Rep. Shane Sirois

Maddy summaryHB 1322 reestablishes a Judicial Conduct Commission to investigate complaints about judges and clerks (including court staff like clerks of court and registrars) and recommend to the legislature whether impeachment or removal actions are warranted. The commission will operate concurrently with the New Hampshire Supreme Court’s existing disciplinary authority, meaning it does not replace the court’s power to discipline judges but provides a structured process for handling complaints. Key provisions include defining "judge" and "clerk" broadly, establishing an executive director to manage operations, and ensuring recommendations align with constitutional separation of powers. This bill restores a mechanism for judicial accountability that was lost after the previous commission was repealed in 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 1002 repeals the property tax exemption for solar energy systems, meaning homeowners and businesses with solar installations will no longer be excluded from taxable property assessments. The bill removes specific tax code provisions (RSA 72:62 and related sections) that previously allowed solar systems to be valued separately for tax purposes. Starting April 1, 2027, solar energy systems will be included in standard property tax valuations, requiring owners to pay taxes on these systems as part of their property assessment. This change directly affects property owners who currently benefit from the exemption, shifting their tax obligation to align with standard property valuation practices.

Maddy summaryHR 38 authorizes the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee to investigate whether there is cause to impeach a New Hampshire Supreme Court justice, following recent criminal charges against Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi. The committee may subpoena witnesses and documents to gather evidence related to the justice's conduct, including past legal actions and pleas. It must report its findings and recommendations to the full House of Representatives. This resolution is a procedural step based on constitutional impeachment standards, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 489 requires election officials to list a voter's address as the first column on voter checklists, instead of other information. This change directly affects local election supervisors who prepare and distribute these checklists for use at polling places. The bill amends state law to specify that the initial column must be the voter's address, alphabetized by street name, while maintaining other required fields like name and party affiliation. It does not alter voter eligibility, voting procedures, or other election rules. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1376 prevents courts and child welfare agencies from considering a parent's decision to raise a child consistent with their biological sex as child abuse, endangerment, or a basis for negative legal actions. The bill specifically removes such parenting practices - like using a child's biological sex for pronouns or medical decisions - from definitions of "abused child," "endangering child welfare," and "best interests of the child" determinations. It also prohibits adoption agencies and courts from treating a parent's refusal to support gender transition or their choice to raise a child according to biological sex as grounds for denying adoption, removing a child, or terminating parental rights. The law applies directly to parents, guardians, child-placing agencies, and courts handling family law matters.

Maddy summaryHB 1279 modifies New Hampshire's self-defense law to clarify when physical force can be used against someone committing a felony. It specifies that force is justified if a person reasonably believes another is "likely to use any unlawful force in the commission of a felony" against them or a third person within their vehicle, dwelling, or immediate property (curtilage). The bill expands the legal standard by focusing on the likelihood of a felony occurring, not just an immediate threat. This change directly affects individuals defending themselves or others in their home, car, or nearby property during potential felony crimes. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1365 limits the information that New Hampshire license applications for carrying a loaded pistol or revolver can request. The bill requires that application forms only collect details included in the state's December 2009 form (DSSP 85), banning questions about employment, employer address, personal references, or consent to disclose medical, psychiatric, or other personal records beyond that standard. This affects all applicants seeking such licenses and the cities/towns processing applications, ensuring forms don’t demand unnecessary disclosures. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and aims to restrict data collection to what was legally required in 2009.

Maddy summarySB 534 requires campaign committees supporting constitutional amendments or local ballot questions to certify under penalty of perjury that no foreign national funded their activities or influenced decisions. It mandates that committees return foreign contributions within 10 business days and disgorge funds if violations are found, with committee leaders held personally liable. The bill also prohibits foreign nationals from directing or soliciting contributions for these campaigns. These rules apply to all committees and independent spenders involved in covered ballot measures, with records maintained for four years and certifications published online.

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 summaryHB 1515 repeals the child care grant program that provided recruitment and retention grants to New Hampshire child care employers through the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill removes the $7.5 million annual appropriation (from federal TANF funds) that was intended to support these grants, though the program was already unworkable due to federal restrictions. This change directly affects child care providers who previously could have accessed these grants. The repeal has no fiscal impact as the program could not operate under federal guidelines, and no new funding or changes to services are enacted.