Sen. Victoria Sullivan

Maddy summarySB 81 would increase the real estate transfer tax paid when buying or selling property, directing the additional revenue to the state's affordable housing fund. This bill directly affects homebuyers and sellers by raising their transaction costs, while the new funding would support affordable housing programs. The key mechanism is a tax rate adjustment that automatically allocates the extra revenue to the housing fund without requiring new legislation for each appropriation. It aims to expand resources for developing or preserving low- and moderate-income housing units.

Maddy summarySB 223 would allow college and university students to use their official student identification cards as valid identification when registering to vote or obtaining a ballot. It directly affects enrolled students at participating institutions who may lack other forms of approved voter ID. The key provision would expand acceptable identification types to include student IDs, streamlining the voting process for this group. This is a procedural bill focused on voter access requirements, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySB 289 addresses the handling of body-worn camera recordings by law enforcement in specific situations. The bill aims to establish rules for how such recordings are preserved and used, though the provided context does not detail specific provisions or affected groups. As a pending bill currently in committee review (last referred to Interim Study on 2025-03-06), it has not yet been enacted, so no concrete policy changes are in effect. The summary reflects the bill's stated purpose as outlined in its title, based on the available information.

Maddy summarySB 117 allocates $1 million for the 2025-2027 biennium to fund the state’s existing online tutoring program for K-12 public school students. The funds are non-lapsing (remain available until spent) and require the Department of Education to annually report on program use and effectiveness to key legislative committees starting in 2026. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, ensuring continued access to online tutoring support for students without requiring new program creation.

Maddy summarySB 296 increases the minimum percentage of education scholarships for nonpublic schools that must go to low-income students from 40% to 50%. It requires scholarship organizations to award at least half of their funds to students who qualified for federal free/reduced-price lunch in the prior school year, verified through household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill also allows students temporarily losing eligibility to retain their scholarship for one "probationary year" before becoming ineligible. This applies directly to scholarship organizations distributing funds under New Hampshire's education freedom account program, affecting families seeking nonpublic school funding.

Maddy summarySB 70 would create a mobile driver's license and non-driver identification card system, allowing residents to use smartphone apps instead of physical cards. It directly affects individuals who require identification for age verification, travel, or official purposes, offering a digital alternative to traditional licenses. The bill proposes establishing state-approved mobile ID platforms that would meet security and privacy standards. However, the bill is currently stalled under "Inexpedient to Legislate" status (Senate Rule 3-23, effective October 31, 2025), meaning it has not advanced to become law.

Maddy summarySB 142 proposes creating a new Department of Children's Services and Juvenile Justice within the state government. This procedural bill establishes the structure for a standalone agency to oversee child welfare and juvenile justice services. The bill directly affects state agencies and systems responsible for child protection, foster care, and youth justice programs. As a structural bill, it does not specify operational details or policy changes beyond naming the new department. The context provided does not include specific provisions or affected populations beyond the department's creation.

Maddy summarySB 123 would require the state Medicaid program to cover ear acupuncture as a treatment for substance misuse disorders. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries with substance use disorders and healthcare providers who offer this service. The key provision mandates that ear acupuncture be included as a covered benefit under the state Medicaid plan, ensuring providers can bill Medicaid for these treatments. The bill does not alter eligibility or funding levels but adds a specific service to the list of covered treatments.

Maddy summarySB 39 would create an alternative program for driver education, offering a new pathway for new drivers to meet licensing requirements beyond traditional classroom instruction. It directly affects teenagers and young adults seeking their first driver's license, who typically complete mandatory driver education courses. The bill establishes specific criteria for this alternative program, including curriculum standards and instructor qualifications, to ensure it meets safety and training goals. This policy change would provide an additional option for schools or organizations to deliver driver education, potentially increasing accessibility for students. The bill is currently in committee review with a scheduled hearing.