Rep. Cindy Bennett

Maddy summaryHB 1763 requires New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to pay municipalities compensation equal to the lost property tax revenue from nonprofit residential facilities (like nursing homes or shelters) that are tax-exempt under state law. This compensation is calculated based on each facility's assessed property value and the municipality's tax rate, paid to the municipality before DHHS funds are disbursed to the nonprofit. The bill mandates nonprofits to provide property assessment verification, and DHHS must pay this compensation no later than 30 days prior to funding the facility. The fiscal note estimates annual costs of $11.5 million+ starting in 2027, funded from existing appropriations without new revenue or positions.

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 summaryHB 1490 requires scholarship organizations (which manage education freedom accounts) to provide parents with a written explanation of their obligation to notify school districts in writing when ending a home education program. This applies specifically to parents using scholarship programs for home education under New Hampshire law. The bill adds a new requirement for scholarship organizations to ensure parents understand this termination notice duty, which is currently mandated by law but not clearly explained to families. The change aims to clarify parental responsibilities without altering the underlying notice requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1521 clarifies that students using education freedom accounts (voucher programs) are not considered "home educated" under New Hampshire law. It amends the definition in RSA 193-A:4 to explicitly exclude children receiving funding from such accounts from the home education category. This change directly affects families utilizing education freedom accounts, separating their status from traditional home education. The bill makes a specific statutory adjustment to prevent overlap in how these educational options are classified. It does not alter home education requirements for other families.

Maddy summaryHB 1658 requires app stores operating in New Hampshire to verify users' age categories (e.g., child, teenager) and obtain parental consent for minors under 18. It mandates that app stores create "minor accounts" (for users under 18) linked to "parent accounts" (for adults), and disclose key information like an app's age rating, content description, data collection practices, and data protection methods to parents before consent. The bill also requires re-obtaining parental consent for significant app changes, such as new in-app purchases or altered data collection. This law directly affects app store providers (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play), app developers, and parents of minors in New Hampshire.

Maddy summaryHB 1769 prohibits publicly funded medical facilities (including state-funded hospitals and clinics) from referring patients for abortions, except in medical emergencies or when referring to a pregnancy resource center (a nonprofit facility offering counseling/support but not abortion services). The bill requires these facilities to submit compliance affidavits and allows taxpayers or affected mothers/family members to sue the facility or state for violations. It also voids contracts with organizations that violate the referral ban. This law directly affects state-funded healthcare providers and creates new legal avenues for challenging abortion referrals. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1702 requires pharmacies and medical facilities in New Hampshire to post a standardized notice about mifepristone (a drug used for chemical abortions) when dispensing it. The notice, displayed prominently in specific areas like waiting rooms or pharmacy counters, states that mifepristone may sometimes be reversible if the second pill hasn’t been taken, and provides a contact for resources. Noncompliance could result in a class B felony charge for providers or civil lawsuits seeking damages for patients harmed by the lack of notice. The bill directly affects pharmacies and clinics dispensing mifepristone, with no estimated state or local costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1649 prohibits towns, cities, and villages from using any taxpayer funds - such as general, reserve, or public funds - to donate money to non-profit organizations. It allows exceptions only for competitive grant programs that serve a clear public purpose and follow state/federal laws. The bill explicitly states that non-profits may still contract for goods/services through standard bidding processes, as long as these are quantifiable and verifiable. This amendment to RSA 31 applies directly to municipal governments and takes effect 60 days after passage.