Sen. Jeb Bradley

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Hampshire's Administrative Procedure Act to improve how government agencies create and enforce new rules. It requires agencies to send earlier and broader notices to affected occupational licensees and legislators before holding public hearings on proposed regulations. Additionally, the bill shifts the burden of proof to agencies in court challenges, requiring them to demonstrate that a contested rule is legal, consistent with legislative intent, and in the public interest. If an agency cannot meet this burden, a court may invalidate the rule and order the agency to pay the challenger's legal fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to double the annual amount of money taken from the real estate transfer tax and sent to the affordable housing fund, increasing the contribution from $5 million to $10 million. The change would directly affect the state's budget by shifting $5 million less from the general fund and education trust fund to the affordable housing fund each year starting July 1, 2025. The legislation does not alter who pays the tax or how the fund is used, but rather changes the specific portion of tax revenue that must be allocated to housing projects.

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 makes two primary changes to how the Department of Health and Human Services manages funding. First, it allows Medicaid to reimburse ambulance providers for emergency calls where patients receive treatment at the scene without being transported to a hospital, provided specific conditions regarding patient consent and stability are met. Second, it appropriates $500,000 to support recreational activities for adults with developmental disabilities who have exited the school system, covering costs that Medicaid does not currently reimburse. The funds are intended to help these individuals participate in community activities that promote socialization and wellness, with a payment limit of $600 per person and requirements for the department to report on how the money is used.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how municipalities and counties can group their electric customers together to negotiate power rates. It updates state laws to ensure that the personal data of these individual customers remains private and is not made public. The legislation also specifies that these local groups can use customer information to develop new energy services and comply with existing energy regulations. By making these adjustments, the bill aims to streamline how local governments manage and utilize electricity aggregation programs.

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 547 updates the rules for New Hampshire's Land and Community Heritage Investment Authority, which manages state funds to protect natural, historic, and cultural resources. The bill clarifies definitions for terms like "resource asset" and "stewardship," ensuring that protected lands and buildings are managed according to specific legal obligations. It also adjusts financial requirements by mandating that applicants provide at least 50 percent of project costs through a combination of cash, in-kind services, donated property, or endowment funds. Additionally, the law establishes new criteria for awarding grants, prioritizing projects in areas with high development threats and those with strong local community support. These changes aim to improve how the state evaluates and funds conservation efforts while ensuring long-term maintenance and protection of acquired properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for New Hampshire's child care scholarship program to families where at least one parent is a verified child care professional working at a licensed center. To qualify, the household must have an income at or below the local median, and the child care professional must work at least 25 hours per week at a certified facility. The legislation appropriates $1.1 million to fund these scholarships and establish a temporary project running from January to June 2025 to assess how the expansion helps recruit and retain child care staff. The state Department of Health and Human Services will manage the program and submit a final report by November 2025 detailing the number of new participants and recommendations for future funding.