Rep. Peter Bixby

Maddy summaryHB 1504 prohibits retailers from raising prices unreasonably on necessary goods and services (like food, medicine, or utilities) during declared emergencies or abnormal market disruptions. It defines "unreasonably excessive" pricing as exceeding average pre-emergency prices or not reflecting legitimate cost increases. The law allows government prosecutors to sue violators on behalf of the state and applies to all sellers in the distribution chain. The prohibition lasts 45 days after the emergency declaration unless extended by the governor. It directly affects retailers selling essential items during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Hampshire law (RSA 466:31, II(g)) to exempt guard dogs from being classified as "menacing or vicious" when they are on their owner's property. Currently, guard dogs could be deemed menacing if they attacked animals or people on property, but this change removes that classification specifically for dogs guarding their owner's land. The exemption applies only when dogs are on the owner's property, not in public or other areas, and takes effect January 1, 2027. The bill directly affects dog owners who use guard dogs for property security.

Maddy summaryHB 1096 establishes a legislative committee to study how to manage the disposal of vapes and e-cigarettes. The committee, composed of three House members (appointed by the Speaker) and one Senate member (appointed by the President), will examine solutions like extended producer responsibility and commercial sales regulations. It must report its findings and recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2026. This bill does not create new laws but directs a study on disposal management for these products.

Maddy summaryHB 1053 establishes a legislative study committee to examine whether the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture should accept pesticide use reports electronically instead of via paper. The committee will assess if electronic submissions should be mandatory or optional and whether an online system could automate spray notification processes, with findings due by November 1, 2026. This bill does not change current reporting requirements but sets up a review to potentially modernize the process.

Maddy summaryHB 1789 establishes a program requiring producers of packaged goods to cover the cost of managing their product packaging after consumer use. This applies to manufacturers, brands, and importers selling products in New Hampshire under their brand, excluding medical packaging, certain agricultural products, and beverage containers under existing deposit programs. Producers will pay fees to a non-profit organization (managed by the Department of Environmental Services) to fund packaging reduction initiatives, reusable/refillable systems, recycling infrastructure, and reimbursements to local governments for recycling costs. The bill defines key terms like "packaging" and "producer" to clarify responsibilities under this extended producer responsibility framework.

Maddy summaryHB 1198 establishes a program to manage paint consumers no longer want (postconsumer paint) by requiring paint manufacturers to create and fund a stewardship plan. The plan must detail how to collect, recycle, or responsibly dispose of unused paint, include a fee added to each paint purchase, and cover consumer education. Manufacturers must submit their approved plans to the state environmental agency within 12 months, and retailers can only sell paint if the manufacturer has an approved plan. This directly affects paint manufacturers, retailers, and voluntary collection sites that participate.

Maddy summaryHB 1054 establishes a legislative committee to study the decline of insect populations in New Hampshire. The committee, composed of three House members (appointed by the Speaker) and one Senate member (appointed by the President), will assess insect population trends, impacts on wildlife and agriculture, ecosystem service losses, human causes, and potential legislative solutions. It must report findings and recommendations to state officials by November 1, 2026. This bill does not create new laws or funding but directs a formal study to inform future policy. The committee’s work directly affects state decision-making on environmental and agricultural policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1254 defines key agricultural products including biostimulants (substances that boost plant health without adding nutrients), plant regulators (chemicals affecting growth), nutritional chemicals (products improving nutrient use), and vitamin hormone products. It directly affects farmers, manufacturers, and sellers of these agricultural inputs by creating clear legal definitions for the first time. The bill requires New Hampshire's Department of Agriculture commissioner to establish rules within 120 days governing the sale and use of these products. This provides regulatory clarity for the agricultural industry while ensuring products meet defined standards before being marketed.

Maddy summarySB 637 creates a tax credit for New Hampshire grocery stores that purchase at least 10% of their products from registered local farms, requiring them to reduce prices on those items by 10%. The credit equals 10% of qualifying purchases and can offset the store’s business profits tax liability, with unused portions carryable for up to five years. Grocery stores must verify purchases from farms in a voluntary state registry and provide proof of price discounts. This policy directly affects grocery stores and supports New Hampshire farms by incentivizing local sourcing.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits restaurants, retail food stores, and large food facilities from automatically providing single-use plastic items like utensils, straws, and condiment packets to customers, requiring them to ask first instead. It mandates that these businesses display signs explaining the ban and its environmental goals, while also requiring online ordering platforms to let customers explicitly choose whether they want these items. The rules apply to large facilities starting in 2025 and to all other food service establishments and retail stores by 2026, with a $100 daily fine for violations. Exceptions allow businesses to provide certain items like cup lids and sleeves without a request to prevent spills during takeout or delivery, and pre-packaged items like those in juice boxes remain unaffected.