Charles "Chuck" Townsend
Historical Details
Position on Issues
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2016
Voted against prohibiting abortions at or after 20 weeks gestation (HB 1636)
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2014
Voted in favor of allowing physician assisted suicide (HB 1325)
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Was NH right to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving?
"Only hands free cell phone use should be permitted."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
Possible revenue sources: "Limited Sales Tax, LLC Tax, Gasoline Tax, Gambling Winnings Tax, Income Tax, Internet Access Tax (small surcharge could work like the phone Universal Service Charge to spread internet access), Alcoholic Beverage Tax (beverage taxes should be changed to ad valorem rates instead of per gallon, so that craft beers, for example, could be taxed more than Bud), V.A.T. value-added tax"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
Possible revenue sources: "Limited Sales Tax, LLC Tax, Gasoline Tax, Gambling Winnings Tax, Income Tax, Internet Access Tax (small surcharge could work like the phone Universal Service Charge to spread internet access), Alcoholic Beverage Tax (beverage taxes should be changed to ad valorem rates instead of per gallon, so that craft beers, for example, could be taxed more than Bud), V.A.T. value-added tax"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH authorize one or more casinos?
"I am opposed to increased gaming for New Hampshire."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?
"I support the adoption of Common Core standards by the state"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH decriminalize small amounts of marijuana?
"The possession of small quantities of marijuana should not be a crime."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted in favor of 2015 House Bill 572. When residential land is taken through eminent domain for a gas pipeline, HB 572 allows the resident to require the pipeline company to purchase all of the land, not just a part.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?
We need full disclosure of the individuals or entities financing political campaigns and all politically-related advertising."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted to allow qualifying patients and caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home (HB 593)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH provide more funding for charter schools?
"I believe the current level of state funding is adequate."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH increase tolls and/or add new toll booths?
Against adding tolls to I-93 at Mass. border
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH continue to allow medicinal marijuana?
In favor of legalizing medicinal marijuana
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted to consider a minimum wage increase (HB 684)
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2016
Voted against various abortion restrictions in 2016, such as a bill to prohibit abortions based on genetic abnormality (HB 1623)
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Do employees in NH need more legal protections in the workplace?
"Certain areas of our employment laws need to be changed to protect employees: equal pay provisions"
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2014
Voted to repeal the death penalty (HB 1170)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH allow the Northern Pass to proceed with some (not all) of the lines buried?
"I oppose the Northern Pass project in any form."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH continue to use property taxes instead of a new broad-based tax, such as an income tax?
Possible revenue sources: "Limited Sales Tax, LLC Tax, Gasoline Tax, Gambling Winnings Tax, Income Tax, Internet Access Tax (small surcharge could work like the phone Universal Service Charge to spread internet access), Alcoholic Beverage Tax (beverage taxes should be changed to ad valorem rates instead of per gallon, so that craft beers, for example, could be taxed more than Bud), V.A.T. value-added tax"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should New Hampshire continue to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which requires utilities to purchase allowances for every ton of carbon they emit?
"NH should be a full participant in RGGI as originally structured."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH repeal same-sex marriage?
Opposes repeal of the gay marriage law
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require car insurance for some or all drivers?
"I support legislation requiring auto insurance for all registered vehicles."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require labels on some or all genetically modified foods?
"I oppose such legislation because this is a complex area and requires more study."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH require motorcycle helmets?
Against a mandaotry helmet law for motorcyclists
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH require seat belts?
Supports a mandatory seatbelt law for adults
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH pass right-to-work legislation?
"Right to Work legislation will result in lower income to the working person."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted against a bill that would have prohibited state funds for any health care provider that performs abortions, regardless of whether public funds were utilized for that specific service (HB 677).
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
State role in economic growth
"Yes, the state should do more: building infrastructure for transportation and broadband access"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I support legislation that would place some limits on the possession of assault weapons."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH government switch from a pension system to a 401(k)-style retirement plan?
Does not support reform of retirement benefits
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH restrict further wind power development?
"I believe we should move forward with appropriate wind power projects utilizing the present review process. SB 245 will provide efficiency and better management of future decisions and will guarantee a public interest."
Voting Record
HB 1623 (2016)
Prohibits abortion based on genetic abnormality.
HB 1338 (2016)
Allows parents and guardians to opt their students out of the statewide assessment test, and prohibits schools and the state from penalizing students who do not take statewide assessments.
SB 336 (2016)
Removes the phrase "suitable person" from the law governing concealed carry permits, and instead requires law enforcement to issue a permit so long as the person is not prohibited from owning a firearm by state or federal law.
SB 4 (2015)
Tightens the definition of domicile for the purpose of voting. In particular, the final version of this bill requires a voter to live in New Hampshire at least 10 days before voting.
HB 1616 (2016)
Allows a person obtaining a driver's license to choose whether the license complies with the federal Real ID Act of 2005.
HB 593 (2015)
Permits qualifying patients and registered caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home.
SB 576 (2016)
This bill includes many regulations aimed at combating heroin and prescription drug abuse. For example, this bill increases the penalties for abusing fentanyl and provides funding for an upgrade to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
HB 1694 (2016)
Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one.
HB 1480 (2016)
Raises the minimum wage to $8.25 in 2017, $9 in 2018, and $9.50 in 2019.
HB 1696 (2016)
Continues expanded Medicaid eligibility, with some revisions. This bill adds work requirements to eligibility for expanded Medicaid. Additional funding is provided by the insurance premium tax, paid by insurance companies.
SB 498 (2016)
Reduces the penalty for possessing 1/4 ounce or less of marijuana from a class A to an unspecified misdemeanor.
HB 1374 (2016)
Requires moneys paid into the Renewable Energy Fund to be rebated to ratepayers, rather than spent on other renewable energy projects.
SB 113 (2015)
Authorizes two casinos in New Hampshire. One destination casino would pay a $80 million license fee; a smaller casino would pay $40 million to the state. SB 113 also earmarks $25 million in casino profits for distribution to all New Hampshire municipalities.
SB 40 (2015)
Includes fetuses as potential victims under murder statutes. The original Senate version of the bill applied to "viable fetuses," meaning the fetus is old enough to survive outside the womb. The House revised the bill to apply to all fetuses eight weeks and older. The House and Senate did not agree on a final version of the bill.
HB 563 (2015)
Adjusts the additional grants for chartered public school pupils based on the Consumer Price Index, and increases the per pupil state funding for charter school students by $1,000.
SB 179 (2015)
Requires that a voter has lived in the state and county for at least 30 days.
SB 169 (2015)
Forbids the use of EBT cards or cash from EBT cards for alcohol, tobacco, gambling, lottery tickets, tattoos, firearms, or adult entertainment.
HB 658 (2015)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 1 (2015)
2016-2017 state budget bill (part 1). The budget cuts business taxes, restores the Rainy Day Fund, and increases funding for some social services. The budget does not reauthorize Medicaid expansion or include a pay raise negotiated with state employees.
SB 30 (2015)
Extends the use of municipal economic development and revitalization districts to certain unincorporated places.
SB 106 (2015)
Prohibits the sale, use, or possession of synthetic drugs, such as "spice."
HB 136 (2015)
Prohibits tanning facilities from tanning anyone under age 18. At the time of this bill's submission, the law allowed tanning under age 18 with a parent or guardian's consent.
HB 684 (2015)
Raises the minimum wage to $9.10 in 2016, $11.40 in 2017, and $14.25 in 2018. Starting in 2019, the minimum wage is adjusted according to cost of living.
SB 101 (2015)
Prohibits the Department of Education and the state Board of Education from implementing the Common Core standards in any school or school district in this state.
HB 618 (2015)
Decriminalizes possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
SB 116 (2015)
Increases the length of time for which a license to carry a concealed firearm is valid, and repeals the requirement to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm.
HB 403 (2015)
Repeals the law establishing a protest-free buffer zone around reproductive health clinics.
SB 319 (2014)
Authorizes "buffer zones" for protestors around reproductive health clinics.
SB 207 (2014)
“Pay Equity Law,” a bill to combat pay discrimination based on gender, forbidding employers from restricting employees from discussing wages, and allowing a three year deadline to report pay discrimination to the state (current deadline is one year).
HB 1633 (2014)
Authorizes one casino in New Hampshire, regulated by the Gaming Commission.
HB 1486 (2014)
Decreases the fine for underage drinking from $300 to $100 on first offense and from $600 to $300 on a subsequent offense.
HB 1294 (2014)
Requires Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to allow any health provider into their network for the purpose of participating in the online health insurance exchange.
HB 1508 (2014)
Terminates New Hampshire’s participation in the Common Core educational standards.
HB 1625 (2014)
Decriminalizes possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
SB 318 (2014)
Establishes the crime of domestic violence.
SB 413 (2014)
Expands Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible.
HB 1403 (2014)
Raises the minimum wage, starting at $9 per hour.
HB 1170 (2014)
Repeals the death penalty.
HB 1602 (2014)
Givies the Public Utilities Commission the power to force PSNH to sell its power plants. This bill also requires the state Site Evaluation Committee to address scenic impacts, sound impacts, fire protection plans, and more when evaluating wind farm proposals.
HB 1325 (2014)
Allows physician-assisted suicide.
HB 1503 (2014)
Originally written to include fetuses eight weeks and older as potential victims under first and second degree murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide, and causing or aiding suicide. The House amended the bill to instead increase penalties for for manslaughter or negligent homicide causing a miscarriage or stillbirth.
HB 1411 (2014)
Sends some of last year's budget surplus to the Department of Health and Human Services.
HB 1360 (2014)
Forbids cell phone use while driving, unless hands-free.
SB 367 (2014)
Increases the gas tax by four-cents per gallon and removes the toll at Exit 12 in Merrimack.
SB 3 (2014)
Removes all tolls in Merrimack.
SB 203 (2014)
Forbids the use of EBT cards or cash from EBT cards for alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, firearms, or adult entertainment.
SB 153 (2013)
Gives the legislature power to review collective bargaining agreements entered into by the state.
HB 323 (2013)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
SB 152 (2013)
Authorizes a casino.
HB 451 (2013)
Increases the length of time for which a license to carry a concealed firearm is valid, and repeals the requirement to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm.
HB 1 (2013)
Final 2014-2015 state budget, including increased funding for higher education, increased funding for services for individuals with mental illness and/or other disabilities, no Medicaid expansion, and no gas tax increase.
HB 306 (2013)
Changes RGGI to dedicate some of the proceeds to ratepayer rebates, and lowering the cap on carbon emissions, which will raise the cost of carbon credits to utilities and utility bills to consumers.
HB 271 (2013)
Forbids NH from expanding Medicaid eligibility under the federal Affordable Care Act.
HB 573 (2013)
Allows medicinal use of marijuana, without allowing home growing.
HB 501 (2013)
Sets the state minimum wage at $7.25, in place of federal minimum wage.
HB 630 (2013)
Reallocates proceeds from RGGI to the low-income energy efficiency program.
HB 2 (2013)
Makes various appropriations related to the budget bill, and establishes commissions to study Medicaid expansion and casino regulations.
SB 1 (2013)
Increases the Research and Development tax credit.
SB 163 (2013)
Establishes a commission to recommend legislation to prepare for projected sea level rise and other coastal and coastal watershed hazards.
HB 443 (2013)
Bans prison privatization.
HB 659 (2013)
Increases the tobacco tax.
HB 135 (2013)
Limits the use of deadly force, repealing "Stand Your Ground" in favor of the "Castle Doctrine." Under this bill victims could use deadly force within their homes without retreating, but anywhere else they would have to attempt retreat before resorting to deadly force.
HB 370 (2013)
Repeals the education tax credit program, in which businesses receive tax breaks for contributing to a scholarship fund for low income students that wish to attend private school.
HB 595 (2013)
Revises 2011 voter ID law to delay requirement that poll workers photograph voters without ID; also allows student ID at polls.
HB 1677 (2012)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 1264 (2012)
Establishes a religious exemption for individuals who do not wish to provide accommodations, goods, or services for same-sex marriages.
HB 1526 (2012)
Decriminalizes possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
HB 1650 (2012)
Exempts foodstuffs grown or produced and then sold in New Hampshire from federal regulation.
HB 1560 (2012)
Establishes the interstate Health Care Compact, which provides that each member state shall have the authority to enact state laws that trump all federal laws regarding health care within its state.
HB 1705 (2012)
Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one.
HB 1660 (2012)
Prohibits abortions beyond 20 weeks gestation.
HB 1658 (2012)
Limits financial assistance for mothers who have additional children while receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The House and Senate amended the bill to instead establish an income and identity verification system for public assistance recipients.
HB 1383 (2012)
States that only United States citizens may receive in-state tuition at the University of New Hampshire.
HB 1595 (2012)
Limits primary elections to voters who have registered as party members.
HB 1405 (2012)
Allows local governments to establish moratoriums on refugee resettlement.
HB 1679 (2012)
Prohibits partial birth abortions and abortions in the third trimester.
HB 1666 (2012)
Requires legislative approval of any collective bargaining agreement entered into by the state.
SB 372 (2012)
Establishes a tax credit for businesses that contribute to a scholarship fund for students who wish to attend private, parochial, or home schools.
SB 289 (2012)
Requires voters to present identification at polling places.
HB 1487 (2012)
Requires legislative approval for the expenditure of funds involving New Hampshire in any low carbon fuel standards program, such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
HB 1492 (2012)
Requires public employers to verify an employee's eligibility to work in the United States.
HB 1413 (2012)
Directs New Hampshire to withdraw from the No Child Left Behind federal education program.
SB 295 (2012)
Increases the Research and Development tax credit.
HCR 42 (2012)
Expresses support for preserving the Electoral College.
HB 1659 (2012)
"Women's Right to Know Act," mandating that women considering an abortion receive "complete and accurate information on abortion and its alternatives."
SB 409 (2012)
Allows medicinal marijuana through home growing.
SB 286 (2012)
Establishes a prescription drug monitoring program funded entirely through "grants, gifts, or user contributions."
HB 1654 (2012)
Authorizes earned time credits for inmates participating in rehabilitative programming.
HB 1511 (2012)
Removes the prohibition on convicted felons possessing certain weapons for self-defense.
HB 648 (2012)
Forbids the use of eminent domain for regional electricity projects when costs and benefits cannot be shared across the ISO - New England network.
HB 592 (2012)
Redistricts the House of Representatives.
HB 1676 (2012)
Establishes a pilot program to provide public financing for eligible candidates for state senator.
HB 1667 (2012)
Raises the threshold between juvenile and adult offenders from seventeen to eighteen years-old.
