Rep. Joe Sweeney

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 1730 would make all sexual penetration or contact offenses against minors under age 16 punishable by death, raising the age threshold from 13 to 16 in existing law. It amends New Hampshire statutes to classify these crimes as aggravated felonious sexual assault, adding a death penalty option (RSA 632-A:10-a I-a) and updating legal procedures for capital cases. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of sexual offenses against minors under 16, including those with authority over the victim or with significant age differences. Key mechanisms include changing age thresholds in multiple statutes, inserting death penalty provisions, and revising the chapter heading to "HOMICIDE AND CAPITAL OFFENSES." This proposal would significantly increase penalties for these offenses compared to current law.

Maddy summaryHB 348 allows New Hampshire municipalities to require applicants for local assistance to have resided in the town or city for up to 90 days prior to applying. It mandates that local governments create written guidelines covering application processes, eligibility criteria (including acceptable residency proof like leases or utility bills), appeals, and other administrative details. The bill does not change current restrictions on cash payments for assistance. This directly affects individuals seeking local aid and gives municipalities authority to set residency requirements within the 90-day limit.

Maddy summaryHB 1419 establishes a 14-member commission to study whether New Hampshire should create a specialized court for business-related legal matters, such as corporate disputes, commercial contracts, and equity cases. The commission, including legislators, judges, business leaders, law school representatives, and legal experts, will assess the feasibility, costs, benefits, and necessary legal reforms - like modernizing corporate laws and creating judicial recruitment pathways - and evaluate fiscal impacts on state revenue. The commission must submit annual reports starting November 2026, with recommendations aimed at positioning New Hampshire as a competitive hub for business law, similar to Delaware’s court system. This bill does not create a court or change laws directly but sets up a study to inform future legislative decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1793 prohibits New Hampshire public colleges and universities from restricting the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons (like pepper spray or stun guns) on campus. It directly affects public institutions of higher education and any student, faculty, staff, or visitor who lawfully carries such items under state law. The bill requires schools to allow constitutional carry without requiring permits or licenses and permits individuals harmed by school policies to sue for at least $10,000 in damages. This law takes effect January 1, 2027, aligning with New Hampshire’s existing constitutional carry framework.

Maddy summaryHB 1748 establishes the New Hampshire Energy Efficiency and Resource Development Authority, a new independent nonprofit body separate from state government. The authority will coordinate all state energy efficiency programs (like home heating improvements and business energy upgrades) to reduce costs for residents and businesses, while also promoting nuclear power development and related industries. It will be governed by a 10-member board including state energy officials, utility regulators, consumer advocates, and four governor-appointed public members. The bill directly affects all New Hampshire residents and businesses by consolidating scattered energy efficiency programs under one agency and advancing nuclear power initiatives as part of the state's energy strategy.

Maddy summaryHB 1696 allows police to issue a written summons instead of arresting someone for certain misdemeanors or violations (excluding abuse, protective order breaches, or stalking cases). It requires people released on summons to "remain of good behavior" - meaning they cannot commit any new felony, misdemeanor, or major traffic offense while awaiting court. Failing to appear or violating this condition becomes a separate misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines and potentially consecutive jail time. This directly affects individuals charged with minor offenses who are released with a summons instead of being jailed.

Maddy summarySB 513 requires school districts and chartered public schools to hire an owner's project manager (OPM) before submitting applications for school building aid grants, rather than after. This applies specifically to construction, renovation, or reconstruction projects costing $1.25 million or more, unless the commissioner grants a waiver. The bill mandates that the OPM must carry specific insurance coverage and sets requirements for the state board to establish qualification rules. This change shifts the timing of OPM engagement from after application submission to the application phase itself.

Maddy summaryHB 1788 prohibits state agencies and public schools from entering contracts with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements, such as mandating DEI programs, training, or reporting. It defines DEI as initiatives classifying individuals by certain characteristics to achieve demographic outcomes (excluding health services, ADA compliance, and student organizations), making any contract violating this automatically void. Taxpayers could then sue public entities for entering such contracts, seeking court orders to cancel the contracts and recover legal fees. The bill applies to all state contracts and public school agreements, directly affecting government entities and their contractors.

Maddy summaryHB 1516 requires New Hampshire municipalities to include visual aids and digital links on property tax bills showing how tax dollars are spent. Specifically, tax bills must feature a pie chart breaking down tax categories (state education, school, city/town, county, and precincts), a 10-year line graph of spending trends, and QR codes linking to detailed budget information online. Municipalities must post this data annually on their websites (or in physical locations if no website exists), including links to budget adoption minutes, reports, and tax cap details. The bill takes effect April 1, 2027, with estimated costs under $10,000 per municipality for implementation.