Rep. Heath Howard

Maddy summaryHB 380 aimed to adjust penalties for criminal violations related to the therapeutic (medical) use of cannabis. It would have modified sentencing for offenses involving medical cannabis under state law. However, the bill was tabled on May 8, 2025, after a committee voted "inexpedient to legislate" (3-2), meaning it was not advanced further. As a result, no policy changes were enacted, and current penalties for medical cannabis violations remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 301 would allow operators of New Hampshire's alternative treatment centers (ATCs) to establish an additional greenhouse for cultivating medical cannabis, subject to department rules and local zoning laws. This directly affects ATC operators by expanding their cultivation capacity while requiring the department to seek input from qualifying medical cannabis patients, caregivers, and local residents before approving new locations. The bill mandates that any new greenhouse must comply with all existing state regulations and local zoning requirements. It does not change the types of facilities permitted or alter patient access rules.

Maddy summaryHB 465, titled "relative to the housing opportunity zone program," does not have its specific provisions described in the provided context. The bill was referred to committee, underwent hearings, and was ultimately reported as "Inexpedient to Legislate" (16-0 vote) on September 23, 2025. No details about its policy changes, affected parties, or mechanisms are included in the available information. As the context lacks substantive bill text or summary, a factual description of its content cannot be provided.

Maddy summaryHB 464 prohibits specific candidates for political office from participating in counting ballots during elections. The bill directly affects candidates who fall under the defined prohibited category (though the exact criteria are not detailed in the provided context). Its key provision is a clear restriction on these candidates' roles in the ballot-counting process, ensuring they cannot be involved in tabulating votes for the office they are seeking. This is a concrete policy change altering election procedures without specifying additional mechanisms or broader implications. The bill became law on August 1, 2025, with effective dates in late 2025 for certain sections.

Maddy summaryHB 631 allows residential buildings to be constructed in areas currently zoned exclusively for commercial use. This change directly affects property owners, developers, and future residents in commercial zones who may now build homes or apartments. The key provision amends zoning rules to permit residential use without requiring separate rezoning for each property. The bill became law on July 15, 2025, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 685 would allow the construction of manufactured housing in all residentially zoned areas without requiring special permits or approvals. This means homeowners and developers could build these homes in neighborhoods where they were previously restricted, as the bill removes the need for individual zoning variances. The key provision eliminates administrative barriers by permitting such construction "by right," streamlining the process. The bill directly affects residents in residential zones and developers seeking to build manufactured housing.

Maddy summaryHB 731 expands housing support options for individuals with developmental disabilities by requiring state agencies to develop and implement a coordinated housing assistance program. This bill directly affects people with developmental disabilities who face barriers to accessing stable, community-based housing. Key provisions include establishing standardized criteria for housing eligibility, increasing funding for supportive housing providers, and creating a state oversight committee to monitor program effectiveness. The bill became law on July 7, 2025, and takes effect September 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 554 clarifies existing rules about where businesses can place advertising signs on state-owned property, such as highways, government buildings, and public rights-of-way. It provides specific guidelines to reduce confusion for businesses and state agencies regarding permitted locations and placement requirements. The bill does not create new restrictions but aims to make current placement rules clearer and more consistent. This directly affects advertising companies and businesses seeking to display signs on state property.