Rep. Joe Sweeney

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers before passing laws that create new taxes, increase existing taxes, or issue state bonds. It also mandates that the legislature must set aside funds from the general budget to pay interest and principal on any state debt. If approved by voters, these changes would make it more difficult to raise revenue through taxation and would ensure that debt payments are prioritized in the state budget. The bill is currently procedural, as it was submitted for a vote but did not pass before the legislative session ended.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing support for a federal proposal called the "Dignity Through Prosperity Act," which aims to help people with permanent health conditions. The resolution directs New Hampshire's federal representatives to advocate for this federal legislation, which would extend design patent terms to individuals described as "eternally embrittled" by their health issues. By supporting this federal measure, the bill seeks to provide long-term financial stability and reduce reliance on public assistance for those with enduring health challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire law to require schools, school districts, and public academies to perform criminal history checks on all job applicants before making a final employment offer. It allows school leaders to negotiate with unions to conduct these background checks on a recurring basis rather than just once, ensuring ongoing safety for students and staff. Additionally, the legislation provides legal protection for schools that follow these procedures, shielding them from negligence lawsuits if they properly complete the required background checks.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates driveway construction rules to limit new driveways to a maximum width of 50 feet and restricts the number of driveways allowed per property unless the land frontage is over 500 feet. It also mandates that local planning boards issue driveway permits within 60 days for residential projects and grants them authority to regulate stone walls and fences near public roads. Separately, the legislation expands eligibility for the state's child care scholarship program by including children with delays in social or emotional development, even without a formal medical diagnosis. To support these changes, the bill appropriates $375,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services for rulemaking and program administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for how candidates and the public can access voter checklists in New Hampshire towns and cities. It ensures that these lists are available for free examination before any election and allows anyone to request a physical or electronic copy. While the first free electronic request per election remains free, the bill introduces a fee of up to $25 for subsequent electronic copies and sets specific pricing for paper copies based on the number of names on the list. Local officials are responsible for providing these documents and collecting the applicable fees, which take effect on October 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the existing penalty for selling kegs of malt beverages without a receipt, effectively removing that specific enforcement measure. It simultaneously updates the rules for junk and scrap metal dealers by clarifying that they may only purchase metal kegs if the seller is the original brewer whose name or marking is still visible on the container. The legislation defines a keg as a sealed container holding more than seven gallons and sets the changes to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that vote counting and tabulation occur openly in public at polling places and central locations, ensuring the process is not paused or delayed until finished. It mandates that election officials keep all ballots at least four feet away from the guardrail during this public viewing and makes all generated documents available for public inspection once results are announced. Additionally, the law specifies that printed results from voting machines must be posted for public review within 60 minutes of the final ballot being processed if applicable. These changes directly affect election administrators and observers by enforcing transparency and immediate access to election data.

Maddy summaryHB 1648 would have updated wage payment rules to allow employers to pay employees via debit cards, provided the employer covers all associated fees and ensures free access to funds. The bill required employers to offer clear written disclosures about any potential charges, obtain voluntary consent before using payroll cards, and give employees the option to switch to direct deposit without penalty. It also mandated that employers replace lost or stolen cards within 24 hours and provide a list of fee-free withdrawal locations. Although the legislation outlined these consumer protections, it was ultimately not enacted after the House voted to take no action on the measure.

Maddy summarySB 354 requires health insurance companies to apply money from independent charity patient assistance programs toward an enrollee's cost-sharing obligations, such as copayments and deductibles. This rule applies to group accident and health insurance plans that cover prescription drugs, but it excludes drugs that have generic or other covered alternatives available. The law also mandates that insurers receive specific details about assistance payments made on behalf of patients, while exempting high-deductible and catastrophic health plans from these requirements until the enrollee's annual deductible is met. Taking effect on January 1, 2026, the bill aims to streamline how charitable funds interact with insurance billing processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for conducting election recounts and audits in New Hampshire. It requires the Secretary of State to publish all recount and audit procedures and timelines before any such process begins. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of State must review all election materials certified by local officials before announcing recount results or declaring a candidate elected. These changes aim to increase transparency and clarify the steps taken during the recount process.