Sen. Kevin Avard

Maddy summarySB 14 increases penalties for fentanyl-related offenses, imposing mandatory minimum sentences of 3.5 years for 20 grams or more and 7 years for 50 grams or more of fentanyl class drugs. It also creates strict liability for drug distributors causing death (including fentanyl), requiring at least 7 years imprisonment for such cases, while allowing judges to reduce sentences under specific conditions like no prior violent crimes, completion of treatment programs, and providing law enforcement assistance. Additionally, the bill amends penalties to legalize possession and use of psilocybin for adults 18 and older, removing criminal penalties for these activities. These changes directly affect drug offenders, distributors, and individuals using psilocybin, with the fentanyl provisions targeting severe sentencing and the psilocybin provision decriminalizing adult use.

Maddy summarySB 81 would increase the real estate transfer tax paid when buying or selling property, directing the additional revenue to the state's affordable housing fund. This bill directly affects homebuyers and sellers by raising their transaction costs, while the new funding would support affordable housing programs. The key mechanism is a tax rate adjustment that automatically allocates the extra revenue to the housing fund without requiring new legislation for each appropriation. It aims to expand resources for developing or preserving low- and moderate-income housing units.

Maddy summarySB 242 proposes adjusting cost-of-living allowances (COLAs) for certain retirees in New Hampshire's Group II retirement system. It directly affects eligible retirees who are currently receiving benefits under this specific retirement category. The bill does not detail specific adjustment mechanisms or formulas, as the provided context only confirms its purpose and current status. As of the latest action on October 31, 2025, the bill was deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the Senate, halting further progress.

Maddy summarySB 59 creates a recruitment incentive program within New Hampshire's community colleges for public safety communicators and dispatchers. It directs $100,000 from an existing law enforcement fund to the Police Standards and Training Recruitment and Retention Fund, specifically to support career development, recruitment, and retention efforts for these roles. The funds will cover up to $100,000 in police academy cost reimbursements for eligible community college students. This bill directly affects community college students pursuing public safety communication and dispatch careers in New Hampshire.

Maddy summarySB 255 establishes a dedicated 988 Trust Fund in New Hampshire to support mental health crisis services. The fund, financed by a telecommunications surcharge, state appropriations, federal grants, and donations, specifically covers costs for the 988 suicide and crisis hotline system - including staffing, technology, and mobile crisis response teams - that are not reimbursed by insurance. It requires culturally competent services for diverse communities and mandates annual reports on fund usage to state committees and the FCC. The bill directly affects 988 crisis centers operating across New Hampshire and the behavioral health system managing these services.

Maddy summarySB 21 would create a New Hampshire program to help new state troopers with student loan debt. It would provide up to $40,000 in loan relief ($10,000 per year for up to 5 years) to officers hired on or after July 1, 2025, who owe at least $10,000 in student loans and remain employed as police officers during that period. Relief is based on remaining debt (prorated for less than $10,000) and cannot cover interest. The bill is currently pending, having been deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" in the Senate on October 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 199 proposes a new program to recruit and retain new New Hampshire state troopers. The bill directly affects the New Hampshire State Police by establishing mechanisms to attract and keep new officers, addressing staffing challenges in law enforcement. Key provisions include creating a structured recruitment initiative and retention strategies, though specific details like bonuses or training programs aren't outlined in the context. The bill passed committee unanimously (6-0) but was later deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" under Senate Rule 3-23 on October 31, 2025. It focuses on practical policy changes to strengthen the state police workforce.

Maddy summarySB 127 creates a new program to provide publicly funded guardianship services for older adults and adults with disabilities who need assistance with hospital discharge but cannot secure guardianship through other means. It requires hospitals to seek court-appointed guardianship (via probate court) when all other resources are exhausted, and mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to contract with the Office of the Public Guardian to provide 50 funded guardianship slots using $550,000 in appropriations. The bill also allocates an additional $3.884 million to adjust rates for existing guardian services under related statutes. These provisions directly affect hospitals, vulnerable adults needing discharge planning, and the Office of the Public Guardian, effective September 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 125 amends New Hampshire's Medicaid eligibility rules for nursing facility and home-based care services. It establishes specific clinical criteria: individuals must require 24-hour care for medical monitoring, rehabilitation, medication administration, or assistance with two or more daily activities (like eating, bathing, or mobility). The bill mandates that skilled medical personnel use an approved assessment tool to determine eligibility, and if unclear, must consult the applicant’s primary care provider. Financial eligibility remains tied to federal Medicaid income standards, requiring income at or below the nursing facility special income limit or deducting allowable medical expenses. This bill directly affects seniors and people with disabilities seeking long-term care services under Medicaid.

Maddy summarySB 240 would allocate state funds to the Department of Environmental Services for eligible water infrastructure projects, such as treatment facilities or watershed protection. The bill directs the department to distribute these funds to specific local projects meeting defined criteria. However, the bill was deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the Senate on October 31, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.