Rep. Henry Giasson

Maddy summaryHB 1537 allows school bus operators to install high-resolution cameras on stop bars (the flashing arms extending from school buses) to capture drivers who run school bus stop lights. The cameras must clearly identify faces, include digital timestamps and tamper-proof video markers, and only activate when stop bars are extended during student loading/unloading. Videos must be preserved for up to 4 years if injuries occur, but deleted after 7 days if unused for investigations. School bus operators may choose to install the cameras but are not required to do so.

Maddy summaryHB 1308 increases penalties for drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus in New Hampshire. It makes sworn testimony from bus drivers or witnesses sufficient evidence for violations, allows bus camera footage to be used as proof (but only for legal proceedings), and adds specific penalties: a $300 fine plus a 7-day license suspension for a first offense, escalating to a $750 fine plus 15 days in jail and indefinite license revocation for a third offense. This bill directly affects drivers who fail to stop for school buses, particularly those with prior violations. The changes take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1758 allows school bus drivers currently certified in Vermont to obtain a New Hampshire school bus driver's certificate without retaking the state's special driving exam. It directly affects Vermont-certified drivers seeking to work as school bus drivers in New Hampshire. The bill amends state law to permit drivers to submit proof of their Vermont certification as valid proof of qualification, instead of requiring a separate New Hampshire examination. This creates a streamlined process for Vermont-certified drivers to work in New Hampshire school transportation without additional testing.

Maddy summaryHB 1549 clarifies that New Hampshire vehicle owners only need to provide titles, bills of sale, or identification documents at initial registration or when ownership changes - not for annual registration renewals. The bill explicitly states that a current registration certificate is sufficient for renewals, removing ambiguity about recurring document requirements. It also allows town/city clerks to accept personal recognizance as identification and specifies required details for bills of sale during transfers. This change affects all New Hampshire vehicle owners who renew registrations annually, aligning statutory language with current practice to reduce confusion for residents and clerks.

Maddy summarySB 473 defines "field officers" in the Army National Guard as officers holding the rank of lieutenant colonel or colonel for promotion and appointment purposes. This bill directly affects National Guard officers seeking advancement within those specific ranks. It amends state law to clarify the term, ensuring consistent application during promotion processes. The bill is procedural, with no substantive policy changes beyond the definition. It takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1423 expands New Hampshire's "improper influence" law to include threats against the immediate family members (spouses, children, parents, siblings, or household members) of public servants, party officials, or voters. It makes threatening harm to these family members a class B felony, imposing mandatory minimum penalties: at least one year in prison and $1,000 in fines for each person threatened. These penalties must be served consecutively for multiple victims and cannot be reduced or suspended. The bill directly affects individuals who attempt to influence public officials' decisions through coercion targeting their families, with no direct state or local cost impact noted.

Maddy summaryHB 1378 would require healthcare providers to give parents or legal guardians full access to their minor child's electronic medical records (including online patient portals), except in three specific cases: 1) when the minor can legally consent to treatment without parents (e.g., certain reproductive or mental health services), 2) when a protective order or court ruling prohibits access, or 3) when a provider documents in writing that disclosure could cause abuse or neglect. This bill directly affects parents, guardians, and healthcare providers by changing how medical records are shared. It aims to support parental involvement in children’s healthcare decisions while preserving existing legal protections for minors in sensitive situations. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1421 exempts most motor vehicles manufactured 15 or more years ago from requiring a certificate of title, replacing the previous rule that exempted vehicles made before 2000. This applies to standard passenger vehicles and light trucks, but excludes heavy trucks and truck-tractors weighing over 18,000 pounds. The exemption automatically applies as vehicles reach 15 years of age (e.g., a 2009 vehicle would be exempt in 2024). It directly affects owners of older, non-commercial vehicles who would no longer need to pay title fees or process title applications. The change simplifies registration for these vehicles while maintaining title requirements for larger commercial vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges all federal agencies and contractors operating at federal facilities (such as National Parks, museums, and government offices) to accept physical U.S. cash as legal tender, in alignment with 31 U.S.C. §5103. It specifically targets situations where cash is refused while electronic payments incur "convenience fees," violating the legal tender law. The resolution demands that federal services accept cash without additional charges for all transactions. It does not create new laws but calls for compliance with existing federal currency regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1263 clarifies that disposable military retirement pay (defined as retirement pay after tax and mandatory deductions) is excluded from gross income calculations for alimony and cannot be divided as marital property in divorce settlements. The bill requires alimony payments sourced from this pay to automatically terminate or suspend when the payor retires, unless federal law or regulations require otherwise. It specifically distinguishes disposable military retirement pay from other military benefits and ensures alimony orders based on this pay follow the same rules as civilian retirement pay. This law takes effect on July 1, 2026, directly affecting divorcing couples where military retirement pay is used to fund alimony.