Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summaryHB 1010 aims to expand access to midwifery care by preventing state rules from denying or transferring patients based on specific pregnancy factors. The bill directly affects midwives and pregnant individuals by prohibiting restrictions related to carrying multiple fetuses, fetal malpresentation, or having fewer than three prior cesarean sections. Additionally, it stops regulations from refusing midwifery services simply because a patient lives far from a hospital. If passed, the law would take effect 60 days after enactment and would require further study before becoming permanent.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Energy to conduct a comprehensive investigation into energy storage solutions, specifically focusing on both behind-the-meter systems installed at customer sites and utility-scale projects. The study will examine how to create fair pricing for storage, identify regulatory hurdles like building codes, and review successful practices from other states to encourage investment from both utilities and private owners. The department is required to submit its findings and recommendations to state legislative committees by December 30, 2025, for customer-focused issues and by December 30, 2026, for utility-scale matters. Ultimately, the report will propose necessary changes to state laws and regulations to facilitate the growth of energy storage while aiming to protect ratepayers from increased costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Protection of Women's Sports Act, establishes rules for interscholastic and intercollegiate athletic teams in New Hampshire by categorizing them based on the biological sex listed on athletes' birth certificates. It mandates that teams designated for females be open only to students identified as female at birth, while teams for males may include students of any sex, and requires separate locker room facilities for each group. The legislation also creates a legal pathway for athletes to sue schools or organizations if they experience harm or retaliation related to these sex-based designations, though it explicitly excludes K-5 schools and intramural or club sports from its requirements.

Maddy summarySB 321 establishes a rule requiring courts to detain defendants who have failed to appear in court three or more times for serious offenses within the past three years, or twice on the current charge. Under this provision, a judge must presume that releasing such individuals would not ensure they return for their trial, though the defendant still has the right to present evidence to try to overcome this presumption. The law applies specifically to cases involving felonies, class A misdemeanors, and driving under the influence charges, both in New Hampshire and equivalent out-of-state crimes. If a defendant successfully rebuts the presumption during a bail hearing, the court may then decide whether to release them pending trial. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires high school students in New Hampshire to pass a specific civics test to receive their graduation certificate. The law mandates that students achieve a score of at least 70 percent on a digital assessment based on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization exam. Schools must administer this test as part of their required history and government courses and report the results to the state department of education. The legislation also allows for accommodations for students with disabilities in accordance with their individualized education plans.

Maddy summarySB 458 would allow licensed health care professionals to dispense up to a 60-day supply of noncontrolled oral anti-cancer medications under a provider's supervision. This change expands the current rules that generally limit pharmacy dispensing to 30-day supplies for such drugs. The bill specifically targets patients requiring long-term cancer treatment by permitting authorized professionals to provide these medications directly. Although the legislation was recently reviewed by committees, it was ultimately not recommended for further action in the 2024 session.

Maddy summaryHB 1488 establishes a new Municipal Hazard Mitigation Funding Program to help New Hampshire towns repair infrastructure and prevent damage from future natural disasters. The bill authorizes an initial $2 million transfer from state funds to support municipalities that have existing hazard mitigation plans but lack the money to implement them. To receive grants, towns must apply once per year for up to $50,000, providing details on specific projects and proving they cannot afford the work themselves. The program requires the state to review applications within 60 days and mandates that recipients complete their projects within three months of receiving funds. Additionally, the bill modifies the state disaster relief fund to allow it to be used for hazard mitigation projects and creates a committee to oversee individual and municipal assistance requests.

Maddy summarySB 425 increases the fee for bail commissioners from $40 to $60. This change applies to individuals who act as bail commissioners in criminal cases, though those who are already full-time, salaried law enforcement officers or court staff will not receive the fee unless they are working outside their regular duties. The bill also specifies that the collected fees should be sent to the local town or city if the commissioner is a government employee, and it maintains the existing rule that fees must be waived for indigent defendants.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows children of school district employees to enroll in the schools where their parents work, provided there is available space and no need for new classrooms or staff. It clarifies that these employees' children are considered non-resident students, meaning their home school districts are not required to pay for their transportation to the school district where the parent works. The bill also establishes that the employee's home district must pay at least 80 percent of the average cost per pupil for these students attending open enrollment schools in their resident district, while the remaining costs are covered by the parents through payroll deductions or district policy. Additionally, the bill specifies that if an employee leaves their job, their child can finish the current school year before returning to their home district.