Rep. Kristine Perez

Maddy summaryHR 28 is a House Resolution requesting the New Hampshire Supreme Court to clarify the state's constitutional obligations regarding education. It asks the court to address specific legal questions about whether the state constitution requires direct state funding for public education, the limits of judicial review over education funding, and the historical role of towns versus the state in education. The resolution seeks the court's opinion on whether the constitution creates an enforceable right to state funding or leaves such decisions to the legislature's discretion. This procedural request does not change current law but aims to resolve legal uncertainty around education funding obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1214 allows New Hampshire municipalities to take direct control of public library governance. If a town or city elects to assume control under state law, the library's existing trustees would transition to an advisory role, while the municipal governing body (like a town council) becomes the primary decision-maker. This bill directly affects local governments and public library boards, changing how libraries are managed without altering library funding or services. The policy change would take effect 60 days after enactment, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1255 repeals a law requiring more evidence than a campaign contribution to prove that a vote, appointment, or nomination involved a corrupt practice. This change directly affects elected officials, appointees, and candidates whose actions might be linked to campaign contributions. The bill removes the specific evidentiary standard that previously demanded proof beyond just the contribution itself. It simplifies the legal standard for investigating potential corruption in political decisions. This is a procedural change to corruption statutes with no direct fiscal impact.

Maddy summaryHR 19 is a non-binding House resolution encouraging New Hampshire's public colleges and universities to invite more conservative speakers to campus to increase viewpoint diversity. It urges institutions to host conservative speakers alongside others across the political spectrum for discussions on topics like public policy and science, while emphasizing respectful debate. The resolution explicitly states it does not direct curricula or compel any invitations, affirming that more speech - not less - best serves students. It also condemns political violence and supports free expression in academic settings, as outlined in its text.

Maddy summaryHB 1345 requires all New Hampshire public and non-public middle, junior high, and secondary schools to establish rules for displaying flags on school property and designate student color guards. The bill mandates that schools display only the U.S. flag, New Hampshire state flag, and POW/MIA flag (with specific placement rules), while prohibiting other flags like political or religious symbols - except for small educational displays. Each school must appoint 3-4 student volunteers (or JROTC students if available) to raise and lower flags daily, follow half-staff protocols, and receive training on flag care. This applies to all affected schools, with elementary schools required to develop separate policies for flag care.

Maddy summaryHB 1386 allows residents of a school district to petition for a financial audit if the district has a budget deficit. Specifically, citizens domiciled in the district can submit a petition with signatures from 1% of registered voters to their school board. If the petition qualifies, the school board must hold a vote on conducting a forensic audit within 90 days to identify the cause of the deficit. The audit results must then be shared at the next school board meeting. This bill directly affects school district residents and school boards in New Hampshire municipalities.

Maddy summaryHB 1165 removes the "X" or "other" gender designation option from all New Hampshire state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. The bill amends multiple sections of state law (RSA 260:21, 260:21-a, 263:5, 263:40, 263:90, and 263:91) to delete the bracketed phrase "or 'X' for 'other,'" leaving only "M" for male or "F" for female. This change directly affects all New Hampshire residents applying for or renewing state IDs, including transgender and non-binary individuals who previously used the "X" option. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1513 requires the scholarship organization managing New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account program to provide detailed, public transparency reports. It mandates that the organization publish annual data on account expenses by category and education provider within 45 business days of fund release, in a standard sortable electronic format on its website - without personally identifiable information. The bill also requires the organization to provide requested data to oversight bodies (like the legislative committee and Department of Education) within 45 business days and ensures all qualifying educational expenses are accessible. This directly affects the scholarship organization administering the program, adding specific reporting obligations to enhance public accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 1136 simplifies rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), like backyard cottages or in-law suites, making them easier to build on single-family properties. It allows municipalities to permit ADUs automatically (without special permits) or through standard processes, permits multiple ADUs per home, and sets a 750-square-foot minimum size. The bill clarifies that towns without ADU rules must allow one ADU by default (beyond basic building permits), expands access standards to all ADUs, and prohibits ADUs in townhouses, manufactured housing, or rented land. Homeowners, local governments, and potential renters are directly affected by these changes to zoning and construction rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1702 requires pharmacies and medical facilities in New Hampshire to post a standardized notice about mifepristone (a drug used for chemical abortions) when dispensing it. The notice, displayed prominently in specific areas like waiting rooms or pharmacy counters, states that mifepristone may sometimes be reversible if the second pill hasn’t been taken, and provides a contact for resources. Noncompliance could result in a class B felony charge for providers or civil lawsuits seeking damages for patients harmed by the lack of notice. The bill directly affects pharmacies and clinics dispensing mifepristone, with no estimated state or local costs.