Rep. Peter Bixby

Maddy summaryHB 1013 prohibits any contest, game, or activity where a pig (greased, oiled, or otherwise) is released with the goal of capturing it. The bill directly affects individuals or organizers operating such events, making participation or operation a misdemeanor offense. Key provisions ban these activities under New Hampshire law (RSA 644:8-h) and set a January 1, 2027 effective date. The law does not address other animal-related contests or specify enforcement details beyond the misdemeanor penalty.

Maddy summarySB 644 requires background checks for individuals seeking permits to operate solid waste and hazardous waste facilities in New Hampshire. Specifically, it mandates criminal history checks - including fingerprint-based national database searches - for owners, officers, directors, partners, and managers of these facilities during the permit application process. The law applies to all facility owners (including partners in partnerships and managers/members in LLCs) and covers both new permits and ownership transfers. These checks must be conducted through the state police and FBI databases, with applicants submitting authorization forms and fingerprints to the Department of Environmental Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire's egg labeling and storage regulations to align with modern practices. It requires all egg packages sold to consumers or businesses to display the producer's name and contact information, and mandates that size/grade labels (e.g., "AA," "A," "B") comply with federal USDA standards - prohibiting misleading claims for unlabeled eggs. Eggs must be stored at specific temperatures: 45°F for most packaged eggs and 55°F for "nest run" eggs (unwashed eggs collected directly from hen houses). These rules apply to all producers, sellers, and retailers handling eggs within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Hampshire municipalities tax farm structures and the land beneath them. It requires qualifying farm structures (like barns, greenhouses, and processing sheds) to be assessed at no more than their replacement cost minus depreciation, and the land under them at no more than 10% of market value. Municipalities must adopt these rules by April 1, 2027, and property owners must notify assessors within 60 days of any changes that could disqualify their property from the reduced tax rate. Unpaid taxes accrue interest and may result in property liens, with penalties applying if structures cease to qualify for the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 1157 requires anyone operating a physical facility to transfer 30 or more dogs, cats, ferrets, or 50 or more birds (or other common household pets) to obtain a license as a pet vendor. It directly affects commercial pet sellers or breeders handling large volumes of animals through physical locations. The key provision adds a new licensing requirement to state law, prohibiting unlicensed operation when combined animal transfers exceed these thresholds. The bill has minimal fiscal impact (under $10,000 annually) and takes effect 45 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1189 establishes a new committee to evaluate proposed major solid waste disposal facilities that accept over 100,000 tons of waste annually. The committee will assess impacts beyond current regulations - including noise, odor, economic effects, property values, tourism, and traffic - and issue a Certificate authorizing construction. It consists of seven members appointed by the governor, including environmental and business representatives, plus a local conservation expert and waste industry specialists. This process directly affects facility applicants and nearby municipalities, requiring them to be considered in the evaluation before new sites can proceed. The bill aims to ensure a more comprehensive review of community and environmental impacts for large waste facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1676 restricts the sale of certain rodenticides containing high-risk active ingredients (like brodifacoum, bromadiolone, and warfarin) to unlicensed individuals in New Hampshire. It requires sellers to verify that buyers are certified pesticide applicators or registered agricultural operations before any sale - whether in-person, online, or via catalog - documenting this verification for three years. The law prohibits internet or remote sales without this verification and imposes civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. It takes effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting consumers and retailers selling these products.

Maddy summaryHB 1138 limits how much out-of-state solid waste New Hampshire landfills can accept. It requires existing landfill operators (permit holders before 2026) to cap out-of-state waste at 30% of total waste by January 1, 2030. New landfills permitted after January 1, 2026, must limit out-of-state waste to 15% of total waste. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1602 creates a statewide program requiring battery manufacturers and brands (producers) to fund and manage the safe collection and recycling of covered batteries. It applies to portable batteries (under 4.4 lbs primary or 11 lbs rechargeable) and medium-format batteries (11-25 lbs), excluding medical device batteries, vehicle batteries, and lead-acid batteries over 11 pounds. Producers must join a "battery stewardship organization" that meets annual collection targets and follows environmental safety rules, with the Department of Environmental Services overseeing compliance. The program shifts recycling responsibility from consumers to producers, ensuring covered batteries are handled safely through a structured, industry-funded system.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 designates all donations and bequests received by New Hampshire's Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services as non-lapsing funds. This means these funds will automatically carry over year-to-year without expiring, rather than requiring annual reappropriation. The bill directly affects the department’s ability to manage and use donor contributions for military/veteran programs without needing new budget approvals each year. It clarifies existing law (RSA 110-B:1, III) to ensure continuous funding for veteran support initiatives. The bill was requested by the department itself and will take effect July 1, 2026.