Rep. Kris Schultz

Maddy summaryHB 1484 establishes a new state minimum wage in New Hampshire, starting at $12.00 per hour on September 1, 2026, and increasing incrementally to $14.00 in 2027, $15.50 in 2028, and $17.00 in 2029. It directly affects employers and workers across the state by requiring that all hourly pay meets the higher of the federal minimum wage or these new state rates. The bill sets specific effective dates for each rate increase, with each new rate replacing the previous one until amended by future legislation. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, with the first rate change beginning September 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1760 repeals a requirement that the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services seek a waiver to impose pharmacy copayments and premiums on Medicaid beneficiaries, including those in the New Hampshire Advantage Health Care Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program. It removes specific law sections (2025, 141:65; RSA 126-AA:2-a; and RSA 126-A:3, IX) that would have mandated these cost-sharing measures. The bill appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Human Services to cover the resulting revenue shortfall for the 2026-2027 biennium. This change directly eliminates new costs for Medicaid participants while maintaining program funding stability.

Maddy summaryHB 1663 protects employment for New Hampshire state legislators who work for private employers. It requires employers with 25+ employees to allow legislators to leave work for voting sessions without penalty, provided they give advance notice of session attendance. Employers may require use of accrued paid leave for these absences, but must grant unpaid leave if no leave is available. The law prohibits firing legislators for attending sessions and imposes civil penalties for violations, enforced by the labor commissioner.

Maddy summaryHB 1188 prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees - defined as those earning an hourly rate of 500% or less of the federal minimum wage - to sign noncompete agreements. It voids any existing noncompete agreements for these workers and limits the duration of any such agreement to a maximum of 12 months. The bill directly affects low-wage workers in New Hampshire, removing legal barriers that previously restricted their ability to change employers. This policy change increases job mobility for workers in low-paying positions by preventing employers from using noncompete clauses to limit their employment options.

Maddy summaryHB 1527 requires all New Hampshire state departments to annually send full-time employees a clear summary of available benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance, mental health services, and other support programs. Departments must use a standardized template created by the Department of Administrative Services to ensure consistent communication. Municipalities and counties may choose to adopt this same practice using the template. The bill does not provide new funding but directs existing agency funds to cover printing and mailing costs.

Maddy summaryHB 481 moves New Hampshire's state primary election from September to the second Tuesday in June of even-numbered years, as amended in RSA 653:8. This change directly affects all voters registered in the state and candidates seeking state offices who must file for primaries. Key provisions include adjusting registration deadline windows (restricting party affiliation changes from March 1 to the day before the June primary) and updating filing periods for candidates to align with the new June date. The bill modifies multiple election statutes to implement this timing shift, ensuring consistency across primary election procedures.

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 347 ensures that employees who are members of the state's general court (legislature) can take time off work to attend voting sessions without losing their jobs. Employers with 25 or more employees must allow this time off, requiring staff to provide advance notice of session dates. Employees may use accrued paid leave for these sessions, or take unpaid leave if no paid time is available. Employers who violate this law face civil penalties enforced by the labor commissioner. The law applies to all general court voting sessions and takes effect 60 days after passage.