Sen. Victoria Sullivan

Maddy summarySB 300 makes it a crime to create explicit images or videos involving minors. It directly affects individuals who produce such content, imposing criminal penalties for this specific act. The law prohibits the creation of "child intimate visual representations" and establishes legal consequences for violators. Signed into law (Chapter 0259) and effective January 1, 2026, it focuses on preventing the production of this material.

Maddy summaryHB 148 would permit state agencies and public entities to classify individuals based on biological sex in specific contexts, such as access to certain public services or facilities. It directly affects individuals interacting with state programs where sex-based distinctions are currently used, like healthcare services or gender-segregated spaces. The bill establishes a legal framework allowing such classifications without requiring additional justification, shifting from existing policies that may have prioritized gender identity. The bill passed both chambers in May 2025 but was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025, preventing it from becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 115 provided temporary funding to cover ongoing expenses and existing financial commitments for the New Hampshire state government. It directly affected state agencies and programs requiring immediate budget support to operate. The bill's key mechanism was allocating short-term funds to prevent service disruptions during the budget process. The bill was passed by both chambers in June 2025 but was vetoed by Governor Ayotte on July 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 138 requires towns and cities to clearly state "multi-year tax impact" in warrant articles when a proposed tax measure affects budgets across multiple years. This applies directly to local governments preparing town meeting ballots, ensuring voters understand if a tax vote will impact future budgets. The key provision mandates adding this specific notation to warrant articles, making the long-term financial effect transparent. The bill was signed into law by Governor Ayotte on July 1, 2025, and takes effect August 30, 2025. It does not change tax rates or policies, only the required disclosure language for multi-year tax proposals.

Maddy summarySB 292 revises New Hampshire's funding formula for special education costs, providing state aid to school districts when their special education expenses exceed 3.5 times the state's average per-pupil cost for the prior school year. Districts are responsible for costs up to 3.5 times the average plus 20% of additional costs (capped at 10 times the average), with the state covering the rest through automatic entitlement. The bill allocates $250,000 annually for emergency aid to small districts (under 1,000 residents) facing financial harm from special education costs, and specifies that unused emergency funds must support broader special education cost increases. It takes effect August 24, 2025, and is funded from the state education trust fund.

Maddy summarySB 262 increases penalties for trafficking individuals under 18 years old by reclassifying the offense as a felony instead of a misdemeanor. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of trafficking minors, imposing stricter criminal consequences. The key provision raises the maximum penalty for this crime, enhancing legal accountability for traffickers. The bill was signed into law on June 24, 2025, and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 235 allows New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department to use federal Pitman-Robertson conservation funds specifically for protecting threatened and endangered species, and permits the department to collect donations at approved sites without needing governor or council approval. It establishes that donation funds must go into the Fish and Game Fund and can only be used for conservation, restoration, management, or educational efforts related to fish, game, and wildlife. The bill directly affects the Fish and Game Department by expanding its funding sources and flexibility for species conservation programs. Key mechanisms include setting up donation collection points through the executive director's approval and explicitly restricting fund use to conservation purposes. The bill was signed into law on June 24, 2025, and takes effect August 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 96 requires New Hampshire school employees (like teachers) to respond in writing to parent inquiries about their child within 5 school days, answering completely and honestly where permitted by law. School districts may withhold information only if disclosure could cause abuse, neglect, or abandonment (with written documentation), but must otherwise provide full responses. This directly affects parents seeking information about their child’s education and school staff who must follow these communication rules. Violations would be treated as breaches of educator conduct standards. The bill is currently pending in committee.

Maddy summarySB 72 establishes a "Parental Bill of Rights" in New Hampshire law, directly affecting parents of minors (under 18) and public schools. The bill requires schools to provide parents with timely, accurate information about their child's education, health, discipline policies, and assessments, and grants parents specific rights to opt out of health/sex education, surveys, and certain data collection. It prohibits schools or government entities from infringing on parental rights to direct a child's upbringing, education, or health care without demonstrating a compelling state interest and using the least restrictive means. The law aims to clarify parental authority while setting specific disclosure requirements for schools.