Rep. Megan Murray

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create a report detailing how to expand access to the medications mifepristone and misoprostol. The report must identify potential ways to protect and increase access, outline methods for better public education on these drugs, and list any obstacles currently preventing their availability. The legislation requires the report to be submitted to state legislative leaders by November 1, 2024, without using state general funds, and notes that the department must not violate existing state or federal laws while conducting this study.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Hampshire schools to provide at least one free meal daily to every student whose family income is at or below 350 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. To support this requirement, the state would use funds from the education trust fund to pay for the meals, ensuring that school districts do not bear the full cost. The legislation also directs the state board of education to set minimum nutritional standards and clarify the income thresholds used to determine eligibility. Although the bill was introduced to expand access to free school lunches, it ultimately did not become law as the session ended without final passage.

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 allows local municipalities to add a specific section to their land use master plans dedicated to waste reduction. The new provision requires these plans to outline strategies for lowering solid waste disposal through methods like recycling, composting, and managing hazardous or electronic waste. Communities can implement these strategies by conducting needs analyses, organizing town waste committees, seeking grant funding, and collaborating with neighboring regions. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed, giving towns time to update their existing planning documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary certification program for doulas and lactation service providers to make their services eligible for reimbursement through Medicaid. The state's office of professional licensure and certification is tasked with creating the rules and processes for this certification, while ensuring the program includes diverse community members. The law clarifies that this new certification does not replace existing federal funding or prevent individuals already certified under other laws from working. It took effect on July 1, 2024, allowing certified providers to bill Medicaid for their specific services under separate coverage rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1490 updates the Solid Waste Management Act by clarifying legal definitions and strengthening permit oversight for solid waste facilities. The bill explicitly defines "abutters" as property owners adjacent to or across from waste facilities and specifies which vehicles count as "end-of-life" for disposal purposes. It grants the state department authority to terminate permits when a facility closes and requires that all permits be continuous in duration unless revoked for cause. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the department must wait 30 days after a public hearing before issuing final permit decisions to ensure public concerns are fully considered.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-year pilot program in New Hampshire to help school districts buy local food by reimbursing them for purchases from New Hampshire and New England producers. Only schools participating in the National School Lunch Program can apply, and the state aims to award grants to one district in each county to support buying dairy, meat, produce, and other eligible items. The program provides a 33.3% reimbursement on food costs, with funds managed through a selection committee that ensures diverse participation across different school sizes and regions. Any leftover money after the pilot ends will return to the state's general fund, and the program will be evaluated annually to track its impact on local farms and school nutrition.

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 creates a new committee to examine voluntary home visiting services for families with newborns, infants, and young children. The committee, which will include members from both the House and Senate, is tasked with researching current providers such as midwives, doulas, and health centers to understand their processes, costs, and outcomes. It will also assess the benefits and harms of these services to families and investigate whether there is unmet demand in the state. Finally, the committee must submit a report with its findings and legislative recommendations to state officials by October 1, 2025.