Rep. J.D. Bernardy

Maddy summaryHB 158 would allow the public to inspect lists showing who voted absentee in elections. It directly affects voters and election observers by providing transparency into absentee ballot usage. The bill requires election officials to make these lists available for public review, typically at designated locations or online. This is a procedural change focused on election transparency, not a substantive policy shift. The bill is currently in committee with a majority committee report recommending passage.

Maddy summaryHB 427 proposes amendments to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which governs commercial transactions like sales, leases, and secured financing across states. The provided context does not specify the exact changes to the UCC or identify who would be directly affected by the amendments. The bill is currently in committee, having been referred for interim study after a committee vote (17-0) on October 28, 2025. No further details about the specific provisions or policy impacts are included in the available information.

Maddy summaryHB 219 increases the minimum percentage of electricity that utilities must generate from renewable sources like wind and solar. It directly affects electric utilities operating in the state by requiring higher annual renewable energy targets. The bill establishes new, elevated annual benchmarks for renewable energy adoption, moving the state toward stricter clean energy goals. This policy change mandates specific percentage increases for utility compliance over time.

Maddy summaryHB 221 requires the state to assess whether the "systems benefit charge" (a fee added to electricity bills to fund energy programs like renewable projects) is cost-effective for customers. The bill mandates a study to determine if this charge delivers value by saving money or improving energy outcomes. It directly affects electricity customers and utility companies by requiring a formal evaluation of this fee's impact. The legislation focuses on gathering data to inform future decisions about the charge, without changing its current structure. The bill is currently under committee review with a pending report.

Maddy summaryHB 723 would repeal the existing "multi-use energy data platform," removing a state-run system that collected and shared energy usage information. This bill directly affects the state agency or utility providers currently operating the platform, as it would eliminate their requirement to use this specific system. The key mechanism is the repeal of the underlying law establishing the platform, effectively ending its operation without creating a replacement system. (Note: As a procedural repeal bill, this summary is concise and focuses solely on the policy change described in the bill's title.)

Maddy summaryHB 652 proposes to reorganize family court structure by abolishing the current "family division" and establishing a new "Office of Family Mediation." The bill would transfer jurisdiction over family-related cases (like custody and divorce) from the family division to this new mediation office and other designated courts. This change would directly affect family court proceedings, judges, and individuals involved in family law matters by altering how cases are processed and resolved. The bill is currently stalled in committee with a "Inexpedient to Legislate" recommendation.

Maddy summarySB 14 increases penalties for fentanyl-related offenses, imposing mandatory minimum sentences of 3.5 years for 20 grams or more and 7 years for 50 grams or more of fentanyl class drugs. It also creates strict liability for drug distributors causing death (including fentanyl), requiring at least 7 years imprisonment for such cases, while allowing judges to reduce sentences under specific conditions like no prior violent crimes, completion of treatment programs, and providing law enforcement assistance. Additionally, the bill amends penalties to legalize possession and use of psilocybin for adults 18 and older, removing criminal penalties for these activities. These changes directly affect drug offenders, distributors, and individuals using psilocybin, with the fentanyl provisions targeting severe sentencing and the psilocybin provision decriminalizing adult use.

Maddy summarySB 289 addresses the handling of body-worn camera recordings by law enforcement in specific situations. The bill aims to establish rules for how such recordings are preserved and used, though the provided context does not detail specific provisions or affected groups. As a pending bill currently in committee review (last referred to Interim Study on 2025-03-06), it has not yet been enacted, so no concrete policy changes are in effect. The summary reflects the bill's stated purpose as outlined in its title, based on the available information.

Maddy summarySB 21 would create a New Hampshire program to help new state troopers with student loan debt. It would provide up to $40,000 in loan relief ($10,000 per year for up to 5 years) to officers hired on or after July 1, 2025, who owe at least $10,000 in student loans and remain employed as police officers during that period. Relief is based on remaining debt (prorated for less than $10,000) and cannot cover interest. The bill is currently pending, having been deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" in the Senate on October 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 672 legalizes off-grid electricity providers in New Hampshire, allowing companies to operate without connecting to the state's main power grid. It directly affects off-grid energy providers and their customers, removing previous legal barriers to their services. The key provision establishes a regulatory framework for these providers to legally offer power through independent systems like solar or wind. The law took effect on August 1, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte.