Rep. Luz Bay

Maddy summaryHB 1387 repeals a law (RSA 507-D:6) that previously limited legal liability for firearm manufacturers and sellers related to certain firearm design features. This bill removes a legal exemption, meaning manufacturers could potentially face lawsuits if design choices in firearms cause injury or harm. The change directly affects firearm manufacturers and sellers by restoring their potential liability for design-related issues. The bill does not create new safety requirements but alters the existing legal framework governing liability. It is sponsored by multiple legislators and referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1118 increases the threshold for daily remittance of funds to municipal treasurers from $500 or $1,500 to $3,500. This affects town officers, including tax collectors and town clerks, who must remit collected funds to the treasurer. The bill reduces the frequency of required daily remittances by raising the amount that triggers this requirement, allowing weekly remittance for smaller sums. It becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1695 requires the secretary of state to include a voter's guide on the ballot for constitutional amendments, explaining the consequences of voting "yes" or "no." The guide must state what happens if the amendment passes (e.g., new law takes effect) or fails (e.g., current law remains). It mandates the guide be printed directly below the amendment question on the ballot, or distributed with the ballot if it would require an extra page. This applies to all constitutional amendments proposed by the legislature or constitutional convention, ensuring voters receive clear, objective information before casting their vote.

Maddy summaryHB 1609 prohibits New Hampshire state, county, and municipal governments from using public funds or property to build, operate, or pay for immigrant detention facilities, particularly those managed by private companies. It bans spending on construction, renovation, repurposing public property for detention, selling public property for such use, and making payments to private detention operators. The bill does not affect existing 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities or the provision of health and safety services to detained individuals. Counties may face potential revenue losses if they stop cooperating with federal immigration programs, but municipalities are not expected to have financial impacts.

Maddy summarySB 554 repeals a law that previously shielded firearm manufacturers from lawsuits related to specific design features of guns. This change directly affects firearm manufacturers by removing their legal protection for certain product designs, making them potentially liable for related claims. The bill does not create new regulations but eliminates an existing exemption in state law (RSA 507-D:6). It takes effect 60 days after enactment. The bill focuses solely on removing this liability limitation without altering other firearm regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1277 requires absentee ballot applicants in New Hampshire to include their New Hampshire driver's license number or nondriver's identification number on their application form. This change directly affects voters requesting absentee ballots, as it adds a new field (line 35-36) to the standard application. The bill amends RSA 657:4 to mandate this identification detail be provided when submitting an absentee ballot request. It does not alter eligibility rules but adds a verification step for absentee ballot applications.

Maddy summaryHB 1411 requires New Hampshire's state treasurer to withhold payments owed to the federal government if the state loses federal aid due to a presidential executive order or the federal government violates a court order requiring aid release. The bill mandates the treasurer to calculate the lost aid amount, withhold corresponding state payments (up to that amount), and hold them in escrow until the federal aid is restored. This directly affects the state treasurer's payment obligations to the federal government and applies only when federal aid is unlawfully withheld. The bill does not create new programs or costs, as confirmed by its fiscal note showing $0 impact. It aims to safeguard state resources by linking withheld state payments to restored federal aid.

Maddy summaryHB 1391 establishes a 9-member commission to study implementing a single ballot primary election in New Hampshire. The commission includes balanced legislative representation (two House members, one from each major party; two Senate members, one from each party), the Secretary of State, and representatives from non-partisan civic groups, local election officials, and municipal associations. The commission will research the feasibility of this system and submit recommendations to state leaders by November 1, 2027. This bill creates a study process only - it does not change current election rules or mandate any specific voting system.

Maddy summaryHB 1642 establishes a new legal process for courts to issue temporary orders restricting access to firearms for individuals deemed to pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. Eligible petitioners - including family or household members, intimate partners, or law enforcement officers - must file a court petition with a sworn affidavit detailing specific safety concerns, such as recent threats or dangerous behavior involving firearms. The court may issue an initial temporary order without the person at risk being present, followed by a prompt hearing where they can respond. The order requires the individual to surrender firearms and ammunition and remains in effect until the court decides otherwise, prioritizing public safety while ensuring due process.

Maddy summarySB 555 creates "critical risk protection orders" to temporarily restrict access to firearms when someone poses an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. It allows family members, household members, intimate partners, or law enforcement to petition a court for this order, requiring the respondent to surrender firearms and ammunition. The court can issue an emergency order without the respondent's immediate presence, followed by a hearing within 72 hours. This applies only to acute risk situations and excludes cases already covered under domestic violence laws (RSA 173-B or 633:3-a).