Sen. Denise Ricciardi

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits the sale of new consumer products that contain intentionally added chemicals known as PFAS, which are commonly used for stain and water resistance. The ban covers a wide range of household items, including mattresses, carpets, cosmetics, food packaging, and furniture, while excluding products made with high percentages of recycled content or those regulated by federal law. Manufacturers and distributors must stop producing or importing these items, and the state can also pursue civil lawsuits against companies responsible for PFAS contamination in public drinking water systems. Additionally, the legislation provides a framework for settling legal claims related to the impacts of these chemicals on water supplies.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Bradley Haas Act, provides a one-time death benefit of $100,000 to the family of a New Hampshire hospital security officer who is killed while performing their duties. The legislation specifically allocates these funds to the beneficiaries of Bradley Haas, who was fatally shot at a hospital in 2023, and distributes the money according to existing state rules for law enforcement death benefits. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "police officer" for death benefit purposes to include security officers employed directly by the state of New Hampshire. This change ensures that state-employed security guards are eligible for the same financial support as other sworn law enforcement officers if they die in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially renames a specific stretch of Route 127 in Franklin, New Hampshire, from Central Street to the Sanbornton town line as the Chief Bradley Haas Memorial Highway. The legislation requires the state Department of Transportation to create and install appropriate signs along the designated route, with the design subject to departmental approval. While the City of Franklin is responsible for maintaining these signs, the state covers all costs associated with their design, manufacturing, and installation through general funds. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

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 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 creates a specific criminal offense for assaulting or harassing sports officials, such as referees, umpires, or timers, while they are working at a sports event. It applies to anyone who commits acts of violence or threats against these officials in designated areas like the field, parking lots, or spectator zones, treating these actions with the same legal penalties as standard assault charges. Additionally, the law allows courts to ban convicted individuals from participating in sports events for a set period, up to life for repeat offenses but no more than 12 months for a first violation. The legislation is designed to protect both paid and volunteer officials who enforce rules during organized amateur or professional athletic contests.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specific legal process called a "family access motion" to help parents enforce court-ordered parenting time when the other parent denies or interferes with it. It requires courts to provide a simple form for parents to file these motions without a lawyer and mandates that the case be resolved within 60 days. If a parent is found to have violated the parenting plan without good cause, the court can order remedies such as making up the lost time, requiring counseling, imposing fines, or ordering the violator to pay the other parent's legal fees. The law takes effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows private companies that lease or operate state park and ride facilities for at least five years to install surveillance cameras for safety purposes. Unlike the state Department of Transportation, these private operators are not restricted by specific surveillance rules and may use monitoring equipment as any other private business is legally permitted to do. The law includes a contingency clause that activates different sections depending on whether another related bill from the 2024 session becomes law. Sections of the act take effect 60 days after passage, contingent on the status of the linked legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the design and issuance rules for official vehicle cover plates used by state and federal officials in New Hampshire. It mandates that these plates be white with alternating green and red lettering every two years, except for the Governor's Council, which will feature blue lettering. The legislation specifies that plates must display the official's title or district number and allows them to be attached to vehicles registered in the official's name or their spouse's name. Additionally, the bill requires that these plates be manufactured at the state prison at no cost to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in New Hampshire to display a poster informing employees about benefits and services available to veterans. The state labor commissioner will create and distribute this notice, which must be placed in a location accessible to all staff. The poster will list resources such as mental health support, education and training options, tax benefits, and contact information for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Employers must comply with this requirement starting 60 days after the law takes effect.