Rep. Katy Peternel

Maddy summaryHB 393 requires permits for fixed boat moorings in public waters and prohibits using spuds, lifts, or similar vessel-integral devices as alternatives to permits. It directly affects recreational and commercial boat owners who secure vessels to public water bottoms without a permit. Key provisions define "mooring" broadly and exempt commercial barges (with landowner permission), government vessels, and vessels used for fishing or water activities. The law, effective January 1, 2026, replaces prior exemptions and applies to all public water bodies requiring mooring permits.

Maddy summaryHB 426 allows charitable organizations that missed the June 1, 2024, deadline to file financial statements for property tax exemption eligibility to apply retroactively for the 2024 tax year. It directly affects qualifying nonprofits that were prevented by accident, mistake, or misfortune from filing on time. Organizations must prove this to local selectmen; if denied, they can appeal to the board of tax and land appeals or superior court. The bill creates a clear process for late applications without requiring retroactive payment of taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 476 restricts abortions after 15 weeks gestation in New Hampshire, making "late-term elective abortion" illegal unless a medical emergency (defined as conditions endangering the mother's life or causing serious bodily harm) or a fetal abnormality incompatible with life exists. Healthcare providers must perform an ultrasound to determine gestational age before 15 weeks and report medical emergency justifications to health authorities. Violations carry criminal penalties (class B felony with fines up to $100,000) and civil liability for damages. The law affects healthcare providers performing abortions and pregnant individuals seeking later-term procedures, with exceptions for medical emergencies or fatal fetal conditions. It takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 creates a process for high school students to avoid mandatory school attendance by passing a state-developed proficiency exam. Under this bill, students who pass the test would no longer be required to attend school but could still choose to do so if they wish. The legislation also establishes that passing the exam would allow students to receive a high school diploma from either their current school district or the state. Additionally, the bill clarifies that home-schooled students can satisfy attendance laws by submitting proof of their program's completion.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires high school students in New Hampshire to pass a specific civics test to receive their graduation certificate. The law mandates that students achieve a score of at least 70 percent on a digital assessment based on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization exam. Schools must administer this test as part of their required history and government courses and report the results to the state department of education. The legislation also allows for accommodations for students with disabilities in accordance with their individualized education plans.

Maddy summaryHB 1383 updates the rules for how members of cooperative school boards are selected in New Hampshire. The bill requires these boards to choose one of five specific methods for electing members, such as dividing the district into equal population areas, ensuring proportional representation, or having members represent their original local districts. It also sets a maximum term limit of three years for board members and mandates the use of an official non-partisan ballot system for these elections. This legislation directly affects cooperative school districts by standardizing their election processes and limiting how long individual board members can serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire's safe haven laws to allow parents to anonymously surrender infants up to 61 days old, matching the age limits of other New England states. It expands the definition of safe haven devices to include containers installed in hospitals, police stations, and fire departments, provided they are staffed around the clock and have alarms. The legislation also clarifies that parents who surrender a baby cannot be prosecuted solely based on evidence found during that surrender, while still permitting investigations into other crimes not directly linked to the act of surrendering the child.