Sen. Kevin Avard

Maddy summaryThis law requires electricity generators in New Hampshire to notify the Department of Energy within 30 days if an outside regulatory agency threatens to force their plant to close. In response, the state's energy department must investigate how the closure would impact power reliability and costs, and it may take legal steps to challenge the external order. The bill also states that state agencies cannot be sued for actions taken to protect in-state power generation under these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Hampshire's Department of Energy to create new rules for customer-owned generators connecting to the state's electric grid. The proposed regulations will establish clear procedures for eligibility, engineering standards, review timelines, and cost responsibilities, aiming to make the process more predictable and aligned with national best practices. The department must provide regular updates to legislative committees and submit the draft rules for final review within 15 months of the bill's effective date. Existing laws governing these connections will remain in place until the new rules are officially adopted.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a faster approval process for modifying existing energy facilities, such as adding battery storage or changing fuel types, without requiring a full new siting review. To qualify for this expedited track, the facility must already be approved, connected to the grid, and located on the same land, while the changes must improve health and safety and stay within current grid capacity limits. The process requires state agencies to complete their reviews within 90 days and mandates a 30-day deadline for the site evaluation committee to determine if an application is complete. Local communities are still informed through public notices and sessions, ensuring that municipal concerns are addressed alongside the streamlined state procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Bradley Haas Act, provides a one-time death benefit of $100,000 to the family of a New Hampshire hospital security officer who is killed while performing their duties. The legislation specifically allocates these funds to the beneficiaries of Bradley Haas, who was fatally shot at a hospital in 2023, and distributes the money according to existing state rules for law enforcement death benefits. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "police officer" for death benefit purposes to include security officers employed directly by the state of New Hampshire. This change ensures that state-employed security guards are eligible for the same financial support as other sworn law enforcement officers if they die in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state Department of Energy to study whether a standardized formula can replace the current multi-part legal test for setting rates charged to companies that attach equipment to utility poles. If the study concludes that such a formula would fairly cover costs, treat all users equally, and be clear to everyone, the department must create and finalize it by January 1, 2026, followed by a formal rulemaking process to adopt it. To support this work, the bill grants the department authority to require public utilities to keep detailed records of their pole assets and to share this data with the department and other attaching entities. Utilities that have already settled their rates before July 1, 2024, will keep those arrangements in place until the new formula is developed and approved. The law takes effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially renames a specific stretch of Route 127 in Franklin, New Hampshire, from Central Street to the Sanbornton town line as the Chief Bradley Haas Memorial Highway. The legislation requires the state Department of Transportation to create and install appropriate signs along the designated route, with the design subject to departmental approval. While the City of Franklin is responsible for maintaining these signs, the state covers all costs associated with their design, manufacturing, and installation through general funds. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local municipalities to add a specific section to their land use master plans dedicated to waste reduction. The new provision requires these plans to outline strategies for lowering solid waste disposal through methods like recycling, composting, and managing hazardous or electronic waste. Communities can implement these strategies by conducting needs analyses, organizing town waste committees, seeking grant funding, and collaborating with neighboring regions. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed, giving towns time to update their existing planning documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint Legislative Historical Committee to accept and display portraits of former Senator Martha Fuller Clark and Wentworth Cheswell. It also requires that money earned from commemorative bottles sold for the American Revolution's 250th anniversary be placed into a specific trust fund. These actions aim to honor historical figures and manage funds related to a significant historical anniversary.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to examine the funding and partnerships of the state Fish and Game Department. The committee will be composed of one senator and three representatives from various legislative committees, who will meet to review the department's budget, staffing needs, and potential collaborations with other state agencies and private entities. Its specific tasks include analyzing current funding sources, considering general fund requirements for operations, and exploring ways to improve partnerships related to outdoor recreation and land conservation. The group is required to submit its findings and any legislative recommendations to state officials and the governor by November 1, 2024.