Rep. Jess Edwards

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that "citizen" under New Hampshire's right-to-know law includes press organizations working to inform New Hampshire residents, regardless of where they are based. It requires public bodies to disclose preliminary drafts of documents circulated to a majority of members during meetings, not just final versions. These changes apply to all public bodies and affect how meeting materials are shared with the public. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 208 requires all school nurses in New Hampshire public schools to hold a current New Hampshire nursing license as a registered professional nurse. This bill directly affects school nurses and school districts, mandating that only licensed RNs can serve in school health programs. The key provision repeals and replaces existing language to establish this licensing requirement, ensuring school nurses meet state certification standards. The bill would take effect upon passage, changing the current certification process for school nursing roles.

Maddy summaryHB 232 seeks to protect medical professionals' rights to refuse providing certain medical services based on personal beliefs, such as specific procedures or treatments. It directly affects doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who may object to participating in services conflicting with their conscience. The bill would establish legal protections preventing employers or institutions from forcing such professionals to provide those services, while requiring referrals to other providers. This is a policy change focused on expanding professional autonomy in healthcare decision-making.

Maddy summarySB 134 requires New Hampshire Medicaid applicants (specifically those subject to federal work requirements under Public Law 119-21) to provide documentary evidence proving they meet work or community engagement standards at application and quarterly thereafter. It prohibits self-attestation for verification and mandates strict medical exemptions only for conditions certified by healthcare providers (e.g., physical/mental disabilities significantly impacting daily living). Individuals failing to comply face a 30-day notice period before potential disenrollment from Medicaid. The bill aligns state implementation with federal requirements, explicitly stating federal law supersedes state provisions if conflicts arise.

Maddy summaryHB 194, titled "relative to the crime of interference with custody," addresses legal provisions concerning custody disputes. The bill's current status shows it was reported favorably by the committee (9-7 vote) with an amendment but remains pending in committee as of November 2025. The provided context does not include specific details about the bill's provisions, such as how it defines or modifies the crime of interference with custody, who it directly affects, or its concrete policy changes. Without additional descriptive information on the bill's text or mechanisms, a detailed summary of its content cannot be provided. The bill appears procedural in nature, focusing on criminal law related to custody, but lacks sufficient detail for a factual policy description.

Maddy summaryHB 206 clarifies legal standards for government agents (like law enforcement) entering private property. It defines "secured premises" as privately-owned land that is posted, fenced, or otherwise marked to indicate exclusion of intruders. The bill also defines "probable cause" and specifies that warrantless entries into secured premises require individualized probable cause. This directly affects law enforcement procedures and property owners' rights regarding access to their premises. The bill focuses on refining existing legal definitions, not creating new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 312 would allow college student-athletes in the state to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL), such as through endorsements or personal branding deals. It directly affects student-athletes at public and private colleges within the state by removing current restrictions that prevent them from monetizing their personal brand. The key provision requires athletic departments and institutions to establish clear, transparent processes for student-athletes to secure and manage NIL agreements without penalty. This policy change aligns with similar laws in other states, aiming to provide athletes with direct financial opportunities tied to their public identity.

Maddy summaryHB 565 would allow individuals under 21 to enter veterans' clubs, private clubs, and social clubs if clubs establish specific, written conditions - such as requiring adult supervision or designating age-appropriate areas. This directly affects minors who are currently barred from these venues due to existing age restrictions. The bill requires clubs to create and follow clear policies for underage access without specifying exact rules. It modifies current restrictions to permit entry under club-defined conditions, focusing on venue autonomy rather than state-imposed standards.

Maddy summaryHB 570 would repeal the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, ending its authority to regulate and monitor prescription drug prices in the state. The bill removes the state's mechanism for setting drug cost limits and overseeing pharmaceutical affordability programs. This change would directly affect the state's regulatory framework for managing drug pricing and patient costs. The bill has been held in committee without further progress after a vote deemed it "inexpedient to legislate."

Maddy summaryHB 74 clarifies the definition of "citizen" under the state's right-to-know law and requires public bodies to disclose preliminary drafts of documents shared with a quorum or majority of the body. This means government agencies must make early versions of proposed documents public if circulated to at least half the members of the body. The bill directly affects citizens seeking government records and public bodies responsible for creating and sharing those documents. If passed, it would expand transparency by making more draft materials accessible before final decisions are made. The bill was recently reported as "Inexpedient to Legislate" by committee with a 15-0 vote.