Rep. Sayra DeVito

Maddy summaryHB 1299 permits public and private entities in New Hampshire to separate individuals by biological sex in three specific settings: multi-user facilities (like bathrooms and locker rooms), athletic competitions where biological males typically have a competitive advantage, and correctional or treatment facilities. The bill defines "biological sex" as the sex listed on an individual’s birth certificate issued near birth. It explicitly states that these sex-based separations do not constitute discrimination under state law. The bill amends New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination statute (RSA 354-A) to create these limited exceptions, affecting how facilities and events are operated in those contexts.

Maddy summaryHB 1217 permits public and private entities to separate individuals by biological sex in two specific situations: multi-user bathrooms/locker rooms and athletic competitions where biological males typically have physical advantages (like strength or speed). It defines "biological sex" as male or female and states that such separation does not count as discrimination under New Hampshire law. The bill makes this classification optional - entities are not required to implement it. This change modifies New Hampshire's anti-discrimination law to explicitly allow these limited sex-based classifications.

Maddy summaryHB 1447 requires New Hampshire public facilities (including restrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping quarters) and private entities to separate access based on biological sex as defined by birth certificate. The bill defines "biological sex" as male or female based on sex listed on an individual's birth certificate issued at or near birth, and specifies that "woman," "girl," "man," and "boy" refer to these categories for facility access. It explicitly states that such sex-based separation policies do not constitute discrimination under state law. The law applies to all state political subdivisions and private businesses operating in New Hampshire.

Maddy summaryHB 1286 allows dentists to treat patients who decline recommended x-rays, provided the treatment doesn't violate dental standards of care. Dentists must obtain a signed waiver from patients acknowledging they waive the right to sue if injury occurs due to missing x-rays. The bill protects dentists from license penalties or disciplinary action when following this process. It amends New Hampshire's dental practice law to clarify these procedures and takes effect 60 days after passage. This directly affects dentists and patients in clinical decisions about x-ray requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1196 repeals New Hampshire's Housing Champion Designation and Grant Program, which provided financial incentives and recognition to municipalities for adopting housing-friendly policies. The bill ends the state's authority to issue new grants or designations under this program, affecting participating municipalities and the Department of Business and Economic Affairs that administered it. Existing contracts (worth approximately $2.6 million) will be honored until June 2027, but no new funding or recognition will be provided after the bill's effective date. The repeal also eliminates the Housing Champion Program Fund and the associated advisory committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1117, the "Health Care Provider Free Speech and Innovation Act," protects licensed health care providers (such as doctors, nurses, and therapists) from disciplinary action, sanctions, or legal liability when discussing medical information, emerging therapies, or off-label treatments with patients, colleagues, or the public. This protection applies only if the communication is made in good faith and not knowingly false or misleading. The bill also prohibits retaliation from licensing boards, employers, or insurers for such communications and allows providers to recommend innovative therapies with patient consent, provided they are not legally prohibited. It does not require insurers or employers to cover non-standard treatments but aims to accelerate the adoption of medical innovations by safeguarding open dialogue. The law directly affects health care providers and their ability to share evolving medical knowledge without fear of punishment.

Maddy summaryHB 1699 allows individuals to carry certain firearms (like loaded rifles, shotguns, or crossbows) on boats operating at "no-wake speed" or "not exceeding 1.5 times headway speed," which are defined as slow-moving vessels. This change directly affects boat operators and passengers using mechanically propelled boats or towed boats at low speeds. The bill modifies existing law (RSA 207:7) by creating an exception to the general prohibition on carrying firearms on such boats when moving slowly. It does not change the definition of "loaded" or apply to law enforcement officers. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 1045 clarifies rules for using artificial lights during nighttime hunting and outdoor activities in New Hampshire. It prohibits using lights (other than normal vehicle headlights and incidental lights like reversing lights during typical driving) to locate or take wildlife between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. Exceptions include agricultural work (e.g., protecting livestock), utility operations, and using lights solely for navigation or property inspection without targeting wildlife. The bill does not change existing nighttime hunting bans but provides clearer guidelines to prevent accidental violations. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

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 summaryThis constitutional amendment (CACR 10) would require any bill establishing or increasing a state tax to pass with at least two-thirds of members present and voting in both legislative chambers. Currently, tax bills only need a majority vote to pass. If approved by voters in November 2026, this change would apply to all state tax legislation originating in the House of Representatives. The amendment would raise the voting threshold for tax bills from majority to supermajority, affecting how legislators vote on tax policy.