Rep. Alissandra Murray

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local law enforcement agencies to report hate-based crimes to the state Department of Justice, which will then publish detailed statistics on its website and submit an annual analysis to state leaders. The reports must include specific data points such as the location, date, number of victims and suspects, suspect race, crime category, and the specific bias motivation, while explicitly excluding the names of victims or perpetrators. Additionally, local police departments are mandated to post this same information on their own websites on a monthly basis. The law defines "hate-based crime" using the existing state definition and takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 1039 creates a new sentencing option for individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes who are primary caregivers to children, elderly people, or persons with disabilities. Under this bill, judges could instead of prison order these defendants to complete community-based programs such as parenting classes, job training, and counseling while remaining with their dependents. The law allows courts to modify or shorten these alternative sentences based on the person's progress, but reserves the right to impose jail time if the individual fails to comply with the required conditions. This measure applies only to specific nonviolent offenses and takes effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to add eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, to the list of qualifying conditions for the state's therapeutic cannabis program. If enacted, it would allow individuals diagnosed with these specific conditions to legally access medical cannabis under the existing framework. The legislation includes a provision to include other specified feeding and eating disorders alongside the named examples. The bill was ultimately not passed and died on the table before the legislative session concluded.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent local governments from enforcing rules that limit the number of people living in a rental unit based on whether they are related or restrict occupancy to only family members. Specifically, it bans ordinances that cap residents at fewer than two people per bedroom or that require occupants to be related by blood or marriage. The law applies to cities, towns, and counties that contain unincorporated areas or unorganized places. If passed, these restrictions would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryHB 1053 would allow residential buildings to be constructed on commercial lots as a matter of right, meaning local zoning boards could not block them. The bill requires that these new homes follow the same lot size, setback, and parking rules currently applied to multi-family residential areas, while still adhering to standard building and fire codes. This change applies to both new construction and the renovation of existing structures. Although the bill was introduced to modify zoning laws, it ultimately did not become law as it was laid on the table and died with the end of the legislative session.

Maddy summaryHB 1278 expands the list of qualifying medical conditions for therapeutic cannabis in New Hampshire to include any debilitating or terminal condition where a doctor believes the benefits likely outweigh the risks for adults aged 21 and older. Under this new provision, a certifying provider must document the patient's specific condition and state their clinical opinion on the risk-benefit balance to approve the patient for treatment. The bill also removes previous restrictions that limited how many times a qualifying patient could visit the state to obtain their medication. Additionally, it includes a contingency clause to renumber the new section if another related bill passes in the future, and the law takes effect 60 days after being signed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definitions of "full course meals" and "full service restaurants" for alcohol licensing purposes in New Hampshire. It specifies that a full course meal includes a variety of prepared foods like grilled items, fried dishes, baked goods, sandwiches, salads, soups, and stove-top cooked options. A full service restaurant is now defined as an establishment with seating for at least ten guests that must offer multiple meal choices from at least two of these food categories. These changes affect businesses seeking or holding liquor licenses by clarifying the requirements for their dining areas and menus.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire bill expands the state's therapeutic cannabis program by adding generalized anxiety disorder to the list of qualifying medical conditions. It directly affects individuals diagnosed with this condition who wish to legally access medical cannabis through the state's existing framework. The law amends current statutes to include anxiety disorder alongside other approved conditions and takes effect 60 days after passage. No new funding is required for this change, as the program is self-funded through application fees paid by patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new article to the New Hampshire Constitution that explicitly states all people have the right to be free from slavery and involuntary servitude. It directs local officials to place this question on the November 2024 ballot for voters to decide whether to adopt the change. If approved by two-thirds of those voting on the specific amendment, the prohibition would become law upon the governor's proclamation. The measure does not alter current laws but seeks to codify this fundamental right directly within the state's constitutional text.