Sen. Debra Altschiller

Maddy summarySB 439 allows municipalities to regulate data centers within commercial and industrial zoning districts. It defines "data center" as facilities primarily for digital data storage, processing, and transmission (excluding small, owner-occupied facilities under 25% of building space). Municipalities can establish local rules for these centers through their planning boards, with approval from the local legislative body. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1264 modifies the purpose and requirements of New Hampshire's Education Freedom Savings Account (EFA) Oversight Committee. The bill expands the committee's duties to specifically review student data, eligibility rules, and EFA fund expenditures, while requiring monthly meetings that must be live-streamed and recorded on the state website. It also mandates that all committee agendas, minutes, and reports be posted online. These changes aim to increase transparency and oversight of the EFA program, which directly affects students and families using education savings accounts.

Maddy summaryHB 1814 establishes a 10-year statewide strategic housing and infrastructure plan (SHIP) that requires the governor to develop and update the plan every two years. The plan must identify housing needs, incorporate regional infrastructure projects, and include public input through hearings in each executive council district. It directly affects state agencies (like the Department of Business and Economic Affairs), municipalities (which must update master plans every 10 years), and regional planning organizations. The bill also expands the Council on Housing Stability’s membership to include regional planning representatives and housing advocates, ensuring broader input into housing strategy.

Maddy summarySB 520 allows physicians to perform breast surgery on minors for non-medical reasons, expanding existing exceptions. It adds a new provision permitting the procedure "at the election of the minor in consultation with her primary care physician," removing prior restrictions that limited surgery to medical conditions like gynecomastia or congenital deformities. The bill directly affects minors seeking breast reduction or reconstruction surgery who do not qualify under existing medical necessity exceptions. It requires the minor’s consent and physician consultation but does not mandate parental consent. The change modifies New Hampshire law to include this patient-choice option for breast surgeries.

Maddy summaryHB 1578 adds specific definitions (like "program administrator," "applicant," and "vendor") and mandates quarterly reporting for New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. It requires program administrators to submit detailed reports to state education officials, including data on applications, approvals, student demographics (race, grade level, prior school type), vendor distributions, and expense categories. These reports, due within 30 days of each quarter-end, must be publicly posted on the state education department's website. The bill directly affects program administrators managing EFAs, parents/guardians applying for accounts, and vendors receiving funds, aiming to increase transparency and accountability in the EFA program.

Maddy summaryHB 1387 repeals a law (RSA 507-D:6) that previously limited legal liability for firearm manufacturers and sellers related to certain firearm design features. This bill removes a legal exemption, meaning manufacturers could potentially face lawsuits if design choices in firearms cause injury or harm. The change directly affects firearm manufacturers and sellers by restoring their potential liability for design-related issues. The bill does not create new safety requirements but alters the existing legal framework governing liability. It is sponsored by multiple legislators and referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1786 imposes a semi-annual state assessment on residential properties valued over $1 million that are not used as a primary residence (luxury second homes), directly affecting owners of such properties. The revenue generated funds statewide housing development programs, including $15 million for workforce training in building trades and municipal grants for housing production. Key provisions include creating a dedicated fund for demolishing vacant buildings, expanding tax credits for housing infrastructure, and establishing a commission to study state financing for housing. The bill aims to address New Hampshire's housing shortage by leveraging new revenue to support affordable housing construction and workforce development.

Maddy summaryHB 1820 shifts administration of New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program from scholarship organizations to the Department of Education. It requires the Department to directly transfer funds to parents for qualifying education expenses (like tuition, materials, or tutoring) for eligible students, replacing the previous system where scholarship organizations managed distributions. Parents must apply through the Department, agree to educational requirements (including assessments or portfolio reviews), and use funds only for approved expenses. Unused EFA funds roll over annually but revert to the education trust fund if not used by graduation or after misuse. This bill directly affects parents of K-12 students participating in the EFA program.

Maddy summaryHB 1641 requires court clerks to send domestic violence, stalking, and civil restraining orders to prosecutors and probation officers within 24 hours when the person subject to the order is on bail or probation. This directly affects individuals under court supervision (bail or probation) who are named in such protection orders. The key mechanism mandates this rapid transmission to ensure law enforcement and probation officials are promptly notified. The bill would require 43 new full-time court positions for implementation, costing an estimated $1.76 million annually starting in 2027, though it does not provide funding for these positions.

Maddy summaryHB 1451 requires all employers in New Hampshire to create written safety plans protecting workers from extreme heat (80°F+ or 15°F-) and cold, including mandatory rest breaks in temperature-controlled areas and access to fluids. It mandates annual employee training on recognizing heat/cold illness symptoms, reporting procedures, and emergency response, while prohibiting retaliation for reporting safety concerns. The law applies to all workplaces with temperature-related risks, particularly outdoor and manual labor jobs like construction and transportation. Employers must develop plans using a step-by-step approach (e.g., hazard elimination, engineering controls) and involve employees in the process.