Rep. Donald McFarlane

Maddy summaryHR 28 is a House Resolution requesting the New Hampshire Supreme Court to clarify the state's constitutional obligations regarding education. It asks the court to address specific legal questions about whether the state constitution requires direct state funding for public education, the limits of judicial review over education funding, and the historical role of towns versus the state in education. The resolution seeks the court's opinion on whether the constitution creates an enforceable right to state funding or leaves such decisions to the legislature's discretion. This procedural request does not change current law but aims to resolve legal uncertainty around education funding obligations.

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 summaryHR 19 is a non-binding House resolution encouraging New Hampshire's public colleges and universities to invite more conservative speakers to campus to increase viewpoint diversity. It urges institutions to host conservative speakers alongside others across the political spectrum for discussions on topics like public policy and science, while emphasizing respectful debate. The resolution explicitly states it does not direct curricula or compel any invitations, affirming that more speech - not less - best serves students. It also condemns political violence and supports free expression in academic settings, as outlined in its text.

Maddy summaryHB 1244 adds a new exception to New Hampshire's criminal threatening law, protecting individuals who display a firearm or other self-defense means to warn away someone committing criminal trespass (violating RSA 635:2) if the trespasser's actions reasonably threaten property damage, serious bodily injury, or death. It directly affects property owners or occupants responding to trespassers who pose an immediate threat. The key provision clarifies that such defensive actions - intended to deter the trespasser - will not constitute criminal threatening under RSA 631:4. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated state or local fiscal impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1728 requires operators of critical infrastructure systems - such as water, power, emergency response, and public transportation networks serving over 10,000 people or 3,300 households in New Hampshire - to implement specific cybersecurity measures. The bill mandates strict firewall controls, phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication for remote access, and documented incident response plans to prevent foreseeable cyber risks. Operators who fail to meet this "standard of care" could face liability for harms caused by security failures. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and has no new funding requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1047 amends New Hampshire law to define killing certain state officials as capital murder. It specifically targets the governor, governor-elect, executive council members, and state legislators (including those in office or nominated in primaries for the New Hampshire Senate or House of Representatives). The bill requires that the killing must be motivated by the perpetrator’s knowledge of the victim’s official capacity. This change takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not involve new state funding.

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 1302 prohibits law enforcement from publicly releasing mugshots of individuals arrested for nonviolent offenses before they are convicted. This applies to all such photographs taken during arrest, with exceptions only for immediate public safety threats (e.g., locating a dangerous suspect) or when a defendant fails to appear in court after bail. The bill also specifies that these restrictions do not apply to individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., who may have mugshots released regardless of conviction status. Law enforcement must document any permitted release, including the reason and recipient. The policy aims to reduce reputational harm for unconvicted individuals while maintaining public safety exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (CACR 29) would remove language from New Hampshire's constitution stating that rules created by the Supreme Court "have the force and effect of law." Currently, such rules are treated as legally binding, but the amendment would prevent the Supreme Court from issuing rules with that legal authority. The change would affect how court procedures and administrative rules are enforced, shifting authority away from judicial rulemaking. If approved, it would require voters to decide on this constitutional change in the 2026 election.

Maddy summaryHB 1427 restricts municipalities, counties, and school districts in New Hampshire from issuing bonds except for declared emergencies, repairs to critical infrastructure (like water systems or public safety facilities), securing matching federal funds, or voter approval through a majority vote. The bill prohibits most bond issuance after January 1, 2027, with a temporary 4-year transition period (until 2031) allowing limited bonds under strict budget caps. Violations would make bonds voidable by taxpayers, with courts able to award legal fees to successful plaintiffs. This directly affects local governments’ ability to finance projects without meeting these specific criteria.