Rep. Dick Ames

Maddy summaryHB 772 proposes creating a "Foundation Opportunity Budget" program to set aside dedicated state funding for public K-12 schools. This program would establish a specific funding formula to allocate resources directly to school districts, aiming to address inequities in educational funding. The bill is currently under review by a committee, with its latest action being referred for an interim study (11/13/2025, vote 17-0). It does not yet have a final vote or become law.

Maddy summaryHB 328 establishes a 15-member Charitable Gaming Oversight Commission to review New Hampshire's charitable gaming laws, including historical horse racing and fundraising events like raffles. The commission includes 7 voting members (legislative leaders and appointees) and 8 non-voting members (public representatives, gaming operators, charities, and agency staff) who will examine issues like problem gambling, fund allocation, and location restrictions. It must submit annual reports to the legislature starting in 2026 with recommendations for changes to gaming rules and laws. The bill directly affects state agencies, charitable organizations, and gaming operators participating in charitable gaming activities.

Maddy summarySB 160 establishes administrative rules for conducting raffles in the state. It directly affects nonprofit organizations, charities, and event organizers who host raffles as fundraising activities. The bill sets specific requirements for raffle operations, including licensing, prize disclosure, and reporting procedures. Signed into law on June 17, 2025, it becomes effective July 1, 2025, replacing previous administrative guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 402 amends state law to clarify that funds deposited in Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) are not considered taxable income for parents or students at the state level. The bill directly affects families using EFA programs by removing state tax liability on these education payments. It specifies that while state taxation does not apply, federal taxation may still apply to EFA funds. This change modifies RSA 194-F:2, VI to explicitly state that EFA funds are exempt from state income tax.

Maddy summaryHB 1586 proposes a new state funding system for public schools in New Hampshire that shifts from measuring financial inputs to measuring student outcomes. Under this plan, the state would calculate a specific budget for each school district based on the estimated cost needed for all students to reach the statewide average performance in areas like test scores, graduation rates, and attendance. The bill includes a transition mechanism with grants to protect current funding levels for local municipalities while the new system is implemented. Ultimately, the legislation aims to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to achieve the same educational goals regardless of where they live or the wealth of their community.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for registering boats and requires owners to display a specific boat fee decal on their vessels to operate them on state waters. It establishes a new $9.50 fee for the decal itself, along with additional charges of $1, $5, and $2 that go toward various state funds for search and rescue, public access, and harbor maintenance. The legislation also clarifies that boats under federal jurisdiction must pay these fees if they are usually kept in the state, while exempting certain types of vessels from registration and decal requirements. Effective January 1, 2025, boat owners must show both their registration numbers and the new decal to avoid penalties for non-compliance.