Rep. Eileen Kelly

Maddy summaryHB 1787 modifies New Hampshire's statewide education property tax system by requiring all tax revenues to be collected by local officials and deposited directly into the state education trust fund, rather than being handled by municipalities. It updates the low- and moderate-income homeowners property tax relief program and establishes a committee to study this program's effectiveness. The bill also mandates that tax bills include clear information about available relief programs, including the low-income homeowner program. These changes affect homeowners (particularly those eligible for tax relief) and ensure education funding flows through a centralized state trust fund for grants and tax relief payments. The tax rate is set to generate $378 million annually, increasing by 2% each year.

Maddy summaryHB 1651 establishes sexual assault protective orders, allowing survivors to file civil petitions in circuit court to obtain court-issued orders for their safety. These orders, modeled after existing protective orders under RSA 173-B, can last up to one year initially and be extended for up to five years with court approval, requiring annual safety reviews. The bill also updates survivors' rights by guaranteeing free preservation of sexual assault evidence kits for up to 20 years (or the statute of limitations, whichever is longer), disclosure of kit results without compromising investigations, and written information about kit handling procedures. It directly affects sexual assault survivors and defendants facing these orders, while clarifying that attorneys may contact survivors under strict conditions for legitimate legal purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides financial assistance to school districts in financial distress, defined as those where annual expenditures exceed available funding. It authorizes the state education commissioner to offer loans to such districts (with approval from a joint legislative committee) and establishes a revolving loan fund to help districts manage cash flow before receiving state adequacy payments. Municipalities can also provide emergency aid from existing funds, with repayment terms and oversight requirements, and the bill increases the maximum contingency fund contribution from 5% to 10% of a district's net assessment. These provisions aim to stabilize school district finances without altering special education funding exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 1296 raises the income and asset thresholds for New Hampshire's elderly property tax exemption, directly affecting residents aged 65+ who own their homes. It increases the maximum allowable annual income for single seniors from $13,400 to $23,300 (and for married couples from $20,400 to $35,500), while raising the asset limit from $35,000 to $60,900. The bill also requires annual adjustments to these thresholds based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index, starting in 2026. Municipalities must apply these updated minimums automatically, though they may set higher limits if desired.

Maddy summaryHB 1280 establishes a 19-member commission to study public school open enrollment in New Hampshire. The commission, including school superintendents, local school board members, legislators, parents, and business administrators, will develop a system for open enrollment that addresses state funding, equitable access, transportation, special education responsibilities, and budget documentation. It must propose revisions to existing law (RSA 194-D) covering enrollment processes, timelines, and funding mechanisms to prevent direct invoicing between schools. The bill suspends current RSA 194-D rules until the commission submits its final report to the legislature. This directly affects New Hampshire public schools, students, and families by shaping future enrollment policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1399 appropriates $5 million from New Hampshire's Revenue Stabilization Reserve Account (the "Rainy Day Fund") to reimburse the Claremont School District for part of the costs of renovating Stevens High School in 2015. The bill specifically addresses a project completed during a building aid moratorium, which the district needed to restore accreditation and maintain eligibility for future aid. This funding directly benefits the Claremont School District and Stevens High School, covering costs the district incurred but could not recover during the moratorium. The appropriation is a one-time payment from the state's rainy day fund, effective 60 days after passage.