Rep. Christine Seibert

Maddy summaryHB 1387 repeals a law (RSA 507-D:6) that previously limited legal liability for firearm manufacturers and sellers related to certain firearm design features. This bill removes a legal exemption, meaning manufacturers could potentially face lawsuits if design choices in firearms cause injury or harm. The change directly affects firearm manufacturers and sellers by restoring their potential liability for design-related issues. The bill does not create new safety requirements but alters the existing legal framework governing liability. It is sponsored by multiple legislators and referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1484 establishes a new state minimum wage in New Hampshire, starting at $12.00 per hour on September 1, 2026, and increasing incrementally to $14.00 in 2027, $15.50 in 2028, and $17.00 in 2029. It directly affects employers and workers across the state by requiring that all hourly pay meets the higher of the federal minimum wage or these new state rates. The bill sets specific effective dates for each rate increase, with each new rate replacing the previous one until amended by future legislation. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, with the first rate change beginning September 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 492 authorizes New Hampshire's Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services to lease or license property it owns, directly affecting the department and private entities renting that property. The bill requires lessees (unless tax-exempt) to pay local property taxes on the leased property, similar to private owners, and outlines penalties for nonpayment. It creates a dedicated "Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services Property Fund" to manage revenues from leases, which can be used for purchasing, maintaining, or operating department property and projects. The fund ensures these revenues are kept separate and can cover related expenses like property maintenance, administrative costs, or bond payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 2025 law requiring New Hampshire to sell the Anna Philbrook Center property in Concord by June 2027. The state currently uses the property for adult transitional housing and office space for about 40 state staff. By removing the sales mandate, the bill prevents the state from collecting an expected $5 million in revenue from the sale while avoiding $75,000-$90,000 in costs related to preparing the property for sale and relocating equipment. The repeal keeps the property under state management without changing its current operational use.

Maddy summaryHB 1172 expands New Hampshire's definition of "sexual assault counselor" to explicitly include National Guard sexual assault prevention and response personnel, such as coordinators and victim advocates. This change grants these military and civilian staff the same confidentiality protections already provided to other sexual assault counselors under state law, based on military rules of evidence. The bill, requested by the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services, amends RSA 173-C:1 to include these personnel in the existing legal framework for confidential communications. It takes effect on July 1, 2026, directly affecting National Guard staff who support sexual assault victims.

Maddy summaryHB 1609 prohibits New Hampshire state, county, and municipal governments from using public funds or property to build, operate, or pay for immigrant detention facilities, particularly those managed by private companies. It bans spending on construction, renovation, repurposing public property for detention, selling public property for such use, and making payments to private detention operators. The bill does not affect existing 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities or the provision of health and safety services to detained individuals. Counties may face potential revenue losses if they stop cooperating with federal immigration programs, but municipalities are not expected to have financial impacts.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding New Hampshire House resolution expresses support for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and urges U.S. action. It calls on the U.S. government to increase diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid, and coordination with international partners like the UN and African Union to address ongoing conflict, displacement, and humanitarian needs in the DRC. The resolution specifically requests regular congressional reporting on progress toward stability. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new funding or legal obligations but reinforces New Hampshire's stance on international engagement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the first Friday in June as a state day of remembrance for children in New Hampshire killed by gun violence. It directs the state to observe a moment of silence, fly flags at half-staff, and create a permanent memorial in the state house displaying the names of affected children. The resolution also urges Congress to establish a national day of remembrance with a similar memorial in the U.S. Capitol. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws but formalizes commemorative practices for grieving families and communities.

Maddy summaryHB 1519 changes the mandatory retirement age for New Hampshire's Adjutant General and Deputy Adjutant General from 65 to 64 years. It also modifies the Adjutant General's term of office to end after 6 years or upon reaching age 64 (previously ending only at age 65). The bill does not alter existing service requirements (e.g., 5 years in the National Guard) or rank qualifications (colonel for Adjutant General, major for Deputy). These changes directly affect the state's top military leadership positions within the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 requires all firearm owners in New Hampshire to securely store firearms when not in use to prevent unauthorized access by minors or prohibited individuals. The bill mandates that firearms be kept in locked containers, equipped with approved safety devices (like trigger locks or lockboxes), or stored via personalized firearm safety features. It also expands criminal penalties for negligent storage and requires safety devices to accompany all private and commercial firearm transactions. This applies to all firearm owners, including private sellers and licensed dealers, but excludes antique firearms. The law aims to reduce incidents of firearms falling into unauthorized hands, particularly minors.