Sen. James Gray

Maddy summaryThis bill removes outdated references to repealed state funds from existing statutes, specifically addressing sections related to state park and robotics education funding. It makes no new policy changes or allocations but corrects technical errors in the law to ensure accuracy. The bill directly affects the legal text governing these funding areas by eliminating obsolete language. It was signed into law on August 1, 2025, and takes effect September 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 218 amends New Hampshire law to update absentee ballot registration procedures. It requires voters applying for absentee ballots to submit a signed affidavit with proof of identity and domicile, such as a photo ID or utility bill, to add their name to the voter checklist. The bill creates two affidavit types: one for general absentee voters and another for those with physical disabilities preventing in-person registration. Key changes include standardized documentation requirements and verification steps for in-person absentee ballot submission, with penalties for false statements including up to a year in jail or $2,000 fine. The law, signed by the governor on August 1, 2025, takes effect September 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 287 requires voters applying for absentee ballots in New Hampshire to verify their identity by submitting a copy of their photo ID meeting state requirements (RSA 659:13), providing a notarized signature, or presenting the ID in person to the clerk. This directly affects all voters seeking absentee ballots, ensuring they provide proof of identity before receiving a ballot. The bill mandates that no absentee ballot may be issued without one of these verification methods being satisfied. Signed into law on August 1, 2025, it takes effect September 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 163 establishes the New Hampshire Armories or Other National Guard Facilities Fund to support state National Guard facilities. It directs specific agency income - identified by the National Guard's chief financial officer - to this fund, which is nonlapsing (funds carry over annually) and used to supplement general funds for managing and operating these facilities, excluding the existing National Guard training center funds. The bill amends state law to clarify that funds in this new account can be released at the adjutant general's discretion for facility operations beyond federal program income. The legislation was enacted on July 22, 2025, effective September 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 61 requires the Department of Corrections to cover the cost of prescription medications for state prisoners, directly affecting incarcerated individuals. The bill mandates that the DOC, not prisoners or their families, pay for all necessary medications as part of standard care. This policy change eliminates previous gaps where prisoners might have been responsible for costs or faced delays in obtaining prescriptions. The law becomes effective September 13, 2025, after being signed by the governor on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 24 allows students under age 21 to taste wine during approved educational programs, such as culinary or viticulture classes at schools or colleges. It directly affects students enrolled in these specific educational settings and requires participating institutions to follow state guidelines for wine tasting activities. The bill amends state alcohol laws to create an exception for supervised educational tasting, prohibiting consumption beyond tasting and requiring educational context. The law takes effect on September 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 178 establishes a dedicated fund to ensure New Hampshire's water testing laboratories have reliable equipment. It requires 50% of fees collected from water testing (excluding fees from other state agencies or grants) to be deposited into a special "lab equipment and replacement fund," which must be used solely for purchasing or replacing lab equipment to improve service. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) can use this fund for unexpected personnel or supply costs related to new federal/state testing requirements or high sample volumes, but only with prior approval from the governor and council. This bill directly affects DHS water testing labs and ensures long-term funding for their critical equipment needs.

Maddy summarySB 105 allows New Hampshire towns to adopt a budget cap that limits annual spending increases. The cap sets a maximum total budget equal to the previous year's per-resident spending multiplied by the town's population, plus an annual inflation adjustment using either the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics index or the Municipal Cost Index. Towns can override the cap with a 3/5 majority vote at a special ballot vote (not on officer election ballots), but must reduce spending if the override fails. Adoption requires a 3/5 vote of residents on a specific ballot question, with public hearing requirements, and applies to towns using annual town meetings for budgeting.

Maddy summarySB 42 updates the process for filing "notice of death affidavits" in Massachusetts. It requires funeral directors, hospitals, or other entities filing these documents to use a standardized form containing specific details like the deceased’s name, date of death, and cause of death. This change directly affects funeral homes, medical facilities, and families handling death notices, streamlining the administrative process. The bill became law on June 23, 2025, and takes effect August 22, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 179 reorganizes New Hampshire's State Council on Housing Stability. It replaces the council's membership requirement to include two landlord appointees by the governor and adds a new duty for the council to compile information on federal housing programs (like HUD) and assist state agencies in preparing required reports for submission to the federal government. The bill also changes the council's facilitation to be jointly managed by four state agencies (Health and Human Services, Business and Economic Affairs, Housing Finance Authority, and Community Development Finance Authority) and repeals a prior requirement for a biennial housing plan. This bill directly affects the council members, state housing agencies, and local governments managing federal housing funds. The changes take effect August 23, 2025.