Rep. Juliet Harvey-Bolia

Maddy summaryHB 1773 would direct New Hampshire to seek federal approval to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) benefits from purchasing sweetened drinks (with 5g+ added sugar) and candy. The bill requires the state health department to submit a waiver to the USDA by January 2027, defining prohibited items like soda and candy bars while excluding milk, juice blends, and certain non-refrigerated sweets. It mandates implementation plans for retailers and annual reports on purchasing patterns and health outcomes. This would directly affect SNAP recipients in New Hampshire who currently use benefits for these restricted items.

Maddy summaryHB 1453 allows high school students to directly elect one or more student members to serve on their local school board. It requires schools to hold direct student elections (using paper ballots during second class) 30 days after the school year starts, with eligible students in good academic/behavioral standing who won't graduate during the term. Student members serve one academic year (non-voting but can speak, propose agenda items, and report student concerns), while school staff face penalties for interfering with elections or suppressing student rights. The bill directly affects public high school students and ensures their voices are formally included in school board discussions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 27) urges New Hampshire's U.S. congressional representatives to seek a new investigation into the 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy ship attacked by Israeli forces in international waters during the Six-Day War. It specifically requests an investigation into four areas: whether survivors were pressured to stay silent about the attack, the prolonged duration of the attack (42-60 minutes), whether the ship was clearly marked with U.S. identification, and the declassification of all related government documents. The resolution does not create new law but is a symbolic request for transparency and accountability regarding an incident that killed 34 U.S. personnel. It is addressed to New Hampshire's congressional delegation and reflects the New Hampshire House's position on this historical event.

Maddy summaryHB 1243 requires all New Hampshire executive branch agencies (like departments and commissions) to base every contracting and investment decision solely on directly benefiting state citizens. The bill mandates that agencies certify contracts meet this standard and prohibits considering any purpose unrelated to providing citizens with goods, services, or benefits - except for federal law compliance or multistate programs that directly help residents. It has minimal fiscal impact, costing less than $10,000 annually through 2029, and applies to all state agencies making purchasing or investment choices.

Maddy summaryHB 656 clarifies that local school districts in our state have the authority to accept federal grants without needing additional state approval. This bill directly affects school districts by streamlining their ability to access federal funding for educational programs. The key provision removes potential barriers, ensuring districts can independently accept eligible federal grants as permitted by federal law. The bill does not change existing grant requirements but explicitly affirms districts' authority to do so.

Maddy summaryHCR 11 is a concurrent resolution declaring that court rulings from the Claremont cases - which directed the legislative and executive branches to define "adequate education," set "accountability standards," and ensure "adequate funding" for public schools - are not legally binding on those branches. It directly affects state lawmakers and governors by asserting their authority to disregard these judicial directives. The resolution’s key provision explicitly rejects the court’s interpretation of education-related responsibilities, framing it as non-binding guidance rather than a legal requirement. This is a procedural resolution (not a law), meaning it doesn’t change policy but formally states the legislature’s position on judicial authority. The bill remains in committee, with recent actions recommending it be referred for further study.

Maddy summaryHB 293 aims to restrict minors' access to obscene content on internet-enabled electronic devices like smartphones and tablets. It would require device manufacturers or service providers to implement age-appropriate content filters or blocking systems. The bill directly affects minors under 18 and the companies producing or distributing these devices. Currently, the bill was referred for interim study by the committee with a 17-0 vote, indicating it has not yet advanced to a full vote.

Maddy summaryHB 721 proposes to make gold and silver coins legal tender for all debts in the state, meaning businesses would be required to accept them for transactions. This would directly affect merchants, consumers, and financial institutions by expanding the forms of payment they must accept. The bill's key provision would amend state law to specify that gold and silver coins hold the same status as paper currency for settling obligations. As of the latest action (November 2025), the bill was referred to committee for further study with no floor vote taken, so it remains a proposed measure without current legal effect.

Maddy summaryHB 649 would eliminate two requirements for passenger vehicles: mandatory physical safety inspections and on-board diagnostic (OBD) tests. It also removes funding for the motor vehicle air pollution abatement fund. This bill directly affects vehicle owners by reducing inspection costs and environmental programs by ending dedicated pollution funding. The key provisions are the removal of specific vehicle testing mandates and the defunding of a pollution control program.