Rep. Allison Knab

Maddy summaryHB 1285 creates a multi-agency task force to study whether New Hampshire could implement an R-PACER program, which would allow homeowners to finance property resilience improvements (like flood mitigation) through property taxes. The task force, including state finance and housing authorities, must review lessons from New Hampshire’s existing C-PACER program for businesses, examine other states’ R-PACER models, and recommend if and how such a program should be adopted. It will assess key elements like eligible improvements, consumer protections, lender oversight, and required administrative authority. The task force must report its findings and legislative recommendations to state leaders by June 2027, with no immediate policy changes enacted by this bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1457 establishes a regulatory framework for natural organic reduction (NOR), a process that converts human remains into soil through natural means. The bill requires all NOR facilities to obtain a state license from the board of funeral directors and embalmers, sets building and environmental standards for these facilities, and defines key terms like "NOR facility" and "reduced remains." It directly affects funeral service providers offering NOR and individuals choosing this method for final disposition of remains. The law prohibits NOR except at licensed facilities, ensuring consistent oversight while using plain language to describe the new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1019 would increase the New Hampshire Water Well Board from seven to eight members by adding a public member with demonstrated knowledge of water resources management. The board currently includes the commissioner of environmental services, state geologist, two water well contractors, and other professionals; the new member would be appointed by the governor following the same process as existing board members. This change does not alter the board’s duties but expands its composition to include a dedicated public representative. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 44) expresses support for maintaining public ownership of New Hampshire's state and federal lands, including the White Mountain National Forest and other conserved areas. It specifically opposes efforts to rescind the federal Roadless Rule, which protects roadless areas from logging and development. The resolution urges New Hampshire's governor, attorney general, and congressional delegation to take action against any attempts to weaken these protections. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally states legislative support for preserving public lands.

Maddy summaryHB 1614 restricts the sale and use of coal tar-based sealants containing high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), harmful chemicals linked to environmental and health concerns. The law bans applying or selling these products on driveways and parking areas starting January 1, 2027, directly affecting homeowners, contractors, and sealant manufacturers. Exemptions are allowed only for research or development of alternatives, requiring written approval from the Department of Environmental Services. The bill has minimal fiscal impact, costing less than $10,000 annually for state agencies through 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 1432 clarifies how condominium associations in New Hampshire must handle electricity billing for shared residential services like septic systems and well pumps. It requires associations to split these costs equally among the residential units sharing a single meter, regardless of the association’s billing arrangement with the utility. Condo associations without commercial use can request that utilities apply the standard residential rate for these specific services, effective in the next billing cycle after the request. Utilities are not required to verify whether the association meets the requirements or confirm the meter’s residential use. This bill directly affects residential condo associations managing shared utility infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1498 requires all agendas, minutes, and reports from state government study committees and statutory commissions to be posted online within 5 days of their meetings. The documents must be available on both the general court website and the relevant state agency websites. This bill directly affects the public by improving access to government meeting materials, making it easier for citizens to review committee work. It creates a clear, time-bound requirement for transparency without changing existing rules about other public records.

Maddy summaryHB 1530 requires landowners to notify neighbors and hold a public meeting before removing beaver dams or significantly lowering water levels in "shared" beaver impoundments (ponds or wetlands affecting multiple properties) outside emergency situations. It applies directly to landowners, municipalities, and property managers who want to disturb such dams for non-urgent reasons, like protecting property or infrastructure. The bill mandates 30 days' written notice to affected neighbors and a public informational meeting 15 days before action, published in local media or online. Exceptions include immediate threats to life/property, or installing flow devices (which require no notice). This aims to balance property protection with community input on shared water resources.

Maddy summaryHB 197 would require the state to pay a portion of retirement system contributions for local government employers (such as cities, counties, and school districts). This directly affects political subdivisions that administer retirement systems for their employees. The bill's key provision is shifting a share of these employer contribution costs from local entities to the state treasury. This would reduce financial burdens on local governments managing retirement plans. The bill is currently stalled in committee after a majority committee report deemed it "inexpedient to legislate."

Maddy summaryHB 537 ensures that condominium associations without commercial use pay the same residential electric rates for septic systems and well pumps as individual residential units, regardless of whether the homeowners association (HOA) is billed directly by the utility. It requires utilities to split shared meter costs equally among residential units and bill all such units at residential rates - even if the HOA is the customer or shared meters are used. The bill applies to public utilities, rural electric cooperatives, municipal aggregations, and municipal electric utilities. It specifically targets non-commercial condominiums under RSA 356-B, preventing higher commercial rates for these essential residential services.