Sen. Daryl Abbas

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes the oversight of manufactured housing in New Hampshire by converting the existing Manufactured Housing Installation Standards Board into an advisory body and establishing a new advisory board for massage therapists, reflexologists, structural integrators, and Asian bodywork therapists. The legislation transfers implementation authority to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, which would be responsible for enforcing installation standards, issuing licenses to installers, and conducting inspections to ensure safety and compliance. Key provisions include setting specific experience and training requirements for those who install manufactured homes and creating a formal dispute resolution process for issues between manufacturers, retailers, and installers. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not receive the necessary two-thirds vote to override the veto, meaning it did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years to life for anyone convicted of distributing specific controlled drugs, such as methamphetamine or PCP, when the recipient dies as a result. Under the new law, prosecutors must prove that the drug distribution directly caused the death, but the accused cannot use the victim's own reckless behavior or consent as a defense. The legislation applies strictly to the sale, manufacture, or dispensing of these substances and does not prevent separate charges for homicide or drug enterprise leadership. If passed, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, and could increase costs for the state and local governments related to the judicial and correctional systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure New Hampshire's presidential primary is the first such contest held in the nation. It requires the state's primary to take place at least one week before any other similar nominating events, directly affecting how presidential candidates compete for support early in election cycles. The measure would be voted on by New Hampshire residents during the November 2024 general election, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass and become law. If approved, this change would permanently alter the state constitution to codify New Hampshire's current status as the first primary state.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Anti-Sanctuary Act, would require state and local law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. It explicitly prohibits any government entity from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration requests, such as honoring detainers or withholding inmate information. While the law mandates efforts to support federal enforcement, it includes specific exceptions that prevent the use of immigration status information against victims or witnesses of certain serious crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault. If a local agency violates these requirements, the state attorney general could file a lawsuit to stop the policy and seek court orders to enforce compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes veterans treatment courts in New Hampshire to help military members facing criminal charges by connecting them with specialized support services. The program is designed for veterans with service-related mental health conditions, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorders, or those who have experienced military sexual trauma. Key features include a non-adversarial approach, mandatory drug and alcohol testing, and access to mental health and rehabilitation programs. If a participant successfully completes the court requirements, the judge may reduce their sentence, dismiss charges, or grant annulment of their conviction after one year. The legislation also creates a coordinator position to oversee the courts and provides state funding to help counties cover operational costs.

Maddy summaryThis law allows non-profit organizations in the state to hire outside individuals to run charity auctions without requiring those individuals to hold a professional auctioneer's license. To qualify, the hired person must sign a written contract that clearly defines their duties, compensation, and identifies where the auction money will be held, while strictly prohibiting them from taking a commission or percentage of the sales revenue. Political advocacy groups are explicitly excluded from these rules and must continue to follow standard licensing requirements if they hold auctions. The changes take effect on October 1, 2024.

Maddy summarySB 340 updates New Hampshire special education laws to improve communication and oversight between parents, schools, and the state. The bill allows school districts to send Individualized Education Program (IEP) notices via email unless a parent prefers mail, and it requires districts to report rejected IEPs or placements within five days so the state can promptly inform parents of available dispute resolution options. Additionally, the Office of the Advocate for Special Education gains expanded authority to review student records and complaints without public disclosure, while the Department of Education must publish an annual report detailing disability statistics, funding, and progress on compliance plans. The legislation also encourages local school districts to create and share their own alternative dispute resolution programs to help families resolve conflicts more efficiently.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Bradley Haas Act, provides a one-time death benefit of $100,000 to the family of a New Hampshire hospital security officer who is killed while performing their duties. The legislation specifically allocates these funds to the beneficiaries of Bradley Haas, who was fatally shot at a hospital in 2023, and distributes the money according to existing state rules for law enforcement death benefits. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "police officer" for death benefit purposes to include security officers employed directly by the state of New Hampshire. This change ensures that state-employed security guards are eligible for the same financial support as other sworn law enforcement officers if they die in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially renames a specific stretch of Route 127 in Franklin, New Hampshire, from Central Street to the Sanbornton town line as the Chief Bradley Haas Memorial Highway. The legislation requires the state Department of Transportation to create and install appropriate signs along the designated route, with the design subject to departmental approval. While the City of Franklin is responsible for maintaining these signs, the state covers all costs associated with their design, manufacturing, and installation through general funds. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis law authorizes the Department of Environmental Services to receive $6.5 million to improve regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire. The funds will be used for Phase 2 of a project that increases water supply capacity by over two million gallons per day for towns affected by PFAS contamination and rising demand. Specific actions include designing necessary support projects, installing chemical treatment systems at water tanks in Derry and Salem, and raising the water level of Lake Massabesic. The money comes from general state funds and existing federal and trust funds, and the governor can access these resources starting July 1, 2024.