Rep. Joseph Barton

Maddy summaryHB 1106 requires New Hampshire candidates for public office to publicly disclose whether they hold citizenship in any country other than the United States. Candidates must declare this information under oath or affirmation to the Secretary of State, including details like the specific country, basis for citizenship, date acquired (if known), and other relevant facts. This disclosure will be made publicly available, increasing transparency for voters. The bill does not change the existing requirement that candidates must be U.S. citizens (by birth or naturalization) but mandates this additional transparency measure regarding dual citizenship.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 14) is a symbolic statement by New Hampshire's legislature condemning the 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, during a public speaking event. It reaffirms the state's commitment to First Amendment rights, including free speech and peaceful assembly, and encourages respectful dialogue across political differences. The resolution directs the House clerk to send copies to Kirk's family, Turning Point USA leadership, and all 50 state governors and legislatures. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1222 prohibits blocking public crosswalks by banning parking vehicles that encroach on crosswalks, placing objects or structures within marked crosswalks, or delaying pedestrians. It directly affects drivers, businesses, and individuals who may park or place items in crosswalks, ensuring clear pathways for pedestrians. The bill establishes fines of up to $250 for first offenses and $500 for repeat violations, with exemptions for emergency vehicles and authorized closures by local authorities. This law takes effect 60 days after passage, aiming to improve pedestrian safety at intersections.

Maddy summaryHB 1564 removes the phrase "gender identity" from multiple New Hampshire statutes that currently include it as a protected characteristic in discrimination laws. This affects provisions related to equal employment (RSA 21-I:42), classified employment protections (RSA 21-I:52), cable TV service access (RSA 53-C:3-g), hate crime reporting (RSA 106-B:14-c), police training (RSA 106-L:2), racial profiling definitions (RSA 106-O:1), and mental health services (RSA 135-C:13). The bill deletes all instances of "gender identity" except in RSA 332-M:2, III-a. It does not create new policies but eliminates existing language from these statutes. The direct effect is removing gender identity as a specified protected category in these legal provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a current law that prohibits possessing ferrets while hunting or traveling to/from hunting. It would allow hunters in New Hampshire to legally use ferrets for hunting, which is currently banned under RSA 207:6. The change takes effect January 1, 2027, removing the existing restriction on ferret possession during hunting activities. The bill specifically targets the prohibition in state law, making no other changes to hunting regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1188 prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees - defined as those earning an hourly rate of 500% or less of the federal minimum wage - to sign noncompete agreements. It voids any existing noncompete agreements for these workers and limits the duration of any such agreement to a maximum of 12 months. The bill directly affects low-wage workers in New Hampshire, removing legal barriers that previously restricted their ability to change employers. This policy change increases job mobility for workers in low-paying positions by preventing employers from using noncompete clauses to limit their employment options.

Maddy summaryHB 1568 requires all vehicle owners in New Hampshire to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage for registered vehicles, directly affecting every motorist who registers a car in the state. The bill sets specific coverage limits: $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Owners must provide proof of insurance at registration and when requested by law enforcement, with penalties including $250 for a first offense and $500 for repeat violations, plus potential registration suspension. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not change existing insurance premium tax revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 1210 changes who can claim the federal child tax credit for children in divorce or child support cases. It ensures the parent paying child support (the obligor) can claim the credit for each qualifying child annually if their required support payments exceed the credit amount, unless the parents agree otherwise in writing. The bill requires the paying parent to be current on all child support obligations to claim the credit. This applies to all new or amended child support orders starting January 1, 2027, directly affecting parents involved in custody or support arrangements. The policy clarifies tax credit allocation without altering the credit amount itself.

Maddy summaryHB 1094 repeals a current law that prohibited collecting seaweed between sunset and sunrise. This change directly affects commercial and recreational seaweed harvesters who were previously restricted from collecting during nighttime hours. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, removing the existing nighttime collection ban without adding new requirements or restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 27) urges New Hampshire's U.S. congressional representatives to seek a new investigation into the 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy ship attacked by Israeli forces in international waters during the Six-Day War. It specifically requests an investigation into four areas: whether survivors were pressured to stay silent about the attack, the prolonged duration of the attack (42-60 minutes), whether the ship was clearly marked with U.S. identification, and the declassification of all related government documents. The resolution does not create new law but is a symbolic request for transparency and accountability regarding an incident that killed 34 U.S. personnel. It is addressed to New Hampshire's congressional delegation and reflects the New Hampshire House's position on this historical event.