Rep. Peter Petrigno

Maddy summaryHB 1212 establishes a 18-member commission to review draft rules for minimum standards in public school approval and state academic standards before they are submitted to the New Hampshire state board of education or legislature. The commission includes representatives from school administrators, principals, curriculum specialists, teachers (elementary, middle, and high school), and a competency-based education expert, appointed through specific educational organizations. It requires the commission to provide written recommendations within 120 days of receiving draft rules, ensuring reviews incorporate competency-based education principles, research-based practices, and accountability measures outlined in existing law. This bill directly affects the New Hampshire Department of Education and state board of education when developing or revising school standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1429 allows election moderators at polling places to pause ballot counting if it may extend past midnight (after 11:00 p.m.), requiring it to resume the next morning. This directly affects local election officials managing polling places, who must securely store ballots overnight with at least two election officials or one official plus a police officer present, complete chain-of-custody forms, and preserve all materials. The bill also permits up to five public observers during overnight storage, mandates time-stamped audio/video recording of the storage area, and requires live broadcasting if feasible. These provisions aim to address potential delays in vote counting while maintaining security and transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 1307 establishes a 11-member commission to study developing a statewide civics curriculum for New Hampshire public schools. The commission includes educators (elementary, middle, and high school teachers), student representatives, state officials (like the Secretary of State and Education Commissioner), and legislative appointees. It will create a curriculum framework aligned with educational standards, design teacher training programs, and submit recommendations to the state education department and legislature by November 1, 2026. This bill directly affects public school teachers and students by initiating a formal process to enhance civics education, though it does not mandate curriculum changes itself.

Maddy summaryHB 431 establishes a commission to study the costs associated with special education programs in the state. The commission would examine funding requirements and operational expenses affecting school districts and students with disabilities. The bill was referred to the Education Committee but was later deemed "inexpedient to legislate" by the committee on May 15, 2025, effectively halting its progress. This procedural bill does not create new programs or funding but would have directed a study into existing special education cost structures.

Maddy summaryHB 653 proposed a pilot program within the state Department of Education to test non-physical alternatives to student restraint and seclusion in public schools. The bill aimed to directly affect students, particularly those with disabilities, by requiring schools to implement evidence-based behavioral supports instead of physical restraint or isolation. Key provisions included establishing a 3-year pilot in select school districts, training staff in de-escalation techniques, and collecting data on outcomes. The bill passed committee unanimously (8-0) but was ultimately deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the Senate on November 3, 2025, preventing further action.

Maddy summaryHB 321 would allow drivers to request a 90-day extension to pay fines for certain motor vehicle violations, instead of the current 30-day deadline. Drivers must formally ask the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for this extension. The bill changes the standard payment period only for eligible violations when a request is made. It does not alter the fine amount or apply to all traffic violations.

Maddy summaryHB 561 would establish a standardized process for transferring state-owned land or buildings to municipalities. It directly affects local governments seeking to acquire state property and the state as the property owner. The bill's key provision creates clear procedures for municipalities to request transfers and for the state to review and approve them. This would replace ad-hoc transfers with a formal, transparent system. The bill is currently referred to committee for further study and has not advanced to a vote.

Maddy summaryHB 473 criminalizes exposing children to controlled substances (drugs) through various means, directly affecting children whose caregivers or others intentionally place them in such situations. The bill allows law enforcement to take children into temporary custody for immediate screening and testing when criminal exposure is suspected or confirmed. Key provisions include treating the exposure as a crime and establishing a clear process for law enforcement to secure child safety through medical evaluation. The law becomes effective January 1, 2026, after being signed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 177 clarifies the financial responsibilities of New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for children placed in treatment settings where DHHS has financial responsibility. It directly affects children in foster care or similar placements receiving treatment services, ensuring DHHS properly manages costs for these episodes. The bill establishes specific mechanisms requiring DHHS to coordinate with treatment providers and document financial obligations for each placement period. This law, signed by Governor Ayotte on July 22, 2025, takes effect September 13, 2025, updating how DHHS handles billing and oversight for these child welfare cases.

Maddy summarySB 269 amends the Vital Records Act by removing outdated references to "matrimonial age" and "time waivers" from state records. This change directly affects how state agencies maintain birth and marriage records, updating the legal language without altering current procedures. The bill replaces archaic terms with modern, clear phrasing in the statute. It became effective July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on July 15, 2025. This is a procedural update to existing law, not a new policy.