Rep. John Lewicke

Maddy summaryHB 1187 sought to update state laws regarding how local municipalities can lease equipment for their buildings and facilities. The bill would have clarified that lease agreements containing nonappropriation clauses are not considered debt and would have allowed the costs of building improvements that become fixtures for the equipment to also be financed through these leases. This change would have directly affected local town councils and city governments by expanding their options for funding equipment purchases without increasing their official debt load. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and the veto was sustained, meaning the proposed changes did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework allowing terminally ill patients to access investigational drugs, biological products, or medical devices that have not yet received FDA approval. To qualify, a patient must have a life-limiting condition with no known curative options and must obtain written informed consent from their physician, which includes a waiver of legal liability for any adverse outcomes. The law also protects doctors from license revocation or other penalties if they prescribe these unapproved treatments in good faith. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, providing a structured pathway for patients to try experimental therapies while defining the specific medical and legal requirements for participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for New Hampshire's solid waste management districts to allow them to contract third-party services for public entities and school districts located within their boundaries. It also clarifies the treasurer's authority to pay approved district debts and permits the treasurer to receive compensation for these duties. Additionally, the legislation creates a process for districts to make emergency expenditures that exceed their budget when faced with unexpected circumstances, provided specific conditions regarding revenue sources are met. These changes aim to streamline operations and provide financial flexibility for waste management districts while ensuring member communities retain control over funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for a specific local tax cap in New Hampshire towns and districts that have already chosen to use it. It clarifies that the estimated tax amount for the upcoming year must include both the operating budget and all other approved spending, ensuring the total does not rise by more than the previously set cap unless adjusted for specific factors. The law applies automatically to existing tax cap programs without requiring towns to pass new local amendments to adopt it. It became effective on September 1, 2024, after being signed into law by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire town meeting procedures to allow local communities to vote on specific questions using official ballots, similar to how they currently elect officials. Under the new rules, towns would place these referendum questions on the meeting warrant and conduct voting through established absentee and polling place protocols, with polls remaining open for at least one hour after discussion ends. The legislation also provides a process for towns that previously adopted a system where only officer elections use official ballots to vote on returning to that earlier arrangement, requiring a three-fifths majority to approve such a change. These adjustments take effect 60 days after the bill passes, giving municipalities time to prepare for the updated voting methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the law to direct the Grid Modernization Advisory Group to study ways to improve how energy efficiency programs and incentives are delivered. The group will focus on finding methods to streamline these programs and maximize the benefits for consumers using existing state, federal, and utility funding. The advisory group must provide its recommendations to the Department of Energy, and the changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.