Sen. Regina Birdsell

Maddy summarySB 566 expands New Hampshire's National Guard recruiting incentives by allowing any current or former Guard member to refer recruits for a $1,000 cash bonus (previously limited to certain ranks), increases reenlistment/reclassification bonuses to $8,000 (from $6,000), and adds up to $4,000 in reimbursement for military job-related credentialing costs when federal reimbursement isn't available. It directly affects New Hampshire National Guard members who refer new recruits, reenlist, or need job-specific training certifications. The bill requires state funding for these expanded incentives, with the Department of Military Affairs estimating an additional $125,000 annually starting in FY 2027 to cover the costs. The bill itself does not provide new funding but modifies existing program parameters.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires animal care centers (like boarding kennels, veterinary facilities, and humane societies) that board five or more dogs to notify owners in writing when a dog will be left unattended without an employee present and to disclose if the facility lacks a functioning fire sprinkler system. Centers must also report any injuries to animals or people occurring on their premises to local law enforcement within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the bill mandates annual unannounced inspections by local authorities between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to verify sanitation and care standards, with penalties including temporary closures (up to 5 days) for first violations and permanent closure after a third infraction. The requirements apply to commercial centers but exclude private residences caring for five or fewer dogs at a time.

Maddy summarySB 478 aims to lower prescription drug costs for New Hampshire residents by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). It bans "spread pricing" (where PBMs keep the difference between what they pay pharmacies and charge insurers), requires all manufacturer rebates to reduce consumer out-of-pocket costs or premiums, and prohibits retroactive fees on clean claims. The bill also mandates transparent pricing lists, allows audits to prevent misuse, and prioritizes the lowest net-cost drugs in formularies. These changes directly affect patients, pharmacies, insurers, and PBMs by making drug pricing more transparent and reducing hidden costs.

Maddy summarySB 509 prevents municipalities from restricting the length of dead-end roads or cul-de-sacs in new subdivisions or building permits, provided the road design meets state fire code requirements. It directly affects developers seeking approval for new residential areas and local governments reviewing subdivision plans or building permits. The bill amends state laws to explicitly prohibit length-based denials when fire access compliance is certified, removing existing municipal restrictions. This creates a clear standard: if a dead-end road passes fire code checks, local governments cannot block development solely due to its length. The policy change applies immediately upon passage, with no additional cost or process for developers.

Maddy summarySB 485 establishes rules for hemp-derived products containing cannabinoids (like delta-8 THC) by defining them and setting a strict limit: products must contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. It creates a licensing system through the Liquor Commission for businesses selling these products, requiring retailers, suppliers, and wholesalers to obtain licenses. The bill also imposes a tax on wholesale sales of these products and prohibits sales of any hemp-derived product exceeding the 0.3% THC threshold. This directly affects hemp product businesses and the Liquor Commission, which will enforce licensing, regulations, and tax collection under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes renaming a specific peak in Bethlehem, New Hampshire (coordinates 44°13'22" N; 71°33'42" W) to "Mount Shepard" in honor of Alan Shepard, a New Hampshire native and the first American in space. The resolution cites Shepard's achievements as a NASA astronaut, moonwalker, and naval officer, noting his connection to the state. It does not create new laws or affect policy, but formally changes the peak's official name to commemorate Shepard's legacy. The resolution was introduced by multiple state legislators and referred to the Resources committee.

Maddy summarySB 477 requires hospitals and other 340B-covered entities in New Hampshire to submit annual public reports to the Department of Health and Human Services by April 1. These reports must detail patient usage of 340B drugs (by insurance type), financial data including acquisition costs and reimbursements for drugs and other services, net revenue, and charity care costs. The bill mandates separate reporting for hospitals, their practice locations, and contracted pharmacies, along with CEO/CFO attestations confirming accuracy. It aims to increase transparency by making 340B program financial data publicly available and preventing duplicate discounts.

Maddy summaryHB 1291 would make it a class A misdemeanor to operate a small drone without permission over large public gatherings (like sports events, concerts, or festivals) or over critical infrastructure, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, military sites, or government buildings. The bill defines "critical infrastructure" to include specific facilities like petroleum refineries, electric substations, and public safety buildings. This law would take effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to all drone users who fly without prior authorization in these scenarios. The bill does not require new funding but may impact law enforcement and court processes if violations occur.

Maddy summaryHB 1238 amends New Hampshire law (RSA 265:4) to increase penalties for disobeying law enforcement officers. It reclassifies certain violations as class A misdemeanors (for offenses under subparagraphs I(a), (b), (d), (e), (f)) and upgrades penalties for violations involving motor vehicle accidents: a class B felony if serious injury occurs during pursuit (subparagraph I(c)), and a class A felony if injury or death results. This directly affects individuals who refuse to comply with officers during traffic stops or investigations, particularly when accidents happen while fleeing. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, and was requested by the Department of Safety.

Maddy summaryHB 1018 prohibits the use of four specific rat poisons (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, and difethialone) in New Hampshire, primarily affecting pest control businesses, property owners, and general commercial users. The ban takes effect January 1, 2027, with key exceptions allowing these products for public health activities (like protecting drinking water or controlling documented infestations), medical waste facilities, and certain agricultural settings including food storage warehouses, slaughterhouses, and breweries. The law does not ban all rodenticides, only these four second-generation anticoagulant types. It directly changes pesticide regulations under RSA 430:41.