Sen. Kevin Avard

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state's Medicaid program from covering gender reassignment surgery for individuals under the age of 18. By adding a new provision to the state's Medicaid laws, it explicitly excludes this specific medical procedure from coverage for minors. The change would take effect 60 days after the bill is passed, ensuring that public funds are not used for these surgeries for people in that age group.

Maddy summarySB 307 allows New Hampshire electric distribution utilities to recover the costs of long-term transmission service agreements through retail rates. These agreements would cover projects in New England that have received funding or capacity contracts from the U.S. Department of Energy, with limits set at a total of 120 megawatts and a maximum duration of 30 years. The bill requires utilities to review proposals within three months and mandates that the Public Utilities Commission approve the agreements based on factors like benefits to ratepayers, price stability, and system reliability. If approved, utilities would pass any associated costs or savings directly to their customers through annual adjustments in retail rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to align the rules for filing for office and conducting school district elections with the existing systems used in town elections. It allows school districts to choose between a non-partisan ballot system, which currently applies to most districts, or a new partisan ballot system where candidates run with party labels and a plurality vote wins. Under the new partisan option, school districts would vote to adopt the system at a meeting, and the rules for preparing ballots and managing candidates would mirror those used for partisan town elections. The legislation clarifies that references to town clerks in current laws should instead refer to school district clerks when applying these election procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Hampshire Department of Energy to conduct a study on the benefits and risks of supporting clean or non-carbon emitting power generation. The investigation must examine topics such as customer costs, grid reliability, cybersecurity, and how other states handle clean energy standards. After consulting with utilities and other stakeholders, the department is required to submit a report to the legislature within one year offering recommendations on financial and regulatory support. The bill aims to balance economic growth, energy security, and electricity rates for existing customers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows organizations and individuals to classify people based on biological sex in specific situations without it being considered unlawful discrimination. It explicitly permits this classification in three areas: shared restrooms and locker rooms, athletic competitions where physical strength or speed is a factor, and certain correctional or involuntary commitment facilities. By adding these exceptions to the state's Law Against Discrimination, the legislation clarifies that separating individuals by biological sex in these contexts does not violate protections against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

Maddy summaryHB 301 requires New Hampshire legislators to step away from voting on any bill where they or their household members have a potential financial gain or a leadership role in an affected organization. The law also mandates that lawmakers verbally disclose such conflicts before speaking in committees or on the legislative floor. While the bill defines specific situations requiring recusal, it includes an exception allowing legislators to vote on broad-based tax measures or state budget items where their personal interest is minimal. These rules apply to both elected officials and their immediate families to ensure decisions are made without the influence of personal gain.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years to life for anyone convicted of distributing specific controlled drugs, such as methamphetamine or PCP, when the recipient dies as a result. Under the new law, prosecutors must prove that the drug distribution directly caused the death, but the accused cannot use the victim's own reckless behavior or consent as a defense. The legislation applies strictly to the sale, manufacture, or dispensing of these substances and does not prevent separate charges for homicide or drug enterprise leadership. If passed, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, and could increase costs for the state and local governments related to the judicial and correctional systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to study power generation, transmission, distribution, and storage within the state. The committee would be composed of one senator and three representatives, who would meet to identify energy sources, assess the need for infrastructure upgrades, estimate future costs, and research storage capacity. The group is required to submit its findings and any legislative recommendations to state officials by November 1, 2024. Although the bill was introduced, it was later laid on the table and did not become law before the session ended.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows town health officers in New Hampshire to create their own local rules for preventing public health threats, such as removing nuisances. Under the proposed changes, these new regulations would become official once approved by local selectmen, recorded by the town clerk, and published in a local newspaper or posted in public places. The legislation would have taken effect 60 days after passing, but it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and later sustained over the veto by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure New Hampshire's presidential primary is the first such contest held in the nation. It requires the state's primary to take place at least one week before any other similar nominating events, directly affecting how presidential candidates compete for support early in election cycles. The measure would be voted on by New Hampshire residents during the November 2024 general election, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass and become law. If approved, this change would permanently alter the state constitution to codify New Hampshire's current status as the first primary state.