Sen. Kevin Avard

Maddy summaryThis bill updates pesticide laws to allow licensed agricultural pilots to use drones for spraying chemicals at heights of 20 feet or less. It specifically exempts these drone operations from certain notification requirements that would otherwise apply to aerial pesticide use. The law takes effect on September 1, 2024, and only covers applications conducted by individuals holding valid state registration or permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire law to clarify how vehicles owned by two or more people as joint tenants with rights of survivorship are handled after one owner dies. It allows the surviving owner to keep the vehicle and transfer or renew its registration without needing to get a new title or go through a full transfer process. The law specifies that using "and" between owners' names on a title application establishes this ownership type, while using "or" does not require any extra designation. Additionally, the bill permits a nonresident to be one of the joint owners for this specific purpose, and it sets the effective date for these changes to September 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 1060 creates a new Geologic Resources Advisory Committee to oversee the state's long-term plan for geologic mapping. The committee will include representatives from various state departments, consulting firms, universities, and the public, and it will meet at least once a year to decide which mapping projects to prioritize. Its primary function is to select specific geologic mapping projects for submission to the federal National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program to secure funding from the United States Geological Survey. If federal funding for this program ends, the committee and its authority will automatically be dissolved.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for transporting marijuana and alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles and off-highway recreational vehicles within the state. It requires that these items be kept in their original, sealed containers and stored in the trunk or the least accessible area of the vehicle, with an exception for the glove compartment if a trunk is unavailable. Drivers and passengers who violate these storage requirements face a $150 fine and potential suspension of their driving privileges. The law also specifically restricts drivers under the age of 21 from transporting these substances unless they are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other specified adult relative. These regulations take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire bill reinstates the ban on selling hemp products that contain specific levels of THC, effectively reversing a previous law that had removed this restriction. The legislation directly impacts retailers and consumers by prohibiting the sale of hemp-derived items with elevated THC concentrations. It takes immediate effect upon passage, ensuring that the prohibition on these specific products is enforced starting July 3, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis law requires the executor of an estate to officially report the death of any voter aged 18 or older to their local town or city clerk within 30 days of being appointed. Once the clerk receives this notice, they must inform the town supervisors, who are then responsible for removing the deceased person's name from the voter registration list at their next meeting. The bill also mandates that supervisors who fail to erase the name of a deceased voter after receiving proper notice could face legal penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for inspecting state dams and creates a new committee to study how to better fund their upkeep. It requires the Department of Environmental Services to regularly inspect dams that could threaten public safety and sets specific conditions under which a dam previously classified as safe must be re-evaluated. The legislation also directs that money earned from leasing or selling state dams be used to pay off existing debt and repair other dams, while establishing a committee of legislators to review current funding methods and propose new solutions by November 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state building code to require that all new buildings and dwelling units be tested for air leakage. The law mandates that these tests measure air exchange rates and ensures the results do not exceed 5.0 air changes per hour or 0.28 cubic feet per minute per square foot. Testing must follow specific industry standards and be conducted at a pressure of 0.2 inch water gauge. This change directly impacts construction projects by setting a stricter limit on how much air can escape through the building's enclosure.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to share data for verifying the licenses of Medicaid providers. By matching provider names with their social security or taxpayer identification numbers, the two agencies can confirm that doctors and other healthcare professionals currently hold valid state licenses before they deliver services to Medicaid patients. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and establishes a formal process for these agencies to cross-reference their records to ensure provider eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the lead poisoning prevention and treatment act of 2024, requires health insurance providers in the state to cover the costs of blood lead testing for residents. The law applies to both individual and group health insurance plans and mandates that these tests be covered without higher co-payments, deductibles, or coinsurance compared to other similar medical benefits. Additionally, the coverage includes any necessary follow-up testing required when initial results show elevated lead levels or are inconclusive. The legislation takes effect on September 1, 2024.