Rep. Diane Pauer

Maddy summaryHB 613, which was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on August 1, 2025, required all municipal election offices to use accessible voting systems that accommodate voters with disabilities. The bill directly affected voters with disabilities by mandating that voting systems meet specific accessibility standards, such as audio interfaces or adaptive devices. It did not specify detailed technical requirements but established a statewide standard for accessible voting technology in local elections. The bill passed both chambers with strong support (195-158) but did not become law due to the governor's veto.

Maddy summaryHB 218 requires state law enforcement agencies to provide crime victims with a free copy of the police investigation report upon request. This directly affects individuals who have been victims of crime in the state, eliminating fees they previously might have had to pay for these reports. The bill mandates that agencies must issue these reports at no cost within a specified timeframe after a report is filed. It became law on July 22, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 457 modifies zoning laws to reduce restrictions on multi-unit dwelling structures in areas previously limited to single-family homes. It directly affects homeowners, developers, and local municipalities by permitting duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in zones that previously banned them. The key provision requires local governments to allow these housing types without requiring special permits or rezoning applications. This policy change aims to increase housing options in communities by expanding allowable residential structures within existing zoning categories. The bill became law on July 22, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 374 modifies voting procedures for local tax cap adjustments in New Hampshire. It requires a 3/5 majority vote (not a simple majority) for tax cap changes to take effect in towns, cities, and school districts. The bill mandates that voting occurs via ballot after discussion, with ballots accepted for at least one hour post-discussion. These changes apply starting the next fiscal year and remain in effect until amended or rescinded. The bill directly affects local governments and school districts seeking to adjust their tax levy limits.

Maddy summaryHB 631 allows residential buildings to be constructed in areas currently zoned exclusively for commercial use. This change directly affects property owners, developers, and future residents in commercial zones who may now build homes or apartments. The key provision amends zoning rules to permit residential use without requiring separate rezoning for each property. The bill became law on July 15, 2025, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 225 requires New Hampshire employers with 50+ employees at a single location to reemploy military spouses if their service member is involuntarily deployed. The bill defines "employer" to exclude combined staff under common ownership and allows employers to refuse reemployment only if circumstances make it impossible or unreasonable, per federal guidelines (20 C.F.R. § 1002.139). This directly affects military spouses in New Hampshire who face job loss due to their partner's deployment. The law creates a clear framework for employer obligations while providing a specific exception tied to federal standards. It takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 228 requires citizens to submit petitions requesting topics for town meeting agendas by July 1st each year, instead of the previous deadline. This directly affects towns and residents participating in local governance, as it standardizes the submission window for petitioned articles at annual or special town meetings. The bill modifies procedural rules for town meeting organization without altering substantive policies. It became law on July 22, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 200 creates a new process for local governments to exceed their legally established tax caps. It directly affects cities and towns that hit their tax limits, allowing them to raise taxes above those caps through a specific procedure. The key mechanism requires a two-thirds vote by a local governing body (like a city council) to request an override from the state, followed by a state review. This law, signed by Governor Ayotte and effective September 13, 2025, replaces previous ad-hoc approaches with a standardized state-level review process.

Maddy summaryHB 413 requires developers to complete specified construction improvements (such as roads and utilities) before receiving building permits for new subdivisions. This directly affects residential developers and local governments that issue building permits. The bill changes current practice by mandating that these improvements must be finished and approved prior to permit issuance, rather than allowing permits to be granted before completion. The law took effect on July 1, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte.