Rep. Alicia Gregg

Maddy summaryHB 1232 requires New Hampshire health insurers to reimburse telemedicine services at the same rate as in-person services when the telemedicine code is substantially equivalent to an in-person code. Insurers that fail to comply face administrative fines of up to $2,500 per violation, and repeated violations (three or more in five years) could trigger license suspension. Affected individuals may also sue for court costs and attorney fees if an insurer violates the law repeatedly. The bill applies to all health insurers offering plans in New Hampshire and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 706 would prohibit health insurance companies from auditing healthcare providers' services after those services have been delivered but before payment is made to the provider. This directly affects medical providers, such as doctors, clinics, and hospitals, who often face payment delays due to insurer audits. The bill establishes a clear timeline: insurers must process payment first, and audits cannot occur before payment is finalized. It aims to prevent payment delays by restricting insurers from withholding funds during the audit process.

Maddy summaryHB 519 allocates state funds to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) specifically to support the Waypoint youth and young adult shelter, directly benefiting homeless or at-risk youth in need of housing and services. The bill also adds a new provision prohibiting DHHS from entering contracts with any hospital found violating the Patients' Bill of Rights (RSA 151:21). This means DHHS must ensure hospitals it partners with fully comply with patient rights protections before approving contracts. The measure combines direct funding for youth shelter services with a safeguard to uphold healthcare consumer rights.

Maddy summaryHB 480 establishes a 2-year pilot program in one New Hampshire county (Merrimack or Strafford) to improve competency restoration for criminal defendants declared incompetent to stand trial. It creates neutral "forensic liaison" roles to coordinate between courts, attorneys, and mental health providers, helping defendants access evaluations, treatment, and reduce barriers to care. The program aims to address New Hampshire’s low restoration rate (44% in 2019) by formalizing a system that currently lacks structured support, unlike national averages showing 81% success. The liaisons will track progress, share updates with the court, and report outcomes to improve the state’s competency restoration process.

Maddy summaryHB 349 would authorize optometrists to perform specific ophthalmic laser procedures within their scope of practice. This bill directly affects optometrists by expanding their permitted treatments and patients seeking these laser-based eye care services. The key provision allows optometrists to conduct certain laser procedures (like those for diabetic retinopathy) without requiring a physician's direct supervision, as outlined in the bill's current committee report. The bill is pending further legislative action after passing committee with amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 477 would establish a commission to study current safety and security procedures at the New Hampshire State House, directly affecting state house staff and visitors. The commission would examine existing protocols and recommend improvements to safety measures. However, the committee voted 11-0 on October 8, 2025, to report the bill as "inexpedient to legislate," effectively halting its progress. The bill remains inactive and has not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 580 addresses retaliatory defamation claims in domestic violence and sexual violence cases. The bill's title indicates it aims to prevent defendants from using defamation lawsuits as a tactic to retaliate against victims who report abuse. However, the provided context does not include the bill's specific provisions or policy mechanisms. The bill has been referred for interim study (Committee Report: 09/10/2025, Vote 15-0) and remains pending in committee as of the latest action. No concrete policy changes or affected parties are described in the given context.

Maddy summaryHB 653 proposed a pilot program within the state Department of Education to test non-physical alternatives to student restraint and seclusion in public schools. The bill aimed to directly affect students, particularly those with disabilities, by requiring schools to implement evidence-based behavioral supports instead of physical restraint or isolation. Key provisions included establishing a 3-year pilot in select school districts, training staff in de-escalation techniques, and collecting data on outcomes. The bill passed committee unanimously (8-0) but was ultimately deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the Senate on November 3, 2025, preventing further action.

Maddy summaryHB 481 moves New Hampshire's state primary election from September to the second Tuesday in June of even-numbered years, as amended in RSA 653:8. This change directly affects all voters registered in the state and candidates seeking state offices who must file for primaries. Key provisions include adjusting registration deadline windows (restricting party affiliation changes from March 1 to the day before the June primary) and updating filing periods for candidates to align with the new June date. The bill modifies multiple election statutes to implement this timing shift, ensuring consistency across primary election procedures.