Sen. Sharon Carson

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years to life for anyone convicted of distributing specific controlled drugs, such as methamphetamine or PCP, when the recipient dies as a result. Under the new law, prosecutors must prove that the drug distribution directly caused the death, but the accused cannot use the victim's own reckless behavior or consent as a defense. The legislation applies strictly to the sale, manufacture, or dispensing of these substances and does not prevent separate charges for homicide or drug enterprise leadership. If passed, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, and could increase costs for the state and local governments related to the judicial and correctional systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows town health officers in New Hampshire to create their own local rules for preventing public health threats, such as removing nuisances. Under the proposed changes, these new regulations would become official once approved by local selectmen, recorded by the town clerk, and published in a local newspaper or posted in public places. The legislation would have taken effect 60 days after passing, but it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and later sustained over the veto by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure New Hampshire's presidential primary is the first such contest held in the nation. It requires the state's primary to take place at least one week before any other similar nominating events, directly affecting how presidential candidates compete for support early in election cycles. The measure would be voted on by New Hampshire residents during the November 2024 general election, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass and become law. If approved, this change would permanently alter the state constitution to codify New Hampshire's current status as the first primary state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations for the New Hampshire Board of Optometry by expanding the types of pharmaceutical agents that licensed optometrists can dispense to patients, including specific oral pain relievers and certain vaccines. It establishes a dedicated funding source to support health professional licensing boards and clarifies that pharmacy inspections will be conducted by trained pharmacists rather than the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Additionally, the legislation amends the legal definition of the practice of optometry to explicitly include the diagnosis and treatment of acute angle closure glaucoma while listing specific surgical procedures that remain outside the scope of optometric practice.

Maddy summaryThis law requires boards under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to notify the public of meetings at least 14 days in advance and make related documents available for review seven days before the meeting. It also mandates that these boards offer opportunities for both spoken and written public comments at their gatherings, with specific exceptions for emergency or disciplinary hearings. To support these new transparency requirements, the bill creates a new attorney position within the office and provides funding for it. The changes will take effect 60 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal preference for keeping children in New Hampshire and placing them with their siblings whenever possible, unless doing so would endanger them. It modifies custody rules for parents not charged with abuse or neglect by creating a rebuttable presumption that they are fit to care for their children, requiring the state to prove unfitness with specific evidence. The legislation also sets a clear order of preference for out-of-home placements, prioritizing relatives, community-based foster homes, and schools of origin over group or residential care. Additionally, it mandates that psychological evaluations be conducted by trauma-specialized psychologists and clarifies that firearm ownership alone does not make a home unsafe if federal and state laws are followed.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes two primary changes to how the Department of Health and Human Services manages funding. First, it allows Medicaid to reimburse ambulance providers for emergency calls where patients receive treatment at the scene without being transported to a hospital, provided specific conditions regarding patient consent and stability are met. Second, it appropriates $500,000 to support recreational activities for adults with developmental disabilities who have exited the school system, covering costs that Medicaid does not currently reimburse. The funds are intended to help these individuals participate in community activities that promote socialization and wellness, with a payment limit of $600 per person and requirements for the department to report on how the money is used.

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 law expands food assistance programs by ensuring eligible families receive summer benefits on EBT cards and simplifying the application process for elderly SNAP recipients. To support these efforts, the state allocates specific funds for administrative, technology, and outreach costs related to the summer programs. Additionally, the bill establishes a new emergency recovery fund to help municipalities quickly access cash after natural disasters, allowing them to secure federal aid and repair infrastructure. The governor is also granted the authority to declare disasters in affected municipalities to trigger these relief measures.