Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summarySB 106 updates rules for businesses generating 1-5 megawatts of electricity (like large solar installations on commercial properties) that participate in net energy metering. It requires these "industrial host" systems to use at least 33% of their annual generation on-site, with exemptions for low- and moderate-income customers. The bill guarantees existing billing rates for qualifying projects under a 2017 order for 20 years or until 2040, whichever is longer, and allows transitions to new utility tariffs before 2040. It does not change billing for residential or smaller commercial systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill's title misrepresents its content; it does not establish a property tax exemption fund or create a self-exclusion database. Instead, it primarily regulates video lottery terminals (VLTs) and gaming operations. Key provisions include defining "gross video lottery revenue" (excluding up to 12.5% free play), setting a 12% commission rate on historic horse race pools, and creating licensing requirements for supervisory ("primary") and non-supervisory ("secondary") gaming staff. The bill also amends definitions for game operator employers and gaming equipment, with effective date 60 days after passage. The title's mention of property tax exemptions and self-exclusion databases does not align with the bill's actual text.

Maddy summaryHB 207 would remove existing legal restrictions on possessing or selling blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles for all adults, while maintaining the prohibition for minors. This bill directly affects individuals who currently face criminal penalties for owning these items, as well as businesses that might sell them. The key provision repeals current prohibitions, allowing unrestricted possession and sale by adults. The bill does not change the existing legal restrictions that continue to apply to minors.

Maddy summaryHB 616 proposed changes to how animals are confiscated from individuals suspected of or charged with animal abuse, and created a committee to review existing animal cruelty laws. The bill aimed to establish clearer procedures for animal confiscation during investigations while directing the committee to study and potentially recommend updates to current statutes. However, the bill was deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the committee with a 5-0 vote on May 8, 2025, and was subsequently tabled without further action. It did not advance beyond the committee stage and remains inactive.

Maddy summaryHB 63 permits children with severe, life-threatening allergies to possess and self-administer epinephrine auto-injectors at recreation camps and schools under specific conditions. It requires written approval from a healthcare provider and parent/guardian, along with staff training on recognizing allergic reactions and administering epinephrine. Schools and camps must maintain accessible epinephrine doses and ensure staff follow-up care after use. The bill also provides liability protection for camps and schools that comply with these requirements, shielding them from lawsuits unless negligence is proven. This directly affects students and campers with allergies, as well as camp/school staff and healthcare providers.

Maddy summarySB 277 modifies tax rules for renewable energy facilities in New Hampshire. It allows electric generating facilities exempt from utility property tax (under RSA 83-F:1, V(g)) to delay paying the state education property tax until July 1, 2032, or until their existing payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with a municipality expires - whichever happens first. After this period, the facility must either include the education tax in a new payment-in-lieu agreement or pay it separately, calculated using the standard property valuation method. The bill applies to tax periods starting April 1, 2028, and directly affects renewable energy facilities with current municipal payment agreements.

Maddy summarySB 81 would increase the real estate transfer tax paid when buying or selling property, directing the additional revenue to the state's affordable housing fund. This bill directly affects homebuyers and sellers by raising their transaction costs, while the new funding would support affordable housing programs. The key mechanism is a tax rate adjustment that automatically allocates the extra revenue to the housing fund without requiring new legislation for each appropriation. It aims to expand resources for developing or preserving low- and moderate-income housing units.

Maddy summarySB 21 would create a New Hampshire program to help new state troopers with student loan debt. It would provide up to $40,000 in loan relief ($10,000 per year for up to 5 years) to officers hired on or after July 1, 2025, who owe at least $10,000 in student loans and remain employed as police officers during that period. Relief is based on remaining debt (prorated for less than $10,000) and cannot cover interest. The bill is currently pending, having been deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" in the Senate on October 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 199 proposes a new program to recruit and retain new New Hampshire state troopers. The bill directly affects the New Hampshire State Police by establishing mechanisms to attract and keep new officers, addressing staffing challenges in law enforcement. Key provisions include creating a structured recruitment initiative and retention strategies, though specific details like bonuses or training programs aren't outlined in the context. The bill passed committee unanimously (6-0) but was later deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" under Senate Rule 3-23 on October 31, 2025. It focuses on practical policy changes to strengthen the state police workforce.

Maddy summarySB 288 creates an advisory council to improve care services for older adults in New Hampshire. The council will meet quarterly to review and recommend changes to the state's "system of care for healthy aging," focusing on reducing wait times for Medicaid long-term care, streamlining hospital discharges for non-acute patients, and addressing gaps in long-term care access. It will specifically examine data on long-term care bed availability, Medicaid waiver services, and workforce challenges for direct care providers. The council's findings will be included in the State Commission on Aging's annual report, with the bill taking effect July 1, 2025. This bill directly affects older adults, their caregivers, and service providers by shaping how care is delivered and accessed.