Sen. Denise Ricciardi

Maddy summarySB 240 would allocate state funds to the Department of Environmental Services for eligible water infrastructure projects, such as treatment facilities or watershed protection. The bill directs the department to distribute these funds to specific local projects meeting defined criteria. However, the bill was deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the Senate on October 31, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 238 establishes a new program to prevent and treat adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for children aged birth to 6 who face trauma or mental health challenges beyond standard childcare or education. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to increase Medicaid reimbursement for early childhood mental health care, mandate a statewide provider credential for this specialty, and fund training scholarships for professionals. The bill appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 to support these services, including expanding child-parent psychotherapy (CPP) workforce capacity. This program directly affects young children with ACEs, their families, and healthcare providers specializing in early childhood mental health. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 114 allocates $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund housing grants for community mental health centers, enabling them to retain existing housing and expand facilities (up to $50,000 per bed). It also appropriates $1 million for 2026 and $1 million for 2027 to cover non-billable costs for supported housing programs serving vulnerable individuals. The bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for high-acuity patients needing 24/7 support from $278 to $350 daily, with a 50% federal match. These provisions directly support community mental health centers and the people they serve in housing programs, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 246 requires New Hampshire Medicaid and private health insurers to cover maternal depression screenings at well-child visits and during prenatal/postpartum care for new mothers. It mandates coverage for screenings at specific intervals (1, 2, 4, and 6 months postpartum) and includes referrals to mental health resources. The bill allocates $275,000 to establish a perinatal psychiatric provider consult line and $75,000 for rural maternal health EMS services. These changes directly affect new mothers and infants in New Hampshire by expanding access to mental health support during the perinatal period.

Maddy summarySB 152 creates a new fund to design and build noise barriers near highways by authorizing the sale of toll credits. The fund would be financed through these sales, directly supporting communities affected by highway noise pollution. Key provisions include establishing the fund specifically for noise barrier projects and using toll credit sales as the primary revenue source. This policy change shifts funding for noise barrier construction from general appropriations to a dedicated, credit-based mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 177 clarifies the financial responsibilities of New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for children placed in treatment settings where DHHS has financial responsibility. It directly affects children in foster care or similar placements receiving treatment services, ensuring DHHS properly manages costs for these episodes. The bill establishes specific mechanisms requiring DHHS to coordinate with treatment providers and document financial obligations for each placement period. This law, signed by Governor Ayotte on July 22, 2025, takes effect September 13, 2025, updating how DHHS handles billing and oversight for these child welfare cases.

Maddy summaryHB 369 updates New Hampshire's registration requirements for sexual offenders and offenders against children. It requires these individuals to report in person to local law enforcement within 5 business days of release from custody, conviction (if not incarcerated), or establishing new residence, employment, or schooling in the state. Offenders with multiple residences must report to their primary jurisdiction and provide all addresses, including those outside New Hampshire. The law, signed by Governor Ayotte and effective January 1, 2026, applies to misdemeanor and felony cases covered under current registration statutes.

Maddy summarySB 271 expands eligibility for veteran license plates to include veterans who received a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions. This change directly affects veterans whose military service ended with this specific discharge type, allowing them to qualify for the plates they previously could not. The bill amends existing law to add this discharge category to the list of qualifying discharges for the plates. The law took effect on September 13, 2025, after being signed by the governor on July 15, 2025.