Sen. Debra Altschiller

Maddy summarySB 150 defines what constitutes an electric vehicle (EV) charging station and requires operators to pay an annual fee for testing by the Division of Weights and Measures to ensure accuracy. This bill directly affects EV charging station businesses, mandating they cover the cost of annual calibration checks. The key provision establishes a fee structure for these mandatory tests, administered by the Division of Weights and Measures. The bill was retained in committee and later reported as "Inexpedient to Legislate" by both majority and minority committees on November 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 197 would require the state to pay a portion of retirement system contributions for local government employers (such as cities, counties, and school districts). This directly affects political subdivisions that administer retirement systems for their employees. The bill's key provision is shifting a share of these employer contribution costs from local entities to the state treasury. This would reduce financial burdens on local governments managing retirement plans. The bill is currently stalled in committee after a majority committee report deemed it "inexpedient to legislate."

Maddy summaryHB 349 would authorize optometrists to perform specific ophthalmic laser procedures within their scope of practice. This bill directly affects optometrists by expanding their permitted treatments and patients seeking these laser-based eye care services. The key provision allows optometrists to conduct certain laser procedures (like those for diabetic retinopathy) without requiring a physician's direct supervision, as outlined in the bill's current committee report. The bill is pending further legislative action after passing committee with amendments.

Maddy summarySB 182 amends the structure of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee by adding a new member position to its composition. This change directly affects the committee's operational capacity as it reviews cases of maternal death to identify causes and recommend healthcare system improvements. The bill modifies the committee's membership requirements without altering its core function or creating new healthcare mandates. As a procedural amendment, it focuses on strengthening the committee's makeup rather than implementing new policies.

Maddy summaryHB 477 would establish a commission to study current safety and security procedures at the New Hampshire State House, directly affecting state house staff and visitors. The commission would examine existing protocols and recommend improvements to safety measures. However, the committee voted 11-0 on October 8, 2025, to report the bill as "inexpedient to legislate," effectively halting its progress. The bill remains inactive and has not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 580 addresses retaliatory defamation claims in domestic violence and sexual violence cases. The bill's title indicates it aims to prevent defendants from using defamation lawsuits as a tactic to retaliate against victims who report abuse. However, the provided context does not include the bill's specific provisions or policy mechanisms. The bill has been referred for interim study (Committee Report: 09/10/2025, Vote 15-0) and remains pending in committee as of the latest action. No concrete policy changes or affected parties are described in the given context.

Maddy summarySB 200 is a procedural bill that directs the state to accept and display a portrait of Sylvia Larsen, a former state legislator. The bill would require the relevant state agency (likely the legislature or Capitol office) to formally receive and install the portrait in an official public space, such as the State House. This is a ceremonial gesture honoring Larsen's service, with no policy changes or financial impacts. The bill was tabled as "Inexpedient to Legislate" by committee in October 2025, indicating it did not advance. It directly affects state government operations related to Capitol art displays.

Maddy summaryHB 653 proposed a pilot program within the state Department of Education to test non-physical alternatives to student restraint and seclusion in public schools. The bill aimed to directly affect students, particularly those with disabilities, by requiring schools to implement evidence-based behavioral supports instead of physical restraint or isolation. Key provisions included establishing a 3-year pilot in select school districts, training staff in de-escalation techniques, and collecting data on outcomes. The bill passed committee unanimously (8-0) but was ultimately deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the Senate on November 3, 2025, preventing further action.

Maddy summarySB 81 would increase the real estate transfer tax paid when buying or selling property, directing the additional revenue to the state's affordable housing fund. This bill directly affects homebuyers and sellers by raising their transaction costs, while the new funding would support affordable housing programs. The key mechanism is a tax rate adjustment that automatically allocates the extra revenue to the housing fund without requiring new legislation for each appropriation. It aims to expand resources for developing or preserving low- and moderate-income housing units.

Maddy summarySB 139 would create a new legal pathway allowing individuals to directly sue in court when they believe their civil rights have been violated. This bill directly affects people who experience civil rights violations, such as discrimination or denial of equal protection. The key provision would permit private citizens to file civil lawsuits against violators instead of relying solely on government enforcement. Currently, this proposed legislation is in committee review with no votes passed, as it was recently referred to an interim study committee.