Rep. Jim Spillane

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 summaryHB 1058 amends New Hampshire law to allow carrying a loaded firearm on an off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV), such as an ATV or dirt bike, when operating it on private property with the landowner's permission. Currently, the law prohibits carrying a loaded firearm on an OHRV, but this bill creates a specific exception for private property use (excluding public trails, rights-of-way, or designated OHRV corridors). The change does not affect existing exceptions for law enforcement officers or for carrying pistols/revolvers. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1302 prohibits law enforcement from publicly releasing mugshots of individuals arrested for nonviolent offenses before they are convicted. This applies to all such photographs taken during arrest, with exceptions only for immediate public safety threats (e.g., locating a dangerous suspect) or when a defendant fails to appear in court after bail. The bill also specifies that these restrictions do not apply to individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., who may have mugshots released regardless of conviction status. Law enforcement must document any permitted release, including the reason and recipient. The policy aims to reduce reputational harm for unconvicted individuals while maintaining public safety exceptions.

Maddy summaryHB 1551 creates a permanent vehicle registration option for owners of vehicles 11 years or older, replacing annual registration fees. It requires a $50 base fee plus three times the standard registration fees (state, municipal, or electric vehicle fees), with the registration never expiring. The registration cannot be transferred if the vehicle changes ownership - new owners must apply for a new registration - and non-residents may obtain it with a "NON-RESIDENT PERMANENT REGISTRATION" label that cannot establish state residency. This policy change directly affects vehicle owners of older vehicles, including non-residents, by eliminating recurring registration costs for as long as they own the vehicle.

Maddy summaryHB 1210 changes who can claim the federal child tax credit for children in divorce or child support cases. It ensures the parent paying child support (the obligor) can claim the credit for each qualifying child annually if their required support payments exceed the credit amount, unless the parents agree otherwise in writing. The bill requires the paying parent to be current on all child support obligations to claim the credit. This applies to all new or amended child support orders starting January 1, 2027, directly affecting parents involved in custody or support arrangements. The policy clarifies tax credit allocation without altering the credit amount itself.

Maddy summaryHB 1122 requires all New Hampshire high school students aged 16 and older to take courses covering hunting, wildlife management, and responsible firearms usage as part of their curriculum. The bill mandates school districts to implement these courses in collaboration with the fish and game commission, with an exemption for students whose parents or guardians provide written religious or conscientious objections - allowing alternative instruction in forestry management or community service instead. This policy aims to integrate New Hampshire's hunting heritage and conservation practices into education standards, aligning with state constitutional references to hunting as a cultural tradition. The requirement applies to all public high schools and is structured as a new component of the state's educational framework.

Maddy summaryHB 1314 allows New Hampshire residents under 18 to obtain a freshwater fishing license without paying a fee. Minors must present proof of age to the Fish and Game Department when applying. The license will be marked as designated by the department and will not require a fee, replacing the previous requirement for a fee that was collected from 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1111 requires New Hampshire's Department of Motor Vehicles to provide reasonable accommodations (like extended time, alternative formats, or support personnel) for driving test applicants with documented mental or learning disabilities through an IEP or other qualifying documentation. It reduces the retest suspension period from one year to three months for applicants who fail the driving test three or more times, and allows early retesting after completing a certified driver instruction program. The bill also exempts applicants aged 21+ with documented disabilities from needing the instruction program to retake the test. These changes apply directly to individuals seeking driver's licenses who have disabilities or have repeatedly failed the driving portion of the exam.

Maddy summaryHB 1400 allows property owners to opt out of funding locally adopted property tax credits or exemptions by submitting form PA-29 annually by April 15th. It directly affects property owners who pay local property taxes but do not currently receive any local tax credits or exemptions. The key provision requires annual submission of the form to stop contributing to these programs, with the exception that those already receiving benefits cannot opt out. This creates a straightforward mechanism for property owners to decline funding local tax programs without needing to alter their existing tax status. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1746 requires public bodies and agencies to make records from investigations funded by taxpayer money publicly accessible under New Hampshire's right-to-know law (RSA 91-A). It directly affects state and local government entities conducting such investigations. The key provision mandates disclosure of all findings, conclusions, and factual summaries, with redactions permitted only for specific privacy protections like FERPA or HIPAA, and strictly limited to what federal or state law requires. Public officials' personal privacy rights in these investigations are waived, and materials cannot be withheld entirely based on privacy exemptions.