Rep. Jennifer Rhodes

Maddy summaryHB 1367 establishes a new criminal offense for "doxing" in New Hampshire, defined as intentionally publishing another person's personal information (like addresses, phone numbers, or financial details) without consent to threaten, harass, or cause harm. It makes basic doxing a class A misdemeanor, escalating to a class B felony if it causes physical harm, over $1,000 in economic loss, or occurs as part of a pattern of harassment. Victims can also pursue civil lawsuits for at least $1,000 per violation, plus punitive damages, injunctions, and attorney fees. The law explicitly excludes lawful public records, consented sharing, reporting crimes to police, and protected speech like journalism.

Maddy summaryHB 1010 repeals a statewide law requiring New Hampshire municipalities to permit multi-family residential development (like apartment buildings) on land zoned for commercial use. This directly affects all cities and towns that previously had to allow such projects on commercial properties. The bill removes two specific statutes (RSA 674:79 and RSA 674:80) that created this mandate, giving local governments discretion over zoning decisions. The repeal takes effect on June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1469 requires massage therapy businesses employing more than one therapist to obtain a state license and undergo regular inspections by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). The bill establishes new health and safety standards for these businesses, including requirements for direct supervision by licensed therapists and procedures for license renewal and disciplinary actions. It also adds compensation for members of the massage therapists' advisory board and creates a new investigative paralegal position within the OPLC, with funding provided for this role. This legislation directly affects massage therapy businesses, the OPLC, and the advisory board by expanding regulatory oversight and operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1415 creates a special veterans license plate for New Hampshire residents, requiring a $60 initial fee (in addition to standard registration costs) and $30 annual renewal fees. Revenue from these plates funds a dedicated veterans' support program, with up to $50,000 annually allocated to promote the plate program through the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services. The remaining funds are distributed to initiatives prioritized by the governor and state veterans council to support veterans, service members, and their families. The fund is nonlapsing, meaning it carries over year to year without needing annual reauthorization.

Maddy summaryHB 1348 allows New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to legally possess portions of human remains (such as bone or tissue) for training cadaver detection dogs, but only with written permission from the deceased's next of kin or a prior donation document. The bill requires agencies to document consent, return all remains to funeral homes after training, and follow strict handling protocols. It establishes oversight by the Department of Safety to ensure respectful treatment and compliance, with penalties for violations. The law directly affects law enforcement agencies and funeral homes handling remains, while prioritizing ethical standards in training practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1651 establishes sexual assault protective orders, allowing survivors to file civil petitions in circuit court to obtain court-issued orders for their safety. These orders, modeled after existing protective orders under RSA 173-B, can last up to one year initially and be extended for up to five years with court approval, requiring annual safety reviews. The bill also updates survivors' rights by guaranteeing free preservation of sexual assault evidence kits for up to 20 years (or the statute of limitations, whichever is longer), disclosure of kit results without compromising investigations, and written information about kit handling procedures. It directly affects sexual assault survivors and defendants facing these orders, while clarifying that attorneys may contact survivors under strict conditions for legitimate legal purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 1361 modifies New Hampshire law governing search warrant inventories by requiring law enforcement officers to create inventories in the presence of the person searched (or a neutral witness if they're absent), rather than the warrant applicant. It also allows electronic inventories for digital evidence with officer verification, and specifies a standardized return form for warrant execution. The bill directly affects police officers executing searches and ensures clearer documentation for individuals whose property is seized. It takes effect January 1, 2027, as requested by the Department of Safety.

Maddy summaryHB 1363 amends New Hampshire law to allow the Department of Safety commissioner to designate an authorized person (not just the commissioner) to receive criminal conviction information from background checks for employee candidates. This directly affects state agencies and employers conducting background checks, streamlining how they receive sensitive criminal history data. The bill permits electronic fingerprint submissions and requires strict confidentiality for all criminal history records, while maintaining the existing process for state and federal background checks through the Division of State Police. The change aims to provide flexibility for employers without altering the core background check procedures.

Maddy summarySB 460 prohibits registered sex offenders required to register under RSA 651-B for sexual offenses against children under 13 from knowingly appearing within 1,000 feet of certain locations - such as childcare facilities, churches, schools, or areas where children gather - when circumstances would alarm nearby residents. The law applies specifically to tier II and tier III offenders and takes effect January 1, 2027. It creates a new criminal violation for these prohibited appearances, with no direct state or local funding impacts identified. The bill was requested by the Department of Safety and aligns with existing registration requirements for sex offenders.

Maddy summarySB 568 clarifies that the Department of Safety's commissioner may appoint specific staff members - including assistant commissioners, division directors, or bureau chiefs - to verify background checks for employee candidates. The bill explicitly defines eligible designees and requires the department to maintain strict confidentiality of all background check records. It also permits electronic submission of fingerprint information, following procedures established by the division of state police. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.