Rep. Ron Dunn

Maddy summaryHB 1324 establishes a legal framework for natural organic reduction, a process that accelerates the conversion of human remains into soil, and defines related terms such as natural burial and scattering gardens. The bill requires any facility performing this process to be licensed by the state board of registration of funeral directors and embalmers, while also mandating that scattering gardens be owned by municipalities or nonprofits and located on protected land. It further outlines specific building codes, environmental protections, and notification requirements for constructing these facilities to ensure safety and resource conservation. Ultimately, the legislation aims to regulate and standardize alternative, eco-friendly methods of handling human remains within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire state laws to clarify how schools should handle bullying and cyberbullying that occurs between different school districts. It defines "cross-district" incidents as those happening across multiple districts and expands the scope of bullying to include actions off school property if they disrupt a student's education or school operations. The legislation requires schools to investigate reported incidents within five school days, with a possible seven-day extension, and specifically assigns the responsibility for investigating cross-district cases to the district where the bullying originated. These rules apply to all students and schools in the state and will become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1415 establishes strict liability for owners or operators of facilities where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been released into groundwater or surface water at concentrations of 100 parts per trillion or higher. The bill defines specific chemical terms and designates any site where PFAS are used, stored, or disposed of as a PFAS facility. Under this law, responsible parties would be required to follow federal regulations for the closure, removal, or decommissioning of tanks, pipes, equipment, and building surfaces associated with PFAS management. Although the bill was vetoed by the governor, the legislature overrode the veto to make it effective law.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits the sale of new consumer products that contain intentionally added chemicals known as PFAS, which are commonly used for stain and water resistance. The ban covers a wide range of household items, including mattresses, carpets, cosmetics, food packaging, and furniture, while excluding products made with high percentages of recycled content or those regulated by federal law. Manufacturers and distributors must stop producing or importing these items, and the state can also pursue civil lawsuits against companies responsible for PFAS contamination in public drinking water systems. Additionally, the legislation provides a framework for settling legal claims related to the impacts of these chemicals on water supplies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Hampshire school districts to create policies ensuring parents receive at least two weeks' advance notice before specific curriculum materials covering human sexuality, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity are used in class. It also mandates that districts make these materials available for parental review upon request and allows parents to request exceptions to specific course content if they find it objectionable, provided they arrange and pay for an alternative education plan. Additionally, the legislation prohibits schools from preventing parents from asking about their child's mental, emotional, or physical well-being, while maintaining an exception for situations where disclosure could lead to abuse or neglect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires newspapers, periodicals, radio and television stations, and billboard operators to charge the same advertising rates to all political candidates, committees, parties, and causes. To ensure transparency, media companies must file their advertising rate schedules with the secretary of state at least 30 days before the election deadline, and any changes to these rates must be filed five days in advance to take effect. Additionally, all political advertisements must be clearly labeled as "Political Advertising" at the beginning or end of the ad. These rules are designed to prevent media outlets from discriminating against specific political groups by offering them different prices for the same advertising space.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Veteran Licensing Acceleration Program to help military veterans in New Hampshire obtain professional licenses more quickly in regulated fields. It creates a dedicated administrator within the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services to provide resources, mentorship, and guidance on how military experience translates to state licensure requirements. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification issue temporary licenses within 30 days to armed forces members and their spouses who already hold valid out-of-state licenses, allowing them to work while completing local requirements. The bill also directs the state to adopt rules defining which military training counts as equivalent to professional education and includes funding to support these new initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for a special commission to investigate the environmental and health effects of perfluorinated chemicals in five towns to November 1, 2029. The commission, which studies pollution in the air, soil, and groundwater of Merrimack, Bedford, Londonderry, Hudson, and Litchfield, will now submit its final report and any legislative recommendations by that new date. Additionally, the bill delays the official end of the commission's work until November 1, 2029, allowing more time for analysis. These changes apply directly to the commission members and the officials who receive their reports.