Rep. Ted Gorski

Maddy summaryHB 1252 requires New Hampshire's Department of Motor Vehicles to administer commercial driver's license (CDL) skills tests only in English, prohibiting the use of interpreters during these practical driving tests. It directly affects individuals applying for CDLs in New Hampshire who must understand and respond to examiner instructions in English. The bill codifies existing federal requirements (49 C.F.R. part 383) into state law, specifying that neither applicants nor examiners may communicate in any language other than English during the skills test. This applies specifically to the driving test portion, not the written knowledge exam.

Maddy summarySB 649 increases fines for drivers using handheld mobile phones while operating a vehicle. It raises penalties for first offenses from $100 to $250 (or $500 if contributing to a crash), second offenses from $250 to $500 (or $750 with a crash), and third+ offenses to $750 with up to 30 days of license suspension (or $1,000 and 60 days if a crash occurs). The bill applies directly to drivers convicted of this violation, with enhanced penalties when the distraction causes a collision. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1082 allows municipalities to remove political signs from state-owned property within their boundaries after election day. Specifically, it amends state law to permit local governments to clear such signs from state-owned land once the second Friday following an election has passed, if the signs remain after that deadline. This directly affects municipalities (which gain authority to remove signs) and candidates (who must remove their own signs by the deadline). The bill does not change the requirement for candidates to remove signs themselves by the second Friday after an election.

Maddy summaryHB 1703 requires annual $50 registration for all bicycles and electric bicycles used on public bike paths, trails, or roadways funded by the state or municipalities. It directs the Division of Motor Vehicles to collect fees and penalties (up to $100 for unregistered use), with all funds going to the Department of Transportation for building and maintaining bike infrastructure. The bill exempts peace officers on duty, pocket bikes, mopeds, and motorcycles. Registration applications must include owner details and proof of ownership, with minors requiring parental/guardian signatures. This applies to any public way where bicycles are legally permitted.

Maddy summaryHB 1029 clarifies that small-scale gardening and minor repairs do not count as "excavation" under New Hampshire's underground utility damage prevention laws. Specifically, it exempts hand-planting of flowers or small shrubs (in 3-gallon pots or smaller) and shallow irrigation repairs done by hand from requiring utility damage prevention permits or notifications. This directly affects homeowners, gardeners, and small landscaping businesses performing these routine tasks without heavy equipment. The bill has no fiscal impact, as confirmed by the legislative budget office, and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 24) urges New Hampshire's congressional delegation to sponsor federal legislation renaming Little Haystack Mountain in the White Mountains to "Mt. Kościuszko." It specifically requests support for honoring Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish patriot who fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War. The resolution also encourages the governor to consider state-level actions to support the renaming. This is a symbolic gesture to recognize Kościuszko's historical contributions and celebrate Polish-American heritage, not a law that changes any existing policy or naming.

Maddy summarySB 553 increases penalties for drivers who willfully attempt to evade law enforcement by speeding, turning off headlights while moving, or abandoning their vehicle during a chase. Offenders will face a mandatory 5-day jail term (with no probation or deferred sentencing) and a driver's license suspension of at least six months. This law directly affects individuals who use these specific tactics to avoid police pursuit. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 452 would allow non-citizens temporarily residing in New Hampshire to obtain state driver's licenses. It directly affects immigrants with temporary legal status (such as visa holders) who currently cannot apply for licenses under state law. The bill would amend existing requirements to replace citizenship verification with proof of legal status for license applicants. This policy change would provide a new pathway for eligible individuals to legally drive in New Hampshire.

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 summaryHB 225 requires New Hampshire employers with 50+ employees at a single location to reemploy military spouses if their service member is involuntarily deployed. The bill defines "employer" to exclude combined staff under common ownership and allows employers to refuse reemployment only if circumstances make it impossible or unreasonable, per federal guidelines (20 C.F.R. § 1002.139). This directly affects military spouses in New Hampshire who face job loss due to their partner's deployment. The law creates a clear framework for employer obligations while providing a specific exception tied to federal standards. It takes effect January 1, 2026.