Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka

Maddy summarySB 533 requires New Hampshire's education freedom account program administrator to seek multiple bids from scholarship organizations every three years for overseeing and operating the program. This change affects how the state selects contractors managing the program, ensuring periodic competition for these contracts. The bill mandates a competitive bidding process every three years, subject to governor and executive council approval, to promote transparency in awarding contracts. It does not alter the program's eligibility or funding structure, only the contracting mechanism for its administration.

Maddy summarySB 532 modifies the Education Freedom Savings Account Oversight Committee's purpose to require it to review student data, eligibility requirements, and how funds are spent under the education savings account program. The bill mandates that committee meetings occur at least monthly, with live broadcasts and recordings posted online for public access. It also requires all meeting agendas, minutes, and annual reports to be published on the Department of Education's website. The committee must submit its annual report to the legislature by November 30 each year, focusing on program implementation and potential improvements.

Maddy summarySB 576 adds clear definitions for key terms in New Hampshire's education freedom account (EFA) program, including "program administrator" (the entity managing the EFA program), "applicant" (a parent or guardian applying for an EFA), and "vendor" (an approved provider of education services). The bill requires the program administrator to submit detailed quarterly reports starting in 2026, covering data like the number of applications, approved students, fund distributions to vendors, student demographics, and expense categories. These reports must be submitted electronically within 30 days after each quarter and made publicly available online to ensure transparency. Failure to submit reports on time could trigger oversight actions by the state education department.

Maddy summarySB 669 allows licensed barbershops and salons (already registered under New Hampshire's professional licensing rules) to serve one alcoholic drink per customer during appointments. It sets specific limits: one 16-ounce drink, 6-ounce wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor per person per visit, requires responsible beverage service training for staff, and mandates recordkeeping for both alcohol service and training. The bill imposes a $480 license fee, prohibits serving alcohol in private residences, and requires minors to be present but not served. It also mandates annual facility inspections and an annual report to the legislature detailing licenses, inspections, and violations.

Maddy summaryHB 1695 requires the secretary of state to include a voter's guide on the ballot for constitutional amendments, explaining the consequences of voting "yes" or "no." The guide must state what happens if the amendment passes (e.g., new law takes effect) or fails (e.g., current law remains). It mandates the guide be printed directly below the amendment question on the ballot, or distributed with the ballot if it would require an extra page. This applies to all constitutional amendments proposed by the legislature or constitutional convention, ensuring voters receive clear, objective information before casting their vote.

Maddy summarySB 545 removes the asset limit (resource test) for New Hampshire's Medicare Savings Program, allowing seniors previously denied due to savings or assets to qualify. It also seeks federal approval to extend the low-income Medicare Part D subsidy, helping residents cover prescription drug costs. The bill directly affects approximately 2,033 additional seniors who were previously ineligible under the asset rule. This change would make program eligibility solely based on income, not savings or assets, with estimated annual state costs of $2.3 million from general funds.

Maddy summarySB 450 establishes a 3-year pilot program (2026-2029) allowing community mental health centers registered with the Department of Health and Human Services to receive state park passes for their clients. Participating centers must submit annual anonymized reports on pass usage and program impact, with funding coming from state/federal grants and donations (costing under $10,000 annually). The program directly affects mental health centers and their clients by providing subsidized park access. It expires automatically in 2029 per the bill’s repeal clause.

Maddy summarySB 457 creates a pathway for international physicians trained outside the U.S. or Canada to obtain a temporary license to practice medicine in New Hampshire. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of completed residency or 5+ years of practice abroad, good standing with their home country's medical regulator, English fluency, U.S. work authorization, and a job offer at a healthcare facility with an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited residency program. Temporary license holders may only work at such facilities and must maintain good standing for two years to receive a full, unrestricted license. The bill does not require new state funding or create additional positions.

Maddy summarySB 571 updates New Hampshire's requirements for issuing CPA certificates. It replaces the term "substantial equivalency" with "comparable" when evaluating foreign accountancy credentials, making the standard clearer for applicants with international qualifications. The bill also modifies educational rules by requiring a bachelor's degree plus 30 additional credit hours in accounting (including specific subjects like auditing and taxation), and allows candidates to take the CPA exam up to 120 days before graduating. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CPA licensure in New Hampshire, particularly those with foreign credentials or nearing degree completion.

Maddy summarySB 613 requires new health care facilities (like ambulatory surgical centers, walk-in care centers, or dialysis centers) planning to operate within 15 miles of a critical access hospital to provide written notice to that hospital. The notice, sent by certified mail, must describe the facility and its services before opening. This bill adds a notification step to current licensing requirements but does not alter facility approval standards or restrict new facilities. It directly affects health care providers seeking to establish services near existing critical access hospitals.