Rep. J.D. Bernardy

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 1683 requires New Hampshire state agencies to explicitly identify the specific law authorizing each administrative rule they create or update. It mandates a biennial review by the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) to verify all existing rules comply with current state laws and constitutional standards. If a rule lacks legal authority or is unconstitutional, the agency must repeal or amend it within 90 days or provide written justification; failure to comply may trigger funding suspension recommendations. This bill directly affects all state agencies that issue administrative rules, ensuring they operate within the bounds of enacted statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1475 requires New Hampshire's Department of Energy to study how electricity distribution costs are split between fixed fees (charged to all customers regardless of usage) and usage-based fees (based on kilowatt-hour consumption). The study must examine specific cost categories like storm recovery, infrastructure replacement (e.g., poles), and capacity upgrades tied to demand. The Department must report findings and recommendations to the legislature and governor by November 2026, with costs recovered through existing utility assessments that would have minimal impact on individual customer bills.

Maddy summaryHB 1749 reinstates the death penalty as a sentencing option for capital murder, first-degree murder, and second-degree murder in New Hampshire, replacing mandatory life imprisonment without parole. The bill amends statutes (RSA 630:1, 630:1-a, and 630:1-b) to allow courts to impose death instead of life sentences for these offenses. It also establishes a formal process requiring prosecutors to file notice of intent to seek the death penalty, specify aggravating factors, and hold a separate sentencing hearing where juries weigh aggravating and mitigating evidence. This bill directly affects defendants convicted of the specified murder charges in New Hampshire courts.

Maddy summaryHB 1163 requires New Hampshire's Secretary of State to create and maintain a uniform system for managing all election records, including both paper and electronic documents. The system must capture every record, use consistent naming and indexing, track record movement for accountability, and allow efficient search and retrieval by authorized users (including citizens, as legally permitted). It also mandates documenting record creation dates, updates, purpose, authorization, and required training. The bill does not provide funding, with an estimated one-time cost of $200,000 to $500,000 for system modifications, to be covered by the General Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1825 establishes an independent legal licensing board to regulate the practice of law in New Hampshire, replacing the previous system. The board, with 12 members appointed by the Supreme Court, governor, and legislature, will oversee licensing and set standards for legal practice, including defining "practice of law" to include representation, document preparation, and legal advice. The bill allows any member of the public to take the bar exam without educational or professional prerequisites, though passing it does not grant the right to practice law - it only provides a credential for academic or employment use. The board will issue certificates for exam passage and manage licensing under new rules, with members serving staggered terms and receiving per diem compensation. This bill directly affects aspiring lawyers, current attorneys, and the public seeking legal credentials.

Maddy summaryHB 1740 updates New Hampshire's domestic violence protection laws to strengthen victim safety and law enforcement response. It requires police to immediately investigate all abuse reports, create written reports within 24 hours, and mandate arrests when probable cause exists - regardless of whether the abuse was witnessed. The bill also establishes a new domestic violence law enforcement training fund and clarifies that civil protective orders must follow criminal proceedings, not replace them. These changes directly affect victims of domestic violence, law enforcement agencies, and courts handling such cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1762 revises New Hampshire's child support calculation by updating the definition of "adjusted gross income" to include specific deductions like child care costs, medical expenses, retirement contributions, and state income tax. It also changes how parenting time affects support amounts by capping the parenting time factor at 1.000 and establishing a minimum child support obligation for low-income parents. These changes directly impact parents in child support cases by altering the formula used to determine financial responsibility. The bill applies to all child support orders under New Hampshire law.

Maddy summaryHB 1717 reorganizes New Hampshire's family court system by establishing the "judicial branch family division" as a statutory court (not constitutional), replacing "marital masters" with administrative law judges. It requires all family matters for a single family to be handled by one administrative law judge in a geographically accessible court, mandates full judicial review of all recommendations, and ensures constitutional protections for children's rights in all proceedings. The bill directly affects families involved in divorce, custody, child support, and other family law cases handled in the state's family courts. Key mechanisms include standardized training for administrative law judges, mandatory consent acknowledgments before hearings, and explicit requirements for judicial review to prevent infringement of fundamental rights.

Maddy summaryHB 1501 limits judicial immunity in New Hampshire, allowing criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits against judges and other judicial staff for misconduct. It specifically removes immunity when actions exceed judicial duties, involve criminal conduct, intentional harm, or malicious abuse of authority. The bill affects judges, clerks, and administrative staff within the judicial branch who commit such acts. It does not change immunity for routine judicial decisions but creates new pathways for accountability in clear cases of overreach. The law takes effect upon passage and may require additional legal resources for the Judicial Branch.