Sen. Bill Gannon

Maddy summaryHB 1401 expands the definition of "scholarship organization" for New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) to include for-profit entities approved by the Department of Education. This change directly affects families using EFAs, as it allows for-profit organizations - not just non-profits - to administer and implement the program. The key provision amends RSA 194-F:1 by adding "a qualified entity approved by the department of education" to the definition of eligible scholarship organizations. The bill does not alter eligibility for EFA funds but changes who can manage the scholarship distribution process. It takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill harmonizes New Hampshire's criminal code and the Fetal Life Protection Act by setting the gestational age limit for abortion restrictions at 20 weeks instead of 24 weeks. It amends the homicide statute to exempt pregnancy terminations performed before 20 weeks and updates the Fetal Life Protection Act to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks (except in medical emergencies or for fatal fetal abnormalities). Health care providers performing abortions after 20 weeks without meeting these conditions would face class B felony charges. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, correcting an inconsistency between existing statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 1032 modifies New Hampshire's right-to-know law to allow individuals with disabilities or those caring for a disabled household member to participate in public meetings remotely without affecting quorum requirements. The bill adds a specific exception stating that such individuals, when unable to attend in person due to disability (as defined by the ADA) or caregiving responsibilities, may join meetings virtually and still count as "in person" for establishing a quorum. This change ensures their participation does not disrupt meeting legality or decision-making processes. The policy directly affects disabled residents and their caregivers who face barriers to physical attendance at public meetings. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 506 directs New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to implement federal work and community engagement requirements for Medicaid eligibility under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025." It requires the state to submit a plan to CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) by December 2026, after legislative review, and mandates quarterly reports to lawmakers on implementation progress. The bill suspends existing state law provisions related to these requirements while federal rules are in effect, with automatic reinstatement if federal rules end. It does not provide new state funding or create positions, aligning state Medicaid operations with federal guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 1163 requires New Hampshire's Secretary of State to create and maintain a uniform system for managing all election records, including both paper and electronic documents. The system must capture every record, use consistent naming and indexing, track record movement for accountability, and allow efficient search and retrieval by authorized users (including citizens, as legally permitted). It also mandates documenting record creation dates, updates, purpose, authorization, and required training. The bill does not provide funding, with an estimated one-time cost of $200,000 to $500,000 for system modifications, to be covered by the General Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1778 bars public schools in New Hampshire from teaching any approach that prioritizes personal identity factors (like race, gender, or sexual orientation) over individual merit in curriculum or policies. It requires school districts to create policies banning DEI-related curriculum, trainings, and programs, while prohibiting staff or students from being required to declare gender identity or pronouns. The law also mandates schools to promote equal opportunities for all students regardless of identity, with violations subject to civil action or educator disciplinary measures. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not provide new state funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide domestic violence program within the judicial branch to improve handling of civil domestic violence cases. It requires judges and court staff to complete specialized training on domestic violence dynamics, lethality assessment, and victim safety, and mandates law enforcement to use a standardized lethality assessment form in suspected cases. The bill also allows victims to submit safety affidavits when filing family court petitions, updates stalking laws to include installing electronic devices on a person as a stalking offense, and expands annulment eligibility for violent crimes while requiring courts to notify and seek input from victims before granting annulment. These changes directly affect domestic violence victims, law enforcement, courts, and individuals seeking annulment of criminal records.

Maddy summaryHB 1055 requires school boards and charter school boards to create annual policies prohibiting student cell phone and personal communication device use during instructional time (from the first bell to dismissal), with exceptions for medical devices, disabilities (as defined in IEPs or 504 plans), or language support needs. The bill grants the state board of education authority to establish rules governing these school policies under RSA 541-A. It directly affects all public and charter schools, students, and school administrators by mandating specific device-use restrictions and requiring collaboration with parents and teachers in policy development. The law aims to standardize device policies while ensuring accommodations for students with documented medical, disability, or language learning needs.

Maddy summaryHB 480 is a procedural bill directing the Judiciary Committee to complete its study on restoring competency to stand trial for criminal defendants. It requires the committee to submit any additional recommendations by July 1, 2025, following their November 2024 report. The bill does not change existing laws or directly affect defendants, courts, or legal procedures. It solely sets a deadline for the committee’s final recommendations to legislative leaders. This is a study-related measure, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySB 436 updates rules for zoning board members in New Hampshire by requiring recusal whenever a member’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned. This replaces the previous standard with a broader conflict of interest rule, specifically including cases where a member previously participated in similar decisions as a voting member of another board. The bill directly affects local zoning board members who may face conflicts of interest in specific land-use cases. The key change ensures boards avoid decisions where a member’s prior involvement could undermine public trust in the process.