Sen. Tim McGough

Maddy summarySB 448 modifies New Hampshire's definition of "veteran" to include individuals discharged under honorable conditions (including those with a general discharge under honorable conditions), ensuring they qualify for state benefits. It establishes a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license for state-resident veterans meeting this definition, with a one-time fee adjusted based on the veteran's service-connected disability rating. This replaces annual license fees with a single payment, directly benefiting disabled veterans who previously faced eligibility barriers. The bill also updates multiple state statutes to align with the revised veteran definition, ensuring consistency across programs like employment preferences and tax exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 574 establishes a commission to study how New Hampshire school districts (called school administrative units or SAUs) operate, focusing on efficiency and potential consolidation. The commission, made up of 2 senators, 3 representatives, education officials, and school association representatives, will analyze enrollment trends, costs per student, and barriers to merging districts. It will also review how other states restructured school systems and gather input from stakeholders. The commission must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature by November 1, 2026, but the bill itself does not change current school funding or operations.

Maddy summarySB 617 requires the New Hampshire State Police to use a rotating list of qualified tow companies for removing abandoned, stolen, disabled, or illegally parked vehicles. The bill mandates that the State Police maintain this list by geographic area (e.g., troop or county) and vehicle type (such as heavy or light-duty tow trucks) to ensure appropriate service for each removal. The list can be adjusted to manage workload and travel distances, and it will specify which tow companies are equipped for specific vehicle classes. This change applies to all vehicle removals conducted under state law, including those obstructing roads, abandoned on private property, or involved in accidents.

Maddy summarySB 430 requires school employees (like teachers) to respond honestly and completely to written requests from parents about their child's education within 10 business days. It directly affects parents seeking information and school staff who must provide it. The bill includes an exception: if full disclosure risks a student's immediate harm, staff must report to child welfare authorities within 48 hours and may withhold only that specific information. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and requires the state board of education to update educator ethics rules by June 2027.

Maddy summarySB 585 allows communications districts in New Hampshire to skip mandatory independent audits if they meet specific revenue thresholds. It directly affects small communications districts with annual revenue under $50,000 or under $2 million that aren't tax authorities (cannot raise funds from municipalities except via voluntary contributions or contracts). The bill requires districts to petition the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) to waive audits, which the DRA must grant if the revenue criteria are met. This change reduces administrative costs for qualifying districts without altering audit requirements for larger entities. The DRA confirmed this would save local governments money but impose no new costs on state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits municipalities from requiring licenses for the production and sale of homegrown food products that are already exempt from certain regulations under state law. It directly affects small-scale food producers (like those selling homemade goods) and local governments that previously could impose such licensing rules. The key provision amends state law to explicitly ban municipal license requirements for these exempt products. The change applies statewide and takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summarySB 524 allows restaurants with liquor licenses to deliver alcohol to customers only when the customer has ordered a meal for home delivery. It requires restaurants to obtain a $250 annual "restaurant delivery license" and mandates that all alcohol deliveries must include food ordered by the customer, be made during business hours by employees over 21, and use sealed containers labeled with the restaurant's name. Deliveries cannot occur at schools, parks, or libraries, and must include a signed receipt from the customer. This bill directly affects restaurants seeking to expand delivery services while adding specific safety and operational requirements.

Maddy summarySB 607 aligns New Hampshire's rules with federal limits for short-term health insurance policies. It prohibits insurers from offering these policies for more than the maximum duration permitted under federal law, removing previous state-specific limits (like the 6-month cap and 540-day total coverage restriction). This directly affects consumers seeking temporary health coverage and insurance companies selling these policies in New Hampshire. The bill ensures state regulations do not allow longer coverage periods than federal guidelines permit. It becomes effective January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 548 requires health insurance companies in New Hampshire to hold a public hearing with the insurance commissioner within 15 business days if they terminate a contract with a healthcare provider that would affect 1,000 or more patients. It also mandates that all health insurance provider contracts include a 60-day provision ensuring patients maintain access to their provider after termination (except for unprofessional conduct), and requires insurers and providers to jointly notify affected patients about this access and the hearing. The bill directly affects health insurers, healthcare providers, and patients covered by these contracts. These provisions aim to ensure transparency and continuity of care during contract terminations that impact large groups of patients.

Maddy summarySB 541 appropriates $16.5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Services for Phase 2 of the Southern New Hampshire Regional Water Project. It directly funds infrastructure (including pumps, storage tanks, and pipelines) to increase water supply by over 2 million gallons daily for towns affected by PFAS contamination and rising demand. The bill requires that no public utility ratepayer face adverse costs from this project. Funds are nonlapsing, meaning they remain available for use beyond the fiscal year without needing annual renewal.