Sen. Pat Long

Maddy summaryHB 1822 requires state, county, and local law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities to submit semi-annual reports to the Attorney General about individuals detained for civil immigration violations (including under immigration detainers or federal 287(g) agreements). Reports must include the number of people detained and the length of each detention, with the first reports due December 31, 2026. The Attorney General must then summarize this data in a semi-annual report to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker, starting February 1, 2027. The bill imposes no new funding but notes potential administrative costs for the Attorney General’s office.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a $3,750 per pupil cap on targeted education aid for municipalities with 5,000 or more average daily student enrollment (ADMR). It directly affects only the City of Manchester, which has exceeded this threshold. The change removes a longstanding restriction that limited how much additional aid cities could receive for student needs. The state estimates this will cost approximately $9 million annually starting in 2028, funded from the Education Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1484 establishes a new state minimum wage in New Hampshire, starting at $12.00 per hour on September 1, 2026, and increasing incrementally to $14.00 in 2027, $15.50 in 2028, and $17.00 in 2029. It directly affects employers and workers across the state by requiring that all hourly pay meets the higher of the federal minimum wage or these new state rates. The bill sets specific effective dates for each rate increase, with each new rate replacing the previous one until amended by future legislation. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, with the first rate change beginning September 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 481 directs the New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services to sell the Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC) property in Manchester. The department must negotiate the sale (at market value or higher), consult with Manchester city officials and business agencies, and get approval from the governor and council. Proceeds from the sale must go to the state general fund if finalized by June 30, 2027, or to the Youth Development Center Settlement Fund if sold after that date. The bill also requires the department to request annual funding to maintain the property until sold, subject to legislative approval.

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 summarySB 469 allows the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) director to create rules permitting electronic signatures on vehicle-related documents. It specifically removes the requirement for notarized signatures when transferring vehicle ownership to an insurer after a claim payment, permitting electronic signatures and printed hard copies instead. This applies to supporting documents like title forms, odometer statements, and power of attorney. The bill directly affects vehicle owners, insurers, and DMV staff handling title transfers, streamlining processes for claims-related vehicle ownership changes.

Maddy summarySB 526 creates a New Hampshire-Greece trade council to strengthen economic ties between the state and Greece. The council, composed of state officials, business representatives, and academic leaders, will promote trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. It can raise funds through donations and grants, with a dedicated non-lapsing fund in the state treasury to cover administrative costs. The council aims to build on New Hampshire's historic Greek-American connections and its status as a top U.S. trade partner for Greece.

Maddy summarySB 538 extends the net metering eligibility term to 20 years for municipal energy projects in New Hampshire, directly affecting cities and towns developing community-based renewable energy systems. The bill ensures these projects can continue receiving compensation under current or future utility tariffs for the longer of 20 years from their start date or until January 1, 2040, addressing delays that previously shortened project viability. Municipalities participating in group net metering under House Bill 315 (2021) can transition to new utility tariffs while maintaining their 20-year eligibility period. This change restores the financial viability of municipal projects by aligning with the original intent of 2021 legislation and preventing premature loss of net metering benefits.

Maddy summarySB 663 creates a working group within New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to study Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes. The group, including state officials and healthcare associations, will examine issues like access to care, staffing needs, infrastructure costs, and fair rate adjustments during ownership changes. It also allocates $5 million for a one-time payment to licensed nursing facilities serving Medicaid patients that saw their daily reimbursement rates drop below 95% of 2025 rates as of January 1, 2026. The working group must submit recommendations by December 2026, with the department having sole discretion over distributing the funds.

Maddy summarySB 408 requires health insurance policies in New Hampshire to cover prosthetic devices for adults over 19, expanding existing coverage that previously applied only to children under 19. The bill mandates coverage for activity-specific prosthetics (like those for sports) but limits this to one device every five years. It also requires insurers to cover necessary materials, instruction, and repairs for medically needed prosthetics, without annual limits. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to most group health insurance plans, excluding Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) plans.