Sen. Becky Whitley

Maddy summaryThis law allows non-lawyer paraprofessionals to provide legal services in New Hampshire courts, removing previous restrictions that limited their practice to specific judicial settings. It establishes a pilot program that begins on January 1, 2030, during which the state Supreme Court must submit interim and final reports to legislative leaders assessing how well the program works. The legislation also sets the effective date for these changes to start immediately upon signing, ensuring the new rules are in place before the pilot program commences.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires probation and parole officers to review their caseloads annually to recommend eligible parolees for a reduction in their maximum sentence. The law allows the parole board to grant a sentence reduction equal to one-third of the time a person has spent on parole, provided they meet specific criteria. When making these decisions, the board must consider factors such as the parolee's risk of reoffending, their compliance with supervision rules, and input from victims or survivors. The changes apply to individuals currently on parole from state prison and take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to study how restorative justice models could be used as an alternative accountability system for juveniles under eighteen who commit misdemeanor offenses or hate crimes. The committee, composed of four state legislators, will gather evidence-based best practices and collaborate with state agencies and advocates to develop specific recommendations for new laws. By November 1, 2024, the group must submit a report detailing its findings and proposed legislation to state officials and the governor. The bill does not change current laws or create new programs immediately but instead sets up a process to evaluate and potentially implement restorative justice practices in the future.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without charging patients any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The law specifically mandates that these services be provided free of cost-sharing for individuals who have met their annual deductible, while also ensuring that preventive care screenings are covered even before the deductible is met. Diagnostic examinations are defined as medically necessary tests for evaluating abnormalities found during routine screenings, whereas supplemental examinations are for high-risk individuals who have no current abnormalities but need screening based on their personal or family history. Effective January 1, 2025, this legislation removes financial barriers for New Hampshire residents accessing these specific breast health services.

Maddy summaryThis law requires a legislative committee studying New Hampshire's adult parole system to submit a second report by November 1, 2024, in addition to an earlier one due in 2023. The additional report must include findings and any recommendations for new laws and will be sent to state officials including the governor and legislative leaders. The bill also officially repeals the original 2023 law that established the committee and sets the effective date for these changes to January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Corrections Education and Vocational Planning Group to design and oversee career and educational programs within New Hampshire state prisons. The group will include representatives from corrections, higher education, community colleges, and formerly incarcerated individuals to assess labor market needs, plan curriculum, and address barriers to reentry. Key tasks include creating credit transfer agreements with colleges, evaluating facility resources, and exploring funding options to support inmates pursuing degrees. The group is required to submit annual reports to state officials starting in December 2024 to track its progress and recommendations.

Maddy summarySB 506 updates New Hampshire laws to align the age of juveniles with 18 rather than 17, affecting how minors are treated in the justice system and child welfare settings. The bill requires that individuals under 18 be considered children for various legal definitions, including school attendance, arrest record classification, and the duration of sex offender registration. It also mandates that criminal background checks for licensing residential care facilities must include all household members aged 18 or older. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that juveniles cannot be held in county correctional facilities for unpaid fines and sets specific age limits for shelter care facilities. These changes take effect on July 30, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legislative committee to study the Child Protection Act, focusing on definitions, harm presumptions, and reporting requirements for health care providers treating young children for sexually transmitted diseases. It also mandates that family courts explain their decisions on admitting or rejecting evidence and testimony in family proceedings. Additionally, the bill requires courts to notify parties about automatic wage garnishment for child support unless an agreement is reached and establishes a formal process for appointing parenting coordinators in high-conflict cases. These coordinators would help create parenting plans and manage disputes, with specific qualifications, training, and rules regarding their fees and liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new committee to examine voluntary home visiting services for families with newborns, infants, and young children. The committee, which will include members from both the House and Senate, is tasked with researching current providers such as midwives, doulas, and health centers to understand their processes, costs, and outcomes. It will also assess the benefits and harms of these services to families and investigate whether there is unmet demand in the state. Finally, the committee must submit a report with its findings and legislative recommendations to state officials by October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state insurance commissioner to issue written guidance to health care providers and insurance companies regarding the coverage of pelvic floor therapy. The commissioner must also review current insurance plans to identify any gaps in coverage and submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to state officials by November 1, 2024. The law takes effect 60 days after it is passed, ensuring that these administrative steps are taken to clarify how pelvic floor therapy is covered under health insurance plans.