Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summarySB 166 requires sellers to provide residents in resident-owned manufactured housing communities with a 30-day written notice before selling a unit. The notice must include the sale price, terms, and other key details about the transaction. This applies to all sales within these communities, giving residents time to review and respond. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 280 requires food delivery platforms (like Uber Eats or DoorDash) to obtain a written agreement from a restaurant or grocery store before taking orders or arranging deliveries from that specific location. This directly affects food delivery services and the restaurants or stores they partner with, mandating explicit authorization before service begins. The key provision prohibits delivery platforms from operating delivery services for a food establishment without a prior, express agreement authorizing them to handle orders and deliver meals prepared by that business. The law became effective on July 15, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously and receiving the Governor's signature.

Maddy summarySB 156 allows the state motor vehicle division to contract with third-party vendors for secure digital processing of vehicle title applications and information transfers. This change directly affects vehicle owners and dealers who submit title applications, streamlining the process through secure online platforms. The key provision replaces manual or internal systems with vendor-managed digital tools to handle title data securely. The law takes effect on September 13, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on July 15, 2025. It does not alter vehicle ownership requirements or fees, only the administrative method for title transfers.

Maddy summarySB 57 creates a legislative committee to study school district consolidation and special education costs. The committee, composed of appointed senators and representatives, will examine how school administrative units operate, analyze potential consolidation (including one unit per county except for large counties and specific cities), and review merger processes. It will also study roles of school leaders, staffing, and financial impacts of consolidation. This bill directly affects school administrative units, districts, and their oversight structures by initiating a formal review of these systems. The committee’s findings will inform future policy decisions but do not change current laws.

Maddy summarySB 164 prohibits real estate brokers from using certain listing agreements that bind future homeowners, allow third-party assignment without consent, create legal claims on property, or charge fees for sales not resulting from their services. It directly affects homeowners (owners of 1-4 residential units) and real estate brokers by making such agreements unenforceable and void if recorded. The law allows affected homeowners to recover damages, costs, and attorney fees if a prohibited agreement is recorded, and it becomes effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 98 extends the program allowing private donations to regional career and technical education centers. This bill directly affects these centers by maintaining their access to private funding streams without altering eligibility or donation rules. The extension preserves the existing donation framework, ensuring continued support for workforce training programs. It became law on July 15, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new lending limits for New Hampshire depository banks (commercial banks taking deposits). It prohibits banks from lending more than 20% of their capital and surplus to any single borrower, with a possible 25% limit if the excess loan is fully secured by U.S. government obligations meeting specific value requirements. The bill also requires new state banks to submit detailed 3-5 year capital and business plans for approval, including capital adequacy explanations and financial projections. Additionally, existing banks must seek commissioner approval before making major changes to their business plans within the first 3-5 years of operation. These changes aim to strengthen bank safety and soundness by controlling risk exposure.

Maddy summarySB 74 requires all New Hampshire state departments that issue permits for real property use, construction, or infrastructure to submit annual reports starting April 30, 2027. These reports must detail each permit program, the number of applications received and decisions made (approved, denied, withdrawn, pending), and specifically track delays exceeding 60, 120, and 180 days, including reasons like technical reviews or backlogs. The bill directly affects departments managing permitting programs, such as those for building permits or land development. It becomes effective September 13, 2025, with the first reports due April 30, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 89 removes a citizenship requirement for individuals delivering alcohol in New Hampshire. It amends state law to allow non-citizens legally authorized to work in the U.S. to be employed in alcohol delivery roles, replacing the prior restriction that limited such jobs to U.S. citizens. The key change modifies RSA 179:20, I to explicitly permit eligible non-citizens to deliver liquor or beverages. The bill passed unanimously, was signed by the governor on July 15, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 80 moves the licensing, auditing, and enforcement oversight for both wholesale and retail e-cigarette sales from multiple agencies to the state liquor commission. This change directly affects e-cigarette businesses, requiring them to interact with the liquor commission for all regulatory compliance instead of separate departments. The bill consolidates these responsibilities into one agency, streamlining the process for businesses and regulators. The law became effective July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.