Maddy summaryHB 553 amends New Hampshire's child abuse and neglect laws by updating definitions and establishing a rebuttable presumption that family unity is in a child's best interest. The bill requires courts to presume family unity is appropriate unless proven otherwise, while mandating removal only when a child's physical, emotional, or psychological welfare is at risk. It revises definitions of "abandoned" (excluding cases due to lack of mental health services) and "abuse" (including sexual abuse and intentional physical injury). The law also emphasizes trauma-informed care, prioritizes placing children with kin or in community settings, and requires frequent reviews to return children home as quickly as possible. This directly affects child welfare courts, families involved in abuse/neglect cases, and child protective services.
Sen. Cindy Rosenwald
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 641 allows individuals harmed by civil rights violations to sue for damages and injunctive relief. It sets a minimum recovery of $10,000 or actual damages, triples damages for willful violations, and requires courts to award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs. The bill directly affects people who experience unlawful discrimination, harassment, or other civil rights violations covered under RSA 354-B. It creates a private legal remedy without requiring bond for injunctive relief, making it easier for affected individuals to seek redress.
Maddy summaryHB 645 requires the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to establish a formal agreement (MOU) with the Department of Health and Human Services and other state agencies for sharing data. This bill directly affects the Board and state agencies by mandating that agencies share requested data to help the Board fulfill its duties, while minimizing duplicate data collection. Key provisions include modifying existing MOUs where possible, requiring agencies to release data upon request, and including cost-sharing terms in the agreement. The bill streamlines data access without creating new drug pricing policies or altering the Board’s core responsibilities.