Rep. Mark Pearson

Maddy summarySB 624 prohibits the sale and possession of hemp-derived products containing more than 0.3% THC (including delta-8, delta-9, and other THC variants), effective January 1, 2027. It bans all THC-containing hemp products for anyone under 21 and imposes fines: $100 for a first possession violation (or $300-$1,200 for subsequent offenses), with businesses facing up to $20,000 in fines. Liquor licensees must comply with these restrictions, forfeiting prohibited products upon conviction. The bill directly affects consumers, retailers, and licensed businesses selling hemp products in New Hampshire.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 2025 law requiring New Hampshire to sell the Anna Philbrook Center property in Concord by June 2027. The state currently uses the property for adult transitional housing and office space for about 40 state staff. By removing the sales mandate, the bill prevents the state from collecting an expected $5 million in revenue from the sale while avoiding $75,000-$90,000 in costs related to preparing the property for sale and relocating equipment. The repeal keeps the property under state management without changing its current operational use.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 requires that past-due alimony payments must be enforced exactly as written in the original court order, without automatic adjustments. This directly affects individuals who owe or are owed alimony, particularly those with unpaid amounts. The bill specifies enforcement must follow the order's terms unless changed by a written agreement between the parties or a specific statute (RSA 458:19-aa). It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 633 creates a voluntary $0.50-per-ticket surcharge for New Hampshire performing arts venues with 100-2,500 seats that choose to participate. Venues can add this to ticket prices, and all collected funds will go into a dedicated account managed by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The money supports the Division of Arts and State Council on Arts through grants, administrative costs, and program funding - no other uses are allowed. The program is optional for venues, requires no taxpayer money, and has minimal fiscal impact (under $10,000 annually).

Maddy summarySB 454 requires New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to update existing public health outreach programs with specific information about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It directs the department to incorporate content for the public on early signs, early detection benefits, links to other health conditions, and brain-healthy lifestyle tips, while also adding provider-focused materials on cognitive assessments, Medicare wellness visits, and FDA-approved treatments. The bill mandates biennial reports starting in 2027 to track implementation progress. This update applies to current outreach programs without creating new initiatives, with minimal estimated costs under $10,000 annually.

Maddy summaryHB 1416 prohibits New Hampshire state agencies, subdivisions, and municipalities from regulating pregnancy resource centers regarding abortion or contraception services. It directly affects private nonprofit pregnancy resource centers (which provide support without performing abortions or referring for abortion/contraception) and government entities that might impose such regulations. The bill bans requirements that centers offer, provide, refer for, or promote abortion, chemical abortion drugs, or contraception, and prohibits restrictions on their services based on these policies. It also allows affected centers or individuals to sue the government for violations seeking damages or court orders.

Maddy summarySB 411 revises the procedure for creating inventories of property seized under search warrants in New Hampshire. It requires that the inventory be made in the presence of the person from whom property was taken (if present) or, if they are not present, in the presence of at least one neutral third-party witness. For electronic searches, officers may skip the witness requirement if they personally attest to the inventory's accuracy. This change applies to all law enforcement officers executing search warrants and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1249 allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense specific medical devices necessary for administering prescribed medications, directly affecting pharmacists and patients who use these devices. Key provisions include authorizing pharmacists to provide inhalation spacers, CPAP supplies, diabetes testing kits, insulin pump supplies, and related items like pen needles. Pharmacists must notify the prescribing provider after dispensing but are not required to do so before. The bill amends pharmacy practice definitions and requires the Board of Pharmacy to adopt implementing rules with medical and nursing boards.

Maddy summarySB 459 requires New Hampshire schools to designate athletic teams and locker rooms based on students' biological sex at birth, as listed on their birth certificates. It applies to grades 6-12 (excluding K-5 and intramural/club sports) and mandates separate housing for prison inmates based on biological sex as recorded on their birth certificates. The bill creates legal remedies for athletes harmed by violations, including injunctions and attorney fees, while exempting schools from liability for following the law. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 620 increases license suspension periods for drivers who refuse alcohol testing and modifies penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated (DWI). For a first refusal of testing, license suspension rises from 180 days to 12 months; for repeat offenders with prior DWI convictions or refusals, it increases from 2 to 3 years. The bill also adds new requirements for aggravated DWI convictions, including a mandatory 17-day jail sentence (suspensible), a substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, and installation of an ignition interlock device. These changes directly affect drivers arrested for DWI who refuse testing or are convicted of aggravated DWI offenses. The policy focuses on stricter consequences for refusal and repeat offenses, with court discretion to suspend up to 6 months of license revocation if treatment requirements are met.