Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to change how New Hampshire calculates and funds special education costs by including them directly in the state's education tax and grant formulas. It would require the state to pay 95 percent of the costs for services listed in a student's Individualized Education Plan, whether provided by the school district or contracted outside providers. Additionally, the legislation removes a separate line item for special education funding from the general "adequate education" calculation, aiming to streamline how schools receive financial support for these students. The bill also updates state statutes to clarify that special education is part of the state's duty to provide an adequate education and outlines procedures for reimbursing districts and prorating funds when students transfer between districts.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1657 establishes new laws to prohibit hazing at secondary and post-secondary educational institutions in New Hampshire by defining hazing as any act that forces a student to violate laws, consume harmful substances, endure physical or mental abuse, or risk their health and safety. The bill imposes criminal penalties on individuals and organizations that knowingly participate in hazing and requires schools to report serious incidents to local authorities within 72 hours. Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, the law mandates that all students and student organization advisors complete an anti-hazing education program before participating in school activities. Additionally, educational institutions must publicly report annual findings of hazing violations on their websites while protecting the privacy of individual students.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a patient's right to receive sterilization treatment in New Hampshire if they are at least 18 years old and request it. For patients with a medical condition where sterilization is advisable, doctors cannot refuse the procedure based on age, number of children, or assumptions about future reproductive desires, provided the patient signs an informed consent form. If a patient seeks sterilization unrelated to a medical condition, physicians must refer them to another doctor willing to perform the procedure and accept their payment method if they cannot do so themselves. The law also clarifies that patients who proceed with sterilization against medical advice generally cannot sue providers for being rendered sterile, except in cases of purposeful, reckless, or negligent conduct.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow the state's fish and game commission to establish a special season for hunting coyotes at night, specifying rules on how, when, and where such hunting can occur. It also adds a protection period from April 1 through July 31 to prevent hunting during the time coyote pups are being raised. The legislation does not change existing laws regarding hunting coyotes during the day or in baited areas. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately set aside and did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill would require municipalities to send any excess money collected from the statewide education property tax to the state's education trust fund instead of keeping it locally. It also prohibits the state revenue commissioner from setting negative tax rates on real property to offset other taxes. These changes aim to ensure that surplus education funds are directed toward the state education trust while preventing specific tax rate adjustments. Although the bill was introduced, it was laid on the table and did not become law during the 2024 legislative session.
Maddy summaryHB 1592 would have prohibited the use of Education Freedom Account funds at religious schools or for religious education and training. The bill also sought to repeal existing rules that prevented the program from discriminating against providers based on religious policies and required them to remain independent. By removing these protections, the legislation aimed to allow state education funds to be used at religious institutions without restriction. Although the bill passed a committee vote, it was ultimately tabled and did not become law.
Maddy summaryHB 1210 proposes to change how Strafford County commissioners are elected by replacing the current district-based system with a single election where all voters in the county choose three commissioners at large. The bill also includes specific provisions for Sullivan County, outlining its existing three districts, though the primary focus is on altering Strafford County's representation structure. If passed, these changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, shifting the method of selecting county leadership to a countywide vote rather than one per district.
Maddy summaryThis law prohibits individuals, corporations, and political committees from distributing artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes of candidates within 90 days of an election unless they include a clear disclosure stating the media was manipulated. The required label must specify whether the content is an image, video, or audio and must be displayed prominently for the entire duration of the media or read aloud at regular intervals. Exceptions exist for bona fide news reports that acknowledge the material's questionable authenticity, interactive computer service providers, and satire or parody that does not rely on AI. Candidates whose images are used in deceptive deepfakes can seek legal relief, including injunctions to stop publication and financial damages against the creator. The bill took effect on August 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to study the creation of a civilian corps in New Hampshire focused on clean energy, community resilience, and conservation efforts. The committee will analyze the feasibility and costs of programs designed to deploy clean energy, rebuild coastal wetlands, manage forests, and protect public lands while seeking funding that does not rely on taxpayer money. Additionally, the group will explore partnerships with educational institutions and employers to provide workforce training and career pathways for participants. The committee is required to submit its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2024, without enacting any new laws itself.