally, the bill shields employers from civil lawsuits regarding injuries or thefts involving these stored weapons, provided the employer did not intentionally encourage the harm. These protections apply to private businesses, the state, and municipalities, effective January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state building code to require that all new buildings and dwelling units be tested for air leakage. The law mandates that these tests measure air exchange rates and ensures the results do not exceed 5.0 air changes per hour or 0.28 cubic feet per minute per square foot. Testing must follow specific industry standards and be conducted at a pressure of 0.2 inch water gauge. This change directly impacts construction projects by setting a stricter limit on how much air can escape through the building's enclosure.

Maddy summaryHB 1648 would have updated wage payment rules to allow employers to pay employees via debit cards, provided the employer covers all associated fees and ensures free access to funds. The bill required employers to offer clear written disclosures about any potential charges, obtain voluntary consent before using payroll cards, and give employees the option to switch to direct deposit without penalty. It also mandated that employers replace lost or stolen cards within 24 hours and provide a list of fee-free withdrawal locations. Although the legislation outlined these consumer protections, it was ultimately not enacted after the House voted to take no action on the measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to examine how New Hampshire laws handle consent and confidentiality for adolescents and young adults seeking healthcare. The committee, composed of five legislators appointed by Senate and House leaders, will review existing rules regarding parental consent, assess current privacy protections for minors, and identify any gaps in medical care coverage. After gathering testimony from relevant experts and organizations, the group must submit its findings and any proposed legal changes to state officials by November 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 1552 clarifies the definition of "superintendent" to include any staff members assigned to perform administrative duties, thereby extending certain legal responsibilities to these personnel. The bill mandates that local fire chiefs annually inspect school buildings during the school year and submit compliance reports to state officials and school leaders by December 15. It also updates regulations regarding the confidentiality of student records within specific case contexts and grants exemptions for single-district administrative units from most chapter requirements while maintaining superintendent service standards. Finally, the law allows superintendents in single school districts to qualify for alternative certification as principal instructional leaders through a rigorous competency process.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows hotel guests to carry one alcoholic drink from the hotel bar or restaurant to their room, provided they do not take it into a vehicle. The law clarifies that hotels are not required to offer this service but cannot forbid it if they choose to allow it, while also permitting hotels to designate specific areas where carrying alcohol is prohibited. It updates existing regulations to explicitly permit this practice and does not change the monthly deposit requirements for the liquor commission. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.