Rep. Michael Granger

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a New Hampshire House resolution (not a law) that formally reaffirms support for the Second Amendment and New Hampshire's state constitutional right to bear arms. It specifically urges Congress and the President to stop potential federal restrictions on firearm ownership based on characteristics like sexual orientation or religion, referencing reports of internal DOJ discussions about such rules. The resolution also calls for advancing the SHORT Act to address existing constitutional infringements, though it has no legal force and serves as a symbolic statement to federal leaders.

Maddy summaryHB 1769 prohibits publicly funded medical facilities (including state-funded hospitals and clinics) from referring patients for abortions, except in medical emergencies or when referring to a pregnancy resource center (a nonprofit facility offering counseling/support but not abortion services). The bill requires these facilities to submit compliance affidavits and allows taxpayers or affected mothers/family members to sue the facility or state for violations. It also voids contracts with organizations that violate the referral ban. This law directly affects state-funded healthcare providers and creates new legal avenues for challenging abortion referrals. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1244 adds a new exception to New Hampshire's criminal threatening law, protecting individuals who display a firearm or other self-defense means to warn away someone committing criminal trespass (violating RSA 635:2) if the trespasser's actions reasonably threaten property damage, serious bodily injury, or death. It directly affects property owners or occupants responding to trespassers who pose an immediate threat. The key provision clarifies that such defensive actions - intended to deter the trespasser - will not constitute criminal threatening under RSA 631:4. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, with no estimated state or local fiscal impact.

Maddy summaryHB 1564 removes the phrase "gender identity" from multiple New Hampshire statutes that currently include it as a protected characteristic in discrimination laws. This affects provisions related to equal employment (RSA 21-I:42), classified employment protections (RSA 21-I:52), cable TV service access (RSA 53-C:3-g), hate crime reporting (RSA 106-B:14-c), police training (RSA 106-L:2), racial profiling definitions (RSA 106-O:1), and mental health services (RSA 135-C:13). The bill deletes all instances of "gender identity" except in RSA 332-M:2, III-a. It does not create new policies but eliminates existing language from these statutes. The direct effect is removing gender identity as a specified protected category in these legal provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1392 removes a requirement that municipal governing bodies or budget committees provide written recommendations on warrant articles (budget items) appearing on town meeting ballots. Currently, local governments must include notations stating whether the governing body or budget committee supports or opposes specific budget proposals. This bill eliminates that requirement, meaning towns will no longer need to include such written recommendations on ballots for budget-related votes. The change directly affects all New Hampshire municipalities that use warrant articles for budget approvals, streamlining the ballot information without altering the voting process itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a current law that prohibits possessing ferrets while hunting or traveling to/from hunting. It would allow hunters in New Hampshire to legally use ferrets for hunting, which is currently banned under RSA 207:6. The change takes effect January 1, 2027, removing the existing restriction on ferret possession during hunting activities. The bill specifically targets the prohibition in state law, making no other changes to hunting regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1165 removes the "X" or "other" gender designation option from all New Hampshire state-issued identification cards and driver's licenses. The bill amends multiple sections of state law (RSA 260:21, 260:21-a, 263:5, 263:40, 263:90, and 263:91) to delete the bracketed phrase "or 'X' for 'other,'" leaving only "M" for male or "F" for female. This change directly affects all New Hampshire residents applying for or renewing state IDs, including transgender and non-binary individuals who previously used the "X" option. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1350 expands the definition of "antique" motor vehicles to include all vehicles (including trucks, motorcycles, farm tractors, and retired fire apparatus) over 25 years old, regardless of type, use, or maintenance condition. It removes previous restrictions on daily or commercial use and eliminates requirements that vehicles must be kept in original/restored condition or used only for exhibitions or parades. The bill repeals the existing antique vehicle exemption law (RSA 266:33) and allows any qualifying vehicle to receive antique registration. This change affects approximately 75,000 vehicles currently registered under standard plates, shifting them to a lower-fee antique classification ($6/year vs. $42-$66/year), which would reduce annual state highway fund revenue by $2.7-$4.5 million.

Maddy summaryHB 1087 allows private citizens in New Hampshire to make arrests for specific crimes they witness or have reasonable belief about, directly affecting anyone who might witness a crime. It permits arrests for felonies seen in person, misdemeanors involving a breach of peace seen in person, or felonies with probable cause, but prohibits entering homes for misdemeanor arrests and requires using only reasonable force. The bill mandates that arrestors immediately notify police, inform the person being arrested, and release them to law enforcement without delay. It grants legal immunity for good-faith arrests meeting these conditions, but not for gross negligence or reckless actions, while directing the Department of Safety to educate the public about the rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1825 establishes an independent legal licensing board to regulate the practice of law in New Hampshire, replacing the previous system. The board, with 12 members appointed by the Supreme Court, governor, and legislature, will oversee licensing and set standards for legal practice, including defining "practice of law" to include representation, document preparation, and legal advice. The bill allows any member of the public to take the bar exam without educational or professional prerequisites, though passing it does not grant the right to practice law - it only provides a credential for academic or employment use. The board will issue certificates for exam passage and manage licensing under new rules, with members serving staggered terms and receiving per diem compensation. This bill directly affects aspiring lawyers, current attorneys, and the public seeking legal credentials.