Rep. Bob Lynn

Maddy summaryThis law allows non-lawyer paraprofessionals to provide legal services in New Hampshire courts, removing previous restrictions that limited their practice to specific judicial settings. It establishes a pilot program that begins on January 1, 2030, during which the state Supreme Court must submit interim and final reports to legislative leaders assessing how well the program works. The legislation also sets the effective date for these changes to start immediately upon signing, ensuring the new rules are in place before the pilot program commences.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new process allowing litigants to challenge court rulings if they believe a judge's misconduct directly caused an unfavorable decision. To qualify for relief, a party must file a petition within three years of the ruling and 180 days after the misconduct finding is made public, provided they have not already lost a similar legal battle on this issue. A senior judge will review the petition to decide if there is a reasonable likelihood that the misconduct influenced the outcome, with the power to dismiss the case or vacate the ruling and send it for a rehearing by a different judge. The decision by the senior judge on whether misconduct was causal is final and cannot be appealed, though any new ruling resulting from a rehearing can be appealed normally.

Maddy summarySB 506 updates New Hampshire laws to align the age of juveniles with 18 rather than 17, affecting how minors are treated in the justice system and child welfare settings. The bill requires that individuals under 18 be considered children for various legal definitions, including school attendance, arrest record classification, and the duration of sex offender registration. It also mandates that criminal background checks for licensing residential care facilities must include all household members aged 18 or older. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that juveniles cannot be held in county correctional facilities for unpaid fines and sets specific age limits for shelter care facilities. These changes take effect on July 30, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new class of judicial employees called magistrates to handle pre-trial release decisions and other court tasks. It authorizes the chief justice to appoint at least 15 magistrates, ensuring at least one is assigned to every county in the state. These magistrates would have the power to decide on bail, conduct arraignment hearings, and issue arrest and search warrants, with the requirement that those handling bail cases be licensed attorneys. The legislation also mandates that individuals released on bail receive information about local services for homelessness, hunger, mental health, and substance use. Additionally, the bill changes the rules for when arrested individuals must appear before a judge and allows for electronic payment of bail in both physical and remote court settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for medical assistance in dying, allowing qualified adults with terminal illnesses to request prescriptions for medications they can self-administer to end their lives peacefully. To access this option, an individual must be at least 18 years old, have a terminal condition expected to cause death within six months, possess the mental capacity to understand the decision, and voluntarily make the request without coercion. The process requires two independent medical evaluations where providers confirm the patient's diagnosis, capacity, and understanding of all available treatment alternatives, including hospice and palliative care. Additionally, the law mandates that the patient sign a formal request form and allows them to withdraw their request or change their mind at any time.

Maddy summaryHB 1288 establishes due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members at New Hampshire's public colleges and universities facing disciplinary actions that could lead to suspension, expulsion, or termination. The bill requires institutions to provide at least seven days' written notice of allegations, access to evidence and witnesses, the right to confront accusers, and the opportunity to present a defense with the assistance of an advisor. It also mandates an impartial hearing officer, a verbatim record of proceedings, and an appeal process, while allowing immediate temporary actions only in cases of imminent physical danger or property damage. Additionally, the legislation prevents disciplinary findings from being used as evidence in criminal court and prohibits colleges from holding disciplinary hearings while related criminal charges are pending.