Rep. Jennifer Rhodes

Primary HB 1260

Signed into law · New Hampshire House · Lead sponsor

relative to the criminal penalty for violations of privacy involving minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the criminal penalty for violating the privacy of minors in New Hampshire by making such acts a class B felony. It directly affects anyone who knowingly or should reasonably know that a person under 18 is entitled to privacy in a specific location. The key provision amends existing privacy laws to specify that breaching the peace or privacy of a child in these settings will result in the most severe felony classification. This change aims to provide stronger legal consequences for privacy violations involving children without altering the underlying definition of what constitutes a privacy breach.

Signed into law Jun 20, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Co-sponsor SB 249

Passed · New Hampshire Senate · Co-sponsor

establishing magistrates and relative to release of persons pending resolution of criminal charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new class of judicial employees called magistrates to handle pre-trial release decisions and other court tasks. It authorizes the chief justice to appoint at least 15 magistrates, ensuring at least one is assigned to every county in the state. These magistrates would have the power to decide on bail, conduct arraignment hearings, and issue arrest and search warrants, with the requirement that those handling bail cases be licensed attorneys. The legislation also mandates that individuals released on bail receive information about local services for homelessness, hunger, mental health, and substance use. Additionally, the bill changes the rules for when arrested individuals must appear before a judge and allows for electronic payment of bail in both physical and remote court settings.

Passed May 30, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SB 460

Passed · New Hampshire Senate · Co-sponsor

establishing the crime of and penalties for unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal penalties for operating small unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, in violation of Federal Aviation Administration rules. It establishes that breaking FAA regulations is a misdemeanor for a first offense and a misdemeanor for subsequent offenses, while more severe actions like interfering with other aircraft or crashing them can lead to felony charges. The law also specifically bans flying drones over correctional facilities unless authorized by law enforcement and prohibits using drones equipped with weapons or devices capable of causing harm. These new rules will take effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to anyone operating or possessing such aircraft.

Passed May 30, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 1382

Signed into law · New Hampshire House · Co-sponsor

granting witness fee reimbursement to unrepresented parents in the armed forces who prevail in special education hearings.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that military-connected students transferring to a new school district receive their existing special education services immediately while waiting for a new evaluation to be completed. It also requires school districts to provide comparable services to these students upon arrival, regardless of whether the school is currently in session. Additionally, the legislation mandates that parents representing themselves in special education due process hearings can subpoena witnesses, with the state reimbursing witness fees for parents who are members of the armed forces if they win their case.

Signed into law May 21, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor SB 128

Failed · New Hampshire Senate · Co-sponsor

relative to payment for legal services for persons involuntarily admitted for mental health services.

Failed Jan 3, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SB 80

In committee · New Hampshire Senate · Co-sponsor

requiring the recording of custodial interrogations and making an appropriation therefor.

In committee Jan 3, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SB 249

Passed · New Hampshire Senate · Co-sponsor

relative to the release of a defendant pending trial.

Passed Nov 17, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor SB 128

died · New Hampshire Senate · Co-sponsor

relative to payment for legal services for persons involuntarily admitted for mental health services.

died Nov 15, 2023 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary HB 97

Signed into law · New Hampshire House · Lead sponsor

establishing an additional penalty for a violation of privacy.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2023 0 co-sponsors

Co-sponsor SB 129

Signed into law · New Hampshire Senate · Co-sponsor

relative to the payment of costs for indigent persons involved in mediation services.

Signed into law Jun 27, 2023 1 co-sponsor