Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summarySB 196 raises the exemption threshold for state agency projects from competitive bidding requirements from $500,000 to $1,000,000. This means state agencies can now bypass competitive bidding for projects costing up to $1 million, directly affecting agencies managing such projects. The key provision modifies existing law to increase the cost limit for automatic exemption, streamlining procurement for smaller projects. The bill became law on June 17, 2025, and takes effect August 16, 2025. It does not alter bidding rules for projects exceeding $1 million.

Maddy summarySB 65 streamlines permitting for small solar installations by creating a simplified "permit by notification" process for projects under 5 megawatts (MW) that alter terrain for solar panels. This applies to most solar projects but excludes those in protected shoreland areas (as defined by RSA 483-B), which must still follow standard permitting. The law requires the department to adopt these rules by January 1, 2026, and allows temporary waivers under existing rules until then. Signed into law on June 17, 2025, it directly affects solar developers and local permitting authorities by reducing administrative barriers for smaller solar installations.

Maddy summarySB 254 requires criminal history background checks for individuals serving as surrogate parents in New Hampshire's special education system. It mandates that the Department of Education conduct these checks using fingerprints and FBI/state records, valid for 5 years, with strict confidentiality rules (records destroyed after 60 days). The bill disqualifies applicants convicted of specific drug-related offenses (e.g., selling controlled substances under RSA 630:1) or crimes involving children within the past decade. This directly affects surrogate parent applicants who must pay for checks and submit required documentation, while ensuring child safety through standardized screening. (Note: The bill's title mentions "controlled substance inventories," but the actual provisions focus solely on surrogate parent background checks.)

Maddy summaryHB 554 clarifies existing rules about where businesses can place advertising signs on state-owned property, such as highways, government buildings, and public rights-of-way. It provides specific guidelines to reduce confusion for businesses and state agencies regarding permitted locations and placement requirements. The bill does not create new restrictions but aims to make current placement rules clearer and more consistent. This directly affects advertising companies and businesses seeking to display signs on state property.

Maddy summarySB 60 addresses two separate policy areas: it modifies rules for "advanced deposit account wagering" (a form of online gambling) and clarifies the Department of Health and Human Services' authority to set immunization requirements. The bill directly affects gambling operators subject to these wagering rules and healthcare providers or facilities that must follow immunization regulations. Key provisions include updating gambling regulations and explicitly defining the Department's rulemaking power for immunization standards. The bill appears to bundle these unrelated topics into a single legislative measure. (Note: The title suggests these are distinct provisions within the same bill, but the context does not detail specific mechanisms or affected groups beyond the general scope.)

Maddy summarySB 72 establishes a "Parental Bill of Rights" in New Hampshire law, directly affecting parents of minors (under 18) and public schools. The bill requires schools to provide parents with timely, accurate information about their child's education, health, discipline policies, and assessments, and grants parents specific rights to opt out of health/sex education, surveys, and certain data collection. It prohibits schools or government entities from infringing on parental rights to direct a child's upbringing, education, or health care without demonstrating a compelling state interest and using the least restrictive means. The law aims to clarify parental authority while setting specific disclosure requirements for schools.

Maddy summarySB 100 prohibits New Hampshire public school educators from teaching, instructing, or inculcating discrimination targeting specific racial groups (including white people, Black people, or Hispanic/Latino people), while allowing educators to discuss historical discrimination as part of academic instruction. It requires school districts to investigate educator violations under state code and permits civil lawsuits by affected individuals or the attorney general. The law applies specifically to certified educators (teachers, administrators, and specialists) in public schools and explicitly states that discrimination cannot be justified by special considerations for any racial group.

Maddy summaryHB 355 adjusts the membership structure of the state's Solid Waste Working Group. The bill specifies who may serve on this group, directly affecting the composition of the panel that advises on solid waste management policies. It was passed unanimously by the committee (3-0) and the full chamber, then signed into law by Governor Ayotte on June 10, 2025, effective immediately. As a procedural bill focused solely on group membership, it does not create new policies or funding.

Maddy summarySB 133 designates emergency medical services provided by ambulance service providers as essential services under state law. This change directly affects ambulance providers and their employees, ensuring these services are recognized as critical during emergencies or labor disputes. The bill establishes that ambulance services must continue operating during strikes or emergencies to maintain public safety. It became law on June 10, 2025, and takes effect on August 9, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 295 creates New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, allowing parents to use public funds for private school tuition or approved educational expenses. It directly affects eligible K-12 students from households earning up to 350% of the federal poverty level (with income verified only at initial application), prioritizing current EFA students, siblings, students with disabilities, and low-income families. The program sets a 10,000-student enrollment cap for 2025-2026, with potential 25% annual increases if prior-year enrollment exceeded 90% of the cap, and reserves spots for renewing students before new enrollments. The law, signed by the governor on June 10, 2025, is now effective and replaces prior eligibility rules.