Rep. Jim Kofalt

Maddy summaryHB 1591 requires the New Hampshire Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to release court-ordered funds held in escrow within 30 days of a final, non-appealable court order. This directly affects individuals or entities entitled to such funds, such as plaintiffs in lawsuits or settlement recipients. Key provisions include imposing interest on delayed disbursements, allowing recovery of attorney fees for noncompliance, and mandating annual public reports listing funds held beyond the 30-day deadline. The bill also applies retroactively to delays occurring in the past five years, with claimants having 18 months from the bill’s effective date to seek remedies.

Maddy summaryHB 1770 establishes a legal presumption of equal parenting time (50% of overnights annually) for New Hampshire family courts, replacing the current "best interest" standard. It defines equal parenting as a 50/50 overnight split with no more than a three-night difference in any year, requiring courts to correct imbalances the following year. The presumption can only be overridden by clear and convincing evidence of specific harm - such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or a parent's incapacity - and courts must provide written findings for any deviation. This applies to all custody cases, including initial rulings, temporary orders, and modifications, and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (CACR 10) would require any bill establishing or increasing a state tax to pass with at least two-thirds of members present and voting in both legislative chambers. Currently, tax bills only need a majority vote to pass. If approved by voters in November 2026, this change would apply to all state tax legislation originating in the House of Representatives. The amendment would raise the voting threshold for tax bills from majority to supermajority, affecting how legislators vote on tax policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1036 limits the maximum duration of term alimony (temporary spousal support during divorce) to 8 years, unless the parties agree otherwise or a court determines justice requires a different term. It specifies that term alimony cannot exceed 50% of the marriage length but is capped at 8 years, ending automatically upon the recipient's remarriage unless otherwise agreed. This bill directly affects individuals involved in divorce proceedings where term alimony is awarded under New Hampshire law. The change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1804 consolidates school administrative units (merging smaller school districts) and makes the position of chief school administrator an elected role rather than an appointed one. It defines specific education roles for school administrators and requires school boards to develop and evaluate curricula. The bill amends several state laws to update compensation structures, reporting requirements, and duties for county-level school officials. These changes directly affect school districts, county school conventions, and chief administrators across New Hampshire. The policy focuses on restructuring school governance and increasing local community input through elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1683 requires New Hampshire state agencies to explicitly identify the specific law authorizing each administrative rule they create or update. It mandates a biennial review by the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) to verify all existing rules comply with current state laws and constitutional standards. If a rule lacks legal authority or is unconstitutional, the agency must repeal or amend it within 90 days or provide written justification; failure to comply may trigger funding suspension recommendations. This bill directly affects all state agencies that issue administrative rules, ensuring they operate within the bounds of enacted statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1585 requires New Hampshire's state and local public retirement systems to prioritize only financial factors when making investment decisions, excluding environmental, social, or political considerations. The bill directly affects retirement systems managing state pension funds, mandating that fiduciaries (like investment managers) act solely in the financial interest of participants and beneficiaries. Key provisions prohibit considering factors such as climate policies (e.g., restricting fossil fuel investments), diversity criteria, abortion access, or firearm industry engagement when managing assets. The law explicitly states that investment decisions must not be influenced by "environmental, social, political, or ideological interests," even if tied to corporate practices. This shifts focus entirely to financial returns and risk, eliminating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria from retirement fund strategies.

Maddy summaryHB 1671 prohibits New Hampshire Medicaid-funded healthcare facilities from discriminating against employees, students, or trainees who have valid medical or religious vaccine exemptions. Specifically, it bans facilities from firing, threatening, or otherwise punishing these individuals for exercising their lawful exemptions. If the Department of Health and Human Services finds a violation, it must withhold Medicaid payments to the facility and may suspend or terminate the facility from the Medicaid program. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 479 allows alternative treatment centers (ATCs) to operate as for-profit businesses, previously requiring them to be non-profit entities. This bill amends state law to permit ATCs organized as business corporations or limited liability companies (instead of only non-profit voluntary corporations) to sell cannabis to qualifying patients. Key provisions remove the mandatory non-profit status requirement and establish procedures for non-profit ATCs to legally convert to for-profit structures. The change directly affects ATC operators seeking to pursue commercial models while maintaining existing patient access to therapeutic cannabis.

Maddy summaryHB 1811 repeals all state-mandated vaccination requirements for children in New Hampshire, removing legal obligations for schools and childcare agencies to require immunizations or maintain related records. The bill eliminates provisions for religious and medical exemptions, attendance rules during outbreaks, and reporting requirements to health authorities. It replaces mandatory vaccination with advisory recommendations from health officials, stating schools and agencies cannot deny enrollment based on vaccination status. This directly affects parents, schools, childcare providers, and public health officials by ending the state’s enforcement of childhood immunization rules. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.