Rep. Terry Spahr

Maddy summaryHB 1409 changes how video lottery terminal (VLT) revenue is distributed after covering administrative costs. It shifts the allocation from the current 75% to the General Fund and 25% to the Education Trust Fund (ETF) to 100% to the ETF. This directly affects public schools by increasing funding through the Education Trust Fund, which supports public school aid. The bill modifies RSA 287-J:6 to require all remaining VLT revenue (after costs) to flow entirely to the ETF, eliminating General Fund deposits. The fiscal note confirms this would decrease General Fund revenue (e.g., ~$45M in FY2026) while increasing ETF revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 1090 applies New Hampshire's 8.5% meals and rooms tax to motorboat rentals. It expands the definition of "motor vehicle" to include registered watercraft (like motorboats) used on public waterways and requires rental companies to collect this tax on all boat rental receipts. The bill also changes tax rounding rules to the nearest nickel for all taxable transactions. This affects boat rental businesses statewide, with estimated annual revenue increases of about $189,000 for the Education Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1596 raises New Hampshire's cigarette and little cigar tax from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack of 20, increasing revenue for state funds. It appropriates $18 million annually to New Hampshire's university system to restore higher education funding to 2024 levels. The bill also stops collecting premiums for two health programs: the Children's Health Insurance Program and the NH Granite Advantage health care program. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, with tobacco tax revenue funding the university appropriation and education trust fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1487 creates an independent commission to draw New Hampshire's legislative and congressional district maps after each federal census, starting in 2031. The commission must hold public hearings, follow specific non-partisan criteria for drawing district lines, and operate with transparency to limit partisan gerrymandering (where districts are drawn to favor one political party). It directly affects how state legislative districts for representatives, senators, executive councilors, and U.S. congressional seats are redrawn, replacing the current process where legislators draw their own maps. The commission requires balanced political representation (20 Republicans, 20 Democrats, 20 undeclared voters) and excludes current or recent elected officials from serving.

Maddy summaryHB 606 ensures patients in this state have the right to receive appropriate reproductive care when needed for medical conditions, directly affecting individuals seeking such care. The bill prohibits healthcare providers or insurers from restricting access to this care based on a patient's condition, ensuring medical decisions are prioritized. It takes effect on September 13, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025. This law creates a clear standard for reproductive care access without specifying additional requirements or exceptions.