Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summaryHB 1602 creates a statewide program requiring battery manufacturers and brands (producers) to fund and manage the safe collection and recycling of covered batteries. It applies to portable batteries (under 4.4 lbs primary or 11 lbs rechargeable) and medium-format batteries (11-25 lbs), excluding medical device batteries, vehicle batteries, and lead-acid batteries over 11 pounds. Producers must join a "battery stewardship organization" that meets annual collection targets and follows environmental safety rules, with the Department of Environmental Services overseeing compliance. The program shifts recycling responsibility from consumers to producers, ensuring covered batteries are handled safely through a structured, industry-funded system.

Maddy summarySB 449 requires commercial or industrial entities with solar or wind systems between 1 and 5 megawatts (called "industrial hosts") to consume at least 33% of their own electricity generation annually. This applies to new systems installed after January 1, 2027, that participate in net metering. The rule does not apply to low-income customers as defined by utility regulations. The bill modifies New Hampshire's net metering rules to ensure larger systems primarily offset their own electricity use, rather than exporting excess power.

Maddy summarySB 620 increases license suspension periods for drivers who refuse alcohol testing and modifies penalties for aggravated driving while intoxicated (DWI). For a first refusal of testing, license suspension rises from 180 days to 12 months; for repeat offenders with prior DWI convictions or refusals, it increases from 2 to 3 years. The bill also adds new requirements for aggravated DWI convictions, including a mandatory 17-day jail sentence (suspensible), a substance use disorder evaluation within 60 days of release, and installation of an ignition interlock device. These changes directly affect drivers arrested for DWI who refuse testing or are convicted of aggravated DWI offenses. The policy focuses on stricter consequences for refusal and repeat offenses, with court discretion to suspend up to 6 months of license revocation if treatment requirements are met.

Maddy summarySB 571 updates New Hampshire's requirements for issuing CPA certificates. It replaces the term "substantial equivalency" with "comparable" when evaluating foreign accountancy credentials, making the standard clearer for applicants with international qualifications. The bill also modifies educational rules by requiring a bachelor's degree plus 30 additional credit hours in accounting (including specific subjects like auditing and taxation), and allows candidates to take the CPA exam up to 120 days before graduating. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CPA licensure in New Hampshire, particularly those with foreign credentials or nearing degree completion.

Maddy summaryHB 1119 creates a new state licensing requirement for "associate funeral directors" in New Hampshire. To work in this role, individuals must obtain a specific license, pass board-approved exams, and secure certification through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. This bill directly affects people seeking to work as associate funeral directors, establishing a formal pathway distinct from existing full funeral director licensing. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1025 updates the statutory designation of the chief financial officer (CFO) responsible for identifying eligible agency income for deposit into the New Hampshire Armories Fund. It changes the reference from "CFO of the New Hampshire National Guard" to "CFO of the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services," clarifying which department manages this fund. This fund supplements general funds for operating military facilities (excluding federal program income), with the CFO identifying eligible income for deposit. The bill was requested by the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the size of New Hampshire's State Veterans Council from 4 to 5 members. The council will now consist of 4 veterans (as defined by state law) and 1 family member of a veteran or currently serving military member, all appointed by the governor. Council members must meet at least twice yearly to provide guidance on veterans' programs, make recommendations for improvements, and oversee the "New Hampshire first for veterans" initiative. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, and align with the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services' organizational structure.

Maddy summarySB 659 defines what constitutes an "adequate education" for New Hampshire public schools by listing 11 required subject areas, including English, math, science, civics, arts, health, physical education, and computer science. It establishes that the state must determine the cost of this defined education for each municipality based on student enrollment. The bill directly affects all public elementary and secondary schools in New Hampshire by setting mandatory curriculum standards for funding and accountability. It replaces previous definitions with specific, measurable learning areas that school districts must provide.

Maddy summarySB 476 requires hospitals to follow federal price transparency rules and provides a "good faith estimate" safe harbor, protecting them from penalties if cost estimates differ due to clinical changes or outside factors. It mandates health insurers to give personalized, pre-service cost estimates for scheduled services through their existing federal tools (Transparency in Coverage APIs), accessible via the state's HealthCost portal. The bill expands the state's health data system (CHIS/APCD) to power consumer cost comparisons for uninsured and out-of-network care without building new IT infrastructure. These changes directly affect hospitals, insurers, and consumers by making upfront health care costs clearer before treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 1048 repeals the general prohibition on possessing or selling blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles for adults, while maintaining a ban on these items for people under 18. The bill specifically makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to carry these weapons and prohibits selling them to minors. This change allows adults to possess and sell these weapons to other adults, but continues to prohibit minors from having them or being sold to them. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2027.