Rep. Michael Vose

Maddy summaryThis bill reestablishes a commission to study how power generation assets should be taxed. The law directs the commission to propose a method for assessing these assets based on their market value as commercial properties, aiming to create a single, consistent valuation point. This change directly impacts the state's approach to taxing energy infrastructure and seeks to align the assessment process with current market standards. The legislation was signed into law and will take effect on November 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis law requires electricity generators in New Hampshire to notify the Department of Energy within 30 days if an outside regulatory agency threatens to force their plant to close. In response, the state's energy department must investigate how the closure would impact power reliability and costs, and it may take legal steps to challenge the external order. The bill also states that state agencies cannot be sued for actions taken to protect in-state power generation under these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a faster approval process for modifying existing energy facilities, such as adding battery storage or changing fuel types, without requiring a full new siting review. To qualify for this expedited track, the facility must already be approved, connected to the grid, and located on the same land, while the changes must improve health and safety and stay within current grid capacity limits. The process requires state agencies to complete their reviews within 90 days and mandates a 30-day deadline for the site evaluation committee to determine if an application is complete. Local communities are still informed through public notices and sessions, ensuring that municipal concerns are addressed alongside the streamlined state procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the administrative structure of the Site Evaluation Committee for Energy Facility Siting by making it part of the Public Utilities Commission. The change requires the committee to operate under the direct supervision of the commission rather than as an independent body. This adjustment affects how the committee is managed and integrated within the state's energy regulatory framework. The legislation does not alter the committee's core duties or the specific energy projects it reviews.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the licensing rules for home day care providers in New Hampshire by increasing the number of additional children they can care for without a license from three to four. The change applies to individuals operating care in their own private homes who look after their biological or adopted children along with a limited number of other children for part of the day. Under the new provision, providers can care for up to four extra children without needing to go through the full licensing process, though they retain the option to choose full licensing if they prefer. The amendment also clarifies that these exemptions apply only when care is provided for less than 24 hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits courts from ordering specific family reunification therapies, camps, or programs as part of a parenting plan. It directly affects parents involved in custody cases and the counselors or organizations providing these services. The law bans programs that require no-contact orders, involve overnight stays out of state, transfer custody, or use threats, coercion, or isolation to separate children from their families. Additionally, the bill mandates that any counseling selected by the court must be recommended by the parents and covered by their health insurance. These restrictions take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Hampshire Department of Energy to report annually by November on how the renewable energy fund is used, including details on net metering capacity and group host registrations. It expands the department's authority to create new incentive and rebate programs for renewable energy projects located in political subdivisions, such as towns and cities, without being subject to the same funding limits as other projects. Additionally, the legislation updates how funds are distributed between residential and nonresidential sectors, requiring a specific portion of money to support low- and moderate-income households and public housing residents. The bill also repeals previous rules regarding small residential renewable generation incentives to align with these new funding priorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes New Hampshire state laws by moving existing regulations on railroads, transportation, and telecommunications into new sections of the state code. It updates legal references to ensure consistency across different chapters and transfers specific rules regarding railroad operations, safety, and police appointments to new titles. Additionally, the bill establishes a formal program for the Governor's Commission on Disability to provide telecommunications equipment to qualified individuals with disabilities who cannot use standard phones. The program will be funded from an existing trust fund and includes provisions for eligibility verification, equipment distribution, and annual reporting.