Rep. Steve Shurtleff

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire laws to strengthen consumer protections for home heating oil, kerosene, and propane contracts. It requires dealers to provide clear, plain-language written agreements that detail all costs, contract terms, and contact information for both the dealer and the state consumer protection hotline. The legislation mandates that dealers securing prepaid contracts must maintain financial backing, such as futures contracts, bonds, or inventory, to ensure they can fulfill their obligations. Additionally, it restricts advertising for prepaid plans to specific months in the heating season and requires dealers to refund unused funds promptly if a contract ends early.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires defendants charged with serious crimes, including those punishable by life in prison or 15 years or more, to be present for every stage of their trial and sentencing. It allows judges to excuse a defendant's presence for good cause but also permits proceedings to continue without the defendant if they voluntarily absent themselves or act disruptively. The legislation mandates that law enforcement transport incarcerated defendants to court and authorizes the use of reasonable force if a defendant refuses to comply with a transport order. Additionally, it creates a new felony charge for knowingly failing to appear or refusing transport without a valid court excuse, with the new sentence running consecutively to any other prison term.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Hampshire's Administrative Procedure Act to improve how government agencies create and enforce new rules. It requires agencies to send earlier and broader notices to affected occupational licensees and legislators before holding public hearings on proposed regulations. Additionally, the bill shifts the burden of proof to agencies in court challenges, requiring them to demonstrate that a contested rule is legal, consistent with legislative intent, and in the public interest. If an agency cannot meet this burden, a court may invalidate the rule and order the agency to pay the challenger's legal fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure New Hampshire's presidential primary is the first such contest held in the nation. It requires the state's primary to take place at least one week before any other similar nominating events, directly affecting how presidential candidates compete for support early in election cycles. The measure would be voted on by New Hampshire residents during the November 2024 general election, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass and become law. If approved, this change would permanently alter the state constitution to codify New Hampshire's current status as the first primary state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a financial incentive program for the New Hampshire National Guard to encourage enlistment and reenlistment. Under the new rules, current or former Guard members can receive cash bonuses of up to $1,000 for recruiting new recruits and up to $6,000 for their own reenlistment if they do not qualify for a federal bonus. The legislation also creates a dedicated fund to cover these payments and requires the Adjutant General to manage the program. Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Transportation to continue offering recruitment and retention bonuses to its winter maintenance staff, including referral fees for employees who recommend new hires. These transportation incentives are designed to reduce turnover and ensure adequate staffing for critical safety services, with all expenditures subject to approval by the state's fiscal committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how retirement benefits are calculated for Group II members of the New Hampshire Retirement System, specifically affecting those who were already vested before January 1, 2012, and those who started working after July 1, 2011. It establishes new rules for early retirement, allowing eligible members to retire at age 45 with 20 years of service or age 50 with 25 years of service, while requiring a minimum age of 52.5 for those who began service after 2011 unless they accept a reduced benefit. The legislation also sets a minimum annual pension of $10,000 for qualifying retirees and adjusts the percentage used to calculate pension amounts based on years of service, with different rates applying to pre-2012 and post-2011 employees. Additionally, the bill updates disability retirement formulas and includes a specific appropriation to fund these changes.

Maddy summaryThis law requires schools and local governments to use the official statutory names for holidays when they appear in official documents, publications, or calendars. It also mandates that civics and government classes include specific information about election laws and voting procedures. The changes apply to any educational institution or municipality that officially recognizes a holiday listed in the state code. These provisions take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an election information portal and allocates funding to support its development and maintenance. It directs $50,000 to the Secretary of State to verify voter qualifications and $450,000 to the Department of State to add the portal to the existing Statewide Voter Registration System. These funds are intended to enhance the system's capabilities for managing voter data and election information. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passing.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new article to the New Hampshire Constitution that explicitly states all people have the right to be free from slavery and involuntary servitude. It directs local officials to place this question on the November 2024 ballot for voters to decide whether to adopt the change. If approved by two-thirds of those voting on the specific amendment, the prohibition would become law upon the governor's proclamation. The measure does not alter current laws but seeks to codify this fundamental right directly within the state's constitutional text.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands property tax exemptions for disabled veterans who own homes specially adapted with assistance from the Veterans Administration. To qualify, veterans must be 100 percent permanently and totally disabled, a double amputee, or blind in both eyes due to service-connected conditions, and they must provide proof of these disabilities to local assessors. The exemption applies to the veteran or their surviving spouse who has not remarried, removing all property taxes on their specially adapted homestead. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.