Rep. Keith Ammon

Maddy summaryHB 1030 repeals several existing task forces and commissions in New Hampshire, including the Air Pollution Advisory Committee and the John G. Winant Memorial Commission. The bill transfers the responsibility for maintaining the John G. Winant memorial to the Joint Legislative Historical Committee and establishes a new committee to study ways to make the appeals process for the state's environmental councils faster and more cost-effective. Additionally, the law requires state departments to report annually on the implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and sets a deadline for the new appeals study committee to submit its findings by November 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Hampshire Department of Energy to conduct ongoing studies on nuclear energy technologies, including advanced reactors, and to evaluate how these developments might impact state laws, infrastructure, and public safety. It requires the department to publish a report on these findings at least once every three years, starting in December 2025, and to consult with various state agencies on issues such as health, transportation, and environmental protection. Additionally, the bill officially renames the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development to better reflect its broader role in coordinating state activities related to both nuclear and offshore wind energy. The legislation establishes the Commissioner of Energy as the primary state adviser to the Governor on matters concerning the industrial and commercial use of nuclear energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for individuals to disclose their race and education level on New Hampshire marriage application forms while simultaneously establishing new privacy protections for personal data. The legislation defines "secure and reliable means" as methods designed to protect data confidentiality and mandates that businesses handling large amounts of consumer information provide clear privacy notices and accessible ways for people to opt out of data sales or targeted advertising. Effective January 1, 2025, the law requires companies to allow consumers to exercise these privacy rights through existing accounts without forcing them to create new ones, ensuring that opt-out choices are made through simple, user-friendly mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows liquor store owners to fill their own-brand refillable beer bottles with any beer they choose, regardless of the bottle's original label. Previously, stores were required to match the beer inside the bottle with the brand printed on the container. The change gives retailers the freedom to decide which beer to pour into these reusable bottles without being restricted by the bottle's branding. This policy applies specifically to businesses that hold a license to sell beer in refillable containers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definitions of "full course meals" and "full service restaurants" for alcohol licensing purposes in New Hampshire. It specifies that a full course meal includes a variety of prepared foods like grilled items, fried dishes, baked goods, sandwiches, salads, soups, and stove-top cooked options. A full service restaurant is now defined as an establishment with seating for at least ten guests that must offer multiple meal choices from at least two of these food categories. These changes affect businesses seeking or holding liquor licenses by clarifying the requirements for their dining areas and menus.

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 updates pesticide laws to allow licensed agricultural pilots to use drones for spraying chemicals at heights of 20 feet or less. It specifically exempts these drone operations from certain notification requirements that would otherwise apply to aerial pesticide use. The law takes effect on September 1, 2024, and only covers applications conducted by individuals holding valid state registration or permits.

Maddy summaryHB 1624 allows individuals over the age of 21 to distill liquor at home for personal or family use, provided the product is not sold. The law sets specific production limits, permitting households with two or more producers to make up to 200 gallons of beer or wine annually, while single-person households are limited to 100 gallons. Any liquor distilled from these amounts must remain for personal consumption and cannot be offered for sale. This change takes effect on January 1, 2025.

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.