Rep. Joe Alexander

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 14) is a symbolic statement by New Hampshire's legislature condemning the 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, during a public speaking event. It reaffirms the state's commitment to First Amendment rights, including free speech and peaceful assembly, and encourages respectful dialogue across political differences. The resolution directs the House clerk to send copies to Kirk's family, Turning Point USA leadership, and all 50 state governors and legislatures. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes.

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 summaryHB 1372 establishes a commission to study whether New Hampshire should reestablish a state psychiatric hospital for adults with severe mental illness. The commission - comprised of legislative members, health department representatives, and corrections officials - will examine current mental health resources, assess individuals cycling through jails or emergency rooms due to untreated conditions, and evaluate costs, staffing, and potential locations for a new facility. It will also review best practices from other states and gather input from mental health professionals and families. The commission must submit its findings and recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2026. This bill does not fund or create a hospital but sets up a study to inform future decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 allows towns and school districts in New Hampshire to hold their local elections for officers on the same day as the state primary election, starting with the 2028 primary. Local governments must first approve this option by majority vote at a meeting and notify the secretary of state by December 31 of the prior year. The state will reimburse municipalities and school districts for direct election costs like ballot printing, staffing, and polling place expenses. This applies to all local elections for town or school district officers, while other required meetings continue on their usual dates. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage, with the first aligned elections occurring in September 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 1700 adds a non-voting student member position to New Hampshire's State Board of Education. The position requires the member to be a currently enrolled student in a New Hampshire career school, high school, community college, college, or home education program (or enrolled in an education freedom account), aged 14-22. The student member serves a non-renewable two-year term or until turning 22, whichever comes first. While they cannot vote on board decisions, they have all other rights of board members.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a current law that prohibits possessing ferrets while hunting or traveling to/from hunting. It would allow hunters in New Hampshire to legally use ferrets for hunting, which is currently banned under RSA 207:6. The change takes effect January 1, 2027, removing the existing restriction on ferret possession during hunting activities. The bill specifically targets the prohibition in state law, making no other changes to hunting regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares that Sharia law and political Islam constitute an "existential threat" to New Hampshire and the U.S., and prohibits any government institution from showing "deference" to Sharia law. It specifically targets state and local government operations, implying restrictions on how public entities engage with Islamic legal principles. The resolution cites examples like voluntary Islamic tribunals in Minnesota and New York as evidence of "Sharia enforcement," though these are disputed claims. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but makes a symbolic policy statement. It was introduced by multiple state representatives and referred to the State-Federal Relations committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1776 requires New Hampshire colleges and universities to report all funding from foreign sources exceeding $50,000 annually to the Department of Education and the General Court. Covered institutions must submit quarterly reports detailing the amount, purpose, source, and related contracts of such funding, including gifts, grants, or contracts. These reports become public on the Department of Education website and must include copies of associated agreements. The bill excludes regular tuition payments from foreign students and imposes fines up to $10,000 for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1094 repeals a current law that prohibited collecting seaweed between sunset and sunrise. This change directly affects commercial and recreational seaweed harvesters who were previously restricted from collecting during nighttime hours. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, removing the existing nighttime collection ban without adding new requirements or restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 45) urges Congress to formally recognize that the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor are entirely within New Hampshire's boundaries. It specifically requests Congress establish the New Hampshire-Maine boundary in the river and designate Portsmouth Naval Shipyard personnel's duty stations as Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The resolution directly affects New Hampshire's state authority over the river's submerged lands and the naval shipyard's administrative jurisdiction. It does not create new laws but seeks federal acknowledgment of existing state claims.