Rep. Ellen Read

Maddy summaryHB 1102 proposes to amend state animal cruelty laws by adding specific prohibitions against selling young equine colts under 90 days old and breeding animals with deformities that cause suffering, such as brachycephaly. The bill also aims to prevent the sale of two individual animals that share the same painful birth defect when the intent is to sell them. These changes would directly affect animal owners, breeders, and sellers by making these specific practices illegal under the cruelty statutes. The legislation was introduced to clarify and expand the definition of animal cruelty regarding breeding practices and the sale of animals with congenital issues. Although the bill was referred for further study and ultimately did not pass during the 2024 session, its text outlines these proposed policy adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire House Concurrent Resolution formally applies to the U.S. Congress to call a limited constitutional convention for the sole purpose of proposing an amendment to protect free and fair elections. The bill argues that current election systems are imbalanced due to special interest influence and cites Supreme Court rulings as a reason for needing constitutional reform. It specifies that delegates to this potential convention would be current state and local officials or elected representatives, while explicitly barring anyone currently or formerly holding federal office from serving. The resolution also commits New Hampshire to work with other states that have passed similar applications until two-thirds of the states have applied, which would trigger the convention.

Maddy summaryHB 1683, titled the Children's Body Autonomy Act, would have restricted coverage of circumcision under New Hampshire's Medicaid plan to cases deemed medically necessary. The bill defines specific medical conditions for newborns and minors that would qualify for coverage, such as recurrent urinary tract infections, certain congenital anomalies, and specific infections or obstructions. Additionally, it requires health care providers to obtain pre-authorization before performing any covered circumcision. Although the bill included definitions for health care providers and children, it did not become law as it died on the table when the legislative session ended in October 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent local governments from enforcing rules that limit the number of people living in a rental unit based on whether they are related or restrict occupancy to only family members. Specifically, it bans ordinances that cap residents at fewer than two people per bedroom or that require occupants to be related by blood or marriage. The law applies to cities, towns, and counties that contain unincorporated areas or unorganized places. If passed, these restrictions would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryHB 1297 would have required local towns to prove that any new rules restricting how people use their land directly protect community health or safety. The bill also sought to stop municipalities from banning specific housing types, building sizes, or energy technologies if they met state and federal safety standards. Additionally, it would have allowed towns to pass ordinances limiting certain business activities based on scientific evidence of their impact on residents and the environment. Although the bill aimed to give communities more power to regulate land use, it was ultimately tabled and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have amended New Hampshire's veterinary practice laws to allow individuals to perform animal chiropractic adjustments without a veterinary license. Under the proposed rules, a person could practice this specific therapy if they completed a nationally recognized animal chiropractic program approved by state officials. The legislation aimed to create a new exception to the existing requirement that only licensed veterinarians can treat animals. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates driveway construction rules to limit new driveways to a maximum width of 50 feet and restricts the number of driveways allowed per property unless the land frontage is over 500 feet. It also mandates that local planning boards issue driveway permits within 60 days for residential projects and grants them authority to regulate stone walls and fences near public roads. Separately, the legislation expands eligibility for the state's child care scholarship program by including children with delays in social or emotional development, even without a formal medical diagnosis. To support these changes, the bill appropriates $375,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services for rulemaking and program administration.

Maddy summaryThis law prevents local towns and cities from requiring fire sprinklers in new or existing single-family and two-family homes, as well as in buildings with four or fewer residential units. It also stops local officials from enforcing any past rules that mandated sprinklers in manufactured housing parks. While the state fire marshal can still grant exemptions for safety reasons, local governments are barred from adopting stricter fire safety rules than the state code for these specific residential properties. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new state laws to protect freedom of speech and association at public colleges and universities in New Hampshire. It designates outdoor campus areas as public forums where students and staff can engage in peaceful expression without being forced into designated "free speech zones." The legislation prohibits institutions from discriminating against student groups based on their religious, political, or ideological views and defines specific limits on when speech can be restricted, such as during unlawful fights or harassment. Additionally, the bill creates a legal remedy allowing individuals or groups to sue schools for violations, with a monetary cap on damages adjusted annually for inflation.