Rep. Jeremy Slottje

Maddy summaryHB 1587 requires police body-worn camera footage to be disclosed under New Hampshire's public records law (right-to-know law), ending an existing exemption. It mandates that police departments respond to public requests for footage within 5 business days and remove private details like Social Security numbers, addresses, or images of minors before release. The bill repeals a prior exemption (RSA 91-A:5, X) that kept body camera videos from public access. This policy change applies to all law enforcement agencies in the state starting January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 445 changes the process for enforcing air pollution permits by requiring hearings before suspending permits and establishing a tiered fine system based on violation severity (ranging from $100 to $4,000). It affects businesses holding air pollution permits and the Department of Environmental Services, clarifying when hearings are needed and how fines are calculated. The bill replaces vague references to "hearings" with specific legal procedures under RSA 541-A and RSA 21-O:11. This modifies administrative enforcement without altering environmental standards or permit requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1698 clarifies that New Hampshire law does not require individuals to obtain, create, maintain, or display electronic credentials (such as mobile driver's licenses), nor does it compel businesses to accept them. The bill amends two sections of state law (RSA 263-A:5 and 263-A:3) by adding explicit language stating that no person or business may be forced to use or accept electronic credentials. It directly affects drivers who might receive electronic IDs and businesses that could previously have been required to accept them. The bill ensures existing authority for the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue electronic credentials remains voluntary for users and adopters.

Maddy summarySB 494 updates New Hampshire's state fire code to reference the 2024 editions of NFPA standards for life safety and fire prevention. It requires fire departments to report all incidents to the state fire marshal within 10 days, with fatal fires or carbon monoxide releases needing immediate reporting and a 48-hour investigation. The bill adds new duties for the state fire marshal, including authority to charge fees for electrical and mechanical safety inspections (per Saf-C 8100) and to assist with local inspections when requested. This affects fire departments, property owners, contractors, and local authorities by clarifying reporting timelines, investigation protocols, and inspection fee structures.

Maddy summaryHB 1631 requires the New Hampshire Attorney General to publish a detailed annual report on the state's property forfeiture activities within 120 days after each fiscal year ends. The report must include specific data for each seizure, such as the law enforcement agency involved, date and location, type and value of property (excluding contraband like drugs), related criminal case details, and outcomes (e.g., conviction or dismissal). Law enforcement agencies must provide this information in disaggregated form to the Attorney General's office. The bill directly affects the Attorney General's office (which must compile and publish the report) and local law enforcement agencies (which must supply the data). This expands reporting requirements beyond current law to increase transparency about how seized property is handled.

Maddy summaryHB 1211 changes how courts review state agency rules and interpretations. It requires courts to interpret laws and agency guidance "from scratch" instead of accepting agency explanations at face value. When uncertain, courts must resolve doubts by limiting agency power and prioritizing individual liberty. This directly affects state courts, agencies, and anyone challenging or being challenged by agency actions under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1126 repeals the requirement that professionals must hold a certification to perform residential mold assessments in New Hampshire. This directly affects mold assessment professionals who previously needed certification under RSA 310-A:189-b. The bill directs the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to remove related administrative rules and submit a report to the legislature by January 1, 2027, on whether further changes are needed. The repeal takes effect 60 days after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1340 requires New Hampshire state agencies to review all occupational regulations (such as rules, fees, or tests for entering a profession) to ensure they are strictly necessary for public health, safety, or welfare. It mandates agencies to justify each regulation's purpose within one year and repeal or modify those that don't meet this standard, with a follow-up report due 15 months after enactment. The bill explicitly excludes occupational licenses (like professional certifications) from its scope but defines "occupational regulations" broadly to include any barrier to entering a profession. It also allows individuals to petition agencies to revise or remove non-compliant regulations within 90 days. This directly affects state agencies managing professional rules and the businesses/professionals subject to those rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1619 establishes new protections for property owners by prohibiting rent controls, limiting municipal zoning authority to basic health/safety needs, and requiring prompt permit processing. It repeals the InvestNH Program (which provided grants for affordable housing) and the New Hampshire Housing Champion designation. The bill prohibits government takings for private development without just compensation and bans municipal subsidies for specific housing types. These changes directly affect property owners, municipalities, and housing developers by reducing government regulation in housing markets.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 24) urges New Hampshire's congressional delegation to sponsor federal legislation renaming Little Haystack Mountain in the White Mountains to "Mt. Kościuszko." It specifically requests support for honoring Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish patriot who fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War. The resolution also encourages the governor to consider state-level actions to support the renaming. This is a symbolic gesture to recognize Kościuszko's historical contributions and celebrate Polish-American heritage, not a law that changes any existing policy or naming.