Sen. Dan Innis

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-year pilot program in New Hampshire to help school districts buy local food by reimbursing them for purchases from New Hampshire and New England producers. Only schools participating in the National School Lunch Program can apply, and the state aims to award grants to one district in each county to support buying dairy, meat, produce, and other eligible items. The program provides a 33.3% reimbursement on food costs, with funds managed through a selection committee that ensures diverse participation across different school sizes and regions. Any leftover money after the pilot ends will return to the state's general fund, and the program will be evaluated annually to track its impact on local farms and school nutrition.

Maddy summaryThis law updates regulations for physician assistants in New Hampshire by adding a specific requirement for continuing medical education for those who hold certification but choose not to maintain it. It also clarifies that physician assistants are exempt from certain licensing rules when performing their professional duties. The changes take effect on September 1, 2024, and were signed into law by the Governor in July 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $672,672.99 from the education trust fund to repair and replace the ventilation and exhaust fan system at the teaching kitchen of the Wilbur H. Palmer Regional Career and Technical Education Center. The funding is specifically designated for the culinary arts program located at Alvirne High School in Hudson. The money will be used for the biennium ending June 30, 2025, and the act becomes effective on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new definitions and rules for prior authorization processes used by health insurance carriers and utilization review entities in New Hampshire. It requires these organizations to create written clinical review criteria based on current medical standards and to update them at least every two years with input from practicing providers. The law mandates that prior authorization requirements be clearly published on carrier websites in plain language and that providers receive at least 60 days' notice before any new restrictions take effect. Additionally, the bill ensures that medical necessity decisions are made by qualified health care providers under the direction of a licensed medical director.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Hampshire's Business Finance Authority to issue bonds and other financial obligations specifically to fund student loans. By adding the authority to the list of entities permitted to issue such debt, the legislation aims to lower the cost of financing higher education for state residents and their families. The law requires that any bond issuance be approved by the governor and council after confirming that the funds will reduce student loan costs and that repayment and administrative expenses are adequately covered. Additionally, the authority gains the power to design loan programs, enter into contracts for loan servicing, and designate other organizations as agents to manage these financial arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire laws regarding manufacturer service contracts, commonly known as consumer guaranty contracts, to provide greater consumer protection. It requires companies selling these contracts to register with the state, file their contract forms for public review, and stop using misleading marketing tactics such as fake checks or false price increase notices. The legislation also prohibits unfair discrimination, mandates fair handling of claims, and bans contract terms that would prevent consumers from enforcing their rights in court. Effective January 1, 2025, these rules apply to all service contracts covering property located within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to share data for verifying the licenses of Medicaid providers. By matching provider names with their social security or taxpayer identification numbers, the two agencies can confirm that doctors and other healthcare professionals currently hold valid state licenses before they deliver services to Medicaid patients. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, and establishes a formal process for these agencies to cross-reference their records to ensure provider eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the lead poisoning prevention and treatment act of 2024, requires health insurance providers in the state to cover the costs of blood lead testing for residents. The law applies to both individual and group health insurance plans and mandates that these tests be covered without higher co-payments, deductibles, or coinsurance compared to other similar medical benefits. Additionally, the coverage includes any necessary follow-up testing required when initial results show elevated lead levels or are inconclusive. The legislation takes effect on September 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Route 111 in Hudson as the Senator Robert E. Clegg Jr. Memorial Highway to honor the late legislator. It requires the Department of Transportation to install a memorial marker in the right-of-way and allows the department to direct the design and placement of any associated signage. The legislation explicitly states that the costs for creating and maintaining these markers will not be funded by the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated administrative fund to cover the costs of running New Hampshire's Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings account program, which helps individuals with disabilities save money for qualified expenses. The fund will be financed through fees charged to participants and by accepting cash gifts, grants, and donations, ensuring that no money from the state's general budget is used for these expenses. State officials will manage the program and use the collected funds to pay for necessary administrative and promotional activities.