Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits restaurants, retail food stores, and large food facilities from automatically providing single-use plastic items like utensils, straws, and condiment packets to customers, requiring them to ask first instead. It mandates that these businesses display signs explaining the ban and its environmental goals, while also requiring online ordering platforms to let customers explicitly choose whether they want these items. The rules apply to large facilities starting in 2025 and to all other food service establishments and retail stores by 2026, with a $100 daily fine for violations. Exceptions allow businesses to provide certain items like cup lids and sleeves without a request to prevent spills during takeout or delivery, and pre-packaged items like those in juice boxes remain unaffected.
Sponsored bills
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 summaryHB 1208 would require anyone conducting timber harvesting in wetlands to verify they have all necessary state and local permits before starting work. The bill also mandates that these operators keep copies of their permits available for inspection by enforcement officials throughout the harvesting process. Failure to follow these rules could result in penalties under existing environmental laws. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law.
Maddy summaryHB 1592 would have prohibited the use of Education Freedom Account funds at religious schools or for religious education and training. The bill also sought to repeal existing rules that prevented the program from discriminating against providers based on religious policies and required them to remain independent. By removing these protections, the legislation aimed to allow state education funds to be used at religious institutions without restriction. Although the bill passed a committee vote, it was ultimately tabled and did not become law.
Maddy summaryHB 279 increases the penalties for businesses that serve alcohol to customers who are already intoxicated. Specifically, the law raises the maximum fine for a second offense within seven years to $7,500 and extends the potential license suspension to 30 days. This change directly affects on-premises licensees, such as bars and restaurants, by imposing stricter consequences for repeated overserving violations. The bill became effective on September 10, 2024, after being signed into law by the Governor.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for medical assistance in dying, allowing qualified adults with terminal illnesses to request prescriptions for medications they can self-administer to end their lives peacefully. To access this option, an individual must be at least 18 years old, have a terminal condition expected to cause death within six months, possess the mental capacity to understand the decision, and voluntarily make the request without coercion. The process requires two independent medical evaluations where providers confirm the patient's diagnosis, capacity, and understanding of all available treatment alternatives, including hospice and palliative care. Additionally, the law mandates that the patient sign a formal request form and allows them to withdraw their request or change their mind at any time.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program in New Hampshire requiring manufacturers of architectural paint to create and maintain a system for collecting and recycling leftover paint from consumers. To fund this effort, the legislation mandates adding a fee to the purchase price of all architectural paint sold in the state, with the collected money used to support the recycling initiative. Under the plan, manufacturers must set up collection sites so that residents have access to a drop-off location within a 25-mile radius, while wholesalers and retailers are required to provide educational materials and signage to encourage participation. The Department of Environmental Services will oversee the program, approve manufacturer proposals, and enforce rules that prohibit the sale of paint by manufacturers who fail to comply with these recycling requirements.