Rep. Joe Sweeney

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Hampshire municipalities to create special assessment districts to fund infrastructure improvements - such as roads, utilities, sidewalks, and storm water systems - that directly serve new development. Property owners within these districts would pay special assessments based on their proportionate benefit (e.g., lot size or frontage), not equally, and payments would be collected over up to 20 years as a property lien. The law requires public hearings before district creation and excludes schools, government buildings, and general facilities from these assessments. It applies specifically to infrastructure tied to new development, not existing neighborhoods.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares that Sharia law and political Islam constitute an "existential threat" to New Hampshire and the U.S., and prohibits any government institution from showing "deference" to Sharia law. It specifically targets state and local government operations, implying restrictions on how public entities engage with Islamic legal principles. The resolution cites examples like voluntary Islamic tribunals in Minnesota and New York as evidence of "Sharia enforcement," though these are disputed claims. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but makes a symbolic policy statement. It was introduced by multiple state representatives and referred to the State-Federal Relations committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1668 updates New Hampshire's business profits tax to automatically align with federal Internal Revenue Code changes starting in 2027, replacing the current system that uses a fixed 2018 tax code. It requires businesses to calculate deductions under the current federal code (with a $500,000 cap on certain property deductions for assets placed in service after 2026) and mandates the state tax commissioner to report biennially on federal tax changes affecting New Hampshire. This bill directly affects businesses subject to New Hampshire's business profits tax by changing how their tax calculations integrate with federal law. The policy shift eliminates the need for annual state legislative adjustments to match federal changes, though it may require faster state tax department responses to federal updates. The changes take effect for taxable periods beginning January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1776 requires New Hampshire colleges and universities to report all funding from foreign sources exceeding $50,000 annually to the Department of Education and the General Court. Covered institutions must submit quarterly reports detailing the amount, purpose, source, and related contracts of such funding, including gifts, grants, or contracts. These reports become public on the Department of Education website and must include copies of associated agreements. The bill excludes regular tuition payments from foreign students and imposes fines up to $10,000 for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1417 allows New Hampshire towns, cities, and villages to implement a land value tax (LVT) system, where land is taxed at a higher rate than buildings or improvements. Municipalities must hold a public hearing and adopt the system via local vote, setting separate tax rates for land value (higher) and improvement value (lower or zero), with a transition plan. The bill requires transparent public reporting of parcel-level land and improvement values and appropriates funds to the Department of Revenue Administration for implementation support. It ensures existing education and county taxes remain unchanged, and all state tax exemptions still apply first to building improvements before land. This policy shifts the tax burden from buildings to land ownership, aiming to encourage efficient land use and housing development.

Maddy summaryHB 1271 clarifies definitions and expands the use of third-party inspectors for building permits in New Hampshire, primarily affecting property owners and contractors installing solar energy systems. The bill defines "approved agencies" (including engineers, architects, and licensed electricians) to review construction documents and inspect buildings, including solar photovoltaic arrays and battery storage. It requires municipalities to grant approved agencies equal access to permit documents and mandates acceptance of solar applications submitted through an online "instant permitting platform," which automatically approves applications unless deficiencies are noted within 5 business days. This streamlines solar project approvals while maintaining state code compliance oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1344 allows two or more neighboring towns or cities to form a joint governing authority to share municipal services like public safety, water, waste management, or transportation. This authority is created through a compact approved by each municipality’s elected council and governed by a board representing all member communities. The authority can hire staff, manage budgets, lease property, and seek grants, but member towns must fund it through their regular budgets and cannot grant it independent tax powers. The bill also sets clear rules for how a municipality can withdraw from the compact or for the authority to dissolve.

Maddy summaryHB 675 increases the statewide education property tax revenue cap to $773 million for 2025 and requires municipalities to remit excess tax collections to the state education trust fund. It limits school district spending growth on non-facilities expenses by tying annual appropriations to the 3-year average Consumer Price Index (CPI), with stricter rules after 2027. The bill also raises the base per-pupil adequacy cost from $4,100 to $7,356 and mandates annual reporting of district spending to the Department of Education. These changes directly affect school districts and municipalities managing education funding, effective July 1, 2025. (Note: The bill’s title mentioning "central office expenses" does not align with the actual provisions; this summary reflects the actual tax and spending mechanisms described in the bill text.)

Maddy summarySB 301 establishes a new joint legislative oversight committee to review state agency operations. The committee, composed of 14 members (2 appointed by the governor and 12 elected by the legislature with party balance limits), will conduct independent audits, issue subpoenas, and hold public hearings to examine agency performance. It must submit biennial public reports to the governor, legislature, and public by December 1 of even-numbered years, starting in 2026. This committee directly affects all state agencies subject to its reviews and provides a structured process for legislative oversight.

Maddy summarySB 301 proposes creating a new joint legislative oversight committee. This bill is procedural in nature, focusing solely on establishing the committee structure rather than implementing policy changes. The bill was recently referred to an interim study (scheduled for January 7, 2026), indicating it is still in the early stages of the legislative process. It does not specify which agencies or programs the committee would oversee or directly affect any particular group.