Rep. Alice Wade

Maddy summaryHB 1411 requires New Hampshire's state treasurer to withhold payments owed to the federal government if the state loses federal aid due to a presidential executive order or the federal government violates a court order requiring aid release. The bill mandates the treasurer to calculate the lost aid amount, withhold corresponding state payments (up to that amount), and hold them in escrow until the federal aid is restored. This directly affects the state treasurer's payment obligations to the federal government and applies only when federal aid is unlawfully withheld. The bill does not create new programs or costs, as confirmed by its fiscal note showing $0 impact. It aims to safeguard state resources by linking withheld state payments to restored federal aid.

Maddy summaryHB 1316 restricts New Hampshire state agencies from collecting or disclosing personally identifiable autism-related data (such as an individual's autism diagnosis) unless the data is used for specific, limited purposes like administering benefits, providing medical care, or complying with education laws. Agencies must ensure any data collection complies with federal privacy laws (like HIPAA) and avoid using data scraping technology. Disclosure outside state government requires the individual’s or guardian’s written consent, court order, or necessity for essential services like education or healthcare. The bill explicitly preserves existing disability protections under federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and IDEA.

Maddy summaryHB 1745 prohibits public utilities from including certain costs in customer bills. Specifically, it blocks recovery of legal fees from contested proceedings (like attorney costs), trade association dues (e.g., to groups under IRS 501(c)(6)), and marketing/promotional expenses unless the Public Utilities Commission confirms they directly benefit customers. This means utilities cannot pass these costs to ratepayers, potentially lowering bills for households and businesses. The fiscal note estimates the state could save up to $20,000 annually in a large rate case (e.g., $2 million in legal costs with state representing 1% of sales), though savings for local governments are expected to be smaller.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 legalizes possession and personal use of cannabis for New Hampshire residents aged 21 or older, with specific quantity limits: up to 2.5 ounces of flower/trim, 10 grams of concentrate, or products containing no more than 2,000mg THC. It defines key terms like "cannabis products" (including edibles) and excludes hemp (under separate law) and certain plant parts. Possession of small amounts by those under 21 remains a violation punishable by fines ($100-$300), not criminal charges. The bill shifts enforcement focus from minor cannabis offenses to serious crimes while establishing clear limits for adult use.

Maddy summaryHB 1188 prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees - defined as those earning an hourly rate of 500% or less of the federal minimum wage - to sign noncompete agreements. It voids any existing noncompete agreements for these workers and limits the duration of any such agreement to a maximum of 12 months. The bill directly affects low-wage workers in New Hampshire, removing legal barriers that previously restricted their ability to change employers. This policy change increases job mobility for workers in low-paying positions by preventing employers from using noncompete clauses to limit their employment options.

Maddy summaryHB 1094 repeals a current law that prohibited collecting seaweed between sunset and sunrise. This change directly affects commercial and recreational seaweed harvesters who were previously restricted from collecting during nighttime hours. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, removing the existing nighttime collection ban without adding new requirements or restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 1314 allows New Hampshire residents under 18 to obtain a freshwater fishing license without paying a fee. Minors must present proof of age to the Fish and Game Department when applying. The license will be marked as designated by the department and will not require a fee, replacing the previous requirement for a fee that was collected from 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1527 requires all New Hampshire state departments to annually send full-time employees a clear summary of available benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance, mental health services, and other support programs. Departments must use a standardized template created by the Department of Administrative Services to ensure consistent communication. Municipalities and counties may choose to adopt this same practice using the template. The bill does not provide new funding but directs existing agency funds to cover printing and mailing costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1694 requires data brokers operating in New Hampshire to register with the Secretary of State and pay a $300 fee, creating a searchable online registry of these entities. It gives consumers the right to opt out of data processing for targeted advertising or sale, and mandates that data brokers notify consumers within 15 days when their data is deleted or opt-out requests are processed. The bill specifically protects minors by requiring data brokers to disclose child data practices and comply with child privacy laws, with special rules for "known minors" (children under 18 whom a website knows are minors). This directly affects data brokers, website operators, and all New Hampshire residents whose personal data is collected or sold.

Maddy summaryHB 1123 requires companies with 50 or more employees in New Hampshire to list both the minimum and maximum annual salary ranges, along with a general description of benefits, in all public job postings. Employers must provide concrete salary figures (not vague terms like "competitive") and cannot use open-ended ranges. If an employer does not negotiate salaries for a position, they must state a fixed pay rate. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.