Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summarySB 300 makes it a crime to create explicit images or videos involving minors. It directly affects individuals who produce such content, imposing criminal penalties for this specific act. The law prohibits the creation of "child intimate visual representations" and establishes legal consequences for violators. Signed into law (Chapter 0259) and effective January 1, 2026, it focuses on preventing the production of this material.

Maddy summarySB 281 requires municipalities to issue building or occupancy permits for properties adjacent to class VI roads if applicants meet three conditions: signing a liability waiver acknowledging the municipality won't maintain the road or provide services, recording that waiver in the county register, and providing proof the property is insurable. The bill directly affects property owners seeking to build or develop land next to class VI roads, which are typically low-traffic rural roads. It prohibits local governments from denying permits solely based on road classification, shifting responsibility for road maintenance and services to the property owner. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, after being signed by the governor on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 110 modifies fees for land disturbance permits in New Hampshire, primarily affecting developers and property owners seeking construction or land alteration permits. It establishes a tiered fee structure based on the disturbed area: $3,125 for projects under 150,000 sq ft (permit-by-notification), $6,250 for 150,000-200,000 sq ft, and additional $2,500 fees for every extra 100,000 sq ft. The bill also creates a new "permit by notification" process for smaller projects (under 150,000 sq ft, excluding certain properties) by 2026, with fees paid upfront to the water resources fund. The law takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 165 revises audit requirements for consumer cooperative associations in the state, directly affecting these member-owned businesses. The bill changes the audit standard from requiring an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to allowing internal auditors to conduct annual financial reviews. This policy change simplifies compliance for co-ops while maintaining financial oversight, effective September 13, 2025. The bill passed unanimously through committees and was signed into law by the governor on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 236 transfers management of the Electric Assistance Program from its current administrator to the Department of Energy. This bill directly affects low-income households that receive utility bill assistance through the program. The key provision is the formal transfer of administrative authority and oversight responsibilities to the Department of Energy, streamlining program management under a single state agency. The bill became law on June 24, 2025, and takes effect August 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 710 allows electric utilities to own, operate, and offer new advanced nuclear power plants, expanding their energy generation options. It modifies rules for utilities purchasing power from other providers and adds restrictions on community solar and small-scale generator programs. The bill directly affects utilities, power providers, and customers participating in community energy projects. Key provisions include enabling nuclear ownership, adjusting power purchase agreements, and limiting community generator capacity. This is a substantive policy change focused on energy infrastructure and market rules.

Maddy summaryHB 354 creates new certification pathways for career and technical education (CTE) instructors, allowing individuals with significant industry experience or professional certifications to qualify without completing traditional teaching degrees. This directly affects CTE instructors in high schools and vocational programs who previously faced barriers due to lack of formal teaching credentials. The bill establishes specific criteria for evaluating industry experience and professional certifications to ensure instructor qualifications meet educational standards. It takes effect on August 30, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte.

Maddy summarySB 58 changes venue rules for criminal cases involving the distribution of controlled drugs that cause death. It adds a provision (RSA 318-B:26 IX-b) stating that such cases can be prosecuted in any state where the drug distribution occurred or where the victim resides. This directly affects prosecutors, defendants, and courts in cases where the distribution act or victim's location connects to a specific state. The law, effective July 1, 2025, clarifies where these felony prosecutions can be filed.

Maddy summarySB 292 revises New Hampshire's funding formula for special education costs, providing state aid to school districts when their special education expenses exceed 3.5 times the state's average per-pupil cost for the prior school year. Districts are responsible for costs up to 3.5 times the average plus 20% of additional costs (capped at 10 times the average), with the state covering the rest through automatic entitlement. The bill allocates $250,000 annually for emergency aid to small districts (under 1,000 residents) facing financial harm from special education costs, and specifies that unused emergency funds must support broader special education cost increases. It takes effect August 24, 2025, and is funded from the state education trust fund.

Maddy summaryHB 134 updates New Hampshire's definition of the "state building code" to adopt specific versions of international construction standards. It directly affects builders, architects, and property owners by requiring compliance with the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 International Residential Code, and the 2023 National Electrical Code. The bill specifies these codes must be reviewed and recommended by the state building code review board and ratified by the legislature. This change ensures all new construction and major renovations statewide follow these updated, nationally recognized standards.