Sen. Bill Gannon

Maddy summarySB 566 expands New Hampshire's National Guard recruiting incentives by allowing any current or former Guard member to refer recruits for a $1,000 cash bonus (previously limited to certain ranks), increases reenlistment/reclassification bonuses to $8,000 (from $6,000), and adds up to $4,000 in reimbursement for military job-related credentialing costs when federal reimbursement isn't available. It directly affects New Hampshire National Guard members who refer new recruits, reenlist, or need job-specific training certifications. The bill requires state funding for these expanded incentives, with the Department of Military Affairs estimating an additional $125,000 annually starting in FY 2027 to cover the costs. The bill itself does not provide new funding but modifies existing program parameters.

Maddy summarySB 478 aims to lower prescription drug costs for New Hampshire residents by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). It bans "spread pricing" (where PBMs keep the difference between what they pay pharmacies and charge insurers), requires all manufacturer rebates to reduce consumer out-of-pocket costs or premiums, and prohibits retroactive fees on clean claims. The bill also mandates transparent pricing lists, allows audits to prevent misuse, and prioritizes the lowest net-cost drugs in formularies. These changes directly affect patients, pharmacies, insurers, and PBMs by making drug pricing more transparent and reducing hidden costs.

Maddy summarySB 583 directs New Hampshire's Department of Education to create a public education funding transparency system tracking how state education dollars are allocated, disbursed, and spent over the past decade at the school, district, and intermediate unit levels. The system must include data visualization dashboards for state officials (like the legislature and governor) and public-facing tools showing aggregate, non-identifiable funding data. Key features require the system to integrate diverse data sources, ensure strict privacy compliance (including de-identified data and small cell suppression), and support advanced analytics for forecasting and program evaluation. The bill appropriates $900,000 for system creation and $500,000 annually for maintenance starting in 2027.

Maddy summarySB 626 limits access to New Hampshire government records to individuals who live in the state. It requires anyone outside New Hampshire to provide proof of residency or domicile before submitting a right-to-know request. News organizations based outside New Hampshire are exempt from this residency requirement. The bill amends state law to define "citizen" as someone with a New Hampshire residence and updates procedures for record access.

Maddy summaryHB 1239 prohibits registered Tier II or Tier III sex offenders (for crimes against children under 13) from appearing within 1,000 feet of childcare facilities, churches, schools, or areas where children commonly gather under circumstances that would alarm reasonable people. This directly affects individuals convicted of sexual offenses against children under 13 who are required to register under New Hampshire law. The bill amends existing loitering statutes to add this specific restriction, creating a new criminal violation for such conduct near child-focused locations. It takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated state or local cost impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed veterinarians in New Hampshire to provide remote veterinary care using telehealth technology, such as video calls or phone consultations. It establishes specific requirements for creating a vet-client-patient relationship remotely, including real-time observation of the animal or access to electronic medical records, and mandates written client consent acknowledging equal care standards and the option for in-person visits. Veterinarians can prescribe medications remotely but must conduct in-person exams for controlled substances (except in hospice, palliative care, or transport emergencies). The law also requires vets to maintain confidentiality, provide emergency care instructions, and keep detailed telehealth records.

Maddy summaryHB 1669 establishes a "Teacher Bill of Rights" for educators in New Hampshire public schools and public charter schools. It guarantees teachers specific rights, including a safe and healthy school environment free from violence, respectful treatment, the ability to share student information with parents (per FERPA), and protection from retaliation when exercising professional judgment. The bill requires all public school districts and charter school boards to post this bill of rights on their websites. It directly affects teachers by defining their workplace protections and communication rights within school policies. The law takes effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1339 prohibits retail businesses from refusing to sell goods or services solely because a customer wants to pay with cash. It requires all retail establishments to accept legal tender (cash) when offered, eliminating policies that force customers to use credit cards. The law directly affects retailers selling physical goods or services to consumers, ensuring cash buyers cannot be denied transactions. This is a concrete policy change that mandates equal treatment of cash payments alongside other payment methods.

Maddy summaryHB 1248 modifies New Hampshire's penalties for driving under the influence (DWI) offenses by expanding the definition of qualifying prior convictions. It adds that a prior conviction for a DWI-related offense - where the defendant was sentenced to an alcohol or substance treatment program within 10 years before a subsequent offense - counts as a prior conviction for enhanced penalties. This change directly affects individuals with prior DWI convictions who completed mandated treatment programs, as these will now trigger stricter penalties for repeat offenses. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, and has no estimated state or local fiscal impact.

Maddy summarySB 403 requires all public and private schools in New Hampshire to begin the school year on or after the day following Labor Day. This law directly affects school boards statewide by prohibiting them from scheduling the start of classes before Labor Day. The key provision amends state law to establish a new requirement that schools must begin no earlier than the day after Labor Day, as defined by existing law. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, with no exceptions specified.