Sen. Victoria Sullivan

Maddy summaryHB 655 requires nonresidents who want to commercially sell marine species caught in New Hampshire waters to obtain a specific license from the state executive director. It applies directly to out-of-state commercial fishers selling species like cod or haddock, but excludes northern shrimp (covered under separate rules), lobsters, and crabs. The bill also prohibits nonresidents from harvesting certain species - such as sea urchins, clam worms, or river herring - unless their home state offers reciprocal licensing for New Hampshire residents. The law takes effect September 13, 2025, for key provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 200 creates a new process for local governments to exceed their legally established tax caps. It directly affects cities and towns that hit their tax limits, allowing them to raise taxes above those caps through a specific procedure. The key mechanism requires a two-thirds vote by a local governing body (like a city council) to request an override from the state, followed by a state review. This law, signed by Governor Ayotte and effective September 13, 2025, replaces previous ad-hoc approaches with a standardized state-level review process.

Maddy summaryHB 369 updates New Hampshire's registration requirements for sexual offenders and offenders against children. It requires these individuals to report in person to local law enforcement within 5 business days of release from custody, conviction (if not incarcerated), or establishing new residence, employment, or schooling in the state. Offenders with multiple residences must report to their primary jurisdiction and provide all addresses, including those outside New Hampshire. The law, signed by Governor Ayotte and effective January 1, 2026, applies to misdemeanor and felony cases covered under current registration statutes.

Maddy summarySB 271 expands eligibility for veteran license plates to include veterans who received a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions. This change directly affects veterans whose military service ended with this specific discharge type, allowing them to qualify for the plates they previously could not. The bill amends existing law to add this discharge category to the list of qualifying discharges for the plates. The law took effect on September 13, 2025, after being signed by the governor on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 99 establishes new funding rules for regional career and technical education programs. It requires school districts sending students to these programs (sending districts) to pay host districts (receiving districts) at least 80% of the sending district's average per-pupil cost, based on state education department data. For part-time students, payments adjust based on credit hours; full-time students use a standard per-pupil rate. The law, effective July 2025, standardizes cost-sharing for career-focused education programs across districts.

Maddy summarySB 24 allows students under age 21 to taste wine during approved educational programs, such as culinary or viticulture classes at schools or colleges. It directly affects students enrolled in these specific educational settings and requires participating institutions to follow state guidelines for wine tasting activities. The bill amends state alcohol laws to create an exception for supervised educational tasting, prohibiting consumption beyond tasting and requiring educational context. The law takes effect on September 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 148 prevents individuals convicted of murder from inheriting money, property, or life insurance benefits from their victim. If convicted, the murderer automatically loses all inheritance rights, and any will, trust, or life insurance beneficiary designation naming them is canceled. The law also severs joint property ownership with the victim, converting it into equal ownership without survivorship rights. This applies to both criminal convictions and civil court findings of murder, ensuring victims' estates pass to other heirs as if the murderer predeceased them. The bill, now law in New Hampshire effective July 15, 2025, directly affects convicted murderers named in a victim’s estate plans.

Maddy summarySB 102 requires New Hampshire's Department of Education to post informational materials about type 1 diabetes and four communicable diseases (measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox) on its website. The materials must include descriptions of each condition, risk factors, warning signs, vaccination recommendations, diabetes screening guidance, and treatment plan advice. School districts must make these resources accessible to parents or guardians through digital means like their websites. The bill affects all public school districts and their families by standardizing health information access, without creating new vaccination mandates or treatment protocols. It became law on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 57 creates a legislative committee to study school district consolidation and special education costs. The committee, composed of appointed senators and representatives, will examine how school administrative units operate, analyze potential consolidation (including one unit per county except for large counties and specific cities), and review merger processes. It will also study roles of school leaders, staffing, and financial impacts of consolidation. This bill directly affects school administrative units, districts, and their oversight structures by initiating a formal review of these systems. The committee’s findings will inform future policy decisions but do not change current laws.

Maddy summarySB 98 extends the program allowing private donations to regional career and technical education centers. This bill directly affects these centers by maintaining their access to private funding streams without altering eligibility or donation rules. The extension preserves the existing donation framework, ensuring continued support for workforce training programs. It became law on July 15, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.