Rep. Alicia Lekas

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $672,672.99 from the education trust fund to repair and replace the ventilation and exhaust fan system at the teaching kitchen of the Wilbur H. Palmer Regional Career and Technical Education Center. The funding is specifically designated for the culinary arts program located at Alvirne High School in Hudson. The money will be used for the biennium ending June 30, 2025, and the act becomes effective on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Route 111 in Hudson as the Senator Robert E. Clegg Jr. Memorial Highway to honor the late legislator. It requires the Department of Transportation to install a memorial marker in the right-of-way and allows the department to direct the design and placement of any associated signage. The legislation explicitly states that the costs for creating and maintaining these markers will not be funded by the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows drivers with medical conditions to legally install aftermarket window tint on their vehicle's windshield and side windows. To do so, these drivers must apply for a special permit from the commissioner, who can waive standard tinting laws if the applicant provides proof of a bona fide medical need. The permit would authorize the use of tinted windows that allow at least 35 percent of light to pass through, and the commissioner may consult a medical review board when evaluating applications. The changes would become effective 90 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1665 raises the annual household income limit for students to qualify for New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account program from 350 percent to 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. This change directly affects families with higher incomes who currently do not meet the eligibility requirements to use these accounts for private or home schooling options. The bill also adjusts the definitions of average daily membership in attendance and residence to align with the updated eligibility criteria. By expanding the income threshold, the legislation allows more students to access state-funded education vouchers, while excluding students in the special school district within the Department of Corrections.

Maddy summaryHB 1298 creates a new pathway for part-time educators to receive adjunct authorization in specific shortage subject areas. To qualify, individuals must work less than 20 hours per week, hold a relevant bachelor's degree, pass required exams, and provide proof of five years of related work experience. The bill also mandates criminal background checks for these hires and clarifies that this temporary authorization does not lead to a standard teaching certificate unless the educator completes a formal preparation program. Additionally, the law updates the professional code of ethics to explicitly include part-time teachers and excludes anyone with a revoked teaching license from eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1189 updates how the Department of Health and Human Services reports unpaid child support to federal agencies. The bill requires the department to use an automated system that only flags debts as delinquent if they meet specific federal minimum thresholds. When reporting these debts, the system must include the exact dollar amount owed to ensure accuracy. This change applies to the state's child support program and aims to align reporting practices with federal guidelines.