Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates existing premiums for New Hampshire's Medicaid programs (Granite Advantage for adults and CHIP for children) and limits any cost-sharing fees under expanded Medicaid to $5 per service. It repeals current premium requirements that generated approximately $16 million annually in state revenue, requiring a $16 million appropriation in FY2027 to offset this loss. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, with the $5 cost-sharing cap applying starting October 1, 2028. The bill directly affects current Medicaid recipients by removing premium payments and modifies state budgeting for the Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire House resolution urges Congress to rescind President Trump's tariffs by terminating the national emergency declared on April 2, 2025, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). It argues these tariffs have raised costs for essential goods like food, fuel, and housing in New Hampshire while threatening 182,000 jobs tied to international trade. The resolution specifically targets the emergency declaration enabling the tariffs, which the state claims disproportionately impact residents and businesses relying on imports from Canada (e.g., $2 billion annually in goods). It does not create new law but formally requests federal action.

Maddy summarySB 604 appropriates $14 million to New Hampshire's University System for fiscal year 2027 to restore funding reduced in 2025, and $3.5 million to the Community College System to maintain a freeze on credit-hour tuition rates. The bill directly affects public universities and community colleges in the state, providing concrete funding for operations and tuition stability. It authorizes the governor to draw these funds from the General Fund, effective July 1, 2026, with no additional revenue impact.

Maddy summarySB 601 changes how New Hampshire funds pension costs for public employees in school districts and municipal employers. Beginning July 1, 2026, the state will pay 7.5% of pension contributions for group I teachers (school districts) and group II members (municipal employees), shifting the remaining 92.5% to local employers. The state’s share will be transferred from the education trust fund to the retirement system quarterly, treated as part of general revenue. This affects school districts and municipalities that employ teachers or municipal staff covered under the state retirement system. The bill modifies existing contribution rules without new funding or positions.

Maddy summaryHB 1662 requires New Hampshire's Housing Finance Authority (HFA) to offer loan guarantees for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) development. The bill directs the HFA to provide guarantees covering 80-100% of a loan amount based on the completed ADU's appraised value, with an annual cap of $100 million in total guarantees. It directly affects ADU developers and homeowners seeking financing, as well as approved lenders participating in the program. The bill appropriates $25,000 for administrative costs in fiscal years 2027 and 2028, funded from the General Fund.

Maddy summarySB 437 requires election officials to add a new line to their voter registration reports that tracks how many people were denied registration due to missing required documents, such as proof of age, citizenship, or residency. Officials would also note whether the denial specifically related to inability to prove age, citizenship, domicile, or identity. This bill does not change voter registration rules but mandates this standardized reporting for transparency. The requirement applies to all election officials submitting these reports under New Hampshire law.

Maddy summarySB 602, titled the "Protect Our Money Act," requires New Hampshire to withhold state payments owed to the federal government if federal aid to the state is suspended by a presidential executive order or court order violation. The state commissioner must calculate the lost federal aid amount, report it to the legislature within 60 days, and withhold an equivalent sum from upcoming state payments to the federal government. Once the suspended federal aid is restored, the withheld funds must be paid to the federal government. This bill directly affects New Hampshire's state budget and payment obligations to the federal government.

Maddy summaryHB 1642 establishes a new legal process for courts to issue temporary orders restricting access to firearms for individuals deemed to pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. Eligible petitioners - including family or household members, intimate partners, or law enforcement officers - must file a court petition with a sworn affidavit detailing specific safety concerns, such as recent threats or dangerous behavior involving firearms. The court may issue an initial temporary order without the person at risk being present, followed by a prompt hearing where they can respond. The order requires the individual to surrender firearms and ammunition and remains in effect until the court decides otherwise, prioritizing public safety while ensuring due process.

Maddy summarySB 651 would legalize cannabis use for adults 21 and older in New Hampshire, requiring businesses to obtain licenses and follow regulations similar to alcohol, including age verification for purchases, product testing, and labeling. It establishes a new cannabis tax fund, with revenue from sales allocated to support substance abuse prevention, treatment, and education programs through a dedicated fund managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. These programs would cover evidence-based initiatives, mental health services for dual-diagnosis cases, and public education campaigns about cannabis risks for both youth and adults. The bill mandates annual reporting on fund usage and ensures tax revenue directly supports state efforts to address substance misuse.

Maddy summarySB 582 increases New Hampshire's base cost for an adequate education from $4,100 to $7,356.01 per student for the 2027-2028 school year, directly affecting public schools receiving state funding. It expands the definition of "adequate education" to include specific resources like teachers, counselors, technology, and facilities maintenance. The bill requires the state to update this cost every two years using actual school data and adjusts funding formulas accordingly. The fiscal note estimates this change will cost approximately $500 million annually starting in 2028, funded through the Education Trust Fund.