Rep. Buzz Scherr

Maddy summaryHB 1609 prohibits New Hampshire state, county, and municipal governments from using public funds or property to build, operate, or pay for immigrant detention facilities, particularly those managed by private companies. It bans spending on construction, renovation, repurposing public property for detention, selling public property for such use, and making payments to private detention operators. The bill does not affect existing 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities or the provision of health and safety services to detained individuals. Counties may face potential revenue losses if they stop cooperating with federal immigration programs, but municipalities are not expected to have financial impacts.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would grant New Hampshire adults aged 21 and older the right to possess a modest amount of cannabis for personal consumption. If approved by voters in November 2026, it would amend the state constitution to explicitly protect this right, replacing current laws that lack such a provision. The amendment specifically covers personal possession and consumption, not cultivation, sales, or public use. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in the referendum to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1283 prohibits New Hampshire state agencies and law enforcement from using face recognition technology without a warrant supported by probable cause or under specific legal exceptions. It directly affects state departments, police departments, and municipal entities that previously used this technology for identification purposes. The bill makes evidence collected through unauthorized use inadmissible in court and imposes class A misdemeanor penalties for violations. Key provisions require warrants for any state use, ban access to facial databases by third parties, and establish strict evidence rules to prevent misuse. This bill aims to limit surveillance capabilities while protecting privacy rights through clear legal safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 1142 requires state, county, and local law enforcement officers participating in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program to identify themselves by name, badge number, and agency while operating under that agreement, and to remain unmasked during such operations. The bill directly affects officers in New Hampshire who assist with federal immigration enforcement through the 287(g) program. It establishes procedural requirements for transparency and accountability during these operations but does not change immigration enforcement policies or practices. The bill amends RSA 106-P and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1077 requires New Hampshire public schools to include domestic violence prevention education within the existing health, physical education, and wellness curriculum for all students. It amends state law to explicitly mandate that school boards teach this topic alongside other health subjects like substance abuse prevention and HIV education. The bill directly affects all K-12 pupils in New Hampshire public schools by adding this specific content to required classroom instruction. This policy change focuses on integrating prevention education into standard health curricula without altering other existing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1570 requires New Hampshire law enforcement agencies to obtain written approval from their local budget authority before entering federal immigration enforcement agreements (Section 287(g) agreements with ICE). The budget authority must review the agreement, consider the estimated yearly cost to the agency (including employee hours), and notify residents before authorizing participation. Agencies must submit quarterly reports detailing costs, officer activities, and federal reimbursements, and the budget authority can terminate the agreement at any time due to cost concerns. Failure to comply results in the state withholding all state funding from the agency.

Maddy summaryHB 1242 requires New Hampshire county commissioners to clearly separate funding for county government operations from funds used for state or federal purposes in their annual itemized budget recommendations. This applies to all county budget submissions delivered to county convention members, town selectmen, city mayors, and the secretary of state before December 1 each year. The bill mandates that budgets explicitly show this distinction in the "objects for which money is required" section, rather than lumping all funding together. It does not change funding amounts but improves transparency by clarifying how money is allocated between local county services and external government programs. This affects all counties preparing their annual budget recommendations under RSA 24:21-a.

Maddy summaryHB 439 would have limited driver's license suspensions for non-driving violations, such as unpaid fines or minor administrative issues, rather than traffic offenses. The bill aimed to prevent license loss for these unrelated matters, directly affecting individuals facing suspension for non-driving debts or infractions. However, the committee voted 16-0 on November 20, 2025, to report the bill as "Inexpedient to Legislate," meaning it was not advanced to the full chamber. The bill did not become law and remains inactive following this committee decision.

Maddy summaryHB 611 proposed requiring indigent criminal defendants (those who cannot afford a lawyer) to repay court-appointed attorneys after their cases concluded. The bill aimed to establish a formal repayment mechanism for legal services provided to low-income defendants in criminal cases. However, the committee voted 25-0 on October 30, 2025, to deem the bill "Inexpedient to Legislate," meaning it was rejected and did not advance further. The bill remains inactive as it was not enacted into law.

Maddy summarySB 261 requires law enforcement agencies to record all custodial interrogations (questioning of individuals in police custody). It creates a state fund to provide grants for agencies to purchase recording equipment, with dedicated funding allocated for this purpose. The bill directly affects state police departments and sheriff's offices by mandating recording practices and providing resources to meet this requirement. This policy change aims to increase transparency in police questioning during arrests.