Rep. Barbara Comtois

Maddy summaryHB 1770 establishes a legal presumption of equal parenting time (50% of overnights annually) for New Hampshire family courts, replacing the current "best interest" standard. It defines equal parenting as a 50/50 overnight split with no more than a three-night difference in any year, requiring courts to correct imbalances the following year. The presumption can only be overridden by clear and convincing evidence of specific harm - such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or a parent's incapacity - and courts must provide written findings for any deviation. This applies to all custody cases, including initial rulings, temporary orders, and modifications, and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Hampshire law (RSA 466:31, II(g)) to exempt guard dogs from being classified as "menacing or vicious" when they are on their owner's property. Currently, guard dogs could be deemed menacing if they attacked animals or people on property, but this change removes that classification specifically for dogs guarding their owner's land. The exemption applies only when dogs are on the owner's property, not in public or other areas, and takes effect January 1, 2027. The bill directly affects dog owners who use guard dogs for property security.

Maddy summaryHB 1386 allows residents of a school district to petition for a financial audit if the district has a budget deficit. Specifically, citizens domiciled in the district can submit a petition with signatures from 1% of registered voters to their school board. If the petition qualifies, the school board must hold a vote on conducting a forensic audit within 90 days to identify the cause of the deficit. The audit results must then be shared at the next school board meeting. This bill directly affects school district residents and school boards in New Hampshire municipalities.

Maddy summaryHB 1743 requires New Hampshire electric utilities to annually provide customers with written information about radiation levels emitted by smart meters installed at their homes. Utilities must deliver this disclosure in paper or electronic format - either as a separate notice or included with a regular bill - and the Public Utilities Commission will oversee compliance and may establish implementing rules. The bill directly affects all residential and business customers with smart meters and the state's electricity providers. This policy mandates transparency about smart meter radiation without altering current funding mechanisms or requiring new state spending.

Maddy summaryHB 1683 requires New Hampshire state agencies to explicitly identify the specific law authorizing each administrative rule they create or update. It mandates a biennial review by the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) to verify all existing rules comply with current state laws and constitutional standards. If a rule lacks legal authority or is unconstitutional, the agency must repeal or amend it within 90 days or provide written justification; failure to comply may trigger funding suspension recommendations. This bill directly affects all state agencies that issue administrative rules, ensuring they operate within the bounds of enacted statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1496 removes a legal limit on the number of parking spaces municipalities can require for new residential buildings. This bill directly affects local governments (cities, towns, counties) and housing developers, as it allows them to set any number of parking spaces per dwelling unit without restriction. The key provision repeals a specific law (RSA 674:16, VII) that previously capped parking requirements, giving communities full authority to regulate parking needs based on local conditions. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment and applies to new residential developments.

Maddy summaryHB 1825 establishes an independent legal licensing board to regulate the practice of law in New Hampshire, replacing the previous system. The board, with 12 members appointed by the Supreme Court, governor, and legislature, will oversee licensing and set standards for legal practice, including defining "practice of law" to include representation, document preparation, and legal advice. The bill allows any member of the public to take the bar exam without educational or professional prerequisites, though passing it does not grant the right to practice law - it only provides a credential for academic or employment use. The board will issue certificates for exam passage and manage licensing under new rules, with members serving staggered terms and receiving per diem compensation. This bill directly affects aspiring lawyers, current attorneys, and the public seeking legal credentials.

Maddy summaryHB 1740 updates New Hampshire's domestic violence protection laws to strengthen victim safety and law enforcement response. It requires police to immediately investigate all abuse reports, create written reports within 24 hours, and mandate arrests when probable cause exists - regardless of whether the abuse was witnessed. The bill also establishes a new domestic violence law enforcement training fund and clarifies that civil protective orders must follow criminal proceedings, not replace them. These changes directly affect victims of domestic violence, law enforcement agencies, and courts handling such cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1254 defines key agricultural products including biostimulants (substances that boost plant health without adding nutrients), plant regulators (chemicals affecting growth), nutritional chemicals (products improving nutrient use), and vitamin hormone products. It directly affects farmers, manufacturers, and sellers of these agricultural inputs by creating clear legal definitions for the first time. The bill requires New Hampshire's Department of Agriculture commissioner to establish rules within 120 days governing the sale and use of these products. This provides regulatory clarity for the agricultural industry while ensuring products meet defined standards before being marketed.

Maddy summaryHB 1762 revises New Hampshire's child support calculation by updating the definition of "adjusted gross income" to include specific deductions like child care costs, medical expenses, retirement contributions, and state income tax. It also changes how parenting time affects support amounts by capping the parenting time factor at 1.000 and establishing a minimum child support obligation for low-income parents. These changes directly impact parents in child support cases by altering the formula used to determine financial responsibility. The bill applies to all child support orders under New Hampshire law.