Rep. Bob Lynn

Maddy summaryHB 268 modifies procedures for hearings before the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, specifically addressing how these administrative hearings are conducted. The bill, signed into law on June 10, 2025, takes effect January 1, 2026. It focuses on procedural adjustments to the hearing process without changing substantive tax or land appeal outcomes. This is a procedural bill affecting the Board's internal operations, not direct policy changes for taxpayers.

Maddy summaryHB 426 allows charitable organizations that missed the June 1, 2024, deadline to file financial statements for property tax exemption eligibility to apply retroactively for the 2024 tax year. It directly affects qualifying nonprofits that were prevented by accident, mistake, or misfortune from filing on time. Organizations must prove this to local selectmen; if denied, they can appeal to the board of tax and land appeals or superior court. The bill creates a clear process for late applications without requiring retroactive payment of taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 88 clarifies that property held in a community property trust remains subject to creditors' claims, meaning debts can still be paid from this property. The bill ensures mortgages and other secured interests in trust property stay fully enforceable, and debts incurred by one spouse can be paid from that spouse's share of the trust or their other assets. Debts from both spouses during marriage may be satisfied using the shared trust assets. This directly affects married couples who establish such trusts, modifying how their shared property interacts with debt collection.

Maddy summaryHB 66 amends the state's Right to Know law, specifically addressing appeals of ombudsman rulings related to public record disclosures. The bill removes the provision that exempted citizen-initiated appeals to the superior court from filing fees or surcharges, meaning these appeals would now incur such costs. It also outlines procedures for these appeals, including a 30-day filing window and the requirement for the superior court to consider the ombudsman's ruling. Public bodies or agencies would be responsible for sheriff's service costs if they decline service.

Maddy summaryHB 522 establishes a new legal expectation of privacy for personal information held by third-party providers (such as phone companies, banks, or social media platforms) in New Hampshire. It prohibits state and local government entities from acquiring, collecting, retaining, or using this personal information - defined to include biometric data, financial details, and location information - without specific statutory authorization. Exceptions exist for law enforcement investigations, emergencies, or court-ordered requests, but violations would be misdemeanors with potential penalties including $1,000 per violation and attorney fees. The bill directly affects New Hampshire residents whose data is managed by third-party services and requires government entities to comply with these privacy restrictions starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 195 establishes new protections for personal information held by third-party service providers (such as phone companies, banks, social media platforms, and internet providers). It requires these companies to obtain explicit, affirmative consent from users before disclosing non-public personal information (like names, SSNs, location data, or biometrics), except in specific circumstances like emergencies, crime prevention, legal requests, or to provide a requested service. The bill defines "personal information" broadly and mandates clear, separate consent procedures requiring users to actively "opt in" rather than passively accepting terms. This directly affects how companies collect and share user data, aiming to strengthen privacy expectations for individuals.