Sen. Kevin Avard

Maddy summarySB 232 clarifies net metering rules for renewable energy generators participating in ISO-NE electricity markets. It allows these generators (such as solar or wind producers) to remain active in energy, capacity, and ancillary services markets without having to withdraw from them to qualify for net metering. Instead, they must transfer all market revenues - earned from selling energy, capacity, or services - to their local utility while maintaining net metering eligibility. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, directly impacting small renewable energy producers who operate within ISO-NE markets.

Maddy summarySB 287 requires voters applying for absentee ballots in New Hampshire to verify their identity by submitting a copy of their photo ID meeting state requirements (RSA 659:13), providing a notarized signature, or presenting the ID in person to the clerk. This directly affects all voters seeking absentee ballots, ensuring they provide proof of identity before receiving a ballot. The bill mandates that no absentee ballot may be issued without one of these verification methods being satisfied. Signed into law on August 1, 2025, it takes effect September 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 291 expands New Hampshire's property tax exemption for religious organizations to include convents, monasteries, and their associated lands and buildings. It allows these properties - owned, used, and occupied directly for religious training or worship by recognized religious groups - to qualify for the exemption, aligning them with existing church and parish properties. The bill specifically covers properties leased for pastor housing allowances and personal property used for religious purposes. This change directly affects religious institutions operating convents or monasteries in New Hampshire that meet the state's incorporation and recognition requirements. The law became effective July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 189 amends New Hampshire's energy strategy framework by removing references to the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board from the Department of Energy's 10-year state energy strategy. The bill inserts a new definition stating "clean energy" includes nuclear and renewable sources with minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions. This change streamlines the strategy document by eliminating a specific board oversight reference while establishing a clear definition for "clean energy" in state policy. The bill passed both chambers, was signed by the governor, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 374 modifies voting procedures for local tax cap adjustments in New Hampshire. It requires a 3/5 majority vote (not a simple majority) for tax cap changes to take effect in towns, cities, and school districts. The bill mandates that voting occurs via ballot after discussion, with ballots accepted for at least one hour post-discussion. These changes apply starting the next fiscal year and remain in effect until amended or rescinded. The bill directly affects local governments and school districts seeking to adjust their tax levy limits.

Maddy summaryHB 228 requires citizens to submit petitions requesting topics for town meeting agendas by July 1st each year, instead of the previous deadline. This directly affects towns and residents participating in local governance, as it standardizes the submission window for petitioned articles at annual or special town meetings. The bill modifies procedural rules for town meeting organization without altering substantive policies. It became law on July 22, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 200 creates a new process for local governments to exceed their legally established tax caps. It directly affects cities and towns that hit their tax limits, allowing them to raise taxes above those caps through a specific procedure. The key mechanism requires a two-thirds vote by a local governing body (like a city council) to request an override from the state, followed by a state review. This law, signed by Governor Ayotte and effective September 13, 2025, replaces previous ad-hoc approaches with a standardized state-level review process.

Maddy summarySB 99 establishes new funding rules for regional career and technical education programs. It requires school districts sending students to these programs (sending districts) to pay host districts (receiving districts) at least 80% of the sending district's average per-pupil cost, based on state education department data. For part-time students, payments adjust based on credit hours; full-time students use a standard per-pupil rate. The law, effective July 2025, standardizes cost-sharing for career-focused education programs across districts.

Maddy summarySB 24 allows students under age 21 to taste wine during approved educational programs, such as culinary or viticulture classes at schools or colleges. It directly affects students enrolled in these specific educational settings and requires participating institutions to follow state guidelines for wine tasting activities. The bill amends state alcohol laws to create an exception for supervised educational tasting, prohibiting consumption beyond tasting and requiring educational context. The law takes effect on September 13, 2025.