Rep. Seth Miller

Maddy summaryHB 1262 requires home heating oil, kerosene, and propane dealers to provide clear, written contracts that disclose all terms in plain language - including total costs, delivery details, and contact information for the state consumer protection hotline. The bill specifically regulates prepaid contracts by restricting advertising to May 1-October 31, mandating refunds for undelivered fuel within 30 days, and requiring dealers to secure contracts through methods like futures contracts, surety bonds, or liquid inventory. These rules directly affect dealers who sell prepaid home heating fuel and consumers who enter such agreements. The bill excludes budget plans with monthly payments from these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1594 changes New Hampshire's registration fees for electric vehicles from a flat rate to a weight-based system. Fully electric cars (BEVs) will pay $25 for vehicles under 2,000 pounds, $100 for 2,000-5,000 pounds, and $150 for heavier models, while plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will continue to pay $50 regardless of weight. Neighborhood electric vehicles and low-speed scooters would be exempt from fees. The fees collected would go into the highway fund, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1308 increases penalties for drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus in New Hampshire. It makes sworn testimony from bus drivers or witnesses sufficient evidence for violations, allows bus camera footage to be used as proof (but only for legal proceedings), and adds specific penalties: a $300 fine plus a 7-day license suspension for a first offense, escalating to a $750 fine plus 15 days in jail and indefinite license revocation for a third offense. This bill directly affects drivers who fail to stop for school buses, particularly those with prior violations. The changes take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 559 lowers the minimum speed limit on locally controlled roads from 25 mph to 20 mph in certain areas, including outside urban districts and within business or urban residential zones. Local authorities must base any speed limit reduction on engineering or traffic studies before implementing it. The bill does not require new funding or change existing enforcement, as it only modifies the minimum limit threshold in state law. This affects municipalities and town officials responsible for setting speed limits on local roads.

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 1536 prohibits non-electric vehicles and non-motorcycles from parking in spaces specifically marked for electric vehicles (for charging), mopeds, or motorcycles. It requires clear, visible signage meeting standard traffic sign requirements and imposes a $62 minimum fine for violations, with 20% of the fine going to the local town or city where the parking occurred. The law applies to all designated spaces on both public and private property, directly affecting drivers who park in these spots without authorization. This creates a consistent penalty structure to prioritize access for EVs and motorcycles in designated parking areas.

Maddy summaryThis resolution affirms that improving digital access and skills is critical for older Americans (ages 65+), who face significant barriers: about 25% didn’t use the internet in 2021, and 42% lacked home broadband access in 2020. It recommends that New Hampshire support state-led efforts to expand affordable internet, fund community-based digital literacy programs (like library workshops and intergenerational mentoring), and partner with senior centers and health services to provide training. The resolution also urges continued funding for existing broadband programs and encourages private-sector partnerships to provide devices and tech support. As a non-binding resolution, it aims to guide state actions and encourage collaboration with federal agencies and organizations like AARP.

Maddy summaryHB 1445 requires New Hampshire to issue enhanced driver licenses and Real ID-compliant cards specifically for border crossings. It affects U.S. citizens who are New Hampshire residents and need to cross U.S. borders by land or sea. The bill amends state laws to mandate that the Department of Motor Vehicles provide these cards as proof of identity and citizenship for border entry. This would allow residents to use these cards instead of standard IDs when crossing borders, aligning with federal requirements.