Rep. Dan Veilleux

Maddy summaryHB 558 establishes a legislative committee to study whether to create a public county registry tracking monthly rent for each rental unit and whether to ban landlords from using algorithms to set rents. The committee, composed of four legislators, must examine the feasibility of these measures and report findings by November 2025. This bill does not enact the registry or ban - it only authorizes a study. The committee recently voted "Inexpedient to Legislate," recommending against advancing the proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow municipalities to provide temporary shelter and aid to homeless individuals on public property without fear of being sued for negligence. It establishes a legal shield for government employees and units, stating they will not be held liable for injuries or damages occurring in designated homeless aid areas unless the harm was caused by intentional misconduct. Additionally, the bill exempts these government entities from standard landlord-tenant laws when operating such shelters. The legislation aims to encourage local governments to create homeless assistance programs by clarifying their legal protections regarding liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new beverage container recycling program in New Hampshire that requires producers and importers to pay a deposit on containers, which consumers can redeem for cash when returning empty bottles and cans. The refund amount is set at ten cents for containers of 24 fluid ounces or less and fifteen cents for larger containers, with the state Department of Environmental Services authorized to adjust these rates based on recycling performance. Large retail stores must provide space and equipment to process these returns, while the collected containers are owned by the responsible organization and can be sold for recycling or reused. The legislation defines specific rules for what counts as a recyclable container and outlines how facilities must handle materials to ensure they are recycled rather than burned or landfilled.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to include a plan for safety improvements on Route 101 within the state's 10-year transportation improvement plan. The legislation specifically targets the stretch of road from Bedford to Milford, requiring the implementation of physical barriers to separate opposing traffic lanes and the adoption of limited access design principles to reduce severe crashes. While the bill mandates these planning steps, it does not provide direct funding, instead requesting that the department seek approximately $7 million annually from federal sources to cover the estimated costs of construction and environmental permitting.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for New Hampshire's solid waste management districts to allow them to contract third-party services for public entities and school districts located within their boundaries. It also clarifies the treasurer's authority to pay approved district debts and permits the treasurer to receive compensation for these duties. Additionally, the legislation creates a process for districts to make emergency expenditures that exceed their budget when faced with unexpected circumstances, provided specific conditions regarding revenue sources are met. These changes aim to streamline operations and provide financial flexibility for waste management districts while ensuring member communities retain control over funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary committee to examine whether transportation costs should be included in default budgets designed to maintain current service levels. The committee will consist of six legislators, three appointed by the Senate and three by the House, who will meet to study the issue and develop recommendations. They are required to submit their findings and any proposed legislation to state leaders and the governor by November 1, 2024. The committee members will receive standard mileage reimbursement for attending meetings, and the group must elect a chairperson and hold its first session within 45 days of the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by preventing landlords from evicting them solely based on their victim status. It allows victims to stay in their homes if they provide written proof of a protective order, a report to law enforcement, a statement from a professional, or a court-approved self-certification form. The law also permits victims to request new locks at their own expense to exclude abusers and clarifies that landlords cannot be held liable for damages caused by these lock changes. While the bill offers these protections, it explicitly states that landlords can still evict tenants for unrelated reasons such as nonpayment of rent. Additionally, the bill requires landlords to keep all information regarding a tenant's victim status strictly confidential.