Rep. Henry Giasson

Maddy summaryHB 1041 repeals a law that previously prohibited car manufacturers from operating dealerships in the same market areas as their franchised dealers. This change allows manufacturers to directly own and operate dealerships competing with franchise dealers in the same geographic regions. The bill directly affects car manufacturers, existing franchise dealers, and consumers who purchase vehicles in New Hampshire. It takes effect on June 30, 2026, removing a long-standing restriction on manufacturer dealership operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1538 prohibits vape product marketers from using deceptive tactics to target minors. Specifically, it bans imitating food, school supplies, or clothing (e.g., candy packaging or pencil designs), using minor-appealing characters (like cartoon figures or video game icons), or embedding interactive video game features in vape products. The law directly affects vape manufacturers and retailers who market products through these methods. Violations will be handled as civil infractions by the Liquor Commission, with penalties under existing rules. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a New Hampshire House resolution (not a law) that formally reaffirms support for the Second Amendment and New Hampshire's state constitutional right to bear arms. It specifically urges Congress and the President to stop potential federal restrictions on firearm ownership based on characteristics like sexual orientation or religion, referencing reports of internal DOJ discussions about such rules. The resolution also calls for advancing the SHORT Act to address existing constitutional infringements, though it has no legal force and serves as a symbolic statement to federal leaders.

Maddy summaryHB 1214 allows New Hampshire municipalities to take direct control of public library governance. If a town or city elects to assume control under state law, the library's existing trustees would transition to an advisory role, while the municipal governing body (like a town council) becomes the primary decision-maker. This bill directly affects local governments and public library boards, changing how libraries are managed without altering library funding or services. The policy change would take effect 60 days after enactment, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) honoring Melissa A. Hortman, a former Minnesota House Speaker who served from 2004 to 2025. It formally recognizes her legacy of public service, leadership, and advocacy for issues like healthcare and criminal justice reform, following her tragic assassination in June 2025. The resolution expresses New Hampshire's condolences to her family and affirms support for peaceful political discourse. It has no direct impact on laws, funding, or constituents, as it is solely a statement of respect.

Maddy summaryHR 19 is a non-binding House resolution encouraging New Hampshire's public colleges and universities to invite more conservative speakers to campus to increase viewpoint diversity. It urges institutions to host conservative speakers alongside others across the political spectrum for discussions on topics like public policy and science, while emphasizing respectful debate. The resolution explicitly states it does not direct curricula or compel any invitations, affirming that more speech - not less - best serves students. It also condemns political violence and supports free expression in academic settings, as outlined in its text.

Maddy summaryHB 1058 amends New Hampshire law to allow carrying a loaded firearm on an off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV), such as an ATV or dirt bike, when operating it on private property with the landowner's permission. Currently, the law prohibits carrying a loaded firearm on an OHRV, but this bill creates a specific exception for private property use (excluding public trails, rights-of-way, or designated OHRV corridors). The change does not affect existing exceptions for law enforcement officers or for carrying pistols/revolvers. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1350 expands the definition of "antique" motor vehicles to include all vehicles (including trucks, motorcycles, farm tractors, and retired fire apparatus) over 25 years old, regardless of type, use, or maintenance condition. It removes previous restrictions on daily or commercial use and eliminates requirements that vehicles must be kept in original/restored condition or used only for exhibitions or parades. The bill repeals the existing antique vehicle exemption law (RSA 266:33) and allows any qualifying vehicle to receive antique registration. This change affects approximately 75,000 vehicles currently registered under standard plates, shifting them to a lower-fee antique classification ($6/year vs. $42-$66/year), which would reduce annual state highway fund revenue by $2.7-$4.5 million.

Maddy summaryHB 1649 prohibits towns, cities, and villages from using any taxpayer funds - such as general, reserve, or public funds - to donate money to non-profit organizations. It allows exceptions only for competitive grant programs that serve a clear public purpose and follow state/federal laws. The bill explicitly states that non-profits may still contract for goods/services through standard bidding processes, as long as these are quantifiable and verifiable. This amendment to RSA 31 applies directly to municipal governments and takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1397 requires municipalities to send written notice by verified mail to adjacent property owners (called "abutters") when a cutting operation (such as tree removal) may impact their property. It gives these owners a 30-day period to comment before the project can be approved. The applicant requesting the cutting must cover the cost of sending these notices. This bill applies to any municipal cutting project affecting neighboring properties and adds a definition for "abutter" to property tax law.