Rep. Glenn Bailey

Maddy summaryHB 1670 defines "organized retail crime" as acting with others to steal merchandise from stores with intent to resell or redistribute it, or knowingly receiving stolen items. It creates new criminal penalties for leaders of such operations, classifying offenses as class A felonies if stolen merchandise totals $2,500 or more (with enhanced penalties at $10,000), and requires courts to order forfeiture of property used in the crime. Key mechanisms include aggregating thefts across multiple stores and counties over 180 days to meet value thresholds, and allowing prosecutions in any county where activity occurred. The bill directly targets individuals involved in coordinated retail theft rings, while preserving existing laws like RSA 629:3 for prosecution.

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 This bill restores a mechanism for judicial accountability that was lost after the previous commission was repealed in 2024.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 1044 requires that vacancies in county commissioner offices be filled by the members of the county convention (or, for Hillsborough County, convention members representing the commissioner's district) through a majority vote. This replaces the previous method described in brackets within the existing law (RSA 661:9, II(a)). The appointed commissioner serves until the next biennial election, and if the vacancy is filled for less than the remaining term, that district is added to the next election ballot. The bill applies to all counties and takes effect 60 days after passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1226 amends New Hampshire law to prohibit the director of the division of motor vehicles from manufacturing, advertising for sale, selling, or possessing fictitious, facsimile, or simulated driver's licenses. This specifically targets the state agency's own actions, removing an existing allowance for the director to handle such items. The bill directly affects the director and the division of motor vehicles by restricting their authority over fake license materials. It takes effect 60 days after passage and does not address general public possession or use of fake IDs.

Maddy summaryHB 1076 allows towns and cities in New Hampshire to decide whether to use electronic ballot counting devices for elections, directly affecting local governments and voters. Municipalities must hold a vote on the issue using specific ballot language approved by the Ballot Law Commission, with voters choosing to authorize or stop using these devices. The law requires local officials to notify the Secretary of State after making this decision, and the use of such devices remains in effect until rescinded by another voter vote. This bill does not mandate electronic counting but gives communities the option to adopt or eliminate it through a formal ballot process.

Maddy summaryHB 1472 changes the process for individuals or educational programs licensed in lead paint poisoning prevention who have had their licenses revoked. It establishes a fixed 2-year waiting period before they can reapply for a license or certificate after receiving the initial revocation notice. This applies specifically to those certified for lead abatement, inspection, or educational services related to lead poisoning prevention. The bill replaces indefinite suspension with a clear timeline for reapplication.

Maddy summaryHB 1450 clarifies and updates rules for residential rental properties with shared common areas like kitchens or bathrooms. It requires written documentation confirming a property is a "shared facility" (where tenants share significant spaces), expands the definition to include renters ("lessees") in designation decisions, and defines "owner" to cover both landlords and renters managing these spaces. The bill specifically applies to standard residential rentals (excluding short-term vacation rentals, hotels, dorms, or institutional housing like shelters). Key changes include making the shared facility status formal in writing and ensuring both renters and landlords have a role in the designation process.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish legislative oversight of New Hampshire's judicial branch. It would create a commission (primarily composed of state legislators) with authority to investigate complaints against judges, hold hearings, recommend disciplinary actions (including censure, suspension, or removal), and publish annual performance reports. The measure directly affects judges and the judicial branch by shifting oversight from the current system (where the judiciary self-regulates, with impeachment as the sole remedy) to legislative authority. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, it would amend the state constitution to grant the general court this new power. The amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote in the election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1639 creates a new process for county-level "petition-initiated special grand juries" that can be activated when 500 qualified voters in a county sign a petition. These grand juries, housed under county sheriffs' offices, would investigate public institutions, detention facilities, financial entities, election/tax administration, and corporate misconduct. Counties would cover all costs for convening these juries and conducting investigations, including audits of public entities receiving taxpayer funds. The bill requires counties to support these juries' operations while granting them authority to inspect facilities, review records, and issue public reports on findings. This directly affects county governments, public agencies, and facilities receiving public funding by establishing a new voter-driven oversight mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 1825 establishes an independent legal licensing board to regulate the practice of law in New Hampshire, replacing the previous system. The board, with 12 members appointed by the Supreme Court, governor, and legislature, will oversee licensing and set standards for legal practice, including defining "practice of law" to include representation, document preparation, and legal advice. The bill allows any member of the public to take the bar exam without educational or professional prerequisites, though passing it does not grant the right to practice law - it only provides a credential for academic or employment use. The board will issue certificates for exam passage and manage licensing under new rules, with members serving staggered terms and receiving per diem compensation. This bill directly affects aspiring lawyers, current attorneys, and the public seeking legal credentials.