Sen. David Watters

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Energy to conduct a comprehensive investigation into energy storage solutions, specifically focusing on both behind-the-meter systems installed at customer sites and utility-scale projects. The study will examine how to create fair pricing for storage, identify regulatory hurdles like building codes, and review successful practices from other states to encourage investment from both utilities and private owners. The department is required to submit its findings and recommendations to state legislative committees by December 30, 2025, for customer-focused issues and by December 30, 2026, for utility-scale matters. Ultimately, the report will propose necessary changes to state laws and regulations to facilitate the growth of energy storage while aiming to protect ratepayers from increased costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require fiber optic internet providers to fix service outages for public safety and public health organizations before addressing commercial or residential customers. The rule applies specifically to disruptions in communication and internet access caused by damage to fiber optic cables. If passed, the law would become active 60 days after its enactment. However, a recent interim study recommended against moving forward with this legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts and counties in New Hampshire to cover the cost of pretrial electronic monitoring for indigent defendants if their cases end without a conviction. It defines an indigent defendant as someone unable to pay for these services and mandates that facilities consider a defendant's ability to pay when setting fees. Under the new rules, defendants who do not pay for their own monitoring and whose cases conclude without a conviction will not be required to reimburse the government for the equipment or its use. The legislation also establishes a process for courts to estimate costs and report annually to the legislature on how many indigent defendants receive this monitoring.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers and testing facilities in New Hampshire to publicly report their use of animals for product testing starting in 2026. The annual reports must be posted on company websites and include details such as the number and species of animals used, the specific products tested, and the number of times alternative testing methods were applied or waived. These disclosures apply only to testing done for commercial products rather than biomedical research, aiming to increase transparency without changing how the testing itself is conducted.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows drivers and non-driver ID holders in New Hampshire to receive a temporary proof of license or identification immediately after their online renewal is approved, rather than waiting for the physical card to arrive. The temporary document is valid for up to 60 days or until the new card is issued, whichever comes first, and can be used for all legal purposes except voting. Drivers must carry this temporary proof along with their expired card to avoid penalties if stopped by law enforcement, and they have 48 hours to show proof of a valid license if challenged. The law also clarifies that licenses expire on the fifth anniversary of the holder's birth date and expands the definition of a license to include these temporary proofs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire laws to formally include harm reduction strategies in the state's plan for preventing and treating substance misuse. It defines "drug misuse" as using substances outside legal or medical guidelines and establishes a specific definition for harm reduction that focuses on preventing overdose and disease while connecting people to care. The legislation also requires physicians to complete specific continuing education on pain management or addiction disorders as part of their license renewal. These changes aim to broaden the scope of care available across the substance use continuum without limiting necessary medical treatments for chronic pain or hospice patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies an existing law to clarify that primary care physicians are not required to use a specific behavioral health care model. Instead, it mandates that insurance companies must cover services provided when a primary care provider voluntarily chooses to implement this model. The changes apply immediately to insurance coverage rules and take effect 60 days after the bill is passed into law.

Maddy summaryHB 1488 establishes a new Municipal Hazard Mitigation Funding Program to help New Hampshire towns repair infrastructure and prevent damage from future natural disasters. The bill authorizes an initial $2 million transfer from state funds to support municipalities that have existing hazard mitigation plans but lack the money to implement them. To receive grants, towns must apply once per year for up to $50,000, providing details on specific projects and proving they cannot afford the work themselves. The program requires the state to review applications within 60 days and mandates that recipients complete their projects within three months of receiving funds. Additionally, the bill modifies the state disaster relief fund to allow it to be used for hazard mitigation projects and creates a committee to oversee individual and municipal assistance requests.