Sen. Dan Innis

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 summarySB 291 expands New Hampshire's property tax exemption for religious organizations to include convents, monasteries, and their associated lands and buildings. It allows these properties - owned, used, and occupied directly for religious training or worship by recognized religious groups - to qualify for the exemption, aligning them with existing church and parish properties. The bill specifically covers properties leased for pastor housing allowances and personal property used for religious purposes. This change directly affects religious institutions operating convents or monasteries in New Hampshire that meet the state's incorporation and recognition requirements. The law became effective July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on August 1, 2025.

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 225 requires New Hampshire employers with 50+ employees at a single location to reemploy military spouses if their service member is involuntarily deployed. The bill defines "employer" to exclude combined staff under common ownership and allows employers to refuse reemployment only if circumstances make it impossible or unreasonable, per federal guidelines (20 C.F.R. § 1002.139). This directly affects military spouses in New Hampshire who face job loss due to their partner's deployment. The law creates a clear framework for employer obligations while providing a specific exception tied to federal standards. It takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 309 requires landlords to allow tenants to pay rent via paper check or other non-electronic methods if they prefer, making electronic rent payments optional. It directly affects renters who wish to avoid digital payment systems and landlords who must accommodate this choice. The bill amends security deposit regulations to clarify that violations of this payment option rule (e.g., forcing electronic payments) are not covered under standard security deposit protections. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, after being signed by the governor.

Maddy summarySB 40 updates requirements for safe boater education certificates in the state. It requires all boaters to hold a certificate valid for 10 years, replacing the previous 5-year standard. The bill affects anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft who needs this certification. Key changes take effect starting September 13, 2025, for new certificates and January 1, 2026, for renewals.