Sen. David Watters

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to study the creation of a civilian corps in New Hampshire focused on clean energy, community resilience, and conservation efforts. The committee will analyze the feasibility and costs of programs designed to deploy clean energy, rebuild coastal wetlands, manage forests, and protect public lands while seeking funding that does not rely on taxpayer money. Additionally, the group will explore partnerships with educational institutions and employers to provide workforce training and career pathways for participants. The committee is required to submit its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2024, without enacting any new laws itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new advisory group to explore funding options for building and renovating career and technical education facilities in New Hampshire. The group will be made up of education officials, community college leaders, school administrators, and business representatives who will meet to study how to better support these programs. Their main task is to investigate whether high school and community college CTE programs can share resources or locations to save money. The group must submit its findings and any suggestions for new laws to state leaders by May 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Professional Standards Board to advise the state on teacher certification and professional growth. The board will consist of 21 members, including the education commissioner, nine representatives from classroom and higher education, and two layperson members. The legislation requires that at least three higher education representatives work for community colleges or universities, with one specifically representing career technical education principals. Effective September 24, 2024, the board will begin its advisory role to the state board of education.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates laws regarding how real estate brokers handle drivers' licenses during property transactions. It allows brokers to scan and keep digital copies of licenses to verify ownership but requires them to delete these files by the closing date or immediately upon request from the license holder. The legislation also clarifies rules for pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers, permitting them to scan licenses with consent to check stolen goods databases while restricting how long they can keep those records. Effective January 1, 2025, the law aims to balance the need for identity verification in real estate sales with the protection of personal information.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary certification program for doulas and lactation service providers to make their services eligible for reimbursement through Medicaid. The state's office of professional licensure and certification is tasked with creating the rules and processes for this certification, while ensuring the program includes diverse community members. The law clarifies that this new certification does not replace existing federal funding or prevent individuals already certified under other laws from working. It took effect on July 1, 2024, allowing certified providers to bill Medicaid for their specific services under separate coverage rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for plumbing apprenticeships in New Hampshire by limiting each plumbing license holder to employing a maximum of two apprentices. It clarifies that a master plumber is not required to register an apprentice in a state-approved program, though such registration is still permitted if the program meets federal Department of Labor standards. The law defines a plumbing apprentice as someone learning to install plumbing and drainage systems under the supervision of a licensed professional. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint Legislative Historical Committee to accept and display portraits of former Senator Martha Fuller Clark and Wentworth Cheswell. It also requires that money earned from commemorative bottles sold for the American Revolution's 250th anniversary be placed into a specific trust fund. These actions aim to honor historical figures and manage funds related to a significant historical anniversary.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to examine the funding and partnerships of the state Fish and Game Department. The committee will be composed of one senator and three representatives from various legislative committees, who will meet to review the department's budget, staffing needs, and potential collaborations with other state agencies and private entities. Its specific tasks include analyzing current funding sources, considering general fund requirements for operations, and exploring ways to improve partnerships related to outdoor recreation and land conservation. The group is required to submit its findings and any legislative recommendations to state officials and the governor by November 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the composition and qualifications for the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy and adjusts requirements for the Certified Public Accountant examination. It increases the number of board members from five to seven, adding a pharmacy technician and a public member while raising the pharmacist representation to five, with stricter rules on terms and financial conflicts of interest. The legislation also mandates that pharmacist and technician board members have at least ten years of licensure and five years of practice in the state, and it sets a passing grade of 75 for all sections of the CPA exam. These changes aim to ensure the board reflects current industry roles and to standardize examination standards for accountants.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legislative committee to study the current scope and role of veterinary technicians in New Hampshire. The committee will be composed of five state legislators and tasked with examining practice opportunities, particularly for large animal care, and assessing the value of licensure for these professionals. To inform its work, the group will gather input from various veterinary and agricultural organizations before submitting a final report with recommendations by November 1, 2024.