Rep. Joe Alexander

Maddy summaryHB 313 would allow government bodies to hold closed sessions during public meetings when discussing matters that could likely harm an individual's reputation if discussed publicly. The bill specifically targets situations where open discussion might damage someone's standing, such as in personnel matters or sensitive investigations. It directly affects local and state government entities that hold public meetings, requiring them to follow this rule when considering whether to exclude the public from specific discussions. The proposal aims to balance transparency with protecting individuals from reputational harm during official proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 392 directs the state to dissolve three specific entities: the Office of Health Equity within the Department of Health and Human Services, the environmental justice and civil rights functions within the Department of Environmental Services, and the Governor's Council on Diversity and Inclusion. This bill would eliminate these offices and their mandated programs, directly affecting state agencies and their existing equity-focused initiatives. The key mechanism is the formal termination of these offices' legal authority and operations, removing their structural role in state policy implementation. The bill does not create new programs or alter funding but ends specific administrative functions related to health equity, environmental justice, and diversity coordination.

Maddy summaryHB 529 creates a new "Restaurant Delivery License" allowing existing restaurant license holders to deliver alcoholic beverages (wine, liquor, and beer) to customers. To qualify, restaurants must pay a $250 annual fee, deliver only when their business is open, and always include food ordered by the customer. Deliveries must use tamper-proof containers labeled with alcohol content details and health warnings, and drivers must be W-2 employees over 21. The bill prohibits deliveries to schools, libraries, parks, and areas where alcohol sales are banned.

Maddy summarySB 270 would allow vehicle owners to retrieve essential work-related items (like tools or documents) from vehicles that have been impounded by authorities, without requiring the full release of the vehicle. It directly affects individuals whose vehicles were seized, particularly those needing immediate access to items for employment. The bill establishes a new procedure for owners to request and collect these specific items during the impoundment period. This policy change aims to reduce work disruptions caused by vehicle impoundment while maintaining existing legal processes for vehicle release.

Maddy summaryHB 164 allocates $150,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to create and maintain a public website for local governments to store and share electronic records. It funds a dedicated local government records manager position (LG 21) within the secretary of state’s office to oversee this system. Local governments directly benefit by gaining a centralized, accessible platform for managing their electronic records retention. The bill focuses on implementing a new records management system through funding, not changing existing record retention requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 610 would eliminate the office of the Consumer Advocate by repealing the law that created it. This directly affects the office's staff and consumers who previously relied on its services for assistance with issues like utility bills or product safety. The bill's key mechanism is removing the legal foundation for the office, ending its operations and associated duties. The committee has recommended passing the bill with an amendment, but the core change remains the dissolution of the office.

Maddy summarySB 193 requires the head of each New Hampshire state agency to submit a strategic plan outlining how their agency will operate by September 30, 2026. The plan must detail program activities and be submitted to both the state commission on program efficiency and the legislature. This bill directly affects all state agency leaders by mandating a formal, forward-looking document for transparency and planning. It does not alter agency funding or programs but establishes a recurring administrative requirement for accountability. The bill is currently referred for an interim study after committee review.

Maddy summarySB 231 would change rules for building roads near wetlands by requiring new roads to maintain a minimum distance (setback) from wetland areas. This directly affects developers, local governments, and planners involved in road construction projects adjacent to wetlands. The bill proposes specific setback distances to protect wetland ecosystems from development impacts. However, the committee recently voted to table the bill as "inexpedient to legislate," halting its progress.

Maddy summaryHB 340 would prohibit public employees, including those appointed by local officials, from campaigning for candidates, political parties, or ballot measures while performing official duties. It bans using government resources like phones, computers, or vehicles for electioneering and defines prohibited actions - such as distributing campaign materials, making biased statements, or organizing events that advocate for specific candidates. Exceptions include neutral voter registration drives, sharing official election information without bias, and university surveys. Violations would be classified as misdemeanors.

Maddy summaryHB 639 establishes New Hampshire's first comprehensive legal framework for blockchain technology and digital assets, creating a new "Blockchain Basic Laws" chapter (Chapter 359-V) in state law. It defines key terms like "blockchain," "digital asset," and "digital asset mining business" (a business using over 1 megawatt of energy for blockchain operations) while prohibiting electricity rate discrimination against such businesses. The law aims to attract blockchain innovators by positioning New Hampshire as a business-friendly jurisdiction with clear regulations, protecting investors and consumers through defined legal standards. It directly affects blockchain companies, digital asset miners, and consumers using blockchain-based services within the state.