Rep. Tracy Emerick

Maddy summaryHB 1702 removes the separate "liquor commission fund" and places all revenue from liquor sales and license fees directly into the state's general fund. This change gives the state legislature full budgeting authority over the liquor commission's finances, ending the commission's ability to retain surplus earnings. The bill also directs a portion of the commission's gross profits to the alcohol abuse prevention and treatment fund, with specific amounts determined by the state budget. Additionally, it allows the commissioner to transfer funds for employee benefits and operational needs, subject to approval from the fiscal committee and the governor and council. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250,000 from the state's general fund to the Department of Business and Economic Affairs to hire and train small business development counselors specifically for rural areas of New Hampshire. The funds are designated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and are authorized to remain available until June 30, 2026, allowing the department to draw on the money over that period. The department will use these resources to support existing small business development centers by expanding their staff with counselors trained to assist rural entrepreneurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to double the annual amount of money taken from the real estate transfer tax and sent to the affordable housing fund, increasing the contribution from $5 million to $10 million. The change would directly affect the state's budget by shifting $5 million less from the general fund and education trust fund to the affordable housing fund each year starting July 1, 2025. The legislation does not alter who pays the tax or how the fund is used, but rather changes the specific portion of tax revenue that must be allocated to housing projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes moving any leftover money in New Hampshire's education trust fund to the state's general fund at the end of each fiscal year. The change would allow the general fund to access these surplus funds, which are currently restricted to education purposes. The legislation does not alter how the education trust fund is collected or spent, but rather changes the destination of any excess balance. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately removed from consideration before the legislative session ended.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the list of state positions eligible for special salary adjustments to help recruit or retain qualified staff. It removes several existing roles, such as the financial data administrator and deputy director of information services, while adding new positions like a right-to-know ombudsperson and a chief forensic investigator. The legislation also sets specific salary ranges for certain roles, including the state epidemiologist and pharmacy inspectors, to ensure competitive compensation. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program to offer free early cancer screening tests to active and retired firefighters in New Hampshire. The state will provide $5 million to cover costs for optional screenings that may include blood tests, ultrasounds, and lung CT scans, with a preference for vendors capable of detecting multiple cancer types. A committee of firefighter representatives and officials will create a plan to organize these screenings, track results, and report findings to the legislature after 12 and 24 months. Additionally, firefighters who paid for their own screenings after January 1, 2024, may receive reimbursement of up to $1,300. The program is designed to run for up to two years starting July 1, 2024, with all personal data kept confidential.