Rep. J.D. Bernardy

Maddy summaryHB 682 establishes a new Office of Offshore Wind Industry, modifies the structure of the Offshore and Port Development Commission, and creates an Office of Energy Innovation within the state government. The bill does not specify detailed policy provisions or direct impacts in the provided context, only noting its legislative passage and effective date. It was signed into law by Governor Ayotte on August 1, 2025, effective September 30, 2025 (Chapter 286). The context lacks specific details about the offices' functions, funding, or affected entities to describe concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 690 requires New Hampshire's Department of Energy to investigate the state's withdrawal from ISO-New England and related energy strategy decisions. The review will examine how these choices impacted electricity rates for consumers, particularly in the context of regional environmental policies. This bill directs a specific investigation into past decisions affecting ratepayers, without creating new regulations or funding. It is now law, effective July 15, 2025, following the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 504 establishes New Hampshire's official state energy policy, directly affecting utilities, energy providers, and all state residents by setting new guidelines for energy planning. The bill declares that the state must prioritize meeting energy needs at the lowest reasonable cost while ensuring reliability, diversity of sources, environmental protection, and public health - using market mechanisms rather than government favoritism toward specific technologies. Key provisions include requiring utilities to develop resources that support energy independence, removing regulatory barriers for innovation, and balancing cost, reliability, and environmental goals through market-based approaches. It also mandates that state regulations avoid unnecessary costs while protecting consumer prices and utility financial stability.

Maddy summaryHB 148 would permit state agencies and public entities to classify individuals based on biological sex in specific contexts, such as access to certain public services or facilities. It directly affects individuals interacting with state programs where sex-based distinctions are currently used, like healthcare services or gender-segregated spaces. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing such classifications without requiring additional justification, shifting from existing policies that may have prioritized gender identity. The bill passed both chambers in May 2025 but was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 710 allows electric utilities to own, operate, and offer new advanced nuclear power plants, expanding their energy generation options. It modifies rules for utilities purchasing power from other providers and adds restrictions on community solar and small-scale generator programs. The bill directly affects utilities, power providers, and customers participating in community energy projects. Key provisions include enabling nuclear ownership, adjusting power purchase agreements, and limiting community generator capacity. This is a substantive policy change focused on energy infrastructure and market rules.

Maddy summarySB 62 restricts local law enforcement agencies from participating in federal immigration enforcement programs, such as the 287(g) program, which allows state officers to assist with federal immigration detainers. It directly affects municipal and county police departments by prohibiting them from cooperating with federal immigration authorities on immigration-related matters. The bill’s key provision bans state and local law enforcement from using state resources to enforce federal immigration law or share information about individuals solely based on immigration status. This law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to all state and local law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryHB 517 repeals two specific requirements in New Hampshire law that mandated state outreach and marketing efforts to promote the Granite State Paid Family Leave program. It removes RSA 21-I:108, II and RSA 282-B:6, II, which previously required the state to conduct certain awareness campaigns. This change eliminates the obligation for the state to engage in promotional activities related to the paid family leave plan, taking effect 60 days after enactment. The bill directly affects how the state communicates about the program but does not alter the leave benefits or eligibility itself.