Sen. Tim Lang

Maddy summaryHB 672 legalizes off-grid electricity providers in New Hampshire, allowing companies to operate without connecting to the state's main power grid. It directly affects off-grid energy providers and their customers, removing previous legal barriers to their services. The key provision establishes a regulatory framework for these providers to legally offer power through independent systems like solar or wind. The law took effect on August 1, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte.

Maddy summaryHB 328 establishes a 15-member Charitable Gaming Oversight Commission to review New Hampshire's charitable gaming laws, including historical horse racing and fundraising events like raffles. The commission includes 7 voting members (legislative leaders and appointees) and 8 non-voting members (public representatives, gaming operators, charities, and agency staff) who will examine issues like problem gambling, fund allocation, and location restrictions. It must submit annual reports to the legislature starting in 2026 with recommendations for changes to gaming rules and laws. The bill directly affects state agencies, charitable organizations, and gaming operators participating in charitable gaming activities.

Maddy summarySB 26 allows homebuyers or developers to access part of an escrow deposit before closing to pay for specific construction customizations, such as upgrades or modifications. The Department of Justice must approve each request for these funds. This applies to projects where buyers or builders have paid a deposit held in escrow for custom features. The law became effective on August 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 287 requires voters applying for absentee ballots in New Hampshire to verify their identity by submitting a copy of their photo ID meeting state requirements (RSA 659:13), providing a notarized signature, or presenting the ID in person to the clerk. This directly affects all voters seeking absentee ballots, ensuring they provide proof of identity before receiving a ballot. The bill mandates that no absentee ballot may be issued without one of these verification methods being satisfied. Signed into law on August 1, 2025, it takes effect September 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 189 amends New Hampshire's energy strategy framework by removing references to the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board from the Department of Energy's 10-year state energy strategy. The bill inserts a new definition stating "clean energy" includes nuclear and renewable sources with minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions. This change streamlines the strategy document by eliminating a specific board oversight reference while establishing a clear definition for "clean energy" in state policy. The bill passed both chambers, was signed by the governor, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 696 modifies how utility property taxes and statewide education property taxes apply to electric generating facilities, such as power plants. It exempts qualifying facilities from these taxes, directly affecting utility companies and electric generators that own such infrastructure. The key provision changes the tax treatment by removing these facilities from the taxable base for both utility and education property taxes. The bill was signed into law on July 15, 2025, and takes effect on July 1, 2027. This creates a permanent tax exemption for eligible electric generation facilities under the specified tax categories.

Maddy summarySB 95 requires the state building code review board and fire control board to update their codes to comply with existing laws (RSA 153:5, VII and RSA 155-A:14) regarding youth recreation camp cabins. This bill directly affects youth recreation camps operating in cabins by mandating that building and fire safety codes align with these specific legal requirements. The law became effective September 13, 2025, after passing the legislature and receiving the governor's signature. It is a procedural code amendment, not a new policy for camps.

Maddy summarySB 40 updates requirements for safe boater education certificates in the state. It requires all boaters to hold a certificate valid for 10 years, replacing the previous 5-year standard. The bill affects anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft who needs this certification. Key changes take effect starting September 13, 2025, for new certificates and January 1, 2026, for renewals.

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.