Rep. Fred Doucette

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Consumer Tax Relief Act, proposes reducing several state taxes on businesses and communications services over a multi-year period. It lowers the business profits tax rate from 7.4 percent to 7.0 percent by 2029 and reduces the business enterprise tax rate from 0.45 percent to 0.25 percent by 2027. Additionally, the legislation phases down the communications services tax from 7 percent to 1.75 percent starting in 2024 and completely repeals the tax by 2027. The bill also updates administrative rules regarding tax understatements, tax expenditure reporting, and property taxation for public utilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers before passing laws that create new taxes, increase existing taxes, or issue state bonds. It also mandates that the legislature must set aside funds from the general budget to pay interest and principal on any state debt. If approved by voters, these changes would make it more difficult to raise revenue through taxation and would ensure that debt payments are prioritized in the state budget. The bill is currently procedural, as it was submitted for a vote but did not pass before the legislative session ended.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ensure New Hampshire's presidential primary is the first such contest held in the nation. It requires the state's primary to take place at least one week before any other similar nominating events, directly affecting how presidential candidates compete for support early in election cycles. The measure would be voted on by New Hampshire residents during the November 2024 general election, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass and become law. If approved, this change would permanently alter the state constitution to codify New Hampshire's current status as the first primary state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers and sellers of firefighting gear to inform buyers whether the equipment contains PFAS chemicals, a specific class of fluorinated compounds. Starting in 2020, these notices must be included in employee files and given directly to firefighters, while records of the disclosure must be kept for three years. The state safety department is tasked with encouraging the purchase of PFAS-free gear, and fire departments are directed to prioritize safer alternatives when they become available. By 2025, the law prohibits departments from offering or allowing the use of firefighter uniforms that include intentionally added PFAS chemicals.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed gambling facilities to offer bets on historic horse races starting in 2024, provided they applied for the necessary license before October 18, 2023. The law requires that these wagers take place inside the facility where the operator is already licensed and prohibits the transfer or sale of the new licenses. Additionally, the bill repeals previous regulations regarding historic horse racing facilities and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the rules for charity games of chance in New Hampshire where players use chips without a printed dollar value. It requires that at least 20 percent of the money collected from players, or a minimum of $250 if the total is higher, be set aside from the buy-in amount. Of the money that is set aside, 35 percent must be given to charity while the rest stays with the game operator. The new rules will begin to apply 60 days after the law is passed.

Maddy summaryHB 115 moves the date of New Hampshire's state primary election from the second Tuesday in September to the second Tuesday in June. It also shifts the deadline for changing party registration and filing candidacy declarations from June to March, allowing voters and candidates more time to prepare earlier in the year. The bill updates related forms and hearing schedules for election officials to align with these new dates, ensuring that all primary election activities occur in the spring rather than the fall. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, and directly impact voters, political parties, and candidates participating in the state's primary process.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for selling pari-mutuel pools in New Hampshire, specifically regarding historic horse racing and charitable gaming. It establishes new eligibility requirements for operators to sell tickets on historic races, restricts where these sales can occur, and strictly prohibits the transfer or sale of gaming licenses. Additionally, the legislation changes how charitable organizations are compensated by ensuring they receive at least 35 percent of gross revenue and removing certain fees, while also repealing old rules about employee residency and financial reporting.