Sen. Debra Altschiller

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 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 414 clarifies that if a court finds a party in contempt for failing to comply with a marital property settlement (such as a divorce agreement about dividing assets), the court must order an immediate remedy to fix the problem. This applies directly to divorcing or separating couples and their enforcement cases, requiring courts to mandate immediate access to withheld funds, payments, or property when feasible. The bill amends state law to ensure courts prioritize resolving the core issue of noncompliance - not just imposing penalties - during enforcement proceedings. The change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits smoking in Hampton Beach State Park, including the RV park, effective January 1, 2027. It directly affects park visitors who smoke within the park boundaries. The bill requires the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to post clear signage about the ban and allows authorized officials to direct smokers to comply, but no monetary fines may be issued. The policy change does not alter park fees, revenue streams, or require new state funding.

Maddy summarySB 521 prohibits unauthorized camping on private property in New Hampshire municipalities with over 10,000 residents. It requires campers to have either written permission from the property owner or the owner's continuous presence on-site to legally camp. Violations are punishable as misdemeanors, with offenders liable for property damage costs. The law applies to tents, camping devices, and sleeping on the ground, excluding regulated campgrounds. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

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.

Maddy summarySB 558 moves the Youth Development Center claims administrator position from the executive branch to the judicial branch, requiring the Supreme Court to appoint the administrator instead of the governor. It reverses specific 2025 changes to the claims process, including rules about attorney fees in periodic payment settlements and the time period for accepting decisions. The administrator, appointed by the Supreme Court after consultation with the attorney general and claimants' counsel, will process claims and settle them based on established guidelines, with decisions being final and non-appealable. This bill directly affects individuals filing claims against the Youth Development Center regarding compensation for injuries or services.

Maddy summarySB 605 extends the payment timeline for special assessments issued by pooled risk management programs to local governments. It requires political subdivisions (such as towns, cities, and counties) to pay these assessments over 36 months from the invoice date, in equal installments, instead of immediately. The bill does not create new assessment requirements but changes the payment schedule for existing ones. This provides local governments with more time to manage cash flow for these costs, without altering the total amount owed.