Sen. Keith Murphy

Maddy summarySB 283 changes how local governments calculate floor-area-ratio (FAR) under building ordinances. FAR determines the maximum building size allowed on a lot relative to the lot size. This bill directly affects developers, property owners, and local planning departments by altering the calculation method used in zoning decisions. It takes effect on September 30, 2025, after being signed by the governor on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 26 allows homebuyers or developers to access part of an escrow deposit before closing to pay for specific construction customizations, such as upgrades or modifications. The Department of Justice must approve each request for these funds. This applies to projects where buyers or builders have paid a deposit held in escrow for custom features. The law became effective on August 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 87 modifies liquor licensing rules by allowing one-day temporary licenses for events (like festivals or fundraisers) and permits salons and barber shops to apply for on-premise alcohol licenses. This directly affects event organizers and these specific businesses, which previously could not serve alcohol on-site. The bill takes effect on September 30, 2025, for most provisions, with a specific section (RSA 178:21 IV) becoming effective August 1, 2026. These changes simplify temporary licensing and expand eligibility for alcohol service in new business settings.

Maddy summarySB 287 requires voters applying for absentee ballots in New Hampshire to verify their identity by submitting a copy of their photo ID meeting state requirements (RSA 659:13), providing a notarized signature, or presenting the ID in person to the clerk. This directly affects all voters seeking absentee ballots, ensuring they provide proof of identity before receiving a ballot. The bill mandates that no absentee ballot may be issued without one of these verification methods being satisfied. Signed into law on August 1, 2025, it takes effect September 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 361 prohibits school districts from requiring students or staff to wear face masks as a condition of attending school. The law directly affects public and charter schools across the state by removing mandatory mask policies, though it does not prevent voluntary mask use. Key provisions ban school boards from adopting rules that mandate mask-wearing in classrooms or school facilities. The bill became law when Governor Ayotte signed it on July 15, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025. It does not address other health measures or mask requirements for specific health conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 457 modifies zoning laws to reduce restrictions on multi-unit dwelling structures in areas previously limited to single-family homes. It directly affects homeowners, developers, and local municipalities by permitting duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in zones that previously banned them. The key provision requires local governments to allow these housing types without requiring special permits or rezoning applications. This policy change aims to increase housing options in communities by expanding allowable residential structures within existing zoning categories. The bill became law on July 22, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 577 modifies the legal definition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which are secondary housing units like backyard cottages or converted garages on residential properties. The bill became law on July 1, 2025, after being signed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025. The provided context does not specify the exact changes to the definition or the key mechanisms of the bill. Therefore, no concrete policy changes or affected parties can be detailed from the available information. This summary is limited to the bill's title and status, as the context lacks specifics about the definition modifications.

Maddy summaryHB 85 allows student respiratory therapists to work temporarily in healthcare settings under specific supervision rules. It requires direct supervision by a licensed practitioner for the first two months after obtaining a temporary license, after which general supervision is sufficient. The bill limits students' scope of practice to tasks they've documented as competent in, following state rules. This law, effective September 13, 2025, directly affects student respiratory therapists seeking practical experience while under licensed oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 626 requires New Hampshire's Secretary of State to create a public program within 180 days for security researchers and the public to report vulnerabilities in election systems. The program must follow guidelines from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and work with the state's cybersecurity advisory committee. It directly affects election system security by establishing a formal process for disclosing flaws, aiming to improve election integrity. The bill became law on July 15, 2025, after passing the legislature and receiving the governor's signature.