Rep. Scott Bryer

Maddy summaryHB 1323 defines "parental alienation" as a pattern of behavior damaging a child's relationship with a parent - such as disparaging remarks, manipulation, or unjustified interference with parenting time - while excluding protective actions taken in good faith for safety concerns. The bill requires New Hampshire courts to consider parental alienation as a factor in custody, visitation, and parental rights decisions, including joint decision-making and modifications to parenting plans. It establishes a "family access motion" for parents to seek enforcement of parenting plans when alienation occurs and allows courts to order remedies like adjusted schedules. The law also mandates courts to evaluate parental alienation in grandparent visitation cases and requires attorney fee awards in contempt cases involving failure to comply with court orders related to parental alienation.

Maddy summaryHB 1597 raises the maximum deductible amount for business property purchases from $500,000 to $2.5 million for property placed in service on or after January 1, 2027. This directly affects businesses making significant capital investments in equipment or property, aligning New Hampshire’s tax code with federal deduction limits. The key provision modifies the expense deduction cap under the Business Profits Tax statute, allowing larger upfront deductions for qualifying assets. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage, with potential revenue impacts noted as indeterminable starting in fiscal year 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1066 amends New Hampshire municipal laws to clarify and expand how lease agreements are defined and managed. It defines "lease" to include lease-purchase, sale-lease-back, and similar agreements for property, equipment, or facilities under RSA 33:7-e/f. The bill requires public hearings for municipal leases exceeding $100,000 (aligning with existing bond hearing rules) and ensures lease funds remain available until projects are completed, preventing premature budget lapsing. This directly affects towns, cities, and unincorporated areas in New Hampshire that use lease financing for infrastructure or equipment.

Maddy summarySB 571 updates New Hampshire's requirements for issuing CPA certificates. It replaces the term "substantial equivalency" with "comparable" when evaluating foreign accountancy credentials, making the standard clearer for applicants with international qualifications. The bill also modifies educational rules by requiring a bachelor's degree plus 30 additional credit hours in accounting (including specific subjects like auditing and taxation), and allows candidates to take the CPA exam up to 120 days before graduating. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CPA licensure in New Hampshire, particularly those with foreign credentials or nearing degree completion.

Maddy summaryHB 1137 changes municipal budget committee membership by requiring appointed members from the governing body, school board, and village districts to serve in an ex-officio, non-voting capacity. This bill directly affects all New Hampshire municipalities with budget committees, as it removes voting rights from these appointed members while maintaining their appointment process. Key provisions specify that these members (and their designated alternates) may participate in meetings but cannot vote on budget decisions. The change takes effect 60 days after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (CACR 18) would cap annual increases in New Hampshire state and local government spending and tax rates based on inflation and population growth. Specifically, it limits annual spending increases to a four-year average inflation rate (capped at 2.5%) plus the prior year's population change, with excess revenues up to 10% directed to a rainy day fund. It also grants citizens the right to sue the state or local governments for violations, including recovery of attorney fees and up to 20x those costs if successful. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election.

Maddy summarySB 662 appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for repairs and renovations to the Northwood Meadows Lake Dam. The funds are non-lapsing, meaning they can be used until June 30, 2029, and become available July 1, 2026. This bill directly affects the state agency responsible for managing the dam and its infrastructure. It makes no changes to laws or regulations but allocates specific funding for maintenance work.

Maddy summaryHB 1579 establishes a legislative committee to study potential revenue sources for increasing education funding in New Hampshire. The committee, composed of 10 members (four from each legislative party with revenue expertise, plus two Senate appointees), will analyze options like new taxes or modified existing ones to boost education aid while reducing property taxes. It must examine factors including revenue reliability, implementation costs, economic impacts on businesses, and effects on different income groups and housing types. The committee is prohibited from recommending specific options and must report findings by November 1, 2026, to state leaders. This bill creates a study process only, with no immediate policy changes or funding allocations.