Rep. Michael Granger

Maddy summaryHB 1048 repeals the general prohibition on possessing or selling blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles for adults, while maintaining a ban on these items for people under 18. The bill specifically makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to carry these weapons and prohibits selling them to minors. This change allows adults to possess and sell these weapons to other adults, but continues to prohibit minors from having them or being sold to them. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would grant New Hampshire adults aged 21 and older the right to possess a modest amount of cannabis for personal consumption. If approved by voters in November 2026, it would amend the state constitution to explicitly protect this right, replacing current laws that lack such a provision. The amendment specifically covers personal possession and consumption, not cultivation, sales, or public use. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in the referendum to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1704, the "Public Employee Choice Act," would allow most state and local government workers in New Hampshire to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions directly with their employers without union representation. It specifically exempts law enforcement officers, firefighters (with specific certification requirements), emergency medical personnel, and corrections officers, who would remain under existing collective bargaining rules. The bill defines "independent bargaining" as direct negotiation and prohibits employers from forcing eligible employees to use a union. Violations of these new rights would be subject to penalties under the law.

Maddy summaryHB 1313 repeals New Hampshire's current law (RSA 132:37-40) that prohibited people from entering or remaining on public sidewalks adjacent to reproductive health care facilities. This directly affects individuals and groups seeking to engage in free speech activities - such as handing out literature or speaking - near clinic entrances. The key provision removes the buffer zone restriction, allowing people to approach sidewalks without legal penalty. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and has no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 1490 requires scholarship organizations (which manage education freedom accounts) to provide parents with a written explanation of their obligation to notify school districts in writing when ending a home education program. This applies specifically to parents using scholarship programs for home education under New Hampshire law. The bill adds a new requirement for scholarship organizations to ensure parents understand this termination notice duty, which is currently mandated by law but not clearly explained to families. The change aims to clarify parental responsibilities without altering the underlying notice requirement.

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 1041 repeals a law that previously prohibited car manufacturers from operating dealerships in the same market areas as their franchised dealers. This change allows manufacturers to directly own and operate dealerships competing with franchise dealers in the same geographic regions. The bill directly affects car manufacturers, existing franchise dealers, and consumers who purchase vehicles in New Hampshire. It takes effect on June 30, 2026, removing a long-standing restriction on manufacturer dealership operations.

Maddy summaryCACR 24 proposes adding a constitutional right for parents and legal guardians to direct their children's education in New Hampshire. If approved by voters in 2026, it would insert a new Article 2-c into the state constitution stating this right cannot be violated. The amendment requires a 2/3 vote in favor at the 2026 general election to take effect. It directly affects parents/guardians by establishing a constitutional basis for their authority over educational decisions, without specifying curriculum or school policies. This is a procedural constitutional amendment requiring voter approval, not an immediate law.

Maddy summaryHB 1106 requires New Hampshire candidates for public office to publicly disclose whether they hold citizenship in any country other than the United States. Candidates must declare this information under oath or affirmation to the Secretary of State, including details like the specific country, basis for citizenship, date acquired (if known), and other relevant facts. This disclosure will be made publicly available, increasing transparency for voters. The bill does not change the existing requirement that candidates must be U.S. citizens (by birth or naturalization) but mandates this additional transparency measure regarding dual citizenship.

Maddy summaryHB 1473 prevents New Hampshire towns and cities from adopting zoning rules that restrict land used for agricultural fairs, specifically targeting properties owned by corporations dedicated to promoting agricultural skills. It directly affects local governments (municipalities and counties) and fairground operators by blocking zoning restrictions on these sites. The bill adds language clarifying that agricultural fairs, along with agritourism and farming, are traditional land uses that shouldn’t be unreasonably limited by zoning. It requires local authorities to recognize these activities as fundamental to New Hampshire’s economy and environment, rather than imposing new restrictions. The law takes effect upon passage with minimal fiscal impact, as noted in the bill’s analysis.