Rep. Jonah Wheeler

Maddy summaryHB 1675 establishes a commission to investigate the New Hampshire Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (NH Coalition) for potential violations of its nonprofit status, including alleged misuse of funds, improper lobbying, and conflicts of interest. The commission will examine specific claims such as discrepancies between the coalition's financial reports and activities, undue influence on officials, and discrimination against male victims. The bill also requires that state funding for the coalition be limited solely to direct services materially benefiting survivors of sexual and domestic assault, while removing the coalition's membership on state commissions. These provisions aim to ensure accountability and align funding with the coalition's stated mission.

Maddy summaryThis bill (CACR 22) proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the fixed annual compensation for New Hampshire legislators. It removes the current $250 per elected term for presiding officers and $200 per term for all other legislators from the state constitution. The amendment would eliminate these specific payment amounts, replacing them with a system that only provides mileage for actual attendance on legislative days (with limits on days and timing). If approved by voters in 2026, this change would take effect, ending the fixed stipends for all state legislators.

Maddy summaryHB 1612 prohibits landlords from using price-fixing websites, algorithms, or software to set rental prices, making such use a violation of New Hampshire's Consumer Protection Act. It directly affects landlords who employ these tools, requiring them to stop using such software or face enforcement actions. The bill establishes a process where tenants or others can file complaints with the Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Bureau, which must investigate these claims. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and would require one additional attorney position at an estimated annual cost of $72,000 starting in 2027, though no funding is provided in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1573 allows New Hampshire public and charter school students to have absences excused for attending civic events (like government meetings or community hearings) or career/technical education (CTE) events (such as FFA, SkillsUSA, or DECA competitions). Schools must excuse up to two absences per 45-day period for these activities, requiring parental notice at least two school days in advance (except for election days) and proof of attendance. The bill also directs the state board of education to develop rules for awarding alternative academic credit toward graduation requirements for participation in these events. This applies specifically to students in grades K-12 at public and charter schools.

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 1091 requires New Hampshire towns and cities to offer nonmonetary penalties (such as community service) as an alternative to fines for violations of local rules prohibiting sleeping or camping outdoors. It directly affects individuals cited under municipal ordinances for outdoor sleeping or camping, replacing the current option of only financial penalties. The bill mandates that towns must include this nonmonetary penalty choice in their enforcement of such ordinances, while still allowing fines as an option. This change applies to all relevant local rules and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1494 increases the maximum allowable amounts for three optional local tax credits in New Hampshire: the veterans' credit ($750 → $1,000), combat service credit ($500 → $750), and surviving spouse credit ($2,000 → $2,500). These credits directly affect eligible veterans, active-duty service members in combat roles, and surviving spouses of service members killed in action. Municipalities must adopt the updated credit amounts (replacing the standard credits), and the surviving spouse credit now covers all property types (real and personal) in the resident's municipality. The changes take effect April 1, 2027, with no requirement for local re-adoption.

Maddy summaryHB 1544 prohibits the use of scented products in public areas of state buildings across New Hampshire. It requires state agencies to use only fragrance-free cleaning products, provide fragrance-free items in restrooms and hygiene areas, and ban fragrance dispensing devices (like air fresheners) in all state buildings open to the public. The bill directly affects state employees, building maintenance staff, and visitors with sensitivities to scents, such as those with asthma or allergies. It cites medical evidence supporting this change, aligning with the American Medical Association’s recommendations. The law takes effect 60 days after passage, with full compliance required within one year.

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 1633 requires health care providers, law enforcement, and other designated entities to provide sexual assault survivors with clear, written information about their existing rights regarding medical examinations and evidence preservation. The bill defines "sexual assault survivor" broadly to include individuals reporting non-penetrative assault, attempted rape (even without legal terminology), and deceased victims. It mandates the attorney general to post a simplified summary online detailing evidence collection timelines, preservation periods (up to 20 years or the statute of limitations), and survivors' right to request extended preservation of evidence kits. This ensures consistent, accessible information without creating new rights, focusing on transparency in how evidence is handled.