Rep. Linda McGrath

Maddy summaryHB 1342 requires New Hampshire election officials to publicly share basic voter information for absentee and UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) voters, including names, addresses, and ballot status. However, it prohibits releasing overseas mailing addresses and electronic contact details (like email or phone numbers) for UOCAVA voters who are members of the uniformed services. The bill also bans disclosure of how ballots were voted and mandates that records be made available within one business day of a request. Officials who fail to comply face civil fines up to $1,000 for the first offense or misdemeanor charges for repeated violations.

Maddy summaryHB 1617 requires New Hampshire's Department of Business and Economic Affairs to include domestic and international corporate relocation logistics and investment tracking in its annual reports and strategic planning. The bill amends existing statutes to mandate that the department report on business relocation opportunities, investment pledges, and the effectiveness of recruitment programs as part of its annual strategy. This directly affects the department's reporting obligations and aims to help the state better track and pursue economic investment opportunities, particularly following national business investment pledges exceeding $7.4 trillion. The key change is making relocation logistics and investment data a formal requirement in the department's annual reports and economic development plans.

Maddy summaryNew Hampshire's CACR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all ballots (including absentee) to be hand-counted, serial-numbered, and accompanied by a dated perforated tab for voter receipt. It mandates 60-month retention of all ballots and election records in securely monitored storage, with dual-signature chain-of-custody logs and public annual reporting by the Secretary of State. Registered voters may view ballots during retention periods with election officials upon one week's notice, and unused ballots must remain labeled with their printed lot. The amendment directly affects voters (through ballot tracking), election officials (through new counting/storage procedures), and municipalities (through storage requirements and reporting).

Maddy summaryHB 1147 reinstates requirements for local governments (counties, towns, districts, and water departments) using capital reserve funds to make multiple payments under lease/purchase agreements. It requires such agreements to contain no "escape clause" or "non-appropriation clause" and mandates approval by a 2/3 vote of the legislative body at a public meeting. The bill directly affects how these entities finance capital projects through lease/purchase arrangements. This amendment restores prior rules governing the use of capital reserve funds for these specific financing agreements.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (CACR 29) would remove language from New Hampshire's constitution stating that rules created by the Supreme Court "have the force and effect of law." Currently, such rules are treated as legally binding, but the amendment would prevent the Supreme Court from issuing rules with that legal authority. The change would affect how court procedures and administrative rules are enforced, shifting authority away from judicial rulemaking. If approved, it would require voters to decide on this constitutional change in the 2026 election.

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 1427 restricts municipalities, counties, and school districts in New Hampshire from issuing bonds except for declared emergencies, repairs to critical infrastructure (like water systems or public safety facilities), securing matching federal funds, or voter approval through a majority vote. The bill prohibits most bond issuance after January 1, 2027, with a temporary 4-year transition period (until 2031) allowing limited bonds under strict budget caps. Violations would make bonds voidable by taxpayers, with courts able to award legal fees to successful plaintiffs. This directly affects local governments’ ability to finance projects without meeting these specific criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 1671 prohibits New Hampshire Medicaid-funded healthcare facilities from discriminating against employees, students, or trainees who have valid medical or religious vaccine exemptions. Specifically, it bans facilities from firing, threatening, or otherwise punishing these individuals for exercising their lawful exemptions. If the Department of Health and Human Services finds a violation, it must withhold Medicaid payments to the facility and may suspend or terminate the facility from the Medicaid program. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1520 redefines "citizen of New Hampshire" for voting purposes as either a native-born resident or someone who has taken an oath of allegiance to the state. It requires voters to provide proof of New Hampshire citizenship (such as a birth certificate, New Hampshire citizenship card, or sworn oath) and U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) when registering to vote. The bill also mandates that the secretary of state issue New Hampshire citizenship cards to eligible residents who qualify as native-born or through oath of allegiance. This legislation establishes new verification steps for voter registration in New Hampshire, clarifying state citizenship requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1811 repeals all state-mandated vaccination requirements for children in New Hampshire, removing legal obligations for schools and childcare agencies to require immunizations or maintain related records. The bill eliminates provisions for religious and medical exemptions, attendance rules during outbreaks, and reporting requirements to health authorities. It replaces mandatory vaccination with advisory recommendations from health officials, stating schools and agencies cannot deny enrollment based on vaccination status. This directly affects parents, schools, childcare providers, and public health officials by ending the state’s enforcement of childhood immunization rules. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.