Rep. Jeff Tenczar

Maddy summaryHB 1289 makes it illegal to use small drones (unmanned aircraft systems) to secretly record people engaging in private activities - like at home, with family, or in other settings where they reasonably expect privacy - without permission. It creates a class A misdemeanor for capturing such images and a class B felony for sharing them publicly. Law enforcement can still use drones for investigations into suspected illegal activity, as specified in the bill. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with no expected state or local costs.

Maddy summaryHB 445 establishes a study commission to investigate the reasons behind New Hampshire's shortage of law enforcement officers and identify potential solutions. The commission would gather data, analyze causes (such as recruitment or retention challenges), and propose actionable recommendations to state agencies. This bill does not provide immediate funding or change existing laws; it only creates a formal process to study the issue and report findings to the legislature. The commission's work would directly inform future policy decisions affecting law enforcement staffing.

Maddy summaryHB 506 combines three distinct provisions. It requires background checks when returning firearms and ammunition during court motions, affects individuals involved in firearm-related legal proceedings, and invalidates out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants (remaining effective until September 30, 2025). Additionally, it mandates that schools hiring an owner's project manager for construction projects seeking building aid must do so at the time of application. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, for the background check provision, while the driver's license provision expires September 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 151 updates New Hampshire's accessible parking rules to prevent fraud. It requires that only individuals with valid disability permits (or those transporting permit holders) may use designated parking spaces marked with the accessibility symbol. The bill significantly increases penalties for misuse: a $1,000 fine for first-time use of a counterfeit or stolen permit, rising to $1,500 for repeat offenses. It also clarifies that fines for unauthorized use of accessible spaces now start at $500 (with 50% going to the local town/city), and mandates that free parking privileges for permit holders must be used only when the permit holder is being transported to/from the parking spot. This directly affects drivers using accessible parking and local municipalities collecting enforcement fines.

Maddy summaryHB 446 would have required public schools to provide written parental notice before administering non-academic surveys (such as those on mental health, social issues, or personal behavior) to students. This directly affects public school districts, administrators, and parents of K-12 students. The key mechanism mandated that schools notify parents in advance, allowing them to opt their children out of such surveys. The bill passed the Senate in May 2025 but was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 777 codifies the structure and duties of the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission into permanent statute, turning existing administrative procedures into formal law. It directly affects law enforcement agencies that seek or maintain accreditation and the commission itself, which oversees this process. Key provisions establish the commission's permanent composition, authority to set accreditation standards, and procedures for reviewing agencies. The bill became law on May 29, 2025, and takes effect July 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 140 establishes a voluntary "Blue Envelope Program" to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum or trauma and stressor-related disorders. The Division of Motor Vehicles will design and provide these free envelopes, which include written guidance for effective communication during traffic stops. The envelopes also offer space for a driver's license, registration, emergency contact information, and optional health details. Drivers or their guardians can request an envelope with proof of diagnosis, and it is designed to be displayed on the vehicle's visor for easy access.

Maddy summaryHB 240 modifies the process for addressing unlicensed dogs by changing the local governing body's obligation to issue warrants for nonpayment of licensing fees from mandatory to discretionary. The bill also allows these warrants to authorize local law enforcement to seize unlicensed dogs, but only after a written warning is issued to the owner. If a dog is seized, it would be held for seven days, during which the owner can reclaim it by licensing the dog and paying daily holding and veterinary fees. Otherwise, ownership of the dog transfers to the holding facility.