Rep. Jason Osborne

Maddy summarySB 281 requires municipalities to issue building or occupancy permits for properties adjacent to class VI roads if applicants meet three conditions: signing a liability waiver acknowledging the municipality won't maintain the road or provide services, recording that waiver in the county register, and providing proof the property is insurable. The bill directly affects property owners seeking to build or develop land next to class VI roads, which are typically low-traffic rural roads. It prohibits local governments from denying permits solely based on road classification, shifting responsibility for road maintenance and services to the property owner. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, after being signed by the governor on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 148 would permit state agencies and public entities to classify individuals based on biological sex in specific contexts, such as access to certain public services or facilities. It directly affects individuals interacting with state programs where sex-based distinctions are currently used, like healthcare services or gender-segregated spaces. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing such classifications without requiring additional justification, shifting from existing policies that may have prioritized gender identity. The bill passed both chambers in May 2025 but was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 467 defines "social districts" and authorizes municipalities to establish them. The bill directly affects local governments, enabling them to create designated zones focused on community services or social initiatives. Key provisions include the legal definition of "social districts" and the process for municipal creation, though specific operational details (like permitted activities or funding mechanisms) are not described in the provided context. The bill passed unanimously in committee and both chambers, was signed by Governor Ayotte on July 7, 2025, and takes effect September 5, 2025. (Note: The context does not specify the exact purpose or structure of "social districts," so this summary reflects only the bill's stated title and procedural history.)

Maddy summaryHB 235 amends the state's educator code of ethics and code of conduct to explicitly require public school educators to uphold a "responsibility to parents." This policy change directly affects teachers, administrators, and school staff in public schools, mandating they consider parental input and concerns in educational decisions. The key provision adds specific language to existing codes, requiring educators to engage with parents regarding student conduct, learning, and school policies. The bill became law on July 1, 2025, and takes effect August 30, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 173 modifies the rules governing legal agreements (covenants) that restrict how residential properties financed through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program can be managed. It directly affects developers and property managers of LIHTC housing by changing how long certain restrictions on these properties can remain in place. The bill establishes new requirements for updating or removing these covenants, aiming to provide more flexibility in property management while maintaining affordability commitments. This law took effect on July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 96 requires New Hampshire school employees (like teachers) to respond in writing to parent inquiries about their child within 5 school days, answering completely and honestly where permitted by law. School districts may withhold information only if disclosure could cause abuse, neglect, or abandonment (with written documentation), but must otherwise provide full responses. This directly affects parents seeking information about their child’s education and school staff who must follow these communication rules. Violations would be treated as breaches of educator conduct standards. The bill is currently pending in committee.

Maddy summarySB 78 amends New Hampshire law to set a specific 45-day deadline for filing appeals to a zoning board of adjustment, replacing the previous vague "reasonable time" standard. This directly affects applicants, property owners (abutters), and local government officials who wish to challenge zoning decisions made by municipal administrative officers. The key provision requires appeals to be filed within 45 days by submitting a notice specifying grounds to both the officer who issued the decision and the zoning board. This change aims to create clearer timelines for appeals while maintaining existing eligibility for those challenging zoning actions.

Maddy summarySB 72 establishes a "Parental Bill of Rights" in New Hampshire law, directly affecting parents of minors (under 18) and public schools. The bill requires schools to provide parents with timely, accurate information about their child's education, health, discipline policies, and assessments, and grants parents specific rights to opt out of health/sex education, surveys, and certain data collection. It prohibits schools or government entities from infringing on parental rights to direct a child's upbringing, education, or health care without demonstrating a compelling state interest and using the least restrictive means. The law aims to clarify parental authority while setting specific disclosure requirements for schools.

Maddy summarySB 69 primarily requires New Hampshire school boards to publicly discuss and vote on all charitable gifts, donations, or grants before accepting them, with anonymous donations permitted. It also establishes a statewide virtual early childhood literacy program for preschoolers (ages 4-5) to improve kindergarten readiness through online, evidence-based resources, funded by existing grants or donations. The bill adds public vote requirements for gift acceptance across multiple school funding areas (including medical supplies like epinephrine auto-injectors) and references library user privacy protections in its title, though the text does not detail this provision. These changes affect school districts, local boards, and organizations donating to schools, focusing on transparency in gift acceptance rather than new funding mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 263 prohibits AI chat services (like chatbots or character AI) from knowingly facilitating harmful acts with children, such as promoting sexual conduct, drug use, self-harm, or violence. It directly affects providers of AI chat applications designed for open-ended, responsive communication with minors. Key provisions create criminal liability for violations and establish a private right to sue for $1,000 per violation (minimum), plus civil damages, while exempting gaming/AI features integral to interactive entertainment and cloud service providers. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and does not apply to AI used within video games or streaming content.