Rep. Daniel Popovici-Muller

Maddy summaryHB 1699 allows individuals to carry certain firearms (like loaded rifles, shotguns, or crossbows) on boats operating at "no-wake speed" or "not exceeding 1.5 times headway speed," which are defined as slow-moving vessels. This change directly affects boat operators and passengers using mechanically propelled boats or towed boats at low speeds. The bill modifies existing law (RSA 207:7) by creating an exception to the general prohibition on carrying firearms on such boats when moving slowly. It does not change the definition of "loaded" or apply to law enforcement officers. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 1045 clarifies rules for using artificial lights during nighttime hunting and outdoor activities in New Hampshire. It prohibits using lights (other than normal vehicle headlights and incidental lights like reversing lights during typical driving) to locate or take wildlife between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. Exceptions include agricultural work (e.g., protecting livestock), utility operations, and using lights solely for navigation or property inspection without targeting wildlife. The bill does not change existing nighttime hunting bans but provides clearer guidelines to prevent accidental violations. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1657 requires New Hampshire state agencies to identify and report all vacant full- or part-time positions (classified or unclassified) that have been unfilled for 90+ days. Agencies must submit detailed reports - including funding sources, vacancy duration, and position codes - to the joint committee on employee classification, the governor, legislative leaders, and the executive council. The bill also prohibits filling such vacancies without express approval from the governor and executive council. This procedural measure aims to address prolonged vacancies by mandating transparency and requiring higher-level authorization before filling long-open positions. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1770 establishes a legal presumption of equal parenting time (50% of overnights annually) for New Hampshire family courts, replacing the current "best interest" standard. It defines equal parenting as a 50/50 overnight split with no more than a three-night difference in any year, requiring courts to correct imbalances the following year. The presumption can only be overridden by clear and convincing evidence of specific harm - such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or a parent's incapacity - and courts must provide written findings for any deviation. This applies to all custody cases, including initial rulings, temporary orders, and modifications, and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1424 changes how courts must deliver summonses to law enforcement officers and public officials. It requires summonses to be served by reading them to the person, handing them directly, or leaving an attested copy at their agency's office. The bill also mandates paying travel fees and one day's attendance fee to the recipient. This affects law enforcement employees (full or part-time) and elected or appointed public officials who receive summonses to testify.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a New Hampshire House resolution (not a law) that formally reaffirms support for the Second Amendment and New Hampshire's state constitutional right to bear arms. It specifically urges Congress and the President to stop potential federal restrictions on firearm ownership based on characteristics like sexual orientation or religion, referencing reports of internal DOJ discussions about such rules. The resolution also calls for advancing the SHORT Act to address existing constitutional infringements, though it has no legal force and serves as a symbolic statement to federal leaders.

Maddy summaryHB 1292 expands New Hampshire's Right to Try Act to allow patients with "qualifying severe illness" access to unapproved treatments. The bill adds new rules for regenerative stem cell therapies, requiring patient consent, facility accreditation, and clear advertising disclosures. It specifically prohibits the use of stem cells derived from fetal or embryonic sources after an abortion. This policy change directly affects New Hampshire residents with severe illnesses who seek experimental treatments not yet approved by the FDA.

Maddy summaryHB 1414 allows dogs to be present year-round in all New Hampshire state parks when under the owner's control. Dogs must be leashed to a maximum of 6 feet or reliably controlled through other approved methods. The bill prohibits blanket park-wide dog bans, restricting access only in specific areas like swimming zones, beaches during peak seasons, environmentally sensitive sites, or temporary events (e.g., Mount Sunapee arts festival). It takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to follow these rules without overriding them with conflicting policies.

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 1728 requires operators of critical infrastructure systems - such as water, power, emergency response, and public transportation networks serving over 10,000 people or 3,300 households in New Hampshire - to implement specific cybersecurity measures. The bill mandates strict firewall controls, phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication for remote access, and documented incident response plans to prevent foreseeable cyber risks. Operators who fail to meet this "standard of care" could face liability for harms caused by security failures. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and has no new funding requirements.