Sen. David Watters

Maddy summaryHB 612 proposes three separate changes: (1) creating a temporary traditional driver's license for youth operators who will turn 21 soon, allowing them to drive legally during the transition period; (2) requiring employers to provide workers' compensation benefit cost-sharing details to affected employees; and (3) designating the third week in September as "New Hampshire Service Dog Week." If enacted, these provisions would directly affect young drivers nearing 21, workers receiving workers' compensation, and service dog advocates in New Hampshire. The bill remains pending, with its conference committee report not yet filed.

Maddy summaryHB 354 creates new certification pathways for career and technical education (CTE) instructors, allowing individuals with significant industry experience or professional certifications to qualify without completing traditional teaching degrees. This directly affects CTE instructors in high schools and vocational programs who previously faced barriers due to lack of formal teaching credentials. The bill establishes specific criteria for evaluating industry experience and professional certifications to ensure instructor qualifications meet educational standards. It takes effect on August 30, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte.

Maddy summarySB 58 changes venue rules for criminal cases involving the distribution of controlled drugs that cause death. It adds a provision (RSA 318-B:26 IX-b) stating that such cases can be prosecuted in any state where the drug distribution occurred or where the victim resides. This directly affects prosecutors, defendants, and courts in cases where the distribution act or victim's location connects to a specific state. The law, effective July 1, 2025, clarifies where these felony prosecutions can be filed.

Maddy summarySB 292 revises New Hampshire's funding formula for special education costs, providing state aid to school districts when their special education expenses exceed 3.5 times the state's average per-pupil cost for the prior school year. Districts are responsible for costs up to 3.5 times the average plus 20% of additional costs (capped at 10 times the average), with the state covering the rest through automatic entitlement. The bill allocates $250,000 annually for emergency aid to small districts (under 1,000 residents) facing financial harm from special education costs, and specifies that unused emergency funds must support broader special education cost increases. It takes effect August 24, 2025, and is funded from the state education trust fund.

Maddy summaryHB 373 establishes new regulations for how towns manage and regulate their owned real property, including land and buildings. It directly affects municipal governments by requiring standardized procedures for property transactions, maintenance, and record-keeping. The bill sets clear guidelines for town officials to follow when acquiring, selling, or leasing public property. Signed into law by Governor Ayotte on June 23, 2025, it takes effect August 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 235 allows New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department to use federal Pitman-Robertson conservation funds specifically for protecting threatened and endangered species, and permits the department to collect donations at approved sites without needing governor or council approval. It establishes that donation funds must go into the Fish and Game Fund and can only be used for conservation, restoration, management, or educational efforts related to fish, game, and wildlife. The bill directly affects the Fish and Game Department by expanding its funding sources and flexibility for species conservation programs. Key mechanisms include setting up donation collection points through the executive director's approval and explicitly restricting fund use to conservation purposes. The bill was signed into law on June 24, 2025, and takes effect August 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 252 allows doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners (APRNs) to prescribe certain highly regulated prescription drugs - including opioids - from Schedules II through IV via telemedicine. It requires an initial in-person patient visit before telemedicine prescribing begins and mandates an annual in-person follow-up evaluation for all such prescriptions. The law applies specifically to drugs in Schedules II-IV (tightly controlled medications) and requires all telemedicine prescriptions to comply with federal and state regulations. The bill takes effect August 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 210 primarily creates a statewide open enrollment system, allowing New Hampshire parents to transfer children to any public school district within the state without tuition fees. It amends residency rules to clarify legal residence for school attendance and requires districts to publicly report school capacities and enrollment decisions. The bill establishes that military-connected students receive admission preference over non-residents and mandates districts to post capacity data monthly. The bill’s title mentions bullying prevention, but the text contains no actual provisions addressing bullying; the focus is solely on expanding school choice through open enrollment mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 141 extends the deadline for criminal defendants to petition for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence or forensic testing. It allows petitions up to 3 years after conviction, with exceptions for cases involving new forensic methods, scientific understanding, or evidence not available at trial. To qualify, petitioners must prove innocence under penalty of perjury and demonstrate how the new evidence would exonerate them. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals convicted of felonies who seek to challenge their convictions using evidence unavailable at trial. It does not address library records, as the title's mention of "library cards" appears inconsistent with the bill's actual content.

Maddy summarySB 160 establishes administrative rules for conducting raffles in the state. It directly affects nonprofit organizations, charities, and event organizers who host raffles as fundraising activities. The bill sets specific requirements for raffle operations, including licensing, prize disclosure, and reporting procedures. Signed into law on June 17, 2025, it becomes effective July 1, 2025, replacing previous administrative guidelines.