Maddy summarySB 661 defines key terms and sets financial standards for New Hampshire's pooled risk management programs (which cover health, workers' compensation, and property/casualty insurance for political subdivisions like cities and towns). It requires programs to maintain minimum reserve levels (4% of annual health claims or 10% of annual contributions for workers' comp), triggers mandatory assessments if reserves fall below these thresholds, and mandates annual audits and actuarial reviews. The bill also establishes a "health care stabilization fund" requirement for health coverage members to cover potential future assessments. These provisions directly affect participating political subdivisions by setting clear financial safeguards and accountability measures for the pooled programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 469 allows the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) director to create rules permitting electronic signatures on vehicle-related documents. It specifically removes the requirement for notarized signatures when transferring vehicle ownership to an insurer after a claim payment, permitting electronic signatures and printed hard copies instead. This applies to supporting documents like title forms, odometer statements, and power of attorney. The bill directly affects vehicle owners, insurers, and DMV staff handling title transfers, streamlining processes for claims-related vehicle ownership changes.
Maddy summaryHB 1044 requires that vacancies in county commissioner offices be filled by the members of the county convention (or, for Hillsborough County, convention members representing the commissioner's district) through a majority vote. This replaces the previous method described in brackets within the existing law (RSA 661:9, II(a)). The appointed commissioner serves until the next biennial election, and if the vacancy is filled for less than the remaining term, that district is added to the next election ballot. The bill applies to all counties and takes effect 60 days after passage.
Maddy summaryHB 1306 requires town clerks and moderators to record seven specific absentee ballot counts on a standardized "absentee ballot certificate" during election processing. These counts include total ballots received, mailed to voters, spoiled, remaining before/after polls, and those cast on election day. The bill mandates that three copies of this certificate be kept by the clerk and moderator, with one copy sent to the Secretary of State. It directly affects local election officials in New Hampshire towns and wards, not voters or the voting process itself. This procedural change standardizes documentation for absentee ballot counts without altering voting rules.
Maddy summarySB 430 requires school employees (like teachers) to respond honestly and completely to written requests from parents about their child's education within 10 business days. It directly affects parents seeking information and school staff who must provide it. The bill includes an exception: if full disclosure risks a student's immediate harm, staff must report to child welfare authorities within 48 hours and may withhold only that specific information. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and requires the state board of education to update educator ethics rules by June 2027.
Maddy summarySB 660 creates a free voter identification card for individuals who need photo ID solely for voting purposes. It allows eligible voters to obtain a voucher from their town or city clerk, exempting them from the standard $20 fee for photo ID cards. The secretary of state will cover the cost of these cards using election funds, and the cards must be marked "for voter identification only." This directly affects voters who lack other acceptable photo ID but cannot afford standard ID cards, while maintaining the requirement for voter ID at polls.
Maddy summarySB 405 modifies New Hampshire's campaign finance reporting rules by raising the threshold for keeping donor personal information private from $50 to $200 per election cycle. It also increases the threshold requiring detailed donor information (like occupation and employer) from $200 to $1,000 per election cycle. Additionally, the bill allows political committees to summarize small donations collected at events (e.g., fairs) if each donation is $50 or less and the total per donor stays under $200, raising previous limits from $25 and $50. These changes primarily affect political committees and individual donors contributing within the new thresholds.
Maddy summarySB 600 requires New Hampshire's governor to submit quarterly budget reports starting October 1, 2026, detailing the status of the state's general and education trust funds. These reports must compare actual versus planned revenue and spending, including current spending figures and future projections. The reports are submitted to the state's fiscal committee in the General Court. This bill affects the governor's office and the fiscal committee by establishing a regular reporting schedule for key state funds. It does not change existing funding levels or create new spending.
Maddy summarySB 451 amends New Hampshire law to change the official title of a position from "senior deputy secretary of state" to "Special Deputy Secretary of State" in RSA 5:2-a. This procedural bill updates the statutory language without altering the duties, responsibilities, or appointment process for the role. The change affects the Secretary of State's office by updating the position's formal designation in state law. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryHB 365 creates a process for voters without proof of U.S. citizenship to verify their status and access assistance. It requires election officials to check state/federal databases for citizenship verification (except on election day if it disrupts voting), and for indigent voters who cannot afford a birth certificate, it provides vouchers to cover the cost. Local municipalities receive reimbursement from the Secretary of State for voucher expenses, with $25,000 appropriated annually for fiscal years 2026-2027. The bill directly affects low-income voters unable to obtain citizenship documentation, removing a financial barrier to voting. It does not change citizenship requirements but establishes a concrete pathway for verification and assistance.