Rep. John Sellers

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 29) requests the New Hampshire Supreme Court to clarify the scope of specific constitutional provisions regarding the separation of powers. It asks the court to provide an opinion on how Articles 4, 72-a, and 73-a interact, particularly concerning the legislature's authority versus judicial power in areas like court administration, budgeting, and rulemaking. The resolution lists 11 specific legal questions about whether the legislature retains authority over matters not strictly defined as "judicial power" under the constitution. As a procedural request for a court opinion, it does not create new law or directly affect any individuals or entities. The resolution seeks clarification on existing constitutional language to resolve ambiguities about legislative and judicial responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1754 repeals the statewide requirement for New Hampshire schools to use the multi-tiered system of supports for behavioral health and wellness (MTSS-B), a tiered approach to student mental health support. The bill directly affects public schools across New Hampshire by removing this mandated framework from state law. It eliminates the legal obligation under RSA 135-F:3, III(l) for schools to implement MTSS-B as part of their mental health care systems for students. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment, shifting oversight of student mental health support to local school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1058 amends New Hampshire law to allow carrying a loaded firearm on an off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV), such as an ATV or dirt bike, when operating it on private property with the landowner's permission. Currently, the law prohibits carrying a loaded firearm on an OHRV, but this bill creates a specific exception for private property use (excluding public trails, rights-of-way, or designated OHRV corridors). The change does not affect existing exceptions for law enforcement officers or for carrying pistols/revolvers. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1165 removes the "X" or "other" gender designation option from all New Hampshire state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. The bill amends multiple sections of state law (RSA 260:21, 260:21-a, 263:5, 263:40, 263:90, and 263:91) to delete the bracketed phrase "or 'X' for 'other,'" leaving only "M" for male or "F" for female. This change directly affects all New Hampshire residents applying for or renewing state IDs, including transgender and non-binary individuals who previously used the "X" option. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish legislative oversight of New Hampshire's judicial branch. It would create a commission (primarily composed of state legislators) with authority to investigate complaints against judges, hold hearings, recommend disciplinary actions (including censure, suspension, or removal), and publish annual performance reports. The measure directly affects judges and the judicial branch by shifting oversight from the current system (where the judiciary self-regulates, with impeachment as the sole remedy) to legislative authority. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, it would amend the state constitution to grant the general court this new power. The amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote in the election to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill harmonizes New Hampshire's criminal code and the Fetal Life Protection Act by setting the gestational age limit for abortion restrictions at 20 weeks instead of 24 weeks. It amends the homicide statute to exempt pregnancy terminations performed before 20 weeks and updates the Fetal Life Protection Act to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks (except in medical emergencies or for fatal fetal abnormalities). Health care providers performing abortions after 20 weeks without meeting these conditions would face class B felony charges. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, correcting an inconsistency between existing statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1702 requires pharmacies and medical facilities in New Hampshire to post a standardized notice about mifepristone (a drug used for chemical abortions) when dispensing it. The notice, displayed prominently in specific areas like waiting rooms or pharmacy counters, states that mifepristone may sometimes be reversible if the second pill hasn’t been taken, and provides a contact for resources. Noncompliance could result in a class B felony charge for providers or civil lawsuits seeking damages for patients harmed by the lack of notice. The bill directly affects pharmacies and clinics dispensing mifepristone, with no estimated state or local costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1606 prohibits Chinese nationals (non-U.S. citizens with ties to the People's Republic of China government, such as PRC state-owned enterprise employees or CCP members) from owning or controlling real property in New Hampshire. It provides a 90-day grace period for current owners to sell properties, after which undivested properties face state seizure. Violations trigger civil penalties of 25% of the property’s value, criminal misdemeanor charges for facilitators, and automatic forfeiture of the property to the state. The bill directly affects PRC nationals and entities facilitating their property acquisitions, with enforcement handled by state courts and the Department of Justice.

Maddy summaryHB 1501 limits judicial immunity in New Hampshire, allowing criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits against judges and other judicial staff for misconduct. It specifically removes immunity when actions exceed judicial duties, involve criminal conduct, intentional harm, or malicious abuse of authority. The bill affects judges, clerks, and administrative staff within the judicial branch who commit such acts. It does not change immunity for routine judicial decisions but creates new pathways for accountability in clear cases of overreach. The law takes effect upon passage and may require additional legal resources for the Judicial Branch.

Maddy summaryHB 1493 requires all New Hampshire public school districts to incorporate a specific, scientifically accurate video into health education curricula. The video must demonstrate the gestational development of the heart, brain, and other vital organs during embryonic and fetal stages. This applies to all students in the health curriculum, with the requirement effective September 1, 2026. The bill mandates that the video be age-appropriate and medically verified, but does not specify which video or impose direct costs on schools.