Sen. David Watters

Maddy summarySB 189 requires New Hampshire hospitals and medical facilities to file detailed fetal death reports within 5 days for all fetal deaths occurring in the state. The bill mandates standardized electronic or paper reporting based on location (e.g., hospitals, home births) and specifies required data, including medical details (gestation, cause of death, autopsy), mother’s demographics, and father’s information via a paternity affidavit for unwed mothers. It directly affects hospitals, parents (for signing affidavits), and the state’s vital records division by standardizing data collection. The law updates reporting forms to include comprehensive medical, demographic, and pregnancy history information for statistical and health tracking purposes.

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 summarySB 106 updates rules for businesses generating 1-5 megawatts of electricity (like large solar installations on commercial properties) that participate in net energy metering. It requires these "industrial host" systems to use at least 33% of their annual generation on-site, with exemptions for low- and moderate-income customers. The bill guarantees existing billing rates for qualifying projects under a 2017 order for 20 years or until 2040, whichever is longer, and allows transitions to new utility tariffs before 2040. It does not change billing for residential or smaller commercial systems.

Maddy summaryHB 616 proposed changes to how animals are confiscated from individuals suspected of or charged with animal abuse, and created a committee to review existing animal cruelty laws. The bill aimed to establish clearer procedures for animal confiscation during investigations while directing the committee to study and potentially recommend updates to current statutes. However, the bill was deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the committee with a 5-0 vote on May 8, 2025, and was subsequently tabled without further action. It did not advance beyond the committee stage and remains inactive.

Maddy summaryHB 226 proposed legalizing the use of drug checking equipment at events to help reduce harm from drug use. It would have allowed organizations to test substances for dangerous contaminants, directly affecting harm reduction programs and event organizers. The bill was referred to committee, received a "Inexpedient to Legislate" report with a 3-2 vote, and was later tabled by the Senate without further action. It did not advance to a floor vote or become law.

Maddy summarySB 35 proposed a state appropriation to provide matching funds for a specific rail trail project. This bill would have directly affected the project's developers and local communities by enabling them to access state funds to supplement private or federal contributions. However, the bill was deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" under Senate Rule 3-23 on October 31, 2025, meaning it did not advance to become law. As a funding measure, it was procedural in nature with no enacted policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 277 modifies tax rules for renewable energy facilities in New Hampshire. It allows electric generating facilities exempt from utility property tax (under RSA 83-F:1, V(g)) to delay paying the state education property tax until July 1, 2032, or until their existing payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with a municipality expires - whichever happens first. After this period, the facility must either include the education tax in a new payment-in-lieu agreement or pay it separately, calculated using the standard property valuation method. The bill applies to tax periods starting April 1, 2028, and directly affects renewable energy facilities with current municipal payment agreements.

Maddy summarySB 122 would have adjusted the income limits for the Medicare Savings Program, which helps low-income seniors cover Medicare costs like premiums and deductibles. The bill aimed to update eligibility thresholds to better align with current economic conditions, directly affecting seniors with limited financial resources. It passed committee unanimously (6-0) but was ultimately deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the Senate on October 31, 2025, preventing it from moving forward. The bill did not become law.

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.