Rep. David Paige

Maddy summaryHB 1467 establishes the New Hampshire Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement program, requiring the Department of Education to create criteria for high school students to earn a seal on their diplomas. It directly affects graduating high school students (starting with the 2027 class) who must complete two years of social studies (including a civics course), participate in civic activities like community service or student government, and demonstrate civics knowledge through assessments or portfolios. The seal, affixed to diplomas and noted on transcripts, recognizes proficiency in civics education and engagement. The bill does not provide funding for implementation, though the Department of Education estimates needing one new position costing about $81,000 annually starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1566 creates a backup state funding source to support child care employers in New Hampshire if federal funds cannot be used for recruitment and benefit grants. Specifically, it appropriates $15 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 (starting July 1, 2026) if the federal government denies permission to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) reserve funds for this purpose. The bill directly affects New Hampshire child care employers, providing them with grants to improve staff recruitment and benefits. This funding is contingent on the federal government's decision, which the Department of Health and Human Services anticipates will be denied, making the $15 million general fund appropriation likely to be used. The policy change ensures continued support for child care staffing without relying on federal approval.

Maddy summaryHB 1218 requires mobile home park owners to provide written notice within 14 days to sellers about specific repair needs for a home sale, replacing vague requirements with clear, detailed lists. It mandates park owners to disclose written criteria for approving new tenants and provide sellers with a direct contact method (email/phone) for inquiries, requiring responses within 2 business days. For parks with over 25 units, the bill reduces monthly lot fees by 25% after the first denied qualified buyer (represented by a real estate agent under contract), with an additional 25% reduction per subsequent denial - capping at 75% off the original fee until the home sells. These changes directly affect mobile home sellers, park owners, and prospective buyers in larger mobile home parks, aiming to increase transparency and fairness in the sales process.

Maddy summaryHB 1660 allows New Hampshire municipalities to use project-based credit enhancement agreements (CEAs) to incentivize specific housing developments without requiring a full tax increment financing (TIF) district. It directly affects municipalities and developers building qualifying housing projects, such as senior housing, skilled care facilities, workforce housing, or other community-identified housing needs. The bill clarifies that housing-related captured tax revenue will be excluded from equalized property valuation calculations, preventing towns from facing artificially inflated state tax bases. This change streamlines support for housing projects while excluding conversions of existing homes, luxury developments, or individually owned units like single-family homes. The law aims to address housing shortages by making municipal financial tools more accessible for housing-focused initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1411 requires New Hampshire's state treasurer to withhold payments owed to the federal government if the state loses federal aid due to a presidential executive order or the federal government violates a court order requiring aid release. The bill mandates the treasurer to calculate the lost aid amount, withhold corresponding state payments (up to that amount), and hold them in escrow until the federal aid is restored. This directly affects the state treasurer's payment obligations to the federal government and applies only when federal aid is unlawfully withheld. The bill does not create new programs or costs, as confirmed by its fiscal note showing $0 impact. It aims to safeguard state resources by linking withheld state payments to restored federal aid.

Maddy summarySB 419 expands the "housing champion" designation to include local governments that adopt zoning rules allowing child care centers near jobs (like on commercially zoned land without special permits, meeting health department standards). It allocates $5 million to the housing champion program fund and $10 million to the affordable housing fund for the 2026-2027 biennium, both non-lapsing. These funds will support affordable housing projects and local efforts to improve housing access. The bill directly affects towns and cities that change zoning to integrate childcare with commercial development.

Maddy summaryHB 1405 establishes a program allowing New Hampshire's Housing Finance Authority to guarantee up to 80% of loans for affordable housing projects. This reduces risk for lenders financing housing where costs (rent/mortgage plus utilities/taxes) do not exceed 30% of residents' income, defined as 50-80% of state median income. The program limits annual guarantees to $30 million per lender and $300 million total statewide. It directly affects lenders, housing developers, and low/moderate-income residents seeking affordable homes.

Maddy summaryHB 1661 expands New Hampshire's Housing Finance Authority's "Community Heroes" program to provide homeownership assistance to essential workers. It appropriates $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 and $1.5 million annually thereafter from the General Fund to fund the program, with no more than 10% allowed for administrative costs. The program specifically targets eligible workers in healthcare, childcare, elder care, law enforcement, firefighting, education, and active military service, allowing them to use funds for down payments, closing costs, or interest rate reductions. The bill requires the Housing Finance Authority to establish rules defining eligibility and takes effect July 1, 2028, for the annual appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 81 would increase the real estate transfer tax paid when buying or selling property, directing the additional revenue to the state's affordable housing fund. This bill directly affects homebuyers and sellers by raising their transaction costs, while the new funding would support affordable housing programs. The key mechanism is a tax rate adjustment that automatically allocates the extra revenue to the housing fund without requiring new legislation for each appropriation. It aims to expand resources for developing or preserving low- and moderate-income housing units.

Maddy summarySB 86 amends New Hampshire law to clarify that the state's full faith and credit supports the Housing Finance Authority's affordable housing guarantee program. It requires the state treasurer to provide funds from the treasury to the authority when needed to cover guaranteed obligations, with reports to the fiscal committee. This directly affects the Housing Finance Authority and the affordable housing projects it supports by ensuring state-backed financial backing for their guarantee program. The bill focuses on the funding mechanism, not new housing policies or outcomes.