Rep. Joe Alexander

Maddy summaryHB 1499 would expand eviction grounds under New Hampshire's landlord and tenant law by adding three specific conditions: (1) a tenant or occupant being unlawfully present in the U.S., (2) a recent conviction (within 3 years) for certain violent crimes or drug offenses, or (3) being a registered sexual offender under state law. This bill directly affects tenants who meet these criteria, allowing landlords to seek eviction based on these new grounds. The key provision modifies the existing statute to include these three categories as valid reasons for termination of tenancy. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and does not require new state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1730 would make all sexual penetration or contact offenses against minors under age 16 punishable by death, raising the age threshold from 13 to 16 in existing law. It amends New Hampshire statutes to classify these crimes as aggravated felonious sexual assault, adding a death penalty option (RSA 632-A:10-a I-a) and updating legal procedures for capital cases. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of sexual offenses against minors under 16, including those with authority over the victim or with significant age differences. Key mechanisms include changing age thresholds in multiple statutes, inserting death penalty provisions, and revising the chapter heading to "HOMICIDE AND CAPITAL OFFENSES." This proposal would significantly increase penalties for these offenses compared to current law.

Maddy summaryHB 1748 establishes the New Hampshire Energy Efficiency and Resource Development Authority, a new independent nonprofit body separate from state government. The authority will coordinate all state energy efficiency programs (like home heating improvements and business energy upgrades) to reduce costs for residents and businesses, while also promoting nuclear power development and related industries. It will be governed by a 10-member board including state energy officials, utility regulators, consumer advocates, and four governor-appointed public members. The bill directly affects all New Hampshire residents and businesses by consolidating scattered energy efficiency programs under one agency and advancing nuclear power initiatives as part of the state's energy strategy.

Maddy summaryHB 1175 updates New Hampshire's law against fraud using scanning devices or reencoders to specifically cover payment card chips (like those in modern credit cards), not just magnetic strips. It makes it illegal to scan or reencode chip data without permission to defraud cardholders, card issuers, or merchants. The bill expands existing criminal penalties to address current fraud methods targeting chip-based payment technology. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 639 establishes a committee in New Hampshire to study the health and safety impacts of Red Dye 40 and other food additives (like brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and titanium dioxide) in products sold locally. The committee, composed of one senator, three state representatives, and a public health expert, will review scientific evidence, examine other states' policies, and consult with health departments and experts by November 1, 2026. It will assess whether restrictions, labeling requirements, or phase-outs of certain additives might be appropriate for New Hampshire consumers, schools, and businesses. This bill does not enact new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions through a formal study.

Maddy summaryHB 1299 permits public and private entities in New Hampshire to separate individuals by biological sex in three specific settings: multi-user facilities (like bathrooms and locker rooms), athletic competitions where biological males typically have a competitive advantage, and correctional or treatment facilities. The bill defines "biological sex" as the sex listed on an individual’s birth certificate issued near birth. It explicitly states that these sex-based separations do not constitute discrimination under state law. The bill amends New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination statute (RSA 354-A) to create these limited exceptions, affecting how facilities and events are operated in those contexts.

Maddy summaryHB 1224 modifies how towns calculate their default budget when no new budget is approved by the deadline. It specifically allows funding for vacant public safety positions (like police, fire, or emergency medical roles) that were listed in last year's approved budget, provided they remain vacant before the previous budget was approved. Unspent funds for these positions must reduce local taxes instead of being reallocated to other budget areas. This change directly affects New Hampshire towns using the default budget process for official ballot town meetings. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1211 changes how courts review state agency rules and interpretations. It requires courts to interpret laws and agency guidance "from scratch" instead of accepting agency explanations at face value. When uncertain, courts must resolve doubts by limiting agency power and prioritizing individual liberty. This directly affects state courts, agencies, and anyone challenging or being challenged by agency actions under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1706 repeals New Hampshire's state-administered refugee resettlement program and prohibits state agencies from using state funds for refugee resettlement activities. The bill specifically requires the Department of Health and Human Services to terminate existing contracts related to refugee resettlement (such as the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program) and bans all state spending - directly or indirectly - on resettlement efforts. It does not affect federal refugee programs or funds, as the state's involvement was limited to administering approximately $4.5 million annually in federal funds. The bill applies solely to state government actions and has no impact on existing refugee services or federal programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1137 changes municipal budget committee membership by requiring appointed members from the governing body, school board, and village districts to serve in an ex-officio, non-voting capacity. This bill directly affects all New Hampshire municipalities with budget committees, as it removes voting rights from these appointed members while maintaining their appointment process. Key provisions specify that these members (and their designated alternates) may participate in meetings but cannot vote on budget decisions. The change takes effect 60 days after the bill's passage.