Sen. Bill Gannon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local towns and school districts to publicly display on their websites the total amount of state funding they receive within 30 days of getting the money. It also changes vehicle inspection rules by allowing new cars bought in their model year to skip inspections for the first two years after purchase. Additionally, the legislation exempts older vehicles that are at least 20 years old from needing a certificate of title, while keeping annual safety checks for most other cars. These changes aim to increase transparency in government spending and reduce the number of inspections required for newer and classic vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 419 updates the state's medical cannabis program by requiring the health department to publish an annual report containing detailed statistics on patients, caregivers, medical conditions, and enforcement actions. The bill also permits qualifying patients and their designated caregivers to grow cannabis at home under specific conditions, such as keeping plants in a locked, enclosed area with a canopy limit of 50 square feet per person. To support this, the law clarifies definitions for plant maturity and establishes that caregivers may receive up to $500 annually for their assistance without it being considered illegal sales. Additionally, the legislation provides legal protections for patients and caregivers who cultivate within the allowed limits and for laboratories testing cannabis samples.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits companies owned or controlled by the People's Republic of China from purchasing, leasing, or controlling real property within 10 miles of military installations or critical infrastructure in New Hampshire. The law defines critical infrastructure broadly to include essential systems such as energy facilities, communications networks, transportation hubs, and government buildings. Any violation of this prohibition is classified as a misdemeanor, and the restrictions take effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of disability and special needs for the Child Care Scholarship Program to include children who are at risk of or experiencing delays in social or emotional development. Under the new rules, eligibility would be determined through standardized developmental screening tools rather than requiring a formal medical diagnosis or special education code. Licensed child care providers and treating clinicians would be authorized to verify a child's eligibility based on these screening results. The legislation also appropriates $375,000 to fund the implementation of these changes and allows for the use of certain federal funds if available.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits undocumented immigrants from driving in New Hampshire if they hold out-of-state driver's licenses issued specifically to individuals without lawful presence in the United States. Under the new law, anyone caught driving with such a license commits a class B misdemeanor, and the Department of Safety must maintain a public list of these invalid license types on its website. The measure also updates the state's driver license compact to explicitly exclude recognition of these specific foreign licenses, while requiring the department to update its systems and potentially hire staff to manage the new list.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $300,000 to the state's loan repayment program specifically for qualified nursing professionals licensed in New Hampshire. The funds are intended to help these nurses manage student debt, with the money designated to the Department of Health and Human Services for the biennium ending June 30, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires the department to submit a report by November 1, 2024, proposing a separate student loan forgiveness program for nurses who do not currently qualify for the repayment assistance. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passing and includes provisions for reporting to various legislative leaders and the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for drivers who refuse chemical testing when arrested for driving while intoxicated or aggravated driving while intoxicated. It mandates that first-time testers who refuse consent face a one-year license suspension, while those with prior convictions or previous refusals face a three-year suspension. Additionally, the legislation imposes stricter punishments for aggravated driving while intoxicated offenses, including mandatory jail time, fines, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device. The law also introduces a new condition where individuals convicted of aggravated driving while intoxicated must undergo a substance use disorder evaluation and follow a service plan developed by the state. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to both residents and non-residents operating vehicles in the state.

Maddy summarySB 517 seeks to clarify the employment status of university students working as residence hall assistants or dormitory counselors who are part of a bona fide educational program. The bill proposes amending multiple state laws to explicitly exclude these specific students from being classified as employees under regulations covering wages, workers' compensation, and workplace protections. By redefining their status, the legislation aims to ensure that such students are not subject to the same legal requirements and benefits as other workers. Although the bill outlines these specific changes, it was ultimately deemed inexpedient to legislate and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for requesting a vote recount in New Hampshire state general elections. It allows any candidate to ask for a recount if the vote difference is less than 20% of the total votes in the relevant towns or if the total number of ballots cast exceeds the number of registered voters on election day. Candidates must submit a written request to the secretary of state by the Friday following the election and pay the required fees. The law will not take effect until 60 days after it is passed.