Rep. Marjorie Smith

Maddy summaryHB 621 allows birth mothers to choose not to share specific information from their birth worksheet with state agencies. The bill directly affects individuals who have given birth and are interacting with state services related to their birth records. It provides a mechanism for birth mothers to withhold certain details contained in the worksheet, though the exact information covered is not specified in the title. This change modifies how state agencies may access or use that particular documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 611 proposed requiring indigent criminal defendants (those who cannot afford a lawyer) to repay court-appointed attorneys after their cases concluded. The bill aimed to establish a formal repayment mechanism for legal services provided to low-income defendants in criminal cases. However, the committee voted 25-0 on October 30, 2025, to deem the bill "Inexpedient to Legislate," meaning it was rejected and did not advance further. The bill remains inactive as it was not enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 111 extends the term of New Hampshire's right-to-know ombudsman by two years and creates a clear exemption for individuals who provide free assistance in preparing public records complaints. Specifically, it states that people helping others with these complaints without charging any fee cannot be considered practicing law without a license under state law. The bill also clarifies that the ombudsman cannot award reimbursement for attorney fees when resolving such complaints. This directly affects the ombudsman's office, public records requesters, and volunteers or community members who assist others with complaint preparation at no cost.

Maddy summaryHB 265 requires all public bodies to include the start and end times of meetings and the printed name of the recording secretary in their official meeting minutes. This applies directly to municipal, county, and state agencies that hold public meetings. The bill mandates these specific details be documented in every meeting record, effective August 22, 2025, after passing both legislative chambers and receiving the governor's signature on June 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 754 requires schools to automatically share relevant evidence (like student records or evaluation reports) during due process hearings where parents or students challenge special education services. This directly affects parents, students with disabilities, and school districts by making the hearing process fairer and faster, eliminating the need to formally request documents. The bill changes the standard procedure so schools must proactively provide evidence without a separate request from the other party. It applies to disputes over Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or educational services under state special education law.

Maddy summaryHB 753 creates a faster timeline for due process hearings related to special education disputes. It requires school districts to schedule these hearings within 30 days of a request, instead of the previous longer process. This directly affects students with disabilities and their parents or guardians who are seeking to enforce educational rights under federal law. The bill became law on June 2, 2025, and takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 66 amends the state's Right to Know law, specifically addressing appeals of ombudsman rulings related to public record disclosures. The bill removes the provision that exempted citizen-initiated appeals to the superior court from filing fees or surcharges, meaning these appeals would now incur such costs. It also outlines procedures for these appeals, including a 30-day filing window and the requirement for the superior court to consider the ombudsman's ruling. Public bodies or agencies would be responsible for sheriff's service costs if they decline service.

Maddy summaryHB 195 establishes new protections for personal information held by third-party service providers (such as phone companies, banks, social media platforms, and internet providers). It requires these companies to obtain explicit, affirmative consent from users before disclosing non-public personal information (like names, SSNs, location data, or biometrics), except in specific circumstances like emergencies, crime prevention, legal requests, or to provide a requested service. The bill defines "personal information" broadly and mandates clear, separate consent procedures requiring users to actively "opt in" rather than passively accepting terms. This directly affects how companies collect and share user data, aiming to strengthen privacy expectations for individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 402 amends state law to clarify that funds deposited in Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) are not considered taxable income for parents or students at the state level. The bill directly affects families using EFA programs by removing state tax liability on these education payments. It specifies that while state taxation does not apply, federal taxation may still apply to EFA funds. This change modifies RSA 194-F:2, VI to explicitly state that EFA funds are exempt from state income tax.