Sen. Tim Lang

Maddy summarySB 542 reduces the maximum number of game dates charities can use at gaming facilities from ten to seven per year. It requires each gaming facility to contract with two charitable organizations for every game date and mandates that game operators hold exactly seven annual game dates for the host community. Charities will now be limited to seven game dates per calendar year under the revised licensing rules, with 35% of daily gross revenues distributed equally to partnering charities or the host community.

Maddy summarySB 467 increases penalties for fentanyl distribution by establishing mandatory minimum prison sentences: 3.5 years for 20 grams or more and 7 years for 50 grams or more (including mixtures). It also mandates a life sentence or long prison term for distributing non-fentanyl controlled drugs that cause death. Courts may reduce these sentences if defendants meet specific conditions, such as having no recent violent felony convictions, not using violence, and completing drug treatment or education. If reduced, defendants must serve at least 3 years of probation with drug testing, treatment, community service, and a suspended prison sentence.

Maddy summarySB 410 authorizes New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to possess portions of human remains (such as tissue or bone) for training cadaver detection dogs, directly affecting law enforcement, funeral homes, and mortuaries. The bill requires written consent from next of kin or the deceased’s prior donation authorization, specifies the exact portions to be used, and mandates documentation retention. After training, all remains must be returned to a New Hampshire institution of higher education or a licensed medical waste disposal company. Agencies must also develop written policies covering consent, handling, storage, and final disposition, all to be submitted to the police standards council. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1046 modifies New Hampshire law to allow a person to carry a loaded firearm on a snowmobile operated on private property when the operator has the landowner's permission (express or implied). It specifically excludes public trails, corridors, or rights-of-way. The bill maintains existing definitions for "unloaded" firearms but removes the prior prohibition on carrying loaded firearms on snowmobiles in permitted private settings. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated state or local fiscal impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1105 changes the term length for certain Belknap County elected officials (including county attorney, sheriff, treasurer, register of deeds, and register of probate) from two years to four years. It directly affects voters in Belknap County and those officials by altering when they are elected, effective starting with the 2026 general election. The bill amends existing state law to specify that Belknap County voters will elect these officials for four-year terms instead of two-year terms.

Maddy summarySB 431 amends New Hampshire law to require that a public school teacher must have intentionally or knowingly taught discriminatory content for it to violate the prohibition on teaching discrimination. This change adds a mental state requirement, meaning accidental or unintentional teaching of discriminatory material would not be considered a violation. The bill applies to all public schools in New Hampshire and directly affects teachers and students by clarifying when the prohibition triggers. The key mechanism is modifying the existing law to specify that the teaching must be done with intent or knowledge of its discriminatory nature.

Maddy summarySB 501 authorizes physicians, physician associates, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to order seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency at New Hampshire hospitals and designated facilities. It modifies state law (RSA 135-C:57) to explicitly allow these healthcare providers to implement such measures without patient consent when a safety emergency occurs. The bill specifically applies to situations where immediate action is needed to protect a patient or others from harm. This change clarifies existing procedures for emergency interventions in healthcare settings.

Maddy summarySB 535 defines two key terms for animal transfer regulations: a "residential breeder" (an individual breeding dogs/cats at home, raising litters as part of the household, transferring no more than 50 animals yearly, and not importing animals) and an "imported animal" (the offspring of an animal imported while pregnant). These definitions apply specifically to animal transfers within New Hampshire, clarifying which operations fall under certain regulations. The bill directly affects home-based breeders and animal transfer operations by setting clear boundaries for their activities. It becomes effective 60 days after passage, with no additional policy changes beyond these definitions.

Maddy summaryHB 1097 requires the joint legislature fiscal committee to approve any amendment or permanent removal of a historical marker. Currently, the placement of new markers requires approval from the state historic preservation office, but this bill adds a legislative review step for changes to existing markers. The commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources must now seek this committee's approval before altering or removing a marker. The policy directly affects the state agency managing historical markers by shifting decision-making authority to the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 552 defines "biological sex" as male or female and permits classification based on biological sex in three specific situations without constituting unlawful discrimination under New Hampshire's Law Against Discrimination. These include restroom/locker room use (even with individual stalls), athletic competitions where physical strength/speed/endurance may provide advantage, and correctional or mental health facilities. The bill clarifies that entities are not required to separate people by biological sex, but explicitly states such classifications in these limited contexts do not violate anti-discrimination law. It amends New Hampshire's anti-discrimination statute (RSA 354-A) to add these exceptions. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.