Sen. Regina Birdsell

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire's child support guidelines to better reflect modern family arrangements by clarifying definitions and adjusting calculations. It formally defines terms like "eligible child care costs," "parenting time," and "substantially similar incomes" to provide clearer standards for courts and parents. The law introduces a new framework where child support obligations may be reduced or eliminated if both parents have similar incomes and share parenting time equally, while still allowing for adjustments in cases of significant health needs, long distances, or abuse. These changes aim to ensure that child support orders are fair and do not leave one parent with a higher adjusted income than the other when both are actively involved in raising the children. The provisions will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire bill reinstates the ban on selling hemp products that contain specific levels of THC, effectively reversing a previous law that had removed this restriction. The legislation directly impacts retailers and consumers by prohibiting the sale of hemp-derived items with elevated THC concentrations. It takes immediate effect upon passage, ensuring that the prohibition on these specific products is enforced starting July 3, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates laws regarding wastewater services by allowing water companies to charge customers outside municipal boundaries a rate up to 15 percent higher than those inside, provided the level of service remains equal. It clarifies that homeowners associations are not considered public utilities simply because they provide water or sewer services. Additionally, the legislation permits municipalities to use funds collected from sewer surcharges on external customers for specific infrastructure projects, including sewer system maintenance, capital reserves, and the expansion or replacement of natural gas lines. These changes take effect on September 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis law requires the executor of an estate to officially report the death of any voter aged 18 or older to their local town or city clerk within 30 days of being appointed. Once the clerk receives this notice, they must inform the town supervisors, who are then responsible for removing the deceased person's name from the voter registration list at their next meeting. The bill also mandates that supervisors who fail to erase the name of a deceased voter after receiving proper notice could face legal penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers to continue paying health insurance premiums for emergency response and public safety workers who are appealing a denial of a workers' compensation claim based on a presumptive condition. The coverage must be maintained at the value of a single employee premium for up to 18 months while the claim is being reviewed. Eligibility for this benefit begins at the start of employment and lasts for 20 years after the worker separates from service.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for inspecting state dams and creates a new committee to study how to better fund their upkeep. It requires the Department of Environmental Services to regularly inspect dams that could threaten public safety and sets specific conditions under which a dam previously classified as safe must be re-evaluated. The legislation also directs that money earned from leasing or selling state dams be used to pay off existing debt and repair other dams, while establishing a committee of legislators to review current funding methods and propose new solutions by November 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance carriers in New Hampshire to accept liability for medical costs paid by the state Medicaid program when a recipient has a third party, such as an auto insurer, responsible for those expenses. It mandates that these carriers must respond to state inquiries about payment claims within 60 days and prohibits them from denying claims based on late submission, specific form types, missing policyholder information, or lack of prior authorization. By removing several common reasons for denial, the law aims to streamline the process for the state to recover funds it has already spent on healthcare services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state building code to require that all new buildings and dwelling units be tested for air leakage. The law mandates that these tests measure air exchange rates and ensures the results do not exceed 5.0 air changes per hour or 0.28 cubic feet per minute per square foot. Testing must follow specific industry standards and be conducted at a pressure of 0.2 inch water gauge. This change directly impacts construction projects by setting a stricter limit on how much air can escape through the building's enclosure.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum amount of money that can be awarded to surviving spouses and children in wrongful death cases involving loss of companionship and family relationships. Previously capped at $150,000 for spouses and $50,000 for children, the new limits are set at $500,000 and $300,000 respectively. The law allows courts to consider these damages alongside other losses like pain and suffering, while still applying rules that reduce payouts if the deceased or the claimant was partially at fault. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to lawsuits filed in probate courts regarding decedents' estates.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the lead poisoning prevention and treatment act of 2024, requires health insurance providers in the state to cover the costs of blood lead testing for residents. The law applies to both individual and group health insurance plans and mandates that these tests be covered without higher co-payments, deductibles, or coinsurance compared to other similar medical benefits. Additionally, the coverage includes any necessary follow-up testing required when initial results show elevated lead levels or are inconclusive. The legislation takes effect on September 1, 2024.