Sen. Tim Lang

Maddy summarySB 292 revises New Hampshire's funding formula for special education costs, providing state aid to school districts when their special education expenses exceed 3.5 times the state's average per-pupil cost for the prior school year. Districts are responsible for costs up to 3.5 times the average plus 20% of additional costs (capped at 10 times the average), with the state covering the rest through automatic entitlement. The bill allocates $250,000 annually for emergency aid to small districts (under 1,000 residents) facing financial harm from special education costs, and specifies that unused emergency funds must support broader special education cost increases. It takes effect August 24, 2025, and is funded from the state education trust fund.

Maddy summaryHB 110 allows New Hampshire counties to create revolving funds specifically for public safety services, such as covering costs for special events, highway construction, or other safety-related activities performed by county employees. Counties can replenish these funds using fees or income from the services they support, with any excess funds deposited into the county’s general fund. The county treasurer manages the fund, and spending requires approval from county commissioners, while the county convention can set limits on how the money is spent. This law takes effect August 23, 2025, and applies directly to county governments seeking to manage public safety expenses more flexibly.

Maddy summarySB 31 creates an "apprentice guide license" for individuals seeking to become hunting or fishing guides but who haven't yet met all requirements for a full license. It requires apprentices to pass a criminal background check, obtain first aid/CPR certification, and work only under the direct supervision of a fully licensed guide who is 18 or older. The bill does not set specific fees but directs that they be established through existing administrative rules. This change directly affects aspiring guides in New Hampshire who need structured training under supervision before qualifying for full licensure, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 206 requires all public school districts and chartered public schools in New Hampshire to create and implement policies banning student use of personal cell phones and electronic devices during instructional hours - from the first bell until the dismissal bell. The policy must include approved exceptions for medical needs (like insulin pumps), disabilities (per IEPs or 504 plans), or language support programs for multilingual students. Schools must develop these policies with input from parents and teachers and review them annually. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 96 requires New Hampshire school employees (like teachers) to respond in writing to parent inquiries about their child within 5 school days, answering completely and honestly where permitted by law. School districts may withhold information only if disclosure could cause abuse, neglect, or abandonment (with written documentation), but must otherwise provide full responses. This directly affects parents seeking information about their child’s education and school staff who must follow these communication rules. Violations would be treated as breaches of educator conduct standards. The bill is currently pending in committee.

Maddy summarySB 160 establishes administrative rules for conducting raffles in the state. It directly affects nonprofit organizations, charities, and event organizers who host raffles as fundraising activities. The bill sets specific requirements for raffle operations, including licensing, prize disclosure, and reporting procedures. Signed into law on June 17, 2025, it becomes effective July 1, 2025, replacing previous administrative guidelines.

Maddy summarySB 73 increases the daily prize limit for bingo games from $4,000 to $5,000. It specifically allows up to $500 of those prizes to come from commercial halls hosting the games. The bill directly affects bingo operators and commercial halls that run bingo events, setting a new cap on total daily prizes. This change takes effect on July 1, 2025, after being signed into law.

Maddy summarySB 60 addresses two separate policy areas: it modifies rules for "advanced deposit account wagering" (a form of online gambling) and clarifies the Department of Health and Human Services' authority to set immunization requirements. The bill directly affects gambling operators subject to these wagering rules and healthcare providers or facilities that must follow immunization regulations. Key provisions include updating gambling regulations and explicitly defining the Department's rulemaking power for immunization standards. The bill appears to bundle these unrelated topics into a single legislative measure. (Note: The title suggests these are distinct provisions within the same bill, but the context does not detail specific mechanisms or affected groups beyond the general scope.)

Maddy summarySB 72 establishes a "Parental Bill of Rights" in New Hampshire law, directly affecting parents of minors (under 18) and public schools. The bill requires schools to provide parents with timely, accurate information about their child's education, health, discipline policies, and assessments, and grants parents specific rights to opt out of health/sex education, surveys, and certain data collection. It prohibits schools or government entities from infringing on parental rights to direct a child's upbringing, education, or health care without demonstrating a compelling state interest and using the least restrictive means. The law aims to clarify parental authority while setting specific disclosure requirements for schools.

Maddy summarySB 263 prohibits AI chat services (like chatbots or character AI) from knowingly facilitating harmful acts with children, such as promoting sexual conduct, drug use, self-harm, or violence. It directly affects providers of AI chat applications designed for open-ended, responsive communication with minors. Key provisions create criminal liability for violations and establish a private right to sue for $1,000 per violation (minimum), plus civil damages, while exempting gaming/AI features integral to interactive entertainment and cloud service providers. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and does not apply to AI used within video games or streaming content.