Sen. Howard Pearl

Maddy summaryThis law allows non-profit organizations in the state to hire outside individuals to run charity auctions without requiring those individuals to hold a professional auctioneer's license. To qualify, the hired person must sign a written contract that clearly defines their duties, compensation, and identifies where the auction money will be held, while strictly prohibiting them from taking a commission or percentage of the sales revenue. Political advocacy groups are explicitly excluded from these rules and must continue to follow standard licensing requirements if they hold auctions. The changes take effect on October 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 1059 updates the New Hampshire state building code by officially adopting the 2021 editions of seven major international codes, such as those for plumbing and energy conservation, along with the 2020 National Electrical Code. This change directly affects construction professionals, building owners, and inspectors who must now follow these new standards for new and existing structures. The bill also establishes that any future updates to these codes will only become part of the state law if they are reviewed by the state board and approved by the legislature before taking effect. These updated rules will officially go into force on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySB 340 updates New Hampshire special education laws to improve communication and oversight between parents, schools, and the state. The bill allows school districts to send Individualized Education Program (IEP) notices via email unless a parent prefers mail, and it requires districts to report rejected IEPs or placements within five days so the state can promptly inform parents of available dispute resolution options. Additionally, the Office of the Advocate for Special Education gains expanded authority to review student records and complaints without public disclosure, while the Department of Education must publish an annual report detailing disability statistics, funding, and progress on compliance plans. The legislation also encourages local school districts to create and share their own alternative dispute resolution programs to help families resolve conflicts more efficiently.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Hampshire Department of Energy to conduct ongoing studies on nuclear energy technologies, including advanced reactors, and to evaluate how these developments might impact state laws, infrastructure, and public safety. It requires the department to publish a report on these findings at least once every three years, starting in December 2025, and to consult with various state agencies on issues such as health, transportation, and environmental protection. Additionally, the bill officially renames the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development to better reflect its broader role in coordinating state activities related to both nuclear and offshore wind energy. The legislation establishes the Commissioner of Energy as the primary state adviser to the Governor on matters concerning the industrial and commercial use of nuclear energy.

Maddy summaryThis law requires electricity generators in New Hampshire to notify the Department of Energy within 30 days if an outside regulatory agency threatens to force their plant to close. In response, the state's energy department must investigate how the closure would impact power reliability and costs, and it may take legal steps to challenge the external order. The bill also states that state agencies cannot be sued for actions taken to protect in-state power generation under these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for the Department of Environmental Services to transfer ownership of state-owned dams to local municipalities or other interested groups before removing them. Under the new rules, the department must offer the dam and its associated rights to the local municipality at least one year in advance, providing detailed information on the dam's condition and repair costs. If the municipality declines or cannot afford the necessary debt, the offer extends to associations of landowners or other public entities capable of maintaining the structure. The department may only proceed with dam removal if no party accepts the transfer, provided the dam is not in imminent danger of failure or removal does not serve a compelling environmental interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Hampshire's Department of Energy to create new rules for customer-owned generators connecting to the state's electric grid. The proposed regulations will establish clear procedures for eligibility, engineering standards, review timelines, and cost responsibilities, aiming to make the process more predictable and aligned with national best practices. The department must provide regular updates to legislative committees and submit the draft rules for final review within 15 months of the bill's effective date. Existing laws governing these connections will remain in place until the new rules are officially adopted.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the list of medical professionals in New Hampshire who can certify patients for the state's therapeutic cannabis program. It allows physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to issue certifications if they hold the necessary federal licenses to prescribe controlled substances, and it removes the requirement for a pediatrician's signature when certifying minors, instead requiring certification from two pediatric care providers. The law also creates a new category for any other licensed New Hampshire provider who can prescribe drugs and has DEA registration, provided they are primarily responsible for the patient's care. These changes aim to increase access to medical cannabis by broadening the types of healthcare workers eligible to recommend it.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Bradley Haas Act, provides a one-time death benefit of $100,000 to the family of a New Hampshire hospital security officer who is killed while performing their duties. The legislation specifically allocates these funds to the beneficiaries of Bradley Haas, who was fatally shot at a hospital in 2023, and distributes the money according to existing state rules for law enforcement death benefits. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "police officer" for death benefit purposes to include security officers employed directly by the state of New Hampshire. This change ensures that state-employed security guards are eligible for the same financial support as other sworn law enforcement officers if they die in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires horse racing operators in New Hampshire to turn over unclaimed ticket and voucher money to the state treasurer. The law mandates that any unclaimed funds remain unpaid for 12 months before being forfeited to a special state fund, while operators must submit detailed reports of these unclaimed items to the treasurer and the lottery commission. Once the money is transferred to the state, the lottery commission can issue payment to ticket holders who claim their tickets within a specific timeframe. The bill takes effect 60 days after it is passed by the legislature and signed by the governor.