Rep. Jack Flanagan

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 summaryHB 1109 requires state agencies to provide suspended state employees with written notice of the suspension reasons within 7 days and periodic updates on investigation status every 90 days until a final decision is made. It directly affects state employees suspended with pay, excluding those covered by collective bargaining agreements. The bill establishes clear timelines for communication during investigations to ensure transparency. This policy change applies to all state employee investigations handled under the Department of Administrative Services, effective 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1043 allows employers to create their own pay policies for employees who report to work at the employer's request, making the existing statutory minimum pay requirement (2 hours' pay at regular rate) apply only if the employer has no alternative policy. It directly affects most private-sector employees who report to work, excluding county/municipal employees and ski resort instructors who receive equivalent alternative compensation. The bill does not change the minimum pay standard but gives employers flexibility to set higher or different policies that meet or exceed the baseline. Employers who make a good-faith effort to notify employees not to report to work are not liable for pay under this section. The bill amends RSA 275:43-a and takes effect 60 days after passage.

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 1110 clarifies and updates New Hampshire's Real Estate Practice Act to affect real estate licensees, including active brokers, salespersons, and those on inactive status. It specifies that educational requirements (like the 60 credit hours for licensure and 3 credit hours for core continuing education) must be measured in credit hours, not hours. The bill removes surety bond requirements for inactive principal or managing brokers, ensures annulled convictions don't trigger disciplinary actions, and expands anti-discrimination rules to cover rental activities alongside sales. These changes streamline licensing rules, reduce burdens for inactive professionals, and clarify enforcement standards.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment would raise the mandatory retirement age for New Hampshire judges from 70 to 75 years. Currently, judges must retire upon reaching age 70, but the change would allow them to serve until age 75. The proposal requires voter approval in the November 2026 general election to take effect, as it amends the state constitution. It directly affects current and future judges who would no longer be required to retire at 70.

Maddy summaryHB 1116 modifies two areas of New Hampshire law. It removes a judge's ability to refuse to testify in criminal cases when they have firsthand knowledge of relevant facts, after a court determines the testimony is material. The bill also requires courts to send written notice of small claims cases to defendants within 10 days of filing, by mail to their last known address, with a 30-day response window. These changes directly affect judges who might be subpoenaed for criminal testimony and defendants in small claims cases. The bill aims to improve transparency in criminal proceedings and streamline small claims litigation.

Maddy summaryHB 1428 standardizes the process for submitting complaints about potential criminal misconduct by state, county, municipal, or local law enforcement officials to the Attorney General's Public Integrity Unit. It requires written complaints (via mail or email) with sufficient factual details, limits anonymous complaints (though confidentiality may be granted if practical), and mandates that all complaints undergo a preliminary review based on whether they show "reasonable suspicion" of criminal conduct. The bill specifies that complaints lacking adequate facts may be returned, and the unit must notify complainants in writing whether an investigation will proceed or if the matter is referred to another agency. This affects anyone filing such complaints, ensuring consistent handling of allegations against law enforcement officials.

Maddy summaryHB 1327 updates the legal definitions of "commercially-zoned land" and "mixed-use" in New Hampshire law. It clarifies that commercially-zoned land refers to areas where commercial use is permitted under local zoning rules, and defines mixed-use development as projects combining residential or other uses within a single building or area approved by a local planning board. These changes directly affect developers seeking approval for projects that blend residential and commercial spaces, requiring planning board review for such developments. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1075 would amend New Hampshire law to include recreational vehicles (RVs) under the definition of "motor vehicle" specifically for new vehicle arbitration proceedings. This change allows consumers who purchase new RVs to use the same dispute resolution process - available for cars and trucks - to address defects or issues with dealers or manufacturers. The bill updates the statute governing these arbitration cases by adding RVs to the list of covered vehicles, without altering how RVs are classified for other purposes like registration or traffic laws. It directly affects RV buyers and dealers by expanding access to a standardized arbitration system for new vehicle disputes.