Rep. Dan Wolf

Maddy summaryHB 1103 modifies the penalties under New Hampshire's Shoreland Protection Act by clarifying the conditions under which individuals can be fined for damaging public waterways. Specifically, the bill states that people who harm waterways and fail to make a good faith effort to fix the damage after being notified by the Department of Environmental Services will face penalties. This change aims to streamline the enforcement process by removing barriers that previously made it harder for the department to seek civil fines for proven violations. The law takes effect on January 1, 2025, and does not alter the maximum amount of fines that can be imposed per violation.

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 updates New Hampshire's Clean Lakes Program to include specific authority for managing cyanobacteria blooms, which are harmful algal growths that can degrade water quality. It empowers the Department of Environmental Services to take short-term actions like chemical or physical treatments to control these blooms and to reduce the nutrient inputs that cause them. The legislation also allows the department to provide financial grants to local groups and individuals for managing both exotic aquatic weeds and cyanobacteria, while requiring consultation with other state agencies before implementing certain treatments. Effective September 1, 2024, the program will focus on diagnosing water issues, implementing long-term solutions, and ensuring safe conditions for public recreation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-year pilot program in New Hampshire to help school districts buy local food by reimbursing them for purchases from New Hampshire and New England producers. Only schools participating in the National School Lunch Program can apply, and the state aims to award grants to one district in each county to support buying dairy, meat, produce, and other eligible items. The program provides a 33.3% reimbursement on food costs, with funds managed through a selection committee that ensures diverse participation across different school sizes and regions. Any leftover money after the pilot ends will return to the state's general fund, and the program will be evaluated annually to track its impact on local farms and school nutrition.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants the commissioner of the Department of Safety the authority to create temporary safety zones on public and coastal waters during emergencies. Under these new rules, the commissioner can set maximum speed limits for vessels for up to ten days when immediate action is needed due to weather or environmental hazards. The law takes effect ninety days after its passage, allowing officials to respond quickly to dangerous conditions without waiting for additional legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians from being fired or disciplined if they miss work to respond to an emergency they witness or encounter while driving to their job. It requires employers to accept a signed statement from the fire or ambulance department chief confirming the employee's response time and return time, though no pay is owed for the missed hours. If an employer violates these rules by terminating or punishing an employee, the law mandates immediate reinstatement with full pay, seniority, and benefits restored. The protection applies to all volunteer, reserve, and intermittent personnel who have not worked more than 975 hours in the previous six months.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the life of the Commission on Holocaust and Genocide Education by updating reporting deadlines to include a final report due in 2027. The commission is tasked with tracking how Holocaust and genocide education is implemented across schools, specifically monitoring instruction by grade level, curriculum, and hours taught. It must submit regular reports to state officials, including the governor and legislative leaders, detailing its findings and any suggestions for new laws. The changes take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for medical assistance in dying, allowing qualified adults with terminal illnesses to request prescriptions for medications they can self-administer to end their lives peacefully. To access this option, an individual must be at least 18 years old, have a terminal condition expected to cause death within six months, possess the mental capacity to understand the decision, and voluntarily make the request without coercion. The process requires two independent medical evaluations where providers confirm the patient's diagnosis, capacity, and understanding of all available treatment alternatives, including hospice and palliative care. Additionally, the law mandates that the patient sign a formal request form and allows them to withdraw their request or change their mind at any time.