Sen. Denise Ricciardi

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for a state commission studying environmentally triggered chronic illnesses from 2024 to 2029. The commission, which investigates how environmental factors contribute to long-term health conditions, will continue to submit annual progress reports and a final summary to state officials and the public. By delaying the final report date, the legislation gives the commission more time to gather data and formulate recommendations for potential laws. The change applies specifically to the existing commission's timeline without altering its core mission or the groups it studies.

Maddy summaryThis bill has two main parts: it allocates $40 million in state funds to design and construct a replacement for the New Hampshire State Prison for Men, and it establishes a system to share mental health court records with federal firearms background check databases. The prison funding is intended for architectural planning, engineering, and construction documents to build a new correctional facility. The second part, known as "Bradley's Law," allows courts and the Department of Safety to report specific mental health adjudications to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which can lead to a person being prohibited from buying or possessing firearms. Additionally, the bill creates a process for individuals to petition the court for relief from these firearm disabilities if their mental health status has improved.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands legal liability for PFAS contamination by establishing strict liability rules that require owners or operators of PFAS facilities to cover state cleanup costs and provide safe drinking water to affected property owners. It defines PFAS and related terms to clarify which facilities are subject to these rules while exempting public water systems and wastewater treatment plants from certain provisions. Additionally, the bill modifies tenancy laws to require landlords of leases lasting six months or longer to give tenants at least 30 days' written notice before a lease expires and is not renewed. These changes aim to streamline the process for holding polluters accountable and ensuring residents have access to clean water without needing to prove negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for selling pari-mutuel pools in New Hampshire, specifically regarding historic horse racing and charitable gaming. It establishes new eligibility requirements for operators to sell tickets on historic races, restricts where these sales can occur, and strictly prohibits the transfer or sale of gaming licenses. Additionally, the legislation changes how charitable organizations are compensated by ensuring they receive at least 35 percent of gross revenue and removing certain fees, while also repealing old rules about employee residency and financial reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Hampshire's vehicle inspection rules by extending the grace period for newly registered or transferred vehicles from 10 days to 30 days. It also exempts new vehicles purchased from licensed dealers during their model year from inspection until the end of the registered owner's birth month in the second year after purchase. Additionally, the legislation removes the requirement for dealers to perform inspections within a specific time frame and repeals an outdated statute regarding vehicle sales to residents. These changes aim to provide owners with more time to schedule inspections while maintaining safety standards for vehicle registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new safety rules for wake surfing in New Hampshire to protect both surfers and others on the water. It prohibits wake surfing on bodies of water smaller than 50 acres and within 300 feet of shorelines, docks, or other boats. Additionally, the law bans operating a motorboat while someone is wake surfing behind it unless the boat is specifically designed for that activity. The Department of Safety is also tasked with promoting safe boating practices and educating operators on how to direct waves away from shorelines. These regulations will become effective on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new committee to examine voluntary home visiting services for families with newborns, infants, and young children. The committee, which will include members from both the House and Senate, is tasked with researching current providers such as midwives, doulas, and health centers to understand their processes, costs, and outcomes. It will also assess the benefits and harms of these services to families and investigate whether there is unmet demand in the state. Finally, the committee must submit a report with its findings and legislative recommendations to state officials by October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a dedicated fund to finance the design and construction of noise barriers along state highways. It would allow the state to sell up to $10 million annually in toll credits from the turnpike, with the proceeds restricted to this new fund. The commissioner of transportation would use these funds for projects that meet specific noise reduction criteria, subject to approval by legislative committees. The bill aims to address highway traffic noise by establishing a clear funding source for barrier construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of disability and special needs for the Child Care Scholarship Program to include children who are at risk of or experiencing delays in social or emotional development. Under the new rules, eligibility would be determined through standardized developmental screening tools rather than requiring a formal medical diagnosis or special education code. Licensed child care providers and treating clinicians would be authorized to verify a child's eligibility based on these screening results. The legislation also appropriates $375,000 to fund the implementation of these changes and allows for the use of certain federal funds if available.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits undocumented immigrants from driving in New Hampshire if they hold out-of-state driver's licenses issued specifically to individuals without lawful presence in the United States. Under the new law, anyone caught driving with such a license commits a class B misdemeanor, and the Department of Safety must maintain a public list of these invalid license types on its website. The measure also updates the state's driver license compact to explicitly exclude recognition of these specific foreign licenses, while requiring the department to update its systems and potentially hire staff to manage the new list.