Rep. Denis Murphy

Maddy summaryHB 1195 requires New Hampshire municipalities to allow child care centers (such as group centers, preschools, and school-age programs) to operate on commercially zoned land without special permits, provided they meet state licensing standards set by the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill defines "child care center" to exclude family day care homes (run from residences) and specifies that municipalities cannot impose additional zoning rules beyond state requirements. It also exempts centers from certain building restrictions when converting existing structures (without altering size) and permits local restrictions in industrial zones if child care conflicts with existing uses. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1113 allows New Hampshire towns to vote on extending the term of town moderators from two years to three years. If approved by a majority of voters at a town meeting, the next moderator elected would serve a three-year term. Towns can also later vote to return to two-year terms by a similar majority vote. The bill specifies the exact ballot language for these votes and applies to all towns that choose to adopt the change. It does not require any town to implement this change, only provides the option for local voters to decide.

Maddy summaryHB 1118 increases the threshold for daily remittance of funds to municipal treasurers from $500 or $1,500 to $3,500. This affects town officers, including tax collectors and town clerks, who must remit collected funds to the treasurer. The bill reduces the frequency of required daily remittances by raising the amount that triggers this requirement, allowing weekly remittance for smaller sums. It becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1026 clarifies that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - small secondary housing units on the same lot as a main home - are not considered manufactured housing. The bill explicitly states that municipalities may prohibit ADUs associated with manufactured housing, such as mobile homes or factory-built units. This change affects local zoning decisions, allowing towns to restrict ADUs in manufactured housing developments while ensuring ADUs remain excluded from the legal definition of manufactured housing. The law updates state definitions to prevent ambiguity in housing regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1085 limits the duties of New Hampshire police commissions to four specific areas: appointing police personnel and setting pay scales, establishing operational rules for the police force, removing officers (with due process for most, but allowing special officers to be removed without cause), and managing police department budgets. The bill prohibits salary increases beyond those based on years of service and position rank, requires funds for vacant positions to be held until filled, and mandates that unused budget funds lapse to the general fund at year-end. These changes directly affect police commissions and their management of local police departments. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.