Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a commission to examine how New Hampshire funds special education and to explore ways to reduce the reliance on local property taxes. The commission will be composed of representatives from the state legislature, school administrators, educators, and business officials, who will meet to analyze current costs and study alternative revenue sources. Their work includes reviewing student referral rates, estimating the expenses for various support services like therapy and tutoring, and comparing funding methods used by other states. The group is required to submit an initial report by January 31, 2025, and a final report by January 31, 2026, which will include specific cost estimates and draft legislation for any recommended funding changes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1586 proposes a new state funding system for public schools in New Hampshire that shifts from measuring financial inputs to measuring student outcomes. Under this plan, the state would calculate a specific budget for each school district based on the estimated cost needed for all students to reach the statewide average performance in areas like test scores, graduation rates, and attendance. The bill includes a transition mechanism with grants to protect current funding levels for local municipalities while the new system is implemented. Ultimately, the legislation aims to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to achieve the same educational goals regardless of where they live or the wealth of their community.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens protections for tenants facing eviction because their landlord plans to renovate their home. It requires landlords to give tenants at least 60 days' notice and provide a detailed description of the planned work and its timeline. To successfully evict a tenant under these circumstances, landlords must prove that the repairs cannot be done safely while the unit is occupied, will take more than 30 days, and that the tenant was offered a comparable unit at the same rent price. Additionally, the bill gives judges the authority to pause the eviction process for up to six months if they choose to do so. These changes apply specifically to properties classified as restricted rental housing.
Maddy summarySB 328 aims to protect consumers from deceptive practices in the secondary ticket market by requiring online sellers and resellers to clearly display the total price of tickets, including all fees, before a purchase is made. The bill also prohibits resellers from selling "speculative tickets," which are tickets the seller does not actually possess or own at the time of sale, while allowing them to offer services to help consumers find tickets if those services are clearly distinguished from direct ticket sales. Additionally, the law forbids websites from using a ticket issuer's trademarks or logos in a way that could mislead buyers into thinking they are on the official site. These rules take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to anyone selling or reselling tickets for entertainment events.
Maddy summaryHB 1084 proposes to update the qualifications required for the commissioner and deputy commissioner of the Department of Education. Under this bill, these leaders would need to hold an advanced degree, possess current certification as a teacher or school administrator, and have at least five years of combined experience in public school teaching or administration. The legislation also establishes a four-year term for these positions, allowing for reappointment, and sets an effective date of July 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a committee to examine how nonprofit organizations contract with the Department of Health and Human Services for children's services. The committee is tasked with investigating these arrangements and developing any necessary legislative recommendations. It must submit its final findings and suggestions to state leaders and the state library by November 1, 2024. This measure focuses on creating a review process rather than immediately changing existing contracts or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specific criminal offense for assaulting or harassing sports officials, such as referees, umpires, or timers, while they are working at a sports event. It applies to anyone who commits acts of violence or threats against these officials in designated areas like the field, parking lots, or spectator zones, treating these actions with the same legal penalties as standard assault charges. Additionally, the law allows courts to ban convicted individuals from participating in sports events for a set period, up to life for repeat offenses but no more than 12 months for a first violation. The legislation is designed to protect both paid and volunteer officials who enforce rules during organized amateur or professional athletic contests.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-level disaster relief program in New Hampshire to help municipalities repair roads and bridges after natural disasters, even without a federal declaration. It allows the state to declare emergencies based on local damage assessments and provides up to $5 million per municipality per year for critical infrastructure repairs when local funds are insufficient. To qualify, a town must show that damage costs at least half of its annual budget and that it cannot wait for federal aid, while accepting state money means forfeiting future FEMA reimbursement for those specific repairs. The legislation also creates and consolidates two state funds to finance these emergency responses and sets up a committee to review requests for individual assistance.