Sen. David Watters

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Hampshire Department of Energy to conduct ongoing studies on nuclear energy technologies, including advanced reactors, and to evaluate how these developments might impact state laws, infrastructure, and public safety. It requires the department to publish a report on these findings at least once every three years, starting in December 2025, and to consult with various state agencies on issues such as health, transportation, and environmental protection. Additionally, the bill officially renames the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development to better reflect its broader role in coordinating state activities related to both nuclear and offshore wind energy. The legislation establishes the Commissioner of Energy as the primary state adviser to the Governor on matters concerning the industrial and commercial use of nuclear energy.

Maddy summarySB 547 updates the rules for New Hampshire's Land and Community Heritage Investment Authority, which manages state funds to protect natural, historic, and cultural resources. The bill clarifies definitions for terms like "resource asset" and "stewardship," ensuring that protected lands and buildings are managed according to specific legal obligations. It also adjusts financial requirements by mandating that applicants provide at least 50 percent of project costs through a combination of cash, in-kind services, donated property, or endowment funds. Additionally, the law establishes new criteria for awarding grants, prioritizing projects in areas with high development threats and those with strong local community support. These changes aim to improve how the state evaluates and funds conservation efforts while ensuring long-term maintenance and protection of acquired properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two main requirements for New Hampshire county corrections and human rights agencies. First, it mandates that county correction superintendents require contracted behavioral health providers to use validated screening tools for mental health and substance use disorders, while also allowing licensed community providers to visit inmates to coordinate reentry services. Second, it adds a specific definition of antisemitism to the state's anti-discrimination laws, instructing enforcement authorities to use this definition when investigating claims of discrimination against Jewish individuals. The legislation includes safeguards to ensure these changes do not infringe upon First Amendment rights or alter existing evidentiary standards for proving discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for New Hampshire's child care scholarship program to families where at least one parent is a verified child care professional working at a licensed center. To qualify, the household must have an income at or below the local median, and the child care professional must work at least 25 hours per week at a certified facility. The legislation appropriates $1.1 million to fund these scholarships and establish a temporary project running from January to June 2025 to assess how the expansion helps recruit and retain child care staff. The state Department of Health and Human Services will manage the program and submit a final report by November 2025 detailing the number of new participants and recommendations for future funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new "Master Teacher" credential for educators who have at least seven years of teaching experience and receive high ratings on local evaluation systems. To qualify, teachers must submit a portfolio demonstrating leadership in classroom practice, supervision, student support, collaboration, and professional development. The credential is intended to identify experienced teachers as resources to improve student learning and school collaboration, but it does not grant them authority to recommend personnel actions. Additionally, the bill sets fee limits for issuing and renewing Master Teacher licenses, ensuring they do not exceed the cost of standard educator licenses. These changes take effect on October 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits the sale of new consumer products that contain intentionally added chemicals known as PFAS, which are commonly used for stain and water resistance. The ban covers a wide range of household items, including mattresses, carpets, cosmetics, food packaging, and furniture, while excluding products made with high percentages of recycled content or those regulated by federal law. Manufacturers and distributors must stop producing or importing these items, and the state can also pursue civil lawsuits against companies responsible for PFAS contamination in public drinking water systems. Additionally, the legislation provides a framework for settling legal claims related to the impacts of these chemicals on water supplies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for the Department of Environmental Services to transfer ownership of state-owned dams to local municipalities or other interested groups before removing them. Under the new rules, the department must offer the dam and its associated rights to the local municipality at least one year in advance, providing detailed information on the dam's condition and repair costs. If the municipality declines or cannot afford the necessary debt, the offer extends to associations of landowners or other public entities capable of maintaining the structure. The department may only proceed with dam removal if no party accepts the transfer, provided the dam is not in imminent danger of failure or removal does not serve a compelling environmental interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Hampshire's Department of Energy to create new rules for customer-owned generators connecting to the state's electric grid. The proposed regulations will establish clear procedures for eligibility, engineering standards, review timelines, and cost responsibilities, aiming to make the process more predictable and aligned with national best practices. The department must provide regular updates to legislative committees and submit the draft rules for final review within 15 months of the bill's effective date. Existing laws governing these connections will remain in place until the new rules are officially adopted.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a faster approval process for modifying existing energy facilities, such as adding battery storage or changing fuel types, without requiring a full new siting review. To qualify for this expedited track, the facility must already be approved, connected to the grid, and located on the same land, while the changes must improve health and safety and stay within current grid capacity limits. The process requires state agencies to complete their reviews within 90 days and mandates a 30-day deadline for the site evaluation committee to determine if an application is complete. Local communities are still informed through public notices and sessions, ensuring that municipal concerns are addressed alongside the streamlined state procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the list of medical professionals in New Hampshire who can certify patients for the state's therapeutic cannabis program. It allows physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses to issue certifications if they hold the necessary federal licenses to prescribe controlled substances, and it removes the requirement for a pediatrician's signature when certifying minors, instead requiring certification from two pediatric care providers. The law also creates a new category for any other licensed New Hampshire provider who can prescribe drugs and has DEA registration, provided they are primarily responsible for the patient's care. These changes aim to increase access to medical cannabis by broadening the types of healthcare workers eligible to recommend it.