Sen. Denise Ricciardi

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 summarySB 443 gives New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services new authority to create rules for reviewing and approving wastewater infrastructure plans, including sewer connection permits. It directly affects municipalities and sewer utility districts that must submit plans for new or upgraded sewage systems. Key provisions require the department to review industrial discharge permits (if not under EPA-approved programs) and set standards for sewer connection permits. The bill updates existing law to formalize these review processes and ensure proper design and operation of wastewater facilities. It does not change funding or impose new costs but establishes a structured permitting framework for wastewater projects.

Maddy summarySB 526 creates a New Hampshire-Greece trade council to strengthen economic ties between the state and Greece. The council, composed of state officials, business representatives, and academic leaders, will promote trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. It can raise funds through donations and grants, with a dedicated non-lapsing fund in the state treasury to cover administrative costs. The council aims to build on New Hampshire's historic Greek-American connections and its status as a top U.S. trade partner for Greece.

Maddy summaryHB 1234 prohibits individuals from holding or filing for multiple incompatible school district offices simultaneously. It specifically bars school board members from also serving as district moderator, treasurer, auditor, or elected school budget committee member. The bill also prevents salaried employees (including teachers, administrators, custodians, and bus drivers) from serving on school boards. Additionally, it requires candidates to avoid filing for any office incompatible with their current position or other elected roles. This applies to all New Hampshire school district elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1723 requires all electric utilities and grid operators in New Hampshire to assess and report vulnerabilities of high-voltage transformers (100 kV+ and 25 MVA+) to geomagnetic disturbances (like solar storms) and electromagnetic pulses. By January 2027, covered entities must conduct technical assessments using specific international standards, evaluating risks like transformer saturation and insulation damage. They must then submit detailed reports to state agencies by 180 days after enactment, including transformer specifications, manufacturing origins, and recommended protection measures. This aims to safeguard critical grid infrastructure from potential widespread power outages caused by natural or man-made electromagnetic events.

Maddy summaryHB 1651 establishes sexual assault protective orders, allowing survivors to file civil petitions in circuit court to obtain court-issued orders for their safety. These orders, modeled after existing protective orders under RSA 173-B, can last up to one year initially and be extended for up to five years with court approval, requiring annual safety reviews. The bill also updates survivors' rights by guaranteeing free preservation of sexual assault evidence kits for up to 20 years (or the statute of limitations, whichever is longer), disclosure of kit results without compromising investigations, and written information about kit handling procedures. It directly affects sexual assault survivors and defendants facing these orders, while clarifying that attorneys may contact survivors under strict conditions for legitimate legal purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1433 creates a tax credit for New Hampshire businesses that create or expand child care programs. Businesses can claim a credit equal to 50% of qualifying expenses for building new facilities or expanding existing ones by at least 12 child care seats not available before January 1, 2027. The credit applies against business profits or enterprise taxes and can be carried forward for up to four years if not fully used in a given year. To qualify, businesses must create or expand licensed child care seats (either directly or through third parties) and submit an application to the Department of Revenue Administration.

Maddy summaryHB 1252 requires New Hampshire's Department of Motor Vehicles to administer commercial driver's license (CDL) skills tests only in English, prohibiting the use of interpreters during these practical driving tests. It directly affects individuals applying for CDLs in New Hampshire who must understand and respond to examiner instructions in English. The bill codifies existing federal requirements (49 C.F.R. part 383) into state law, specifying that neither applicants nor examiners may communicate in any language other than English during the skills test. This applies specifically to the driving test portion, not the written knowledge exam.

Maddy summarySB 663 creates a working group within New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to study Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes. The group, including state officials and healthcare associations, will examine issues like access to care, staffing needs, infrastructure costs, and fair rate adjustments during ownership changes. It also allocates $5 million for a one-time payment to licensed nursing facilities serving Medicaid patients that saw their daily reimbursement rates drop below 95% of 2025 rates as of January 1, 2026. The working group must submit recommendations by December 2026, with the department having sole discretion over distributing the funds.

Maddy summarySB 614 establishes shared insurance programs (pooled risk management) for child care centers and foster family homes to reduce their insurance costs. It requires at least 10 facilities to form a pool, allowing them to collectively manage risks like liability, property damage, and workers' compensation. The program must operate as a legal entity under New Hampshire law, undergo annual financial audits, and be exempt from standard state insurance regulation and taxation. This directly affects child care centers and foster family homes by providing a lower-cost alternative to traditional insurance through collective risk-sharing.