Rep. Joseph Barton

Maddy summaryHB 1243 requires all New Hampshire executive branch agencies (like departments and commissions) to base every contracting and investment decision solely on directly benefiting state citizens. The bill mandates that agencies certify contracts meet this standard and prohibits considering any purpose unrelated to providing citizens with goods, services, or benefits - except for federal law compliance or multistate programs that directly help residents. It has minimal fiscal impact, costing less than $10,000 annually through 2029, and applies to all state agencies making purchasing or investment choices.

Maddy summaryHB 1694 requires data brokers operating in New Hampshire to register with the Secretary of State and pay a $300 fee, creating a searchable online registry of these entities. It gives consumers the right to opt out of data processing for targeted advertising or sale, and mandates that data brokers notify consumers within 15 days when their data is deleted or opt-out requests are processed. The bill specifically protects minors by requiring data brokers to disclose child data practices and comply with child privacy laws, with special rules for "known minors" (children under 18 whom a website knows are minors). This directly affects data brokers, website operators, and all New Hampshire residents whose personal data is collected or sold.

Maddy summaryHB 1508 allows New Hampshire residents to record audio and video conversations they are part of without the other person's consent, provided the recording doesn't violate privacy laws (as defined in RSA 644:9) or is used for blackmail or harassment. The bill requires the Department of Justice to create a public awareness campaign explaining the new rules, including educational materials for the public and training for law enforcement and prosecutors. This campaign will clarify legal boundaries for recording and prevent misuse. The state will fund these efforts using existing resources, with an estimated one-time cost of $500,000 for the campaign and ongoing costs for staff support.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 45) urges Congress to formally recognize that the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor are entirely within New Hampshire's boundaries. It specifically requests Congress establish the New Hampshire-Maine boundary in the river and designate Portsmouth Naval Shipyard personnel's duty stations as Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The resolution directly affects New Hampshire's state authority over the river's submerged lands and the naval shipyard's administrative jurisdiction. It does not create new laws but seeks federal acknowledgment of existing state claims.

Maddy summaryHB 1693 expands Grafton County's board of commissioners from three to five members, creating five distinct districts covering all towns in the county. Each commissioner will be elected to a two-year term starting in 2026, with all seats up for election simultaneously at each general election. This change directly affects Grafton County residents, as it alters how local government representation is structured and elected. The bill requires an estimated $39,000 annual increase in county expenditures for the additional two commissioners' salaries and related costs.