Rep. Sue Vail

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow groups of at least 25 residents or property owners in a town to petition the state commissioner to ban or limit wake surfing on local lakes, ponds, or rivers. If approved, the commissioner must hold a public hearing to evaluate factors such as environmental impact, water depth, safety concerns, and existing water uses before making a decision. The proposed restrictions would take effect no earlier than October 1 of the year the order is issued and would apply to any person operating a motorboat for wake surfing in the affected area.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a three-year pilot program allowing recovery centers and community mental health centers to receive free passes to state parks for their clients. Funded through state and federal grants plus donations, the initiative would require these facilities to report annually on how the program is used and its impact. The pilot is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2024, with the specific provisions set to expire in 2027. Although the bill was referred for study, it was ultimately not passed during the 2024 legislative session.

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 summaryThis bill would regulate wakeboating and wakesports in New Hampshire by defining specific terms and establishing safety rules for these activities. It prohibits wakesports between sunset and sunrise, on waters smaller than 50 acres, within 500 feet of shorelines, and in areas less than 20 feet deep. The legislation also bans wakesports behind boats with propulsion systems extending beyond the swim platform and requires the state commissioner to create maps identifying legal zones for these activities. Although the bill passed committee review, it was ultimately removed from consideration and did not become law before the legislative session ended.

Maddy summaryHB 1581 allows the state Department of Health to authorize alternative treatment centers to operate additional cultivation sites, such as greenhouses, for growing cannabis. To approve these new locations, the department must work with local town or city officials to gather input from qualifying patients, designated caregivers, and local residents. The proposed cultivation sites must follow existing state rules and comply with local zoning laws. Although the bill was vetoed by the Governor, the legislature overrode the veto to make it law.

Maddy summaryHB 1278 expands the list of qualifying medical conditions for therapeutic cannabis in New Hampshire to include any debilitating or terminal condition where a doctor believes the benefits likely outweigh the risks for adults aged 21 and older. Under this new provision, a certifying provider must document the patient's specific condition and state their clinical opinion on the risk-benefit balance to approve the patient for treatment. The bill also removes previous restrictions that limited how many times a qualifying patient could visit the state to obtain their medication. Additionally, it includes a contingency clause to renumber the new section if another related bill passes in the future, and the law takes effect 60 days after being signed.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies which school districts are responsible for funding special education services for children with disabilities placed in state facilities for detained or adjudicated youth or county correctional facilities. It establishes that the responsible district is determined by the child's legal custody status and their most recent residence before entering the facility, while also capping the liability at the state average elementary cost per pupil. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Education to remove certain student records from the state special education information system and to develop rules for alternative dispute resolution procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the list of medical professionals in New Hampshire who can certify patients for the state's therapeutic cannabis program. It allows physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to issue certifications if they hold the necessary federal licenses to prescribe controlled substances, and it removes the requirement for a pediatrician's signature when certifying minors, instead requiring certification from two pediatric care providers. The law also creates a new category for any other licensed New Hampshire provider who can prescribe drugs and has DEA registration, provided they are primarily responsible for the patient's care. These changes aim to increase access to medical cannabis by broadening the types of healthcare workers eligible to recommend it.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire bill expands the state's therapeutic cannabis program by adding generalized anxiety disorder to the list of qualifying medical conditions. It directly affects individuals diagnosed with this condition who wish to legally access medical cannabis through the state's existing framework. The law amends current statutes to include anxiety disorder alongside other approved conditions and takes effect 60 days after passage. No new funding is required for this change, as the program is self-funded through application fees paid by patients.