Rep. Heath Howard

Maddy summaryHB 1014 exempts certain retired members of New Hampshire's retirement system from a 28-day waiting period before taking part-time jobs. It specifically applies to retirees working in emergency services (like during declared emergencies or woodland fire control) and those who were already employed part-time with a different employer at the time of retirement. The bill modifies retirement law (RSA 100-A:7-b) to remove the waiting period for these scenarios while maintaining annual hour limits for part-time work. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents municipalities from reducing residential density (downzoning) in ways that conflict with existing neighborhood patterns. It requires local governments to approve building permits for residential construction if a licensed architect certifies the proposed density matches surrounding homes. Property owners must provide this certification, and municipalities must issue permits without discretionary review. The law does not affect building codes, safety regulations, or uniform zoning rules already in place.

Maddy summaryHB 1353 requires New Hampshire auto insurers to include premium discounts in their rate filings for vehicles that pass the state's existing annual safety inspections (covering headlights, brakes, tires, etc.). It directly affects insurers and policyholders, as insurers must offer these discounts but cannot penalize drivers who skip inspections or fail them. Key provisions mandate that discounts be actuarially justified, filed with the insurance department, and not tied to a specific percentage. The bill explicitly states that inspections remain voluntary for insurance purposes beyond current state-mandated safety checks, and no surcharges apply for non-participation. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 186 legalizes and regulates cannabis for adults 21 and older in New Hampshire, establishing a comprehensive framework for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail sales. The bill creates a Cannabis Commission to license and regulate businesses, sets strict limits on personal possession (2 ounces of flower or equivalent), and prohibits smoking in public places with escalating fines for violations. Revenue from cannabis taxes will fund the general fund (55%), substance misuse prevention programs (15%), municipalities based on sales (25%), and public safety agencies (5%). The bill also includes provisions to vacate past cannabis possession convictions for adults 21+ and creates a dual-use system allowing therapeutic cannabis centers to operate retail stores under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 1321 regulates who can provide elective intravenous (IV) therapy, which is defined as non-medical treatments for temporary comfort or wellness (like hydration or vitamins) not administered in licensed health facilities. The bill requires such therapy to be prescribed only by physicians, physician associates, or advanced practice nurses, and administered only by those professionals or registered nurses. It directly affects patients seeking these temporary wellness treatments and healthcare providers offering them outside traditional medical settings. The law aims to ensure these services are delivered by qualified licensed professionals under specific guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 1512 allows New Hampshire towns, cities, or municipalities to hold a local vote (referendum) to block residents from receiving education freedom account vouchers. If voters approve the "no" option in the referendum, eligible residents in that municipality would lose access to these state-funded education vouchers. The bill creates a formal process requiring municipalities to follow procedures similar to those for town meetings (RSA 40) when conducting such votes. This policy change directly affects residents in municipalities that choose to hold the referendum, with the vote outcome determining voucher eligibility starting July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1018 prohibits the use of four specific rat poisons (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, and difethialone) in New Hampshire, primarily affecting pest control businesses, property owners, and general commercial users. The ban takes effect January 1, 2027, with key exceptions allowing these products for public health activities (like protecting drinking water or controlling documented infestations), medical waste facilities, and certain agricultural settings including food storage warehouses, slaughterhouses, and breweries. The law does not ban all rodenticides, only these four second-generation anticoagulant types. It directly changes pesticide regulations under RSA 430:41.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Hampshire's governor to obtain the Executive Council's approval before deploying the National Guard. Currently, the governor has sole authority to call up the National Guard without needing the Council's consent. If approved by voters in November 2026, the amendment would change the state constitution to mandate this approval process for National Guard deployments. The measure directly affects the governor's executive powers and the Executive Council's role in military decisions.

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 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.