Rep. Susan Almy

Maddy summaryHB 1787 modifies New Hampshire's statewide education property tax system by requiring all tax revenues to be collected by local officials and deposited directly into the state education trust fund, rather than being handled by municipalities. It updates the low- and moderate-income homeowners property tax relief program and establishes a committee to study this program's effectiveness. The bill also mandates that tax bills include clear information about available relief programs, including the low-income homeowner program. These changes affect homeowners (particularly those eligible for tax relief) and ensure education funding flows through a centralized state trust fund for grants and tax relief payments. The tax rate is set to generate $378 million annually, increasing by 2% each year.

Maddy summaryHB 1500 establishes a 17-member commission to study and develop procedures for managing state government shutdowns. The commission includes legislative leaders, executive branch officials (like the treasurer and attorney general), union representatives, and business groups, with specific roles for key state departments. It must identify essential services, review employee pay rules and budget impacts, and propose legal frameworks to maintain public safety during shutdowns. The commission must submit an interim report by November 2026 and a final report by November 2027 to state leaders. This bill directly affects how New Hampshire state government would operate during a shutdown, focusing on continuity of essential services and employee protections.

Maddy summaryHB 1409 changes how video lottery terminal (VLT) revenue is distributed after covering administrative costs. It shifts the allocation from the current 75% to the General Fund and 25% to the Education Trust Fund (ETF) to 100% to the ETF. This directly affects public schools by increasing funding through the Education Trust Fund, which supports public school aid. The bill modifies RSA 287-J:6 to require all remaining VLT revenue (after costs) to flow entirely to the ETF, eliminating General Fund deposits. The fiscal note confirms this would decrease General Fund revenue (e.g., ~$45M in FY2026) while increasing ETF revenue.

Maddy summaryHB 1624 eliminates three state special funds: the radiation long-term care fund, mosquito control fund, and New Hampshire recovery monument special account. It repeals the legal references establishing these funds and transfers the remaining balance from the recovery monument account to the alcohol abuse prevention and treatment fund. The bill has a minor fiscal impact, costing less than $10,000 annually through 2029. This procedural bill directly affects state fund management by redirecting unused balances to a related public health fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1296 raises the income and asset thresholds for New Hampshire's elderly property tax exemption, directly affecting residents aged 65+ who own their homes. It increases the maximum allowable annual income for single seniors from $13,400 to $23,300 (and for married couples from $20,400 to $35,500), while raising the asset limit from $35,000 to $60,900. The bill also requires annual adjustments to these thresholds based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index, starting in 2026. Municipalities must apply these updated minimums automatically, though they may set higher limits if desired.

Maddy summaryHB 1579 establishes a legislative committee to study potential revenue sources for increasing education funding in New Hampshire. The committee, composed of 10 members (four from each legislative party with revenue expertise, plus two Senate appointees), will analyze options like new taxes or modified existing ones to boost education aid while reducing property taxes. It must examine factors including revenue reliability, implementation costs, economic impacts on businesses, and effects on different income groups and housing types. The committee is prohibited from recommending specific options and must report findings by November 1, 2026, to state leaders. This bill creates a study process only, with no immediate policy changes or funding allocations.

Maddy summaryHB 1343 allows condominium associations' governing bodies (like boards of directors) to hold meetings remotely or in hybrid formats, including via video or phone. It explicitly states that electronic participation counts toward quorum requirements, meaning meetings can proceed if enough members join online. The bill requires associations to provide access information for remote attendees and ensure they can hear proceedings and ask questions. It also permits electronic voting on association matters, with results counted using standard ballot procedures. This change directly affects condo associations and their unit owners by modernizing meeting protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 1682 establishes registration fees for small battery-operated vehicles used on public roads in New Hampshire. It charges $20 annually for municipal on-road use (vehicles under 400 lbs) and $30 for public road use (401-1,000 lbs), with fees paid to the owner's municipality or deposited in the highway fund. The bill exempts motorized electric vehicles used exclusively off-road from registration requirements. It also requires the Department of Safety to report annual fee revenue to transportation committees. This affects owners of small electric scooters, bikes, or similar devices operating on public roads.

Maddy summaryHB 1799 defines what constitutes a "constitutionally adequate education" in New Hampshire, requiring the state to fund specific resources to ensure all students have access to quality education regardless of location. The bill mandates funding for key staff (teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses), instructional materials, technology, facilities maintenance, and transportation starting in 2026. It directs school districts and the state to develop plans addressing educational outcome disparities between districts. This directly affects public school districts and the state's education budget, shifting responsibility to cover these defined costs rather than relying solely on local property taxes.

Maddy summaryThis New Hampshire House resolution urges Congress to rescind President Trump's tariffs by terminating the national emergency declared on April 2, 2025, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). It argues these tariffs have raised costs for essential goods like food, fuel, and housing in New Hampshire while threatening 182,000 jobs tied to international trade. The resolution specifically targets the emergency declaration enabling the tariffs, which the state claims disproportionately impact residents and businesses relying on imports from Canada (e.g., $2 billion annually in goods). It does not create new law but formally requests federal action.