Sen. Kevin Avard

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specific criminal offense for assaulting or harassing sports officials, such as referees, umpires, or timers, while they are working at a sports event. It applies to anyone who commits acts of violence or threats against these officials in designated areas like the field, parking lots, or spectator zones, treating these actions with the same legal penalties as standard assault charges. Additionally, the law allows courts to ban convicted individuals from participating in sports events for a set period, up to life for repeat offenses but no more than 12 months for a first violation. The legislation is designed to protect both paid and volunteer officials who enforce rules during organized amateur or professional athletic contests.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pharmacy benefit managers and health insurers in New Hampshire to report detailed information about pharmaceutical rebates they receive and how those funds are used. The legislation mandates that these entities submit annual reports breaking down the total value of rebates collected, the amounts distributed to insurers, and the specific reductions applied to patient costs such as deductibles and copayments. Additionally, insurers must provide actuarial certifications explaining how rebates are remitted to policyholders and detail the methods used to estimate rebate amounts for plan design purposes. These reporting requirements apply to private health plans but explicitly exclude Medicaid, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and self-funded plans like the state employee health benefit plan. The law takes effect on June 30, 2024, and repeals a previous provision that had sought to remove these rebate reporting rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the New Hampshire veterinary licensing board to issue temporary conditional licenses to veterinarians who graduated from schools not accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. To qualify, these foreign-educated veterinarians must have legal U.S. immigration status and be actively working toward passing the required national clinical proficiency examination. The license permits them to practice only under the direct supervision of a fully licensed veterinarian while they complete their final exam steps. The board retains the authority to revoke this temporary license immediately if necessary. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows property owners to remove woody debris and blockages from waterways and structures like culverts without needing a special permit. The exemption applies only if the work minimizes sediment disturbance and does not create any new permanent changes to the riverbed. It is designed to help communities clear flood debris after natural disasters or flooding events. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in New Hampshire to display a poster informing employees about benefits and services available to veterans. The state labor commissioner will create and distribute this notice, which must be placed in a location accessible to all staff. The poster will list resources such as mental health support, education and training options, tax benefits, and contact information for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Employers must comply with this requirement starting 60 days after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the lead vehicle of a funeral procession to obey stop and yield signs at intersections, just like any other driver. Once the lead vehicle has legally passed through an intersection, all following vehicles in the procession may proceed without stopping. The law clarifies that while the procession has the right-of-way, it must still operate with due caution. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to all funeral escort vehicles in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a study commission to examine and improve New Hampshire's legal processes for individuals found incompetent to stand trial or deemed insane. The commission will include representatives from the judiciary, health and human services, corrections, law enforcement, defense attorneys, and mental health advocacy groups to review current laws and treatment standards. Its primary tasks involve updating the state's outdated definition of insanity, aligning care with the new forensic hospital, and developing a comprehensive plan to increase the number of people who successfully regain competency and return to court. The group is required to hold multiple meetings and submit interim and final reports with recommendations for new legislation by November 2024 and November 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework allowing terminally ill patients to access investigational drugs, biological products, or medical devices that have not yet received FDA approval. To qualify, a patient must have a life-limiting condition with no known curative options and must obtain written informed consent from their physician, which includes a waiver of legal liability for any adverse outcomes. The law also protects doctors from license revocation or other penalties if they prescribe these unapproved treatments in good faith. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, providing a structured pathway for patients to try experimental therapies while defining the specific medical and legal requirements for participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for New Hampshire's solid waste management districts to allow them to contract third-party services for public entities and school districts located within their boundaries. It also clarifies the treasurer's authority to pay approved district debts and permits the treasurer to receive compensation for these duties. Additionally, the legislation creates a process for districts to make emergency expenditures that exceed their budget when faced with unexpected circumstances, provided specific conditions regarding revenue sources are met. These changes aim to streamline operations and provide financial flexibility for waste management districts while ensuring member communities retain control over funding sources.