Sen. Mark McConkey

Maddy summarySB 27 allows state officials to waive certain construction standards for repairs or expansions of structures over water (like docks or piers) under specific conditions. It applies only if the work improves public water or environmental protection and doesn’t convert recreational water activities into land-based uses. The waiver requires no increase in the structure’s physical size, a net reduction in bathroom/kitchen space, and no new water penetrations. This directly affects owners of water-based structures seeking renovations while prioritizing environmental safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 428 clarifies how New Hampshire local governments interact with the state building and fire codes. It allows municipalities to handle permit issuance and fee collection for building projects under the state code, provided their local rules are at least as strict as the state standards. The bill updates definitions to clarify that local enforcement agencies (like building inspectors) can operate under state code while ensuring local rules don't weaken state requirements. It also specifies that technical code changes (like safety standards) remain the state's responsibility, not local governments. This primarily affects local building officials, contractors, and municipalities managing construction oversight.

Maddy summarySB 232 clarifies net metering rules for renewable energy generators participating in ISO-NE electricity markets. It allows these generators (such as solar or wind producers) to remain active in energy, capacity, and ancillary services markets without having to withdraw from them to qualify for net metering. Instead, they must transfer all market revenues - earned from selling energy, capacity, or services - to their local utility while maintaining net metering eligibility. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, directly impacting small renewable energy producers who operate within ISO-NE markets.

Maddy summarySB 95 requires the state building code review board and fire control board to update their codes to comply with existing laws (RSA 153:5, VII and RSA 155-A:14) regarding youth recreation camp cabins. This bill directly affects youth recreation camps operating in cabins by mandating that building and fire safety codes align with these specific legal requirements. The law became effective September 13, 2025, after passing the legislature and receiving the governor's signature. It is a procedural code amendment, not a new policy for camps.

Maddy summarySB 266 aims to improve road safety for drivers under 18 by establishing new accountability requirements for this age group. The bill, which passed unanimously in committee and was signed into law, creates specific safety-related obligations for teen drivers but does not detail exact provisions in the provided context. It takes effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting new and existing drivers under 18. The summary is based solely on the bill's title and legislative actions, as specific policy mechanisms were not included in the context.

Maddy summarySB 24 allows students under age 21 to taste wine during approved educational programs, such as culinary or viticulture classes at schools or colleges. It directly affects students enrolled in these specific educational settings and requires participating institutions to follow state guidelines for wine tasting activities. The bill amends state alcohol laws to create an exception for supervised educational tasting, prohibiting consumption beyond tasting and requiring educational context. The law takes effect on September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new lending limits for New Hampshire depository banks (commercial banks taking deposits). It prohibits banks from lending more than 20% of their capital and surplus to any single borrower, with a possible 25% limit if the excess loan is fully secured by U.S. government obligations meeting specific value requirements. The bill also requires new state banks to submit detailed 3-5 year capital and business plans for approval, including capital adequacy explanations and financial projections. Additionally, existing banks must seek commissioner approval before making major changes to their business plans within the first 3-5 years of operation. These changes aim to strengthen bank safety and soundness by controlling risk exposure.

Maddy summarySB 300 makes it a crime to create explicit images or videos involving minors. It directly affects individuals who produce such content, imposing criminal penalties for this specific act. The law prohibits the creation of "child intimate visual representations" and establishes legal consequences for violators. Signed into law (Chapter 0259) and effective January 1, 2026, it focuses on preventing the production of this material.

Maddy summarySB 165 revises audit requirements for consumer cooperative associations in the state, directly affecting these member-owned businesses. The bill changes the audit standard from requiring an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to allowing internal auditors to conduct annual financial reviews. This policy change simplifies compliance for co-ops while maintaining financial oversight, effective September 13, 2025. The bill passed unanimously through committees and was signed into law by the governor on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 153 creates an expedited permitting process for driveway access to state highways for large residential developments (20+ units). It requires the Department of Transportation to approve or deny such permits within 60 business days of a traffic study, with applicants paying a $120 per unit non-refundable fee plus a retainer for third-party reviews. The bill establishes a new position within the Department to manage this process and mandates refunds for unused retainers within 120 days. The law, signed by the governor and effective October 5, 2025, directly affects developers of multi-unit residential projects seeking faster highway access approvals.