Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summaryHB 110 allows New Hampshire counties to create revolving funds specifically for public safety services, such as covering costs for special events, highway construction, or other safety-related activities performed by county employees. Counties can replenish these funds using fees or income from the services they support, with any excess funds deposited into the county’s general fund. The county treasurer manages the fund, and spending requires approval from county commissioners, while the county convention can set limits on how the money is spent. This law takes effect August 23, 2025, and applies directly to county governments seeking to manage public safety expenses more flexibly.

Maddy summarySB 31 creates an "apprentice guide license" for individuals seeking to become hunting or fishing guides but who haven't yet met all requirements for a full license. It requires apprentices to pass a criminal background check, obtain first aid/CPR certification, and work only under the direct supervision of a fully licensed guide who is 18 or older. The bill does not set specific fees but directs that they be established through existing administrative rules. This change directly affects aspiring guides in New Hampshire who need structured training under supervision before qualifying for full licensure, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 262 increases penalties for trafficking individuals under 18 years old by reclassifying the offense as a felony instead of a misdemeanor. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of trafficking minors, imposing stricter criminal consequences. The key provision raises the maximum penalty for this crime, enhancing legal accountability for traffickers. The bill was signed into law on June 24, 2025, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 235 allows New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department to use federal Pitman-Robertson conservation funds specifically for protecting threatened and endangered species, and permits the department to collect donations at approved sites without needing governor or council approval. It establishes that donation funds must go into the Fish and Game Fund and can only be used for conservation, restoration, management, or educational efforts related to fish, game, and wildlife. The bill directly affects the Fish and Game Department by expanding its funding sources and flexibility for species conservation programs. Key mechanisms include setting up donation collection points through the executive director's approval and explicitly restricting fund use to conservation purposes. The bill was signed into law on June 24, 2025, and takes effect August 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 173 modifies the rules governing legal agreements (covenants) that restrict how residential properties financed through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program can be managed. It directly affects developers and property managers of LIHTC housing by changing how long certain restrictions on these properties can remain in place. The bill establishes new requirements for updating or removing these covenants, aiming to provide more flexibility in property management while maintaining affordability commitments. This law took effect on July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 96 requires New Hampshire school employees (like teachers) to respond in writing to parent inquiries about their child within 5 school days, answering completely and honestly where permitted by law. School districts may withhold information only if disclosure could cause abuse, neglect, or abandonment (with written documentation), but must otherwise provide full responses. This directly affects parents seeking information about their child’s education and school staff who must follow these communication rules. Violations would be treated as breaches of educator conduct standards. The bill is currently pending in committee.

Maddy summarySB 302 combines two unrelated provisions. First, it requires background checks for owners of solid waste and hazardous waste facilities, temporarily suspends the Department of Environmental Services from issuing new solid waste permits, and creates a site evaluation committee. Second, it mandates that animal abuse suspects or defendants have animals confiscated by authorities, and establishes a committee to study animal cruelty statutes. The bill directly affects waste facility owners, environmental regulators, and law enforcement handling animal abuse cases. As of the latest update, it is pending in conference committee with no final vote.

Maddy summarySB 141 extends the deadline for criminal defendants to petition for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence or forensic testing. It allows petitions up to 3 years after conviction, with exceptions for cases involving new forensic methods, scientific understanding, or evidence not available at trial. To qualify, petitioners must prove innocence under penalty of perjury and demonstrate how the new evidence would exonerate them. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals convicted of felonies who seek to challenge their convictions using evidence unavailable at trial. It does not address library records, as the title's mention of "library cards" appears inconsistent with the bill's actual content.

Maddy summarySB 285 changes New Hampshire's official terminology by replacing "physician assistant" with "physician associate" in all relevant state statutes. It amends hundreds of legal references across healthcare laws, including licensing, practice regulations, and penalty provisions (such as RSA 328-D:13). The bill is purely a technical update to terminology with no changes to professional practice standards or responsibilities. It does not alter how these healthcare professionals operate or their scope of practice. The law became effective June 17, 2025, with some sections delayed until January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 160 establishes administrative rules for conducting raffles in the state. It directly affects nonprofit organizations, charities, and event organizers who host raffles as fundraising activities. The bill sets specific requirements for raffle operations, including licensing, prize disclosure, and reporting procedures. Signed into law on June 17, 2025, it becomes effective July 1, 2025, replacing previous administrative guidelines.