Rep. Katelyn Kuttab

Maddy summaryHB 1817 allows students who reside in a New Hampshire school district - regardless of whether they attend public, private, charter, or home education programs - to access all curricular courses and cocurricular activities (like clubs, sports, and arts) offered by that district. It requires school boards to adopt policies ensuring these students face no stricter rules than resident students in the district. The bill specifically affects home-educated students (including those with disabilities under certain conditions), private school students, and charter school students who live within a district but are not enrolled there. It does not change where students must attend school but guarantees equal access to local programs once they reside in a district.

Maddy summaryHB 1228 requires that past-due alimony payments must be enforced exactly as written in the original court order, without automatic adjustments. This directly affects individuals who owe or are owed alimony, particularly those with unpaid amounts. The bill specifies enforcement must follow the order's terms unless changed by a written agreement between the parties or a specific statute (RSA 458:19-aa). It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 594 prohibits the use of devices that prevent natural ice formation (commonly called "agitators") when temporary docks are removed from water bodies. It directly affects property owners and dock managers who previously could use these devices during temporary dock removals. The bill amends state law to remove an exception that allowed such devices for temporary structures, requiring all ice-prevention devices to now comply with restrictions only for permanent structures. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1709 requires residential rental applicants in New Hampshire to disclose in writing if they are not U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the United States. Applicants can prove lawful presence using specific documents like a New Hampshire driver's license, tribal ID, or federal identification, and landlords cannot independently verify immigration status. Violating this disclosure requirement is classified as a class B felony. The bill directly affects renters applying for housing and landlords managing residential properties in New Hampshire.

Maddy summaryHB 1499 would expand eviction grounds under New Hampshire's landlord and tenant law by adding three specific conditions: (1) a tenant or occupant being unlawfully present in the U.S., (2) a recent conviction (within 3 years) for certain violent crimes or drug offenses, or (3) being a registered sexual offender under state law. This bill directly affects tenants who meet these criteria, allowing landlords to seek eviction based on these new grounds. The key provision modifies the existing statute to include these three categories as valid reasons for termination of tenancy. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and does not require new state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1215, titled "Grace’s Law," ensures individuals with developmental disabilities receiving state services can use their preferred communication method, including AAC devices, sign language, letterboards, or speech-generating tools. It requires staff in group homes, schools, and state institutions to accommodate these methods through reasonable efforts. The law applies to all state service providers supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. It takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1309 requires New Hampshire towns to clearly state the "intent and effect" of every item on town meeting warrants, eliminating deceptive or ambiguous language. This directly affects all towns holding meetings by mandating that each warrant article explicitly explains what the proposal does and its expected outcome. The bill amends RSA 39:2 to require that "the intent and effect of each warrant article shall be stated without deception or deliberate ambiguity," ensuring voters understand what they are voting on. It applies to all town meeting business, including budget items, though it allows towns to adjust specific funding amounts within existing budget constraints. This change aims to improve transparency in local governance without altering voting procedures or creating new financial obligations.

Maddy summarySB 460 prohibits registered sex offenders required to register under RSA 651-B for sexual offenses against children under 13 from knowingly appearing within 1,000 feet of certain locations - such as childcare facilities, churches, schools, or areas where children gather - when circumstances would alarm nearby residents. The law applies specifically to tier II and tier III offenders and takes effect January 1, 2027. It creates a new criminal violation for these prohibited appearances, with no direct state or local funding impacts identified. The bill was requested by the Department of Safety and aligns with existing registration requirements for sex offenders.

Maddy summaryHB 1325 changes election procedures by removing specific day restrictions for correcting voter checklists. Currently, supervisors must hold checklist correction sessions on a Saturday (6-13 days before an election) and another session the day before candidate filing begins. This bill allows supervisors to correct checklists on any day of the week, giving them greater flexibility. It directly affects town meeting and election supervisors who manage voter eligibility records. The change applies to town meetings and elections governed by New Hampshire law.

Maddy summarySB 568 clarifies that the Department of Safety's commissioner may appoint specific staff members - including assistant commissioners, division directors, or bureau chiefs - to verify background checks for employee candidates. The bill explicitly defines eligible designees and requires the department to maintain strict confidentiality of all background check records. It also permits electronic submission of fingerprint information, following procedures established by the division of state police. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.