Rep. Joe Alexander

Maddy summaryHB 148 would permit state agencies and public entities to classify individuals based on biological sex in specific contexts, such as access to certain public services or facilities. It directly affects individuals interacting with state programs where sex-based distinctions are currently used, like healthcare services or gender-segregated spaces. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing such classifications without requiring additional justification, shifting from existing policies that may have prioritized gender identity. The bill passed both chambers in May 2025 but was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 115 provided temporary funding to cover ongoing expenses and existing financial commitments for the New Hampshire state government. It directly affected state agencies and programs requiring immediate budget support to operate. The bill's key mechanism was allocating short-term funds to prevent service disruptions during the budget process. The bill was passed by both chambers in June 2025 but was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 685 would allow the construction of manufactured housing in all residentially zoned areas without requiring special permits or approvals. This means homeowners and developers could build these homes in neighborhoods where they were previously restricted, as the bill removes the need for individual zoning variances. The key provision eliminates administrative barriers by permitting such construction "by right," streamlining the process. The bill directly affects residents in residential zones and developers seeking to build manufactured housing.

Maddy summarySB 153 creates an expedited permitting process for driveway access to state highways for large residential developments (20+ units). It requires the Department of Transportation to approve or deny such permits within 60 business days of a traffic study, with applicants paying a $120 per unit non-refundable fee plus a retainer for third-party reviews. The bill establishes a new position within the Department to manage this process and mandates refunds for unused retainers within 120 days. The law, signed by the governor and effective October 5, 2025, directly affects developers of multi-unit residential projects seeking faster highway access approvals.

Maddy summaryHB 92 requires members serving on both a zoning board of adjustment and a planning board to recuse themselves from voting on zoning matters that were previously decided or are pending before the planning board in a quasi-judicial role. This directly affects individuals holding dual roles on these local boards, ensuring they do not participate in decisions where they previously had a direct role on the planning board. The bill mandates this recusal for all such pending or previously decided matters involving the member’s prior planning board participation. It takes effect on August 22, 2025, after being signed into law on June 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 173 modifies the rules governing legal agreements (covenants) that restrict how residential properties financed through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program can be managed. It directly affects developers and property managers of LIHTC housing by changing how long certain restrictions on these properties can remain in place. The bill establishes new requirements for updating or removing these covenants, aiming to provide more flexibility in property management while maintaining affordability commitments. This law took effect on July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 78 amends New Hampshire law to set a specific 45-day deadline for filing appeals to a zoning board of adjustment, replacing the previous vague "reasonable time" standard. This directly affects applicants, property owners (abutters), and local government officials who wish to challenge zoning decisions made by municipal administrative officers. The key provision requires appeals to be filed within 45 days by submitting a notice specifying grounds to both the officer who issued the decision and the zoning board. This change aims to create clearer timelines for appeals while maintaining existing eligibility for those challenging zoning actions.

Maddy summarySB 69 primarily requires New Hampshire school boards to publicly discuss and vote on all charitable gifts, donations, or grants before accepting them, with anonymous donations permitted. It also establishes a statewide virtual early childhood literacy program for preschoolers (ages 4-5) to improve kindergarten readiness through online, evidence-based resources, funded by existing grants or donations. The bill adds public vote requirements for gift acceptance across multiple school funding areas (including medical supplies like epinephrine auto-injectors) and references library user privacy protections in its title, though the text does not detail this provision. These changes affect school districts, local boards, and organizations donating to schools, focusing on transparency in gift acceptance rather than new funding mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 91 allows homeowners living in residences located within commercial zones to request a one-time special property appraisal. This change directly affects residents whose homes are currently taxed at commercial property rates, which are typically higher than residential rates. The bill creates a specific process for these homeowners to apply for a reassessment to a lower residential valuation, reducing their property tax bills once. The law takes effect on April 1, 2026, after being signed by the Governor on June 10, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 163 repeals temporary limits on residential building permits and subdivision approvals, while requiring all residentially zoned areas to permit manufactured housing "as a matter of right." The bill defines manufactured housing (excluding campers and modular homes) and mandates that municipalities amend zoning ordinances within one year to allow it without special permits or unreasonable restrictions. It explicitly prohibits local bans or discriminatory policies against manufactured housing in residential zones. This change directly affects homeowners, developers, and local governments by altering land-use rules for a specific housing type.