Rep. Katelyn Kuttab

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for how public agencies charge fees when individuals request government records under the Right-to-Know law. It clarifies that agencies can only charge for copying costs or for employee time spent beyond ten hours, setting a maximum hourly rate of $25 for those additional hours. The legislation also requires agencies to provide clearer explanations when denying requests and mandates that multiple requests made within a 30-day period be treated as a single request to prevent fee stacking. Additionally, it establishes a requirement for agencies to create transparent policies for calculating these costs and allows requesters to file complaints if they believe the estimated fees are unreasonable.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Hampshire elementary schools to provide specific, evidence-based literacy and math instruction to every student through fifth grade. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, the law mandates that teachers follow a structured approach covering reading skills like phonics and comprehension, as well as writing, speaking, listening, and mathematics. The goal is to ensure every child receives support tailored to their individual learning needs while meeting state educational standards. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the ability of incarcerated individuals, parolees, and those convicted of violent felonies or crimes against children to change their legal names. To obtain a name change, these individuals must now prove to a probate court that the change is necessary, and they must notify relevant government agencies and the original prosecuting authority. The law also requires the prosecutor to attempt to inform the victim or the victim's family, allowing them to share their views with the judge before a decision is made. These rules apply specifically to serious offenses such as murder, assault, kidnapping, and sexual crimes, while the changes take effect on July 30, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require insurance companies operating in the state to provide written details of their liability coverage limits within 60 days of receiving a request from a personal injury claimant or their attorney following a motor vehicle accident. The disclosure is intended to be used solely for resolving the specific claim or any related lawsuit. If an insurer fails to provide this information, they could face a $500 penalty along with payment for the claimant's legal fees and expenses. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately not passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of temporary alimony in divorce cases to clarify how these payments are calculated and limited. Under the new rules, courts will generally apply standard duration limits to temporary support, but they can exempt these payments from those limits if the support lasts an unusually long time. Additionally, a court may choose to apply a specific percentage formula for calculating payments only if it finds that doing so would cause immediate, irreparable economic harm to the spouse receiving support. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and directly affect judges and parties involved in family court proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts to keep a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors on hand to treat severe allergic reactions. It authorizes school nurses to decide how many doses to keep and permits doctors to write prescriptions in the name of the school district so pharmacies can fill them. Schools can buy these devices at reduced prices or through donations, and they must report annually on how often the medication is used.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the Judicial Conduct Commission in New Hampshire by repealing the specific law that created it. The change directly affects the state's judicial oversight system by removing the commission's authority to investigate judges and handle complaints regarding their professional behavior. Because the commission is abolished, its existing powers and responsibilities are effectively ended, and any future judicial conduct matters would need to be handled through different legal channels. The legislation takes effect immediately upon being signed into law.