Rep. Russ Muirhead

Maddy summaryHB 1604 requires towns and cities to make suitable public facilities - such as schools, town halls, and fire stations - available as polling places for all elections when requested by local election officials (selectmen or ward officers). The bill specifies that facilities must meet size and accessibility standards under existing law and must remain accessible to voters while allowing normal operations like education or emergency services to continue. Municipalities would cover reasonable costs for custodial services, utilities, and security related to the polling place use, unless otherwise agreed. This change aims to expand polling location options without imposing new requirements on voters or election processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1695 requires the secretary of state to include a voter's guide on the ballot for constitutional amendments, explaining the consequences of voting "yes" or "no." The guide must state what happens if the amendment passes (e.g., new law takes effect) or fails (e.g., current law remains). It mandates the guide be printed directly below the amendment question on the ballot, or distributed with the ballot if it would require an extra page. This applies to all constitutional amendments proposed by the legislature or constitutional convention, ensuring voters receive clear, objective information before casting their vote.

Maddy summaryHB 1277 requires absentee ballot applicants in New Hampshire to include their New Hampshire driver's license number or nondriver's identification number on their application form. This change directly affects voters requesting absentee ballots, as it adds a new field (line 35-36) to the standard application. The bill amends RSA 657:4 to mandate this identification detail be provided when submitting an absentee ballot request. It does not alter eligibility rules but adds a verification step for absentee ballot applications.

Maddy summaryHB 1411 requires New Hampshire's state treasurer to withhold payments owed to the federal government if the state loses federal aid due to a presidential executive order or the federal government violates a court order requiring aid release. The bill mandates the treasurer to calculate the lost aid amount, withhold corresponding state payments (up to that amount), and hold them in escrow until the federal aid is restored. This directly affects the state treasurer's payment obligations to the federal government and applies only when federal aid is unlawfully withheld. The bill does not create new programs or costs, as confirmed by its fiscal note showing $0 impact. It aims to safeguard state resources by linking withheld state payments to restored federal aid.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 requires political committees exempt from federal taxation under IRS sections 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) to disclose their donors' identities in financial reports. This directly affects these tax-exempt political committees, which previously could avoid disclosing donors. The bill amends state law to eliminate their current exemption from donor disclosure, replacing it with a mandatory requirement. It removes the prior option for such committees to avoid disclosure by using a voter notice disclaimer.

Maddy summaryHB 1838 creates a "voter-owned elections fund" and commission to provide public funding for qualifying candidates, while raising vehicle registration fees to fund it. The bill increases vanity plate fees from $60 to $65 and adds a $1 annual fee for all private passenger vehicles. The new commission will manage the fund and provide financial support to candidates who file a registration affidavit and meet specific spending thresholds during election cycles. This directly affects vehicle owners through higher registration costs and candidates who qualify under the new public financing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1083 requires individuals or organizations making large independent political expenditures to disclose the original source of the funds. Specifically, it applies to those spending over $500,000 supporting/opposing a gubernatorial candidate or over $50,000 total for other state offices (executive council, state senate, or state representative). These entities must file an itemized report with the Secretary of State listing each original contributor's name and address. The bill targets transparency in campaign finance by revealing who ultimately funds significant election-related spending. It does not change existing contribution limits but mandates disclosure for high-value independent expenditures.

Maddy summaryHB 385 modifies voter ID requirements by replacing the previous "challenged voter affidavit" process with new procedures. It allows voters without photo ID to cast ballots by signing an affidavit, but now requires the poll clerk to take a 2x2 inch photo of the voter (unless religious objections apply, using an existing exemption process). Voters must receive an explanation of ID rules, and election systems must log when voters use this affidavit option instead of presenting ID. The bill directly affects voters who lack photo ID at polling places, particularly those with religious objections to photography. It removes the prior "affidavit ballot" system and adds specific photo documentation steps to the voting process.

Maddy summaryHB 363 establishes six specific criteria that New Hampshire legislators must follow when redrawing state legislative districts. The bill requires districts to comply with federal and state constitutions, be based on total population, maintain geographic integrity of communities, and consider "communities of interest" (like shared cultural or economic ties) without favoring political parties or racial groups. It explicitly prohibits plans that intentionally favor or disfavor any political party, incumbent, or racial/ethnic group. This bill directly affects how New Hampshire's state senate and house districts are drawn, ensuring the process prioritizes fairness and legal compliance over partisan or demographic manipulation.