Sen. Victoria Sullivan

Maddy summaryHB 1447 requires New Hampshire public facilities (including restrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters) and private entities to separate access based on biological sex as defined by birth certificate. The bill defines "biological sex" as male or female based on sex listed on an individual's birth certificate issued at or near birth, and specifies that "woman," "girl," "man," and "boy" refer to these categories for facility access. It explicitly states that such sex-based separation policies do not constitute discrimination under state law. The law applies to all state political subdivisions and private businesses operating in New Hampshire.

Maddy summaryHB 1211 changes how courts review state agency rules and interpretations. It requires courts to interpret laws and agency guidance "from scratch" instead of accepting agency explanations at face value. When uncertain, courts must resolve doubts by limiting agency power and prioritizing individual liberty. This directly affects state courts, agencies, and anyone challenging or being challenged by agency actions under state law.

Maddy summarySB 459 requires New Hampshire schools to designate athletic teams and locker rooms based on students' biological sex at birth, as listed on their birth certificates. It applies to grades 6-12 (excluding K-5 and intramural/club sports) and mandates separate housing for prison inmates based on biological sex as recorded on their birth certificates. The bill creates legal remedies for athletes harmed by violations, including injunctions and attorney fees, while exempting schools from liability for following the law. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 543 establishes provisional eligibility for Medicaid nursing facility services in New Hampshire, directly affecting long-term care applicants and nursing facilities. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to grant temporary coverage within 90 days of application submission if a facility agrees to comply with program terms, without waiting for full application completion. This provisional status lasts up to 18 months or until a final eligibility decision, with facilities receiving payments during this period and required to reimburse funds if final approval is denied. The bill appropriates $1 for the 2026-2027 biennium to fund this program and creates two new positions within the department to manage it (per RSA 167:8).

Maddy summarySB 580 establishes a state-administered school cooperative purchasing program for New Hampshire school districts, school administrative units (SAUs), and chartered public schools. The program enables these entities to join state-negotiated contracts for major school expenses like textbooks, transportation, food services, and heating fuel, replacing individual bidding processes with bulk-purchased rates. Participation is voluntary - school boards or trustees decide whether to join specific contracts, and local schools remain responsible for their own purchases and compliance. The bill streamlines procurement by allowing schools to use state-awarded contracts without needing separate competitive bids, while the state board of education oversees the program.

Maddy summarySB 511 requires New Hampshire state parks to charge residents no more than 50% of the entry fee charged to non-residents, effective April 2027. It allows separate fee schedules for specific park services (like camping, boat rentals, or parking), where residents pay no more than 90% of non-resident rates for those services. The bill also permits discounted or waived fees for veterans and school/student groups. Residency verification will use state IDs, utility bills, or vehicle registrations. This policy directly affects all park visitors, with potential revenue impacts for the State Park Fund estimated between a $1.5 million decrease and $2 million increase annually.

Maddy summarySB 441 requires any New Hampshire municipality planning to transport homeless individuals or those needing substance use disorder treatment to another municipality to first establish a written agreement (Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU) with the receiving municipality. The MOU must detail services provided, financial responsibilities (including potential payments for treatment), transfer limits, and reporting requirements. This applies to non-emergency transports for housing, shelter, or treatment, but excludes emergency medical transfers, court-ordered moves, or voluntary relocations. Violations carry a $5,000 fine payable to the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill aims to ensure coordinated care and financial clarity between municipalities handling vulnerable residents.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 allows New Hampshire's Department of Education to use existing funds to create a centralized database of detailed maps for all public schools. This database would include site-specific details like building layouts and grounds features to help emergency responders and school staff during crises. The bill amends education funding law to add a new provision requiring this mapping technology for unified emergency response coordination. It directly affects public schools and emergency personnel by providing standardized, location-specific information during incidents. The bill does not change funding levels but specifies a new use for current education funds.

Maddy summaryHB 1202 sets funding limits for high school students taking college courses through New Hampshire's community college system. It restricts state-funded enrollment to a maximum of four dual or concurrent enrollment courses per grade (10th, 11th, and 12th), with each funded course limited to four credits. Students may take additional courses beyond these limits at their own expense. The bill amends existing law to implement these requirements, directly affecting high school students enrolled in such programs within the state's community college system.

Maddy summaryHB 1836 requires New Hampshire public schools and districts to submit annual input-based accountability reports by January 15 of even-numbered years. The bill mandates that school principals and superintendents certify the accuracy of these reports, and the state education commissioner must verify compliance before releasing grant funds. Schools failing to submit the required reports will have grant funds withheld until they comply. This replaces a previous requirement for NEASC-certified schools to file separate reports. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.