Sen. Tim Lang

Maddy summarySB 80 moves the licensing, auditing, and enforcement oversight for both wholesale and retail e-cigarette sales from multiple agencies to the state liquor commission. This change directly affects e-cigarette businesses, requiring them to interact with the liquor commission for all regulatory compliance instead of separate departments. The bill consolidates these responsibilities into one agency, streamlining the process for businesses and regulators. The law became effective July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 300 makes it a crime to create explicit images or videos involving minors. It directly affects individuals who produce such content, imposing criminal penalties for this specific act. The law prohibits the creation of "child intimate visual representations" and establishes legal consequences for violators. Signed into law (Chapter 0259) and effective January 1, 2026, it focuses on preventing the production of this material.

Maddy summarySB 110 modifies fees for land disturbance permits in New Hampshire, primarily affecting developers and property owners seeking construction or land alteration permits. It establishes a tiered fee structure based on the disturbed area: $3,125 for projects under 150,000 sq ft (permit-by-notification), $6,250 for 150,000-200,000 sq ft, and additional $2,500 fees for every extra 100,000 sq ft. The bill also creates a new "permit by notification" process for smaller projects (under 150,000 sq ft, excluding certain properties) by 2026, with fees paid upfront to the water resources fund. The law takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 165 revises audit requirements for consumer cooperative associations in the state, directly affecting these member-owned businesses. The bill changes the audit standard from requiring an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to allowing internal auditors to conduct annual financial reviews. This policy change simplifies compliance for co-ops while maintaining financial oversight, effective September 13, 2025. The bill passed unanimously through committees and was signed into law by the governor on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 236 transfers management of the Electric Assistance Program from its current administrator to the Department of Energy. This bill directly affects low-income households that receive utility bill assistance through the program. The key provision is the formal transfer of administrative authority and oversight responsibilities to the Department of Energy, streamlining program management under a single state agency. The bill became law on June 24, 2025, and takes effect August 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 710 allows electric utilities to own, operate, and offer new advanced nuclear power plants, expanding their energy generation options. It modifies rules for utilities purchasing power from other providers and adds restrictions on community solar and small-scale generator programs. The bill directly affects utilities, power providers, and customers participating in community energy projects. Key provisions include enabling nuclear ownership, adjusting power purchase agreements, and limiting community generator capacity. This is a substantive policy change focused on energy infrastructure and market rules.

Maddy summaryHB 90 amends the legal definition of "part-time teachers" in public school settings. This change directly affects part-time educators employed by public school districts, clarifying their classification under state education law. The bill's key provision updates the statutory definition without altering employment terms or benefits, simply establishing a new standard for determining part-time status. It became effective on July 7, 2025, the date Governor Ayotte signed it into law.

Maddy summaryHB 354 creates new certification pathways for career and technical education (CTE) instructors, allowing individuals with significant industry experience or professional certifications to qualify without completing traditional teaching degrees. This directly affects CTE instructors in high schools and vocational programs who previously faced barriers due to lack of formal teaching credentials. The bill establishes specific criteria for evaluating industry experience and professional certifications to ensure instructor qualifications meet educational standards. It takes effect on August 30, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte.

Maddy summaryHB 235 amends the state's educator code of ethics and code of conduct to explicitly require public school educators to uphold a "responsibility to parents." This policy change directly affects teachers, administrators, and school staff in public schools, mandating they consider parental input and concerns in educational decisions. The key provision adds specific language to existing codes, requiring educators to engage with parents regarding student conduct, learning, and school policies. The bill became law on July 1, 2025, and takes effect August 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 58 changes venue rules for criminal cases involving the distribution of controlled drugs that cause death. It adds a provision (RSA 318-B:26 IX-b) stating that such cases can be prosecuted in any state where the drug distribution occurred or where the victim resides. This directly affects prosecutors, defendants, and courts in cases where the distribution act or victim's location connects to a specific state. The law, effective July 1, 2025, clarifies where these felony prosecutions can be filed.