Rep. Brian Seaworth

Maddy summarySB 416 replaces New Hampshire's state rule on tip pooling with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules governing how tipped employees can share tips. It directly affects workers in service industries like restaurants and bars who rely on tips, such as servers and bartenders. The bill removes state restrictions and aligns the state with federal regulations, including specific FLSA provisions (29 C.F.R. §§ 531.42, 531.50, 531.54) that allow tip pooling among eligible employees. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1544 prohibits the use of scented products in public areas of state buildings across New Hampshire. It requires state agencies to use only fragrance-free cleaning products, provide fragrance-free items in restrooms and hygiene areas, and ban fragrance dispensing devices (like air fresheners) in all state buildings open to the public. The bill directly affects state employees, building maintenance staff, and visitors with sensitivities to scents, such as those with asthma or allergies. It cites medical evidence supporting this change, aligning with the American Medical Association’s recommendations. The law takes effect 60 days after passage, with full compliance required within one year.

Maddy summaryNew Hampshire's CACR 15 proposes adding a constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest game to the state constitution. It states that all citizens have this right, including using traditional methods, but only under existing laws and regulations. The amendment specifies that these rules must promote wildlife conservation, maintain resources for public use, and preserve hunting/fishing for future generations. It does not change current laws on property rights, trespass, or eminent domain. The proposal requires voter approval in the November 2026 general election to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 479 allows alternative treatment centers (ATCs) to operate as for-profit businesses, previously requiring them to be non-profit entities. This bill amends state law to permit ATCs organized as business corporations or limited liability companies (instead of only non-profit voluntary corporations) to sell cannabis to qualifying patients. Key provisions remove the mandatory non-profit status requirement and establish procedures for non-profit ATCs to legally convert to for-profit structures. The change directly affects ATC operators seeking to pursue commercial models while maintaining existing patient access to therapeutic cannabis.

Maddy summaryHB 133 modifies the process for new residents moving to the state who need to transfer their out-of-state driver's licenses. It specifies clear timelines for the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to send violation notices to drivers and allocates funds to the DMV for technology upgrades needed to meet state legal requirements. The bill directly affects new residents required to obtain a state license and the DMV, which must implement these changes. Key provisions include updated license transfer rules, standardized violation notice procedures, and dedicated funding for necessary technological improvements to ensure compliance.

Maddy summarySB 58 changes venue rules for criminal cases involving the distribution of controlled drugs that cause death. It adds a provision (RSA 318-B:26 IX-b) stating that such cases can be prosecuted in any state where the drug distribution occurred or where the victim resides. This directly affects prosecutors, defendants, and courts in cases where the distribution act or victim's location connects to a specific state. The law, effective July 1, 2025, clarifies where these felony prosecutions can be filed.

Maddy summaryHB 517 repeals two specific requirements in New Hampshire law that mandated state outreach and marketing efforts to promote the Granite State Paid Family Leave program. It removes RSA 21-I:108, II and RSA 282-B:6, II, which previously required the state to conduct certain awareness campaigns. This change eliminates the obligation for the state to engage in promotional activities related to the paid family leave plan, taking effect 60 days after enactment. The bill directly affects how the state communicates about the program but does not alter the leave benefits or eligibility itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how municipalities and counties can group their electric customers together to negotiate power rates. It updates state laws to ensure that the personal data of these individual customers remains private and is not made public. The legislation also specifies that these local groups can use customer information to develop new energy services and comply with existing energy regulations. By making these adjustments, the bill aims to streamline how local governments manage and utilize electricity aggregation programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for plumbing apprenticeships in New Hampshire by limiting each plumbing license holder to employing a maximum of two apprentices. It clarifies that a master plumber is not required to register an apprentice in a state-approved program, though such registration is still permitted if the program meets federal Department of Labor standards. The law defines a plumbing apprentice as someone learning to install plumbing and drainage systems under the supervision of a licensed professional. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.