Sen. David Rochefort

Maddy summarySB 665 requires pharmacies to charge consumers the lowest available price for prescription drugs at the point of sale, directly affecting patients purchasing medications and pharmacies. The bill defines "lowest available price" as the minimum of the pharmacy’s cash price, the consumer’s insurance cost-sharing amount, or any available discount price at the time of transaction. Pharmacists must determine and disclose this price before completing the sale, and insurers cannot penalize pharmacies for doing so. Violations could result in disciplinary action by the pharmacy board or civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with the law taking effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 646 requires New Hampshire insurance companies to provide equal coverage for 9 specific biologically-based mental illnesses (like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression) as they do for physical health conditions. It mandates that coverage terms and reimbursement rates for these mental health services must align with New Hampshire Medicaid's scope and rates, not just federal parity standards. The bill also requires insurers to publicly report comparative analyses of mental health vs. medical provider reimbursements and ensures reimbursement rates for mental health providers are at least as favorable as those for primary care physicians. This applies to all health insurers, nonprofit health service corporations, and health maintenance organizations operating in New Hampshire, with enforcement by the state insurance commissioner. The bill does not provide new state funding for implementation.

Maddy summarySB 480 prohibits health insurers from requiring prior authorization for the first 12 visits of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or similar rehabilitative services for each new health condition or condition not treated within the previous 60 days. Patients seeking these therapies and their insurers are directly affected by this change. Insurers may still deny coverage if treatment is determined not to be medically necessary. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 639 establishes a committee in New Hampshire to study the health and safety impacts of Red Dye 40 and other food additives (like brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and titanium dioxide) in products sold locally. The committee, composed of one senator, three state representatives, and a public health expert, will review scientific evidence, examine other states' policies, and consult with health departments and experts by November 1, 2026. It will assess whether restrictions, labeling requirements, or phase-outs of certain additives might be appropriate for New Hampshire consumers, schools, and businesses. This bill does not enact new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions through a formal study.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (CACR 12) would require a two-thirds vote in both the New Hampshire Senate and House of Representatives to pass new broad-based taxes, such as income, sales, or capital gains taxes. It directly affects the legislative process for enacting new taxes that broadly impact many residents or businesses, not existing tax laws. The key mechanism is changing the constitutional requirement for such taxes from a simple majority to a supermajority vote. If approved by voters in 2026, this would apply to all new broad-based tax legislation moving forward.

Maddy summarySB 433, the "Seizure Safe Schools Act," requires New Hampshire public, charter, and private schools to train at least two staff members per school (by the 2026-27 school year) to recognize seizures and administer FDA-approved seizure rescue medication. It mandates parental consent for medication use, including written authorization, healthcare provider documentation, and individualized "seizure action plans" for students with seizure disorders. Schools must store medication securely and provide 75 minutes of training every two years for relevant staff on seizure recognition and first aid. The law applies only to schools with students requiring FDA-approved seizure medication, ensuring protocols align with medical guidelines while protecting trained staff from liability.

Maddy summaryHB 1037 extends the New Hampshire commission studying off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) use by two additional years and adds a representative from the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development to the commission's membership. This bill directly affects the existing commission, which includes members from state agencies, law enforcement, recreation groups, landowners, and municipalities. The key mechanism is amending the commission's membership structure to include the tourism department representative (now listed as point 11 in RSA 215-A:44-a) while extending its study deadline. The bill does not change OHRV regulations but ensures the commission continues its work with updated representation.

Maddy summarySB 522 re-establishes a commission to study the economic impact of arts and culture in New Hampshire. The commission, composed of appointed members from the legislature, state arts agencies, cultural organizations, and the governor’s office, will analyze how this sector contributes to the state economy. It will gather input from artists and groups, then recommend ways to grow the arts and culture industry. The commission must submit its findings and recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 669 allows licensed barbershops and salons (already registered under New Hampshire's professional licensing rules) to serve one alcoholic drink per customer during appointments. It sets specific limits: one 16-ounce drink, 6-ounce wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor per person per visit, requires responsible beverage service training for staff, and mandates recordkeeping for both alcohol service and training. The bill imposes a $480 license fee, prohibits serving alcohol in private residences, and requires minors to be present but not served. It also mandates annual facility inspections and an annual report to the legislature detailing licenses, inspections, and violations.

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.