Rep. Kelley Potenza

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a New Hampshire Legal Tender Act that would allow gold and silver bullion, along with digital representations of these metals, to be used as legal tender for private debts and state taxes. It establishes a state-run bullion depository to securely store these metals and permits individuals and businesses to hold accounts for storing, transferring, and exchanging bullion without incurring tax liabilities on exchanges or sales. The legislation also allows taxpayers to report income in a functional currency of their choice, such as gold or silver, and requires the state to maintain detailed records of all depository transactions for at least seven years. However, the bill was ultimately not recommended for future legislation during a 2024 interim study, indicating it did not advance to become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for digital asset mining businesses in New Hampshire, allowing them to operate in areas zoned for industrial use. It prevents local governments from imposing specific restrictions on mining operations that do not also apply to data centers, such as unique noise limits or discriminatory utility rates. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that individuals mining at home are not classified as money transmitters and ensures mining businesses retain their right to appeal zoning changes. The bill also prohibits local authorities from rezoning areas specifically to discourage mining activities or from creating special rate schedules that target these businesses.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution declares that New Hampshire's government operates under an express trust defined by the state constitution, arguing that only powers explicitly written in the document are granted to officials. The bill seeks to restrict absentee voting to only those physically absent from their town or suffering from a physical disability, while also mandating that absentee ballots be marked in the presence of an authorized official to ensure witness standards match those for in-person voting. Additionally, the measure aims to eliminate electronic voting machines and requires that ballot counting be supervised by selectmen to guarantee human eyewitnesses are present during the process. Although the House passed this resolution, an interim study committee reviewed it and ultimately did not recommend it for future legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 1706, known as the Circumcision Transparency Act, would require health care providers in New Hampshire to obtain written informed consent from parents before performing a non-therapeutic circumcision on a child under 18. The bill mandates that providers use a specific consent form detailing the procedure's risks, lack of proven medical benefits, and available alternatives, while also prohibiting solicitation or coercion of parents. Additionally, the law would require two parental signatures for the procedure, provide an educational guide for parents who choose not to circumcise, and mandate that consent forms be retained for 25 years. Although the bill includes provisions to protect religious ceremonies and allow for tissue donation opt-ins, it was ultimately not recommended for future legislation by the state committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1683, titled the Children's Body Autonomy Act, would have restricted coverage of circumcision under New Hampshire's Medicaid plan to cases deemed medically necessary. The bill defines specific medical conditions for newborns and minors that would qualify for coverage, such as recurrent urinary tract infections, certain congenital anomalies, and specific infections or obstructions. Additionally, it requires health care providers to obtain pre-authorization before performing any covered circumcision. Although the bill included definitions for health care providers and children, it did not become law as it died on the table when the legislative session ended in October 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have prevented school districts and public schools from enforcing rules that require students or visitors to wear face coverings, such as masks, while on school property. It allows schools to keep mandatory mask policies only if they are needed for specific sports, science safety, or individualized health plans for students with disabilities. The law would have taken effect 60 days after being passed, but it was ultimately vetoed by the governor and did not become law.