Sen. Kevin Avard

Maddy summarySB 149, titled "relative to the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated," did not advance beyond the committee stage. The bill was reported as "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the committee on October 22, 2025, with a unanimous 16-0 vote. No specific provisions or policy changes were enacted, as the bill was effectively tabled without further legislative action. The committee's decision indicates no immediate plans to modify the legal framework around aggravated DWI offenses.

Maddy summarySB 71 allows New Hampshire counties to hold individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for up to 48 additional hours (excluding weekends and holidays) after resolving local state charges, provided the county and ICE have a written agreement. This bill directly affects county correctional facilities and ICE, establishing clear limits on how long local jails can detain immigration enforcement detainees. The key provision requires counties to have a formal written agreement with ICE to use this 48-hour extension, and it specifies that counties cannot hold individuals solely for immigration enforcement without addressing state charges first. The bill aims to clarify cooperation protocols between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 247 modifies regulations for contracts between health carriers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and pharmacies. It requires PBMs and carriers to provide more transparency regarding drug reimbursement calculations, known as Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) pricing, and establishes a formal appeal process for pharmacies to dispute these costs. The bill also allows pharmacies to decline to dispense a drug if the reimbursement amount is less than their acquisition cost. Additionally, it mandates that Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations (PSAOs) provide pharmacies with copies of PBM contracts and prohibits them from requiring pharmacies to purchase drugs from specific entities. These provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 704 would provide state funding for caregiver respite services and senior volunteer programs. The bill directly affects family caregivers needing temporary relief and seniors participating in volunteer initiatives. It includes a specific appropriation (funding allocation) to support these programs but does not detail exact eligibility rules or program structures. The bill is currently pending in committee after receiving a "ought to pass" recommendation with an amendment. (Note: Specific provisions like funding amounts or program requirements are not described in the provided context.)

Maddy summaryHB 619 would appropriate $1.2 million from the general fund to the Solid Waste Management Fund for local waste management programs. This funding would directly support communities and agencies managing landfill operations, recycling initiatives, and waste reduction efforts. The bill was referred to committee but was ultimately reported as "Inexpedient to Legislate" on October 30, 2025, with a unanimous 25-0 vote to not advance it further. As a funding measure, it does not create new policies but allocates existing resources to an established state fund. The bill remains inactive following the committee's decision.

Maddy summaryThis bill's title misrepresents its content; it does not establish a property tax exemption fund or create a self-exclusion database. Instead, it primarily regulates video lottery terminals (VLTs) and gaming operations. Key provisions include defining "gross video lottery revenue" (excluding up to 12.5% free play), setting a 12% commission rate on historic horse race pools, and creating licensing requirements for supervisory ("primary") and non-supervisory ("secondary") gaming staff. The bill also amends definitions for game operator employers and gaming equipment, with effective date 60 days after passage. The title's mention of property tax exemptions and self-exclusion databases does not align with the bill's actual text.

Maddy summarySB 112 allows investor-owned electric utilities and the Department of Energy to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for multi-year power agreements by June 2025. It defines "existing electric energy sources" to specifically include nuclear power plants operating in the regional grid before 2011, ensuring these facilities can be included in procurement. Utilities must seek Public Utilities Commission approval by June 2026 for agreements totaling up to 2 million megawatt hours annually statewide. The bill directly affects electric distribution utilities and their power procurement strategies, with no changes to current nuclear plant operations.

Maddy summaryHB 639 establishes New Hampshire's first comprehensive legal framework for blockchain technology and digital assets, creating a new "Blockchain Basic Laws" chapter (Chapter 359-V) in state law. It defines key terms like "blockchain," "digital asset," and "digital asset mining business" (a business using over 1 megawatt of energy for blockchain operations) while prohibiting electricity rate discrimination against such businesses. The law aims to attract blockchain innovators by positioning New Hampshire as a business-friendly jurisdiction with clear regulations, protecting investors and consumers through defined legal standards. It directly affects blockchain companies, digital asset miners, and consumers using blockchain-based services within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 191 would impose criminal and civil penalties on individuals who transport unemancipated minors (minors without legal independence) to obtain certain surgical procedures without parental permission. It directly affects medical providers, transportation services, and others facilitating such travel. The bill creates criminal charges for knowingly transporting minors for these procedures and allows civil lawsuits for damages by affected parties. This policy change adds specific legal consequences for bypassing parental consent requirements in medical care for minors.

Maddy summarySB 35 proposed a state appropriation to provide matching funds for a specific rail trail project. This bill would have directly affected the project's developers and local communities by enabling them to access state funds to supplement private or federal contributions. However, the bill was deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" under Senate Rule 3-23 on October 31, 2025, meaning it did not advance to become law. As a funding measure, it was procedural in nature with no enacted policy changes.