Rep. Kathy Staub

Maddy summaryHB 1484 establishes a new state minimum wage in New Hampshire, starting at $12.00 per hour on September 1, 2026, and increasing incrementally to $14.00 in 2027, $15.50 in 2028, and $17.00 in 2029. It directly affects employers and workers across the state by requiring that all hourly pay meets the higher of the federal minimum wage or these new state rates. The bill sets specific effective dates for each rate increase, with each new rate replacing the previous one until amended by future legislation. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, with the first rate change beginning September 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 604 would create a loan forgiveness program for low-income homeowners who build new accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or convert existing structures (like garages) into ADUs. It directly affects qualifying low-income homeowners in the state by covering the cost of their loans for these projects, reducing financial barriers. The key mechanism is that approved homeowners would not need to repay the loan after completing the ADU construction or renovation. This policy aims to increase housing options through secondary units without requiring repayment from eligible residents.

Maddy summaryHB 731 expands housing support options for individuals with developmental disabilities by requiring state agencies to develop and implement a coordinated housing assistance program. This bill directly affects people with developmental disabilities who face barriers to accessing stable, community-based housing. Key provisions include establishing standardized criteria for housing eligibility, increasing funding for supportive housing providers, and creating a state oversight committee to monitor program effectiveness. The bill became law on July 7, 2025, and takes effect September 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 558 establishes a legislative committee to study whether to create a public county registry tracking monthly rent for each rental unit and whether to ban landlords from using algorithms to set rents. The committee, composed of four legislators, must examine the feasibility of these measures and report findings by November 2025. This bill does not enact the registry or ban - it only authorizes a study. The committee recently voted "Inexpedient to Legislate," recommending against advancing the proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a study committee to examine how the housing crisis specifically impacts people with disabilities in New Hampshire. The committee will be composed of five legislators and tasked with gathering testimony from various state agencies and disability advocacy groups to understand the scope of the problem and identify potential solutions. Over the course of at least six meetings, the group will research housing availability and affordability before submitting interim and final reports with recommendations to state officials by late 2024 and 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a committee to study how the housing crisis since 2008 has specifically impacted people with disabilities in New Hampshire. The committee would be made up of five legislators and is tasked with investigating issues such as the lack of accessible and affordable housing options that often force adults with disabilities to live with their parents. Members of the committee would meet within 45 days of the bill's passage and submit their findings and any legislative recommendations to state officials by November 1, 2024. Although the bill outlines these steps for investigation, it was ultimately deemed inexpedient to legislate by the relevant committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by preventing landlords from evicting them solely based on their victim status. It allows victims to stay in their homes if they provide written proof of a protective order, a report to law enforcement, a statement from a professional, or a court-approved self-certification form. The law also permits victims to request new locks at their own expense to exclude abusers and clarifies that landlords cannot be held liable for damages caused by these lock changes. While the bill offers these protections, it explicitly states that landlords can still evict tenants for unrelated reasons such as nonpayment of rent. Additionally, the bill requires landlords to keep all information regarding a tenant's victim status strictly confidential.