Rep. Peter Leishman

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the disposal of wet-cell batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and electronic devices in New Hampshire's solid waste landfills, incinerators, and composting facilities. To help facilities comply, the law requires them to post informational signs or notify customers about the ban, while also mandating that local governments and waste operators provide educational materials and recycling opportunities. The legislation further clarifies legal definitions for terms like "computer" and "electronic device" to specify which items are covered and which are excluded, such as those built into household appliances. These changes are designed to reduce hazardous waste and promote recycling, with the rules taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill reestablishes a commission to study how power generation assets should be taxed. The law directs the commission to propose a method for assessing these assets based on their market value as commercial properties, aiming to create a single, consistent valuation point. This change directly impacts the state's approach to taxing energy infrastructure and seeks to align the assessment process with current market standards. The legislation was signed into law and will take effect on November 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis law updates the rules for renewing lottery licenses in New Hampshire, requiring the state commission to send renewal notices to license holders at least 45 days before their current license expires. The bill also clarifies that renewal applications must be submitted 15 days prior to expiration, unless the commission grants an exception for a valid reason. Additionally, it strengthens penalties for violations by allowing the commission to suspend or revoke licenses and impose fines, ensuring that anyone whose license is revoked cannot apply for a new one for up to one year. These changes aim to improve the administrative process for lottery operators while maintaining stricter enforcement of existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how retirement benefits are calculated for Group II members of the New Hampshire Retirement System, specifically affecting those who were already vested before January 1, 2012, and those who started working after July 1, 2011. It establishes new rules for early retirement, allowing eligible members to retire at age 45 with 20 years of service or age 50 with 25 years of service, while requiring a minimum age of 52.5 for those who began service after 2011 unless they accept a reduced benefit. The legislation also sets a minimum annual pension of $10,000 for qualifying retirees and adjusts the percentage used to calculate pension amounts based on years of service, with different rates applying to pre-2012 and post-2011 employees. Additionally, the bill updates disability retirement formulas and includes a specific appropriation to fund these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules and funding for the Youth Development Center settlement fund, which provides compensation to former residents who experienced abuse while in state care. It updates legal definitions to clearly specify what counts as sexual, physical, or other abuse and introduces a new category for "egregious sexual abuse" that may qualify for additional compensation. The legislation establishes an independent, neutral attorney as the administrator to oversee the claims process, while ensuring the fund remains separate and is continually funded until 2032.

Maddy summaryHB 1155 prohibits life and long-term care insurance companies in New Hampshire from denying coverage, canceling policies, or charging higher premiums to individuals solely because they have donated an organ or tissue. The law also forbids insurers from making organ donation a condition for receiving or keeping an insurance policy. These protections apply to all such policies offered, issued, or renewed in the state on or after July 1, 2024, ensuring that living organ donors are not discriminated against by insurance providers.