Sen. Regina Birdsell

Maddy summaryThis bill provides financial assistance to the town of Hampstead to help cover property tax losses caused by the state's purchase of the Hampstead Hospital. The state will distribute approximately $191,000 to the town, with the money coming from a mix of federal funds and general state funds if federal sources are unavailable. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and authorizes the governor to issue the necessary payment from the state treasury.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for plumbing apprenticeships in New Hampshire by limiting each plumbing license holder to employing a maximum of two apprentices. It clarifies that a master plumber is not required to register an apprentice in a state-approved program, though such registration is still permitted if the program meets federal Department of Labor standards. The law defines a plumbing apprentice as someone learning to install plumbing and drainage systems under the supervision of a licensed professional. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint Legislative Historical Committee to accept and display portraits of former Senator Martha Fuller Clark and Wentworth Cheswell. It also requires that money earned from commemorative bottles sold for the American Revolution's 250th anniversary be placed into a specific trust fund. These actions aim to honor historical figures and manage funds related to a significant historical anniversary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pharmacy benefit managers and health insurers in New Hampshire to report detailed information about pharmaceutical rebates they receive and how those funds are used. The legislation mandates that these entities submit annual reports breaking down the total value of rebates collected, the amounts distributed to insurers, and the specific reductions applied to patient costs such as deductibles and copayments. Additionally, insurers must provide actuarial certifications explaining how rebates are remitted to policyholders and detail the methods used to estimate rebate amounts for plan design purposes. These reporting requirements apply to private health plans but explicitly exclude Medicaid, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and self-funded plans like the state employee health benefit plan. The law takes effect on June 30, 2024, and repeals a previous provision that had sought to remove these rebate reporting rules.

Maddy summaryThis law authorizes the Department of Environmental Services to receive $6.5 million to improve regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire. The funds will be used for Phase 2 of a project that increases water supply capacity by over two million gallons per day for towns affected by PFAS contamination and rising demand. Specific actions include designing necessary support projects, installing chemical treatment systems at water tanks in Derry and Salem, and raising the water level of Lake Massabesic. The money comes from general state funds and existing federal and trust funds, and the governor can access these resources starting July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program to study the costs of providing ground ambulance services in the state and creates a reporting requirement for all ambulance providers. An independent expert will analyze financial data submitted by these providers to develop a suggested reimbursement rate schedule for commercial insurance payers, ensuring providers can cover costs while maintaining readiness for emergencies. The study, which must be completed by December 31, 2024, will also estimate how these rates might affect insurance premiums and will be funded by a special assessment on health plans. Once finished, the final report detailing these findings will be sent to state officials and legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Veteran Licensing Acceleration Program to help military veterans in New Hampshire obtain professional licenses more quickly in regulated fields. It creates a dedicated administrator within the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services to provide resources, mentorship, and guidance on how military experience translates to state licensure requirements. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification issue temporary licenses within 30 days to armed forces members and their spouses who already hold valid out-of-state licenses, allowing them to work while completing local requirements. The bill also directs the state to adopt rules defining which military training counts as equivalent to professional education and includes funding to support these new initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in New Hampshire to display a poster informing employees about benefits and services available to veterans. The state labor commissioner will create and distribute this notice, which must be placed in a location accessible to all staff. The poster will list resources such as mental health support, education and training options, tax benefits, and contact information for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Employers must comply with this requirement starting 60 days after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new state laws to protect freedom of speech and association at public colleges and universities in New Hampshire. It designates outdoor campus areas as public forums where students and staff can engage in peaceful expression without being forced into designated "free speech zones." The legislation prohibits institutions from discriminating against student groups based on their religious, political, or ideological views and defines specific limits on when speech can be restricted, such as during unlawful fights or harassment. Additionally, the bill creates a legal remedy allowing individuals or groups to sue schools for violations, with a monetary cap on damages adjusted annually for inflation.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 establishes a Legislative Youth Advisory Council in New Hampshire to allow young people to review and offer recommendations on laws affecting their lives. The council will consist of 17 members, including 13 youth aged 14 to 22 and four non-voting legislators, who will focus on issues like education, technology, transportation, labor, and substance misuse. Appointments are made by the Speaker of the House and the Senate President to ensure geographic diversity and representation from various schools and counties, with members serving terms aligned with the legislative cycle. The group is required to meet at least four times annually, conduct leadership training, and submit an annual report with policy suggestions to state officials. While the youth members are not paid, legislative members receive standard mileage reimbursement, and all council meetings and records are open to the public.