Rep. Kelley Potenza

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 1478 requires New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services to revise rules for new landfills to better protect public health and the environment. The bill mandates that new landfills must maintain a minimum 1,500-foot setback from drinking water wells, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, calculated using a specific groundwater travel distance method. This method requires applicants to hire independent hydrogeologists to test groundwater velocity and ensure contamination cannot reach water sources within five years. The rule changes directly affect landfill applicants and the Department, replacing current rules deemed insufficiently protective of water resources.

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 summaryThis bill requires New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services (DES) to inventory all operating and closed landfills (including those needing remediation) and assess available acreage for expansion while considering current regulations like setbacks from water bodies and homes. It prohibits DES from accepting new landfill applications in undeveloped "greenfield" areas unless applicants prove existing landfills cannot be expanded. The state must fund this through its existing Solid Waste Management Fund, with estimated annual costs of $4.2 million starting in fiscal year 2027 for staff and consultant work. The bill directly affects DES and future landfill developers seeking permits, mandating a comprehensive review before new disposal sites can be approved.

Maddy summaryHB 1719 removes Hepatitis B from the list of diseases for which childhood immunization is required in New Hampshire. This change directly affects children enrolled in schools or childcare programs, as parents will no longer be required to ensure their children receive the Hepatitis B vaccine for enrollment. The bill amends state law by deleting "Hepatitis B" from the mandated immunization list, which includes diseases like measles and polio. This policy shift is expected to reduce state vaccine purchase costs by approximately $20,000 in the first year and $82,000 annually thereafter, as the requirement is eliminated. The Hepatitis B vaccine would remain available on a voluntary basis for parents who choose to use it.

Maddy summaryHB 1226 amends New Hampshire law to prohibit the director of the division of motor vehicles from manufacturing, advertising for sale, selling, or possessing fictitious, facsimile, or simulated driver's licenses. This specifically targets the state agency's own actions, removing an existing allowance for the director to handle such items. The bill directly affects the director and the division of motor vehicles by restricting their authority over fake license materials. It takes effect 60 days after passage and does not address general public possession or use of fake IDs.

Maddy summaryHB 1076 allows towns and cities in New Hampshire to decide whether to use electronic ballot counting devices for elections, directly affecting local governments and voters. Municipalities must hold a vote on the issue using specific ballot language approved by the Ballot Law Commission, with voters choosing to authorize or stop using these devices. The law requires local officials to notify the Secretary of State after making this decision, and the use of such devices remains in effect until rescinded by another voter vote. This bill does not mandate electronic counting but gives communities the option to adopt or eliminate it through a formal ballot process.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment would require all voters in New Hampshire to be legal residents aged 18 or older who actually live in the community they claim as their home (domicile). It replaces the current "inhabitant" standard with this new requirement, ensuring voters reside where they register to vote. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election. It does not change existing restrictions like felony convictions or voting accessibility rules.

Maddy summaryCACR 24 proposes adding a constitutional right for parents and legal guardians to direct their children's education in New Hampshire. If approved by voters in 2026, it would insert a new Article 2-c into the state constitution stating this right cannot be violated. The amendment requires a 2/3 vote in favor at the 2026 general election to take effect. It directly affects parents/guardians by establishing a constitutional basis for their authority over educational decisions, without specifying curriculum or school policies. This is a procedural constitutional amendment requiring voter approval, not an immediate law.

Maddy summaryHB 1591 requires the New Hampshire Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to release court-ordered funds held in escrow within 30 days of a final, non-appealable court order. This directly affects individuals or entities entitled to such funds, such as plaintiffs in lawsuits or settlement recipients. Key provisions include imposing interest on delayed disbursements, allowing recovery of attorney fees for noncompliance, and mandating annual public reports listing funds held beyond the 30-day deadline. The bill also applies retroactively to delays occurring in the past five years, with claimants having 18 months from the bill’s effective date to seek remedies.