Rep. Karen Hegner

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 1814 establishes a 10-year statewide strategic housing and infrastructure plan (SHIP) that requires the governor to develop and update the plan every two years. The plan must identify housing needs, incorporate regional infrastructure projects, and include public input through hearings in each executive council district. It directly affects state agencies (like the Department of Business and Economic Affairs), municipalities (which must update master plans every 10 years), and regional planning organizations. The bill also expands the Council on Housing Stability’s membership to include regional planning representatives and housing advocates, ensuring broader input into housing strategy.

Maddy summaryHB 1786 imposes a semi-annual state assessment on residential properties valued over $1 million that are not used as a primary residence (luxury second homes), directly affecting owners of such properties. The revenue generated funds statewide housing development programs, including $15 million for workforce training in building trades and municipal grants for housing production. Key provisions include creating a dedicated fund for demolishing vacant buildings, expanding tax credits for housing infrastructure, and establishing a commission to study state financing for housing. The bill aims to address New Hampshire's housing shortage by leveraging new revenue to support affordable housing construction and workforce development.

Maddy summaryHB 1726 requires New Hampshire state agencies to identify surplus property suitable for affordable housing development and make it available to qualified developers at below-market rates. The bill mandates that at least 20% of housing units developed on such property must remain affordable to low- and moderate-income households for a minimum of 20 years, with legal restrictions ensuring this use. It also prioritizes municipal grant funding for communities collaborating with state agencies on identifying and rezoning eligible land. The bill does not provide new state funding but allows agencies to retain proceeds from property sales for one additional budget cycle. This directly affects state agencies, qualified housing developers, and low-to-moderate-income households seeking affordable housing.

Maddy summaryHB 1112 requires residential lease agreements to explicitly state who is responsible for snow and ice removal. It sets the default rule: landlords must handle common areas (like driveways and walkways used by multiple tenants) unless the lease specifically assigns this duty to the tenant. Tenants may only agree in writing to handle snow removal for specific areas, and this agreement must be voluntary and included in the lease. The law applies to all new or renewed residential leases starting January 1, 2027. It does not override local ordinances about public sidewalks.

Maddy summaryHB 1665 would amend New Hampshire's Administrative Procedure Act to grant all parties in administrative hearings (such as regulatory or licensing cases) equal authority to subpoena witnesses and documents. This change directly affects individuals, businesses, and organizations participating in state agency proceedings by giving them the same subpoena powers currently available to government agencies under RSA 516:2-516:4. The bill requires administrative hearings to follow the same subpoena rules as court proceedings, ensuring consistent evidence-gathering procedures. It takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not alter substantive policies but standardizes procedural rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits elected officials from publicly sharing a constituent's personal information online with the intent to harass, threaten, or incite violence. It defines "personal information" broadly to include addresses, phone numbers, social media profiles, photos, and online identifiers. Violators face misdemeanor penalties of up to $500 or one year in jail, and constituents can request removal of their information by providing evidence of an immediate safety threat. The law applies to state and local elected officials and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1414 allows dogs to be present year-round in all New Hampshire state parks when under the owner's control. Dogs must be leashed to a maximum of 6 feet or reliably controlled through other approved methods. The bill prohibits blanket park-wide dog bans, restricting access only in specific areas like swimming zones, beaches during peak seasons, environmentally sensitive sites, or temporary events (e.g., Mount Sunapee arts festival). It takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to follow these rules without overriding them with conflicting policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1783 creates new benefits for community-based water and wastewater treatment projects that enable residential construction on smaller lot sizes. The Department of Environmental Services will determine if projects qualify, and qualifying projects may receive priority for housing grants, preferred financing rates from the municipal bond bank, or expedited approvals. These benefits apply specifically to innovative regional water/wastewater systems that reduce minimum lot size requirements for homes, as defined under existing law. The bill does not provide new state funding for these benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 1456 repeals a specific legal statement (RSA 2025, 141:389) in New Hampshire law that declared the legislature's authority over public education. This bill removes the legislative declaration itself but does not change how public education is governed, funded, or managed. It directly affects the statutory text of the law by eliminating this declaration, with no new policies or requirements added. The repeal takes effect immediately upon the bill's passage, as specified in the text. This is a procedural change to the law, not a substantive shift in education policy.