Rep. Heath Howard

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 37) is a symbolic statement by the New Hampshire House of Representatives. It recognizes the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and urges the U.S. federal government - specifically the President and New Hampshire's congressional delegation - to implement "responsible and moral oversight" of military aid provided to international allies, with a specific focus on Israel's military operations in Gaza. The resolution cites the humanitarian impact in Gaza (including civilian casualties and infrastructure damage) as context for this call. It does not create new laws or alter funding but formally requests federal action to ensure military aid complies with international law. The resolution directly affects New Hampshire's federal representatives, who are urged to advocate for this oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1188 prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees - defined as those earning an hourly rate of 500% or less of the federal minimum wage - to sign noncompete agreements. It voids any existing noncompete agreements for these workers and limits the duration of any such agreement to a maximum of 12 months. The bill directly affects low-wage workers in New Hampshire, removing legal barriers that previously restricted their ability to change employers. This policy change increases job mobility for workers in low-paying positions by preventing employers from using noncompete clauses to limit their employment options.

Maddy summaryHB 1553 limits landlords to charging no more than 1% of a unit’s monthly rent for pet-related fees, regardless of how many pets a tenant keeps. It bans nonrefundable pet fees entirely, affecting tenants with companion animals and landlords who previously charged such fees. Exceptions include service animals under disability law and charges for actual damage caused by a pet. Tenants can sue landlords who violate these rules and recover damages plus legal costs.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire House Resolution (HR 21) urges the state's congressional delegation - Senators Shaheen and Hassan, and Representatives Pappas and Goodlander - to support federal legislation repealing two military authorization acts: the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and the 2002 AUMF. The resolution does not change law but formally asks these representatives to co-sponsor and advocate for repeal in Congress. It cites that both authorizations have been used for decades beyond their original purposes (targeting al-Qaeda after 9/11 and Saddam Hussein in Iraq), enabling military actions in multiple countries without current congressional review. The resolution emphasizes restoring Congress's constitutional role in declaring war, as these outdated authorizations remain in effect despite their original targets being eliminated.

Maddy summaryHB 1732 requires new multi-unit housing developments (over 6 units) approved on or after January 1, 2027, to reserve 5% of units for residents eligible for federal housing vouchers and design another 5% of units to meet universal accessibility standards. This directly affects developers of new residential projects and impacts residents with disabilities, as well as individuals using federal housing vouchers. The bill mandates compliance monitoring by regional housing authorities and requires the state health department and housing finance agency to create informational resources for developers. It does not provide new state funding but estimates minimal costs for administrative support.

Maddy summaryHB 1024 prohibits the New Hampshire retirement system from investing in businesses owned by the current U.S. president or their immediate family. This directly affects the state's retirement funds, which manage pension investments for public employees. The bill amends investment rules to explicitly ban such investments, adding a new restriction to the retirement system's investment guidelines. The policy change takes effect 60 days after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1707 imposes an additional tax on properties left unoccupied for six or more months annually or used as short-term rentals for that period, requiring owners to pay the full local property taxes owed. It also creates a one-time exemption from the real estate transfer tax for first-time homebuyers with household incomes at or below 100% of the HUD-defined median for their area, who do not own other property. The tax applies to property owners, while the exemption directly benefits qualifying low- and moderate-income homebuyers. The bill takes effect April 1, 2027, with a $300,000 estimated one-time implementation cost.

Maddy summaryHB 1314 allows New Hampshire residents under 18 to obtain a freshwater fishing license without paying a fee. Minors must present proof of age to the Fish and Game Department when applying. The license will be marked as designated by the department and will not require a fee, replacing the previous requirement for a fee that was collected from 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1527 requires all New Hampshire state departments to annually send full-time employees a clear summary of available benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance, mental health services, and other support programs. Departments must use a standardized template created by the Department of Administrative Services to ensure consistent communication. Municipalities and counties may choose to adopt this same practice using the template. The bill does not provide new funding but directs existing agency funds to cover printing and mailing costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 creates a new homestead tax exemption for lower-income homeowners in New Hampshire, directly affecting individuals who own and reside in a single primary residence. To qualify, applicants must have a household income at or below 100% of the median income for a 3-person household in their area (per HUD data), have lived at the property for at least one year prior to April 1, own no more than one property as their primary home, and meet their municipality’s assessed home value limits. Municipalities must hold a vote to adopt the exemption at a town meeting or through their legislative body; it is not automatic. The exemption would take effect on April 1, 2027, and applies only to properties meeting these specific income and residency criteria.