Sen. David Watters

Maddy summarySB 415 amends New Hampshire law to increase the maximum number of units eligible for a specific condominium exemption from 10 to 50 units. This change directly affects condominium associations with 11-50 units that previously did not qualify under the exemption, while explicitly excluding time-sharing condominiums from this provision. The bill modifies RSA 356-B:49, section (a), to reflect the updated unit limit. It will take effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 562 establishes the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program to provide financial grants to New Hampshire homeowners for weather-related home improvements. The program offers grants of up to $9,500 per residence annually for projects like storm shutters, roof reinforcement, foundation repairs, or tree trimming to reduce damage from severe weather events (e.g., floods, hurricanes, heavy snow). Administered by the New Hampshire Insurance Department, the program uses a dedicated fund financed by federal grants, donations, or other sources, with funds awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while remaining subject to available funding. It specifically targets owner-occupied single-family homes (excluding mobile homes, condos, or multi-unit properties) and does not guarantee eligibility or create an entitlement to funding.

Maddy summarySB 531 establishes a task force to study whether creating cosmetology training programming at the Berlin Regional Career & Technical Center and White Mountain Community College in Coos County is feasible. The task force will examine staffing, funding, joint operations with the community college system, public salon opportunities, and timelines for implementation by September 2027. It must report findings to state officials and the Berlin school board by June 2027, with no funding provided for the study. This bill does not create the program but assesses its potential to serve students and address cosmetology education needs in northern New Hampshire.

Maddy summarySB 490 establishes a task force to study the feasibility of building housing on vacant property at Great Bay Community College within the Pease development area. The task force will examine military/student housing models, funding sources, operational plans, and resident needs, specifically for students, faculty, staff, and New Hampshire National Guard personnel. The bill authorizes the college to develop housing on this property, subject to coordination with state agencies. The task force must submit recommendations by December 30, 2026, to the governor and legislature.

Maddy summarySB 492 authorizes New Hampshire's Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services to lease or license property it owns, directly affecting the department and private entities renting that property. The bill requires lessees (unless tax-exempt) to pay local property taxes on the leased property, similar to private owners, and outlines penalties for nonpayment. It creates a dedicated "Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services Property Fund" to manage revenues from leases, which can be used for purchasing, maintaining, or operating department property and projects. The fund ensures these revenues are kept separate and can cover related expenses like property maintenance, administrative costs, or bond payments.

Maddy summaryHB 1103 expands tax relief credits for municipalities by allowing them to apply community revitalization tax credits to more property types. Specifically, it enables tax credits for converting existing office, commercial, or industrial buildings to residential use, and for new residential construction meeting affordability standards. Properties must be located in designated housing opportunity or residential conversion zones, with tax relief lasting up to 11 years if workforce housing is created. This directly affects property owners and municipalities seeking to incentivize housing development in targeted areas. The bill amends New Hampshire’s tax code to broaden eligibility beyond current standards, effective April 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 523 establishes a registration and oversight system for residential builders in New Hampshire who are not already licensed professionals. It requires these builders (defined as individuals, partnerships, or LLCs working on residential properties with $5,000+ annual revenue) to register, complete 8 hours of approved safety and code training, and renew registration biennially. The bill creates a Board of Builder Registration within the Department of Labor, which will set rules, handle complaints, and oversee a nonprofit administrator (RPA) managing applications and education. This directly affects unlicensed residential construction businesses, adding registration requirements and oversight while excluding those already licensed under existing state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1199 allows New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department to establish a permit and fee system for other state agencies requesting its staff, equipment, or expertise to support their work. The bill requires fees to cover actual department costs, including staff salaries/benefits, vehicle/equipment use, and administrative coordination. All collected fees would be deposited into the Fish and Game fund. This policy change directly affects state agencies needing Fish and Game support, creating a formal reimbursement process for services previously provided without cost recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the state's maximum guarantee limit from $200 million to $500 million for the Business Finance Authority. It raises the total amount of state-backed financial guarantees (like loan assurances for businesses) that can be active at one time, effective March 1, 2026. The change directly affects the authority's ability to support business financing through state guarantees. This is a procedural adjustment to an existing financial limit, not a new program.

Maddy summaryHB 1318 renews a state committee studying non-drug treatment options for chronic pain patients, extending its work through 2027. The bill requires the committee to submit annual interim reports to legislative leaders and the governor by November 1 each year, with a final report due by November 1, 2027. It focuses on developing payment models to support patient-centered, integrated care for chronic pain management. The committee’s prior work established a foundation for a pilot program, and this renewal aims to explore practical implementation strategies.