Rep. Heath Howard

Maddy summaryHB 1761 establishes a publicly administered Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) program to expand New Hampshire's existing paid family and medical leave system. The program will provide wage replacement benefits for eligible employees and self-employed individuals who meet income requirements during a defined base period, covering leave for qualifying family or medical reasons. It creates clear definitions for key terms like "covered individual," "application year," and "average weekly wage" to determine eligibility and benefit amounts. The Department of Insurance will administer the program and enforce protections against interference with leave rights.

Maddy summaryHB 1752 requires commercial timber harvesters and mills to use a standardized tracking ticket that follows forest products (like logs, chips, or biomass) from the harvest site through processing. This ticket system establishes a verifiable chain of custody for all timber sold or processed, directly affecting harvesters, landowners, and forest product mills. Key provisions include mandating the ticket’s use for all commercial harvesting, requiring signatures on notices of intent to cut, and posting approved notices at harvest sites. The bill updates existing forestry regulations to create uniform tracking, replacing previous inconsistent documentation methods.

Maddy summaryHB 1317 strengthens patient privacy protections in New Hampshire by prohibiting state agencies, contractors, vendors, and grant recipients from sharing personally identifiable medical, disability, or mental health data with the federal government or third parties - unless specific conditions apply. These exceptions include obtaining an individual’s written consent, complying with existing law or court orders, or disclosing data to provide necessary health care services. The bill also requires that any permitted disclosure share only the minimum necessary data and prioritize de-identified information when possible. It explicitly affirms that these state rules do not override federal privacy laws like HIPAA or the ADA, and violations could result in civil penalties enforced by the attorney general.

Maddy summaryHB 1446 ensures that individuals registered in New Hampshire's therapeutic cannabis program cannot be denied the right to buy, own, or possess firearms solely due to their lawful cannabis use. The bill amends state law to explicitly state that qualifying patients' participation in the medical cannabis program does not disqualify them from exercising Second Amendment rights under New Hampshire law. Key provisions prevent state agencies from cooperating with federal enforcement actions targeting patients for firearm possession while legally using cannabis, and require the attorney general to defend such patients in federal court. This directly affects registered medical cannabis users in New Hampshire by removing a specific barrier to firearm rights created by federal law. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1318 renews a state committee studying non-drug treatment options for chronic pain patients, extending its work through 2027. The bill requires the committee to submit annual interim reports to legislative leaders and the governor by November 1 each year, with a final report due by November 1, 2027. It focuses on developing payment models to support patient-centered, integrated care for chronic pain management. The committee’s prior work established a foundation for a pilot program, and this renewal aims to explore practical implementation strategies.

Maddy summaryHB 1685 establishes a 13-member commission to study how New Hampshire could become a "technology-first" state, with a specific focus on assistive technology for people with disabilities. The commission includes representatives from disability organizations, education, healthcare, and vocational services, appointed by the governor and agency leaders. It will analyze current technology needs, emerging tools, and training strategies from September 2026 through September 2027, then report findings and recommendations to state leaders by October 1, 2027. This bill creates a study body only; it does not enact new policies or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1159 updates New Hampshire's definition of the state building code to reference the 2024 editions of key model codes, including the International Building Code and International Plumbing Code, instead of the previous 2021 versions. This change directly affects builders, contractors, architects, and building inspectors who must comply with the updated code standards for new construction and renovations. The bill specifies that the 2024 versions, along with the National Electrical Code 2023, become effective upon legislative ratification and review by the state building code review board. It does not create new requirements but aligns state law with current model code standards.

Maddy summaryHCR 12 is a New Hampshire legislative resolution urging the state's federal congressional delegation to support Medicare for All. It requests federal lawmakers pursue legislation establishing universal health coverage through Medicare, including comprehensive benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drugs without deductibles, and transitioning current Medicaid recipients into the program. The resolution outlines six key provisions for such a system, emphasizing preventive care, provider choice, cost controls, and quality oversight. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change federal law but expresses the legislature's position on health care policy.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would grant New Hampshire adults aged 21 and older the right to possess a modest amount of cannabis for personal consumption. If approved by voters in November 2026, it would amend the state constitution to explicitly protect this right, replacing current laws that lack such a provision. The amendment specifically covers personal possession and consumption, not cultivation, sales, or public use. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in the referendum to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 establishes a commission to study how reinsurance (insurance that insurers buy to cover large losses) affects property insurance costs and availability in New Hampshire. The commission, composed of 4 House members, 2 Senate members, the Insurance Commissioner, and two industry representatives (one from large insurers, one from small local carriers), will examine how extreme weather events influence reinsurance rates and translate to higher premiums for homeowners and businesses. It will also assess risks to small insurers and the state if reinsurers become insolvent or stop providing coverage. The commission must report its findings and recommendations to the legislature within a set timeframe.