Sen. Kevin Avard

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Anti-Sanctuary Act, would require state and local law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. It explicitly prohibits any government entity from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration requests, such as honoring detainers or withholding inmate information. While the law mandates efforts to support federal enforcement, it includes specific exceptions that prevent the use of immigration status information against victims or witnesses of certain serious crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault. If a local agency violates these requirements, the state attorney general could file a lawsuit to stop the policy and seek court orders to enforce compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1187 sought to update state laws regarding how local municipalities can lease equipment for their buildings and facilities. The bill would have clarified that lease agreements containing nonappropriation clauses are not considered debt and would have allowed the costs of building improvements that become fixtures for the equipment to also be financed through these leases. This change would have directly affected local town councils and city governments by expanding their options for funding equipment purchases without increasing their official debt load. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and the veto was sustained, meaning the proposed changes did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis law transfers rulemaking authority for manufactured housing dispute resolution from the Department of Safety to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. The new rules will allow the office to create procedures for resolving conflicts between manufacturers, retailers, and installers regarding repairs needed within one year of a home's installation. Additionally, the bill repeals previous state rules that gave the Department of Safety authority over manufactured housing installation standards. The transfer of these powers will only happen if a separate bill regarding the Department of Safety does not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens the Department of Energy's authority to enforce compliance orders against public utilities and their agents by establishing a civil penalty of up to $100,000 for violations, with funds directed toward ratepayer credits or low-income assistance programs. It expands community solar opportunities by allowing developers to designate projects for low- and moderate-income households, subject to a 6-megawatt annual capacity limit, while also updating reporting requirements for the state's renewable energy fund and net metering data. The legislation clarifies definitions for useful thermal energy in renewable portfolio standards and streamlines the process for municipalities to receive information regarding personal wireless service facility applications. Additionally, it exempts small utilities with less than $10,000 in annual revenue from certain assessments and repeals older statutes related to wireless tower mapping and departmental guidance.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the disposal of wet-cell batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and electronic devices in New Hampshire's solid waste landfills, incinerators, and composting facilities. To help facilities comply, the law requires them to post informational signs or notify customers about the ban, while also mandating that local governments and waste operators provide educational materials and recycling opportunities. The legislation further clarifies legal definitions for terms like "computer" and "electronic device" to specify which items are covered and which are excluded, such as those built into household appliances. These changes are designed to reduce hazardous waste and promote recycling, with the rules taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how municipalities and counties can group their electric customers together to negotiate power rates. It updates state laws to ensure that the personal data of these individual customers remains private and is not made public. The legislation also specifies that these local groups can use customer information to develop new energy services and comply with existing energy regulations. By making these adjustments, the bill aims to streamline how local governments manage and utilize electricity aggregation programs.

Maddy summaryThis law allows non-profit organizations in the state to hire outside individuals to run charity auctions without requiring those individuals to hold a professional auctioneer's license. To qualify, the hired person must sign a written contract that clearly defines their duties, compensation, and identifies where the auction money will be held, while strictly prohibiting them from taking a commission or percentage of the sales revenue. Political advocacy groups are explicitly excluded from these rules and must continue to follow standard licensing requirements if they hold auctions. The changes take effect on October 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis law establishes tax limits for towns and school districts that choose to adopt them, restricting how much they can raise in property taxes compared to the previous year. Local governments can set a fixed dollar amount or percentage cap, with automatic adjustments allowed for inflation and changes in population or student attendance. Towns and school boards can override these limits during annual meetings, but doing so requires a specific voting process where a supermajority of those voting must approve the increase. The rules apply only to communities that voluntarily enact the cap, giving them control over their budget constraints while providing a structured way to exceed them if necessary.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits the sale of new consumer products that contain intentionally added chemicals known as PFAS, which are commonly used for stain and water resistance. The ban covers a wide range of household items, including mattresses, carpets, cosmetics, food packaging, and furniture, while excluding products made with high percentages of recycled content or those regulated by federal law. Manufacturers and distributors must stop producing or importing these items, and the state can also pursue civil lawsuits against companies responsible for PFAS contamination in public drinking water systems. Additionally, the legislation provides a framework for settling legal claims related to the impacts of these chemicals on water supplies.