Rep. Eric Gallager

Maddy summaryThis bill would require fiber optic internet providers to fix service outages for public safety and public health organizations before addressing commercial or residential customers. The rule applies specifically to disruptions in communication and internet access caused by damage to fiber optic cables. If passed, the law would become active 60 days after its enactment. However, a recent interim study recommended against moving forward with this legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the distribution of artificial intelligence-generated media that falsely depicts a specific person without their consent and without a clear label indicating the content is synthetic. It applies to anyone who shares such misleading text, images, videos, or audio with the intent to deceive others about what the person actually did. The law creates a stricter penalty for content used near elections or intended to harm a candidate, classifying those offenses as felonies in repeat cases or when violence is provoked. Violations of the general rule are punishable as misdemeanors, while election-related violations carry heavier penalties under specific circumstances. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 1297 would have required local towns to prove that any new rules restricting how people use their land directly protect community health or safety. The bill also sought to stop municipalities from banning specific housing types, building sizes, or energy technologies if they met state and federal safety standards. Additionally, it would have allowed towns to pass ordinances limiting certain business activities based on scientific evidence of their impact on residents and the environment. Although the bill aimed to give communities more power to regulate land use, it was ultimately tabled and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1095 transfers the administration of occupational boards for alcohol and other drug use professionals from the state board to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. The bill updates legal definitions for various roles, such as certified recovery support workers and licensed counselors, and shifts the responsibility for creating rules regarding licensing, testing, and continuing education to this new office. It also expands the ability of these professionals to provide telemedicine services and requires them to complete a workforce survey for data collection purposes. Additionally, the legislation outlines specific ethical standards and eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to obtain or renew their licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state registry within the department to track all reported cases of autism spectrum disorder in New Hampshire and gather data for service planning. It requires physicians, psychologists, and other qualified health care providers to report new diagnoses to the department, including specific details like the child's date of birth and zip code, while assigning each case a unique code that does not reveal the child's name or address. The bill ensures that all reported information remains confidential and protects providers from liability for sharing it, while also mandating that entries be removed from the registry once a child turns 18.