Rep. Connie Lane

Maddy summaryHB 1662 requires New Hampshire's Housing Finance Authority (HFA) to offer loan guarantees for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) development. The bill directs the HFA to provide guarantees covering 80-100% of a loan amount based on the completed ADU's appraised value, with an annual cap of $100 million in total guarantees. It directly affects ADU developers and homeowners seeking financing, as well as approved lenders participating in the program. The bill appropriates $25,000 for administrative costs in fiscal years 2027 and 2028, funded from the General Fund.

Maddy summarySB 437 requires election officials to add a new line to their voter registration reports that tracks how many people were denied registration due to missing required documents, such as proof of age, citizenship, or residency. Officials would also note whether the denial specifically related to inability to prove age, citizenship, domicile, or identity. This bill does not change voter registration rules but mandates this standardized reporting for transparency. The requirement applies to all election officials submitting these reports under New Hampshire law.

Maddy summaryHB 1487 creates an independent commission to draw New Hampshire's legislative and congressional district maps after each federal census, starting in 2031. The commission must hold public hearings, follow specific non-partisan criteria for drawing district lines, and operate with transparency to limit partisan gerrymandering (where districts are drawn to favor one political party). It directly affects how state legislative districts for representatives, senators, executive councilors, and U.S. congressional seats are redrawn, replacing the current process where legislators draw their own maps. The commission requires balanced political representation (20 Republicans, 20 Democrats, 20 undeclared voters) and excludes current or recent elected officials from serving.

Maddy summaryHB 1405 establishes a program allowing New Hampshire's Housing Finance Authority to guarantee up to 80% of loans for affordable housing projects. This reduces risk for lenders financing housing where costs (rent/mortgage plus utilities/taxes) do not exceed 30% of residents' income, defined as 50-80% of state median income. The program limits annual guarantees to $30 million per lender and $300 million total statewide. It directly affects lenders, housing developers, and low/moderate-income residents seeking affordable homes.

Maddy summaryHB 1661 expands New Hampshire's Housing Finance Authority's "Community Heroes" program to provide homeownership assistance to essential workers. It appropriates $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 and $1.5 million annually thereafter from the General Fund to fund the program, with no more than 10% allowed for administrative costs. The program specifically targets eligible workers in healthcare, childcare, elder care, law enforcement, firefighting, education, and active military service, allowing them to use funds for down payments, closing costs, or interest rate reductions. The bill requires the Housing Finance Authority to establish rules defining eligibility and takes effect July 1, 2028, for the annual appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 1081 requires political committees in New Hampshire to electronically certify with the Secretary of State whether they had less than $1,000 in campaign receipts or expenditures during the prior election cycle. This directly affects small political committees handling minimal campaign funds, as it determines whether their registration expires or continues automatically. The bill adds this certification step to existing reporting requirements, replacing the previous system where committees with zero activity automatically renewed. It does not change campaign finance limits or penalties but clarifies when low-activity committees must formally confirm their status to the state.

Maddy summarySB 200 is a procedural bill that directs the state to accept and display a portrait of Sylvia Larsen, a former state legislator. The bill would require the relevant state agency (likely the legislature or Capitol office) to formally receive and install the portrait in an official public space, such as the State House. This is a ceremonial gesture honoring Larsen's service, with no policy changes or financial impacts. The bill was tabled as "Inexpedient to Legislate" by committee in October 2025, indicating it did not advance. It directly affects state government operations related to Capitol art displays.

Maddy summarySB 155, titled "relative to highway toll credits," proposes changes to toll credit programs for highway users. The bill's specific provisions and who it directly affects (e.g., drivers, toll-paying commuters) are not detailed in the provided context. As a procedural bill focused on toll credits, it has been referred to multiple committees and is currently under interim study. No concrete policy changes or mechanisms are described in the available information.

Maddy summaryHB 385 modifies voter ID requirements by replacing the previous "challenged voter affidavit" process with new procedures. It allows voters without photo ID to cast ballots by signing an affidavit, but now requires the poll clerk to take a 2x2 inch photo of the voter (unless religious objections apply, using an existing exemption process). Voters must receive an explanation of ID rules, and election systems must log when voters use this affidavit option instead of presenting ID. The bill directly affects voters who lack photo ID at polling places, particularly those with religious objections to photography. It removes the prior "affidavit ballot" system and adds specific photo documentation steps to the voting process.

Maddy summaryHB 363 establishes six specific criteria that New Hampshire legislators must follow when redrawing state legislative districts. The bill requires districts to comply with federal and state constitutions, be based on total population, maintain geographic integrity of communities, and consider "communities of interest" (like shared cultural or economic ties) without favoring political parties or racial groups. It explicitly prohibits plans that intentionally favor or disfavor any political party, incumbent, or racial/ethnic group. This bill directly affects how New Hampshire's state senate and house districts are drawn, ensuring the process prioritizes fairness and legal compliance over partisan or demographic manipulation.