Rep. Samantha Jacobs

Maddy summaryHB 1761 establishes a publicly administered Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) program to expand New Hampshire's existing paid family and medical leave system. The program will provide wage replacement benefits for eligible employees and self-employed individuals who meet income requirements during a defined base period, covering leave for qualifying family or medical reasons. It creates clear definitions for key terms like "covered individual," "application year," and "average weekly wage" to determine eligibility and benefit amounts. The Department of Insurance will administer the program and enforce protections against interference with leave rights.

Maddy summaryHB 1015 requires sellers to disclose whether Japanese knotweed is present on a property during real estate transactions. This affects sellers of residential and commercial properties in New Hampshire by adding a specific disclosure requirement to existing property transfer forms. The bill mandates sellers complete a written statement confirming the presence or absence of Japanese knotweed at the time of sale, alongside current disclosures about water systems and septic systems. The policy change aims to provide buyers with clear information about this invasive plant, which can cause structural damage and reduce property value.

Maddy summaryHB 1209 requires school districts, bus operators, and drivers to place bus stops so students never need to cross traffic lanes when boarding or exiting. It specifically prohibits drivers from allowing children to cross any lane of traffic for these activities. The bill amends state law to mandate this safety measure, directly affecting school transportation operations statewide. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1782 establishes a rural maternal health care delivery pilot program to provide prenatal and postnatal care in New Hampshire areas with limited access to specialized pregnancy services. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop this program, which would use mid-level practitioners (like certified nurse midwives) and collaborate with nearby hospitals, while also creating a Maternity Care Improvement Commission to study statewide maternal health strategies. It includes a Medicaid provider audit to ensure proper reimbursement for midwives and a loan reimbursement program for certified midwives who commit to working 32+ hours weekly in rural areas for at least two years. The pilot program and commission must report findings to state leaders by July 1, 2028. This bill directly affects rural pregnant people, midwives, and healthcare providers in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHB 1018 prohibits the use of four specific rat poisons (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, and difethialone) in New Hampshire, primarily affecting pest control businesses, property owners, and general commercial users. The ban takes effect January 1, 2027, with key exceptions allowing these products for public health activities (like protecting drinking water or controlling documented infestations), medical waste facilities, and certain agricultural settings including food storage warehouses, slaughterhouses, and breweries. The law does not ban all rodenticides, only these four second-generation anticoagulant types. It directly changes pesticide regulations under RSA 430:41.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Hampshire's Insurance Department to reimburse pregnant Medicaid recipients for mental health screenings each trimester and to pay healthcare providers for advising patients about perinatal mental health resources. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create outreach programs for providers and incentive programs for certified perinatal mental health therapists, requiring two years of employment for reimbursement eligibility. The bill mandates higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for certified providers but does not allocate new state funding for implementation. It directly affects pregnant Medicaid patients and healthcare providers specializing in perinatal mental health.

Maddy summaryHB 250 allows cities, towns, and counties to create their own local rules about when dogs must wear muzzles. This law directly affects dog owners and local governments, giving municipalities the authority to set specific muzzle requirements based on community needs. Key provisions let local governing bodies establish regulations for muzzle use in public spaces, events, or specific situations without needing state-level approval. The law became effective on September 30, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 140 establishes a voluntary "Blue Envelope Program" to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum or trauma and stressor-related disorders. The Division of Motor Vehicles will design and provide these free envelopes, which include written guidance for effective communication during traffic stops. The envelopes also offer space for a driver's license, registration, emergency contact information, and optional health details. Drivers or their guardians can request an envelope with proof of diagnosis, and it is designed to be displayed on the vehicle's visor for easy access.