Rep. Jessica LaMontagne

Maddy summaryHB 1317 strengthens patient privacy protections in New Hampshire by prohibiting state agencies, contractors, vendors, and grant recipients from sharing personally identifiable medical, disability, or mental health data with the federal government or third parties - unless specific conditions apply. These exceptions include obtaining an individual’s written consent, complying with existing law or court orders, or disclosing data to provide necessary health care services. The bill also requires that any permitted disclosure share only the minimum necessary data and prioritize de-identified information when possible. It explicitly affirms that these state rules do not override federal privacy laws like HIPAA or the ADA, and violations could result in civil penalties enforced by the attorney general.

Maddy summaryHB 1406 prohibits health insurance companies (health carriers) from using artificial intelligence to override doctors' clinical decisions. Specifically, it bans AI from auditing or adjusting provider codes based on AI recommendations that would change a physician's professional judgment about patient care. Health carriers must document all AI use in claims processing and provide these records to regulators. Violations are considered unfair insurance practices, potentially resulting in fines or restitution for denied care. The law directly affects healthcare providers and insurers, taking effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1457 establishes a regulatory framework for natural organic reduction (NOR), a process that converts human remains into soil through natural means. The bill requires all NOR facilities to obtain a state license from the board of funeral directors and embalmers, sets building and environmental standards for these facilities, and defines key terms like "NOR facility" and "reduced remains." It directly affects funeral service providers offering NOR and individuals choosing this method for final disposition of remains. The law prohibits NOR except at licensed facilities, ensuring consistent oversight while using plain language to describe the new requirements.

Maddy summaryHCR 12 is a New Hampshire legislative resolution urging the state's federal congressional delegation to support Medicare for All. It requests federal lawmakers pursue legislation establishing universal health coverage through Medicare, including comprehensive benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drugs without deductibles, and transitioning current Medicaid recipients into the program. The resolution outlines six key provisions for such a system, emphasizing preventive care, provider choice, cost controls, and quality oversight. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change federal law but expresses the legislature's position on health care policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 requires New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to study how recent Medicaid changes affect residents' healthcare access. The department must prepare a report detailing impacts on covered individuals, healthcare providers (including hospitals and community clinics), timely care access, waiver program participants, and state budget effects. The report must cover specific areas like the number of affected residents and potential facility closures, with an interim version due November 1, 2026, and a final report by July 1, 2027. This bill directly affects New Hampshire residents relying on Medicaid and healthcare organizations providing services to them. It mandates a factual assessment of existing changes without altering Medicaid policy itself.

Maddy summaryHB 1679 establishes a refundable $0.10 deposit on most beverage containers sold in New Hampshire, requiring distributors to collect the deposit and consumers to return empty containers to redemption centers or retailers for a refund. It exempts containers larger than 3 liters, milk, plant-based milk, infant formula, and beverages sold on airlines or trains. Distributors reimburse redemption centers $0.035 per container for processing, and unclaimed deposits after one year fund recycling infrastructure and litter prevention programs. The program, effective January 2027, directly affects distributors, retailers, redemption centers, and consumers purchasing eligible beverages.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all properly noticed meetings and hearings of municipal agencies to be livestreamed for public viewing or, if technology fails, video recorded and made accessible online. Local governments must post these recordings on their websites within 72 hours and keep them archived for at least five years. To fund this requirement, municipalities must vote to raise money at their annual town meetings, except those already livestreaming their meetings. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and explicitly states that it does not change existing rules about emergency meetings or allow officials to attend meetings remotely.