Sen. Denise Ricciardi

Maddy summarySB 143 establishes certification standards for recovery residences serving individuals with substance use disorders. It requires these facilities to meet nationally recognized safety, health, and operational standards - including building inspections, insurance, resident agreements, grievance procedures, and anti-discrimination policies - before accepting residents. The law designates a certifying body (like NARR) to oversee a voluntary certification program, effective July 15, 2025. This directly affects recovery residences seeking to operate under state standards.

Maddy summarySB 280 requires food delivery platforms (like Uber Eats or DoorDash) to obtain a written agreement from a restaurant or grocery store before taking orders or arranging deliveries from that specific location. This directly affects food delivery services and the restaurants or stores they partner with, mandating explicit authorization before service begins. The key provision prohibits delivery platforms from operating delivery services for a food establishment without a prior, express agreement authorizing them to handle orders and deliver meals prepared by that business. The law became effective on July 15, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously and receiving the Governor's signature.

Maddy summarySB 157 modifies New Hampshire's vehicle inspection requirements for rental fleet vehicles registered under RSA 261:40-b. It requires these vehicles to undergo inspection only at the time of purchase (not annually), with a sticker indicating compliance valid until the common annual expiration date in the second year after purchase. The bill also mandates the Department of Environmental Services to submit an amendment to the state implementation plan (SIP) to the EPA for approval, which must be certified before certain provisions take effect. This change directly affects rental car companies and fleet operators enrolled in the designated registration program, streamlining inspections for their vehicles while ensuring environmental regulatory alignment.

Maddy summarySB 156 allows the state motor vehicle division to contract with third-party vendors for secure digital processing of vehicle title applications and information transfers. This change directly affects vehicle owners and dealers who submit title applications, streamlining the process through secure online platforms. The key provision replaces manual or internal systems with vendor-managed digital tools to handle title data securely. The law takes effect on September 13, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on July 15, 2025. It does not alter vehicle ownership requirements or fees, only the administrative method for title transfers.

Maddy summarySB 164 prohibits real estate brokers from using certain listing agreements that bind future homeowners, allow third-party assignment without consent, create legal claims on property, or charge fees for sales not resulting from their services. It directly affects homeowners (owners of 1-4 residential units) and real estate brokers by making such agreements unenforceable and void if recorded. The law allows affected homeowners to recover damages, costs, and attorney fees if a prohibited agreement is recorded, and it becomes effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 273 requires drivers approaching highway emergencies involving stopped or standing vehicles to take specific safety actions, such as slowing down, changing lanes if safe, and activating hazard lights. It directly affects all motorists traveling on highways in Massachusetts when encountering emergency situations like disabled vehicles or accidents. The law mandates these proactive steps to protect emergency responders and other motorists at the scene. Signed into law on July 15, 2025, it becomes effective September 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 89 removes a citizenship requirement for individuals delivering alcohol in New Hampshire. It amends state law to allow non-citizens legally authorized to work in the U.S. to be employed in alcohol delivery roles, replacing the prior restriction that limited such jobs to U.S. citizens. The key change modifies RSA 179:20, I to explicitly permit eligible non-citizens to deliver liquor or beverages. The bill passed unanimously, was signed by the governor on July 15, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 731 expands housing support options for individuals with developmental disabilities by requiring state agencies to develop and implement a coordinated housing assistance program. This bill directly affects people with developmental disabilities who face barriers to accessing stable, community-based housing. Key provisions include establishing standardized criteria for housing eligibility, increasing funding for supportive housing providers, and creating a state oversight committee to monitor program effectiveness. The bill became law on July 7, 2025, and takes effect September 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 258 establishes a new criminal offense for knowingly using a gift card or its redemption information that the person suspects was obtained through deception or forgery to get money, goods, services, or other value. It directly affects individuals who use gift cards they believe were fraudulently acquired, such as stolen or counterfeited cards. The law specifically targets the act of using such cards for transactions, making it illegal to do so with knowledge or belief of the card's fraudulent origin. The bill was signed into law on July 1, 2025, and will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 178 requires foster parents to advocate for foster children with disabilities during case planning meetings and decision-making processes within the foster care system. It directly affects foster children with disabilities and their foster parents by mandating that foster parents ensure these children’s specific needs are addressed in their care plans. The key provision establishes a formal role for foster parents to represent the child’s perspective in meetings involving medical, educational, and developmental services. The bill became law on June 23, 2025, and takes effect August 23, 2025.