Rep. Wayne Burton

Maddy summaryHB 1781 would allow New Hampshire parents to voluntarily agree to pay for their child's college or post-secondary education through a court-approved agreement. Without such an agreement, child support obligations would end when the child graduates high school, as current law does not require parents to cover college costs. If parents create a written agreement (approved by a court), support could continue until the child graduates or turns 22, whichever occurs first. The bill does not mandate parental payments but provides a legal framework for those who choose to extend support beyond high school. This change applies to new agreements starting January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1412 requires all public schools, public charter schools, and public academies in New Hampshire to display both a U.S. flag and a New Hampshire state flag outside each school building, with specific size requirements (5 feet long, 31 inches wide). Private schools must also display a U.S. flag but may opt out of these requirements for religious or political reasons if approved by their governing board. The bill permits local school boards to accept donations for purchasing flags and related equipment and mandates that flags be displayed prominently on separate staffs of equal height or with the U.S. flag above the state flag. It applies to all public school buildings and includes new provisions for public charter schools and academies.

Maddy summaryHB 1456 repeals a specific legal statement (RSA 2025, 141:389) in New Hampshire law that declared the legislature's authority over public education. This bill removes the legislative declaration itself but does not change how public education is governed, funded, or managed. It directly affects the statutory text of the law by eliminating this declaration, with no new policies or requirements added. The repeal takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage, as specified in the text. This is a procedural change to the law, not a substantive shift in education policy.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the New Hampshire legislature to fully fund K-12 public education at the level determined by the state Supreme Court in the Claremont series of rulings. It specifically references the court's 1993 and 1997 decisions, which established that the legislature must define, cost, fund, and ensure accountability for an adequate education. The resolution calls on the legislature to comply with the court's most recent findings regarding education funding requirements. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 1791 directs New Hampshire's Department of Education to create a competitive grant program for public colleges and universities. The program provides funding to institutions that develop comprehensive support services for students with developmental disabilities, ensuring equal access to academic courses, campus life, and employment opportunities. To qualify, institutions must offer peer mentoring, remove unnecessary admission barriers (like requiring high school diplomas or specific college entrance exams), and provide monthly progress coaching. The bill appropriates state funds to support this initiative, aiming to expand inclusive higher education options for this population.

Maddy summaryHB 1525 requires New Hampshire municipalities to permit at least two unrelated people per bedroom in single-family homes located within areas zoned for multi-family residential use. This change applies specifically to single-family dwellings on individual lots in multi-family zones, without altering state building or fire safety codes. The bill defines a "bedroom" as any room primarily intended for sleeping, even if used for other purposes, and clarifies that local regulations cannot override this occupancy standard. It directly affects homeowners, renters, and local governments by expanding housing flexibility in designated multi-family zones.

Maddy summaryHB 1596 raises New Hampshire's cigarette and little cigar tax from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack of 20, increasing revenue for state funds. It appropriates $18 million annually to New Hampshire's university system to restore higher education funding to 2024 levels. The bill also stops collecting premiums for two health programs: the Children's Health Insurance Program and the NH Granite Advantage health care program. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, with tobacco tax revenue funding the university appropriation and education trust fund.