Maddy summaryHB 1324 establishes a legal framework for natural organic reduction, a process that accelerates the conversion of human remains into soil, and defines related terms such as natural burial and scattering gardens. The bill requires any facility performing this process to be licensed by the state board of registration of funeral directors and embalmers, while also mandating that scattering gardens be owned by municipalities or nonprofits and located on protected land. It further outlines specific building codes, environmental protections, and notification requirements for constructing these facilities to ensure safety and resource conservation. Ultimately, the legislation aims to regulate and standardize alternative, eco-friendly methods of handling human remains within the state.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal certification process for substance use disorder treatment facilities and programs in New Hampshire, requiring them to meet specific standards set by the Department of Health and Human Services. Facilities offering services such as outpatient care, residential treatment, and intensive therapy must obtain this certification, while certain independent providers and mental health programs are exempt. The legislation creates a dedicated fund financed by certification fees to support the oversight system and mandates that the department maintain a public list of certified providers. Additionally, the bill creates an ombudsman office to investigate and resolve complaints regarding services provided by the department and its contractors. Finally, the act repeals previous definitions related to certified counselors to align with the new regulatory framework.
Maddy summaryHB 1621 requires the liquor commission to create and display educational materials in all state liquor stores to help customers identify signs of alcohol use disorder. These materials include a brochure given with every liquor purchase and posters available for public viewing, both developed in partnership with the bureau of drug and alcohol services. The bill also allows the commission to share this information through other print, signage, or electronic methods as it sees fit. This legislation aims to increase awareness of alcohol-related health risks and provide resources for those concerned about their drinking habits.
Maddy summaryThis bill would have allowed New Hampshire to issue driver's licenses to noncitizens who are legally residing in the state, including those with temporary work or study visas, as well as their spouses and children. Under the proposed rules, applicants would need to provide proof of their legal status, undergo standard driving tests, and submit documentation such as a foreign driving record or social security number if available. The licenses would be valid for no more than five years and would expire when the holder's legal status in the United States ends. Once issued, license holders would be subject to the same traffic laws and regulations as all other drivers. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the governor and the veto was sustained by the state legislature, meaning it did not become law.
Maddy summarySB 507 would have extended the deadline for filing a petition for a new trial from three years to an unspecified longer period for most civil cases. The bill included a specific exception for criminal felony and class A misdemeanor cases, allowing new trial motions based on newly discovered evidence or new forensic testing regardless of the time limit. Although the legislation passed both legislative chambers, it was vetoed by the Governor and subsequently sustained by the legislature, meaning it did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow members of the New Hampshire General Court to join the state employee assistance program run by the Department of Health and Human Services. The costs for this participation would be covered by funds from the legislative branch rather than the individual legislators. The legislation specifies that the program's per-person fees are to be paid directly to the department by the legislative branch. Although the bill was introduced, it was ultimately laid on the table and did not become law during the 2024 session.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new article to the New Hampshire constitution to explicitly guarantee a fundamental right to abortion. It would protect this right for all individuals up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, allowing restrictions only if there is a compelling state interest addressed by the least restrictive means. After 24 weeks, the bill permits abortion if an attending physician judges it necessary based on applicable standards of care. The legislation also outlines the process for submitting this constitutional amendment to voters for a decision at the November 2024 general election.
Maddy summaryHB 1585 creates a new professional role called a Certified Assisted Living Medication Aide (CALMA) to administer non-injectable medications in residential care facilities under the supervision of a facility administrator. To become a CALMA, individuals must be at least 18 years old, work as employees in these facilities, complete a board-approved education program with at least 40 hours of training, and pass a certification exam. The bill also establishes a requirement for CALMAs to complete eight hours of continuing education every two years and ensures they have access to clinical consultants 24 hours a day. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $300,000 to fund a state loan repayment program for qualified nursing professionals and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to report on a potential student loan forgiveness program for nurses who do not qualify for the repayment assistance.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Commission on the Interdisciplinary Primary Care Workforce to study and report on strategies for improving healthcare access in New Hampshire. The commission will examine the state's loan repayment program and health professions survey, submitting an interim report in 2026 and a final report with recommendations in 2029. It also expands the commission's membership to include a representative from Direct Primary Care Frontier and requires the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to share data with the State Office of Rural Health to support primary care initiatives. These changes aim to gather information and propose future legislation to address workforce needs in the state's healthcare system.