Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summaryHB 1261 amends definitions within New Hampshire's Administrative Procedure Act to clarify agency rulemaking processes. It revises terms like "file" (referring to document submission procedures), "fiscal impact statement" (requiring consideration of short- and long-term costs), and "final legislative action" (defining committee resolution outcomes). The bill also updates provisions for the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, including its meeting requirements and review responsibilities. These changes aim to streamline administrative procedures without creating new substantive policies.

Maddy summarySB 485 establishes rules for hemp-derived products containing cannabinoids (like delta-8 THC) by defining them and setting a strict limit: products must contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. It creates a licensing system through the Liquor Commission for businesses selling these products, requiring retailers, suppliers, and wholesalers to obtain licenses. The bill also imposes a tax on wholesale sales of these products and prohibits sales of any hemp-derived product exceeding the 0.3% THC threshold. This directly affects hemp product businesses and the Liquor Commission, which will enforce licensing, regulations, and tax collection under existing law.

Maddy summarySB 403 requires all public and private schools in New Hampshire to begin the school year on or after the day following Labor Day. This law directly affects school boards statewide by prohibiting them from scheduling the start of classes before Labor Day. The key provision amends state law to establish a new requirement that schools must begin no earlier than the day after Labor Day, as defined by existing law. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, with no exceptions specified.

Maddy summarySB 662 appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for repairs and renovations to the Northwood Meadows Lake Dam. The funds are non-lapsing, meaning they can be used until June 30, 2029, and become available July 1, 2026. This bill directly affects the state agency responsible for managing the dam and its infrastructure. It makes no changes to laws or regulations but allocates specific funding for maintenance work.

Maddy summaryHB 1052 amends New Hampshire's licensing requirements for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) by adding a new pathway to licensure. It allows individuals with an internationally certified alcohol and drug counselor credential and 6,000 hours of supervised work experience to qualify for LADC licensure without needing an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field. This change specifically removes the higher education requirement for applicants using this pathway, as outlined in the bill's amendment to RSA 330-C:17. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and directly affects professionals with international certification and substantial work experience who lack the standard educational qualifications.

Maddy summarySB 477 requires hospitals and other 340B-covered entities in New Hampshire to submit annual public reports to the Department of Health and Human Services by April 1. These reports must detail patient usage of 340B drugs (by insurance type), financial data including acquisition costs and reimbursements for drugs and other services, net revenue, and charity care costs. The bill mandates separate reporting for hospitals, their practice locations, and contracted pharmacies, along with CEO/CFO attestations confirming accuracy. It aims to increase transparency by making 340B program financial data publicly available and preventing duplicate discounts.

Maddy summaryHB 1096 establishes a legislative committee to study how to manage the disposal of vapes and e-cigarettes. The committee, composed of three House members (appointed by the Speaker) and one Senate member (appointed by the President), will examine solutions like extended producer responsibility and commercial sales regulations. It must report its findings and recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2026. This bill does not create new laws but directs a study on disposal management for these products.

Maddy summaryHB 1453 allows high school students to directly elect one or more student members to serve on their local school board. It requires schools to hold direct student elections (using paper ballots during second class) 30 days after the school year starts, with eligible students in good academic/behavioral standing who won't graduate during the term. Student members serve one academic year (non-voting but can speak, propose agenda items, and report student concerns), while school staff face penalties for interfering with elections or suppressing student rights. The bill directly affects public high school students and ensures their voices are formally included in school board discussions.

Maddy summaryHB 1345 requires all New Hampshire public and non-public middle, junior high, and secondary schools to establish rules for displaying flags on school property and designate student color guards. The bill mandates that schools display only the U.S. flag, New Hampshire state flag, and POW/MIA flag (with specific placement rules), while prohibiting other flags like political or religious symbols - except for small educational displays. Each school must appoint 3-4 student volunteers (or JROTC students if available) to raise and lower flags daily, follow half-staff protocols, and receive training on flag care. This applies to all affected schools, with elementary schools required to develop separate policies for flag care.

Maddy summaryHB 1728 requires operators of critical infrastructure systems - such as water, power, emergency response, and public transportation networks serving over 10,000 people or 3,300 households in New Hampshire - to implement specific cybersecurity measures. The bill mandates strict firewall controls, phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication for remote access, and documented incident response plans to prevent foreseeable cyber risks. Operators who fail to meet this "standard of care" could face liability for harms caused by security failures. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and has no new funding requirements.