David Coursin
Historical Details
Position on Issues
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?
"I oppose a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, even with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?
"While I would need to study the details of any proposed expanded rail proposals, I do support the development of more public commuter transportation in NH. Rapid and timely commuter access to Boston and between the major business/manufacturing centers in NH will become increasingly vital so employees can get to their jobs in another NH city or in Boston without an unrealistic highway commute. Commuting by bus these days means you often just sit in traffic in a bus instead of a car."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH limit terms for elected officials?
"I need to learn more about the effect of term limits and what the benefits or harm might be. On first pass, they seem sensible and necessary to insure the steady flow of new ideas and personalities, reduce how political power might be controlled by limited interests, and engage voters in learning about new candidates. However, I do not know enough about the other side of the story. Information from states that have implemented term limits would be helpful in determining a position on this issue."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?
"Stated more accurately a heroin treatment program is an opioid treatment program as heroin is an opioid and contributes to our opioid crisis. I support increased funding for substance abuse treatment programs, particularly any that will counter the opioid crisis. The seriousness of our present crisis cannot be overstated. An estimated 100,000 NH citizens are struggling with a substance use disorder and we have the third highest number of overdose deaths per capita in the nation. The state is awaiting approval of a $45.8 million grant which should be determined by 9/30/2018. This is a two-year grant, so we must spend the money wisely if we do receive it. We must build a lasting, community-based treatment system from the ground-up that expands the reach of existing public services and licensed prescribers and recruits more providers at all levels. The successful integration of peer-support resources into our public services will be very important. These services should also develop within a state-wide restoration of our mental health treatment system. It has been dismantled by steady budget cuts to the point of dysfunction particularly noticeable in the case of delayed state hospital admissions, overburdened emergency services throughout the state, insufficient staffing with high turnover, and unrealistic workloads that have driven out experienced providers."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"The current tax system in NH is broken. Since 2010, over $400 million in state funding has been downshifted to municipalities. These have been called tax cuts, but they have been tax shifts. The resulting increases in local property taxes have led to an unfair distribution of taxes in our state, favoring people with wealth and making life more difficult for working families. The resulting cuts in public services have severely affected NH citizens. I support a thorough, bi-partisan and independent review of NH's system of taxation, and would base my decisions on that review if it would mean a fairer tax structure."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"Sales taxes have to be part of the thorough, bi-partisan and independent review of NH's system of taxation. Regressive taxes harm those with less wealth and protect those with more. Property taxes are regressive taxes that do the most harm to the less wealthy in our state. Sales taxes are also regressive form of taxation and put an unfair burden on those with less income. Any reform of our broken tax system has to address this unfairness. I don't know if expanding our sales taxes beyond our existing Rooms and Meals Tax, would strengthen or weaken that reform. As with any subject I am unfamiliar with, I would be open-minded about information and testimony in coming to a decision about this issue."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2019
Voted in favor of HB 686, a bill that would extend the interest and dividends tax to capital gains and increase the exemptions and filing thresholds for the interest and dividends tax. HB 686 would have used the new capital gains tax revenue to increase per-pupil school funding and lower the state property tax rate.
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2020
Voted for SB 124, a bill to revise the required minimum percentages of renewable energy in the Renewable Portfolio Standard, particularly to extend goals from 2025 to 2040.
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2019
Voted for HB 611, a bill that would allow any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?
"The continued criminalization of a substance that has few confirmed harmful effects, and is less harmful than alcohol, uses criminal justice resources that could be better employed elsewhere. We will face the same problems of minors finding access to marijuana, just as they do with alcohol, but any legislation should still be designed to limit and discourage that accessibility."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Was New Hampshire right to continue expanded Medicaid eligibility, using the traditional Medicaid system of managed care instead of private insurance?
"Expanded Medicaid is a good deal for the state of NH. The more citizens who have affordable health insurance, the less healthcare and health insurance costs for all of us. And we have a healthier state. The alternative would be a disaster, with tens of thousands going uninsured and pre-existing condition safeguards potentially being weakened."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?
"The enforcement of federal immigration laws is the responsibility of the Immigration Control Enforcement. NH should not do the federal government's work, nor should it prosecute our own citizens who were stopped at an ICE checkpoint for immigration purposes, then turned over to our State Police because of issues raised that had nothing to do with immigration."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment?
"Subsides and tax credits need to be considered case-by-case. I intend to consider legislation addressing these issues with an open mind towards the information and testimony informing the legislature, accompanied by a healthy wariness about the powerful lobbying influences that wealthy interests can muster on their behalf. The quality of jobs created with the help of state subsidy or investment, including whether they provide benefits and a livable wage, are important considerations. The degree to which we call on the Executive Council to include provisions for a livable wage and benefits in any contract before them is a consideration. The degree to which those contractors can be held accountable for hiring NH employees or justifying why they can't is a consideration. This is a complex issue with no single solution, but like so many challenges facing the legislature it calls for thoughtful legislators willing to fully consider all potential resolutions regardless of party affiliation."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2019
Voted for HB 686, a bill that would increased per-pupil school funding by extending the interest and dividends tax to capital gains. HB 686 would also have increased the exemptions and filing thresholds for the interest and dividends tax, and lowered the state property tax rate.
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Is police brutality an issue in NH?
"I would seek more information about this issue if a bill was introduced in the NH Legislature that addresses police brutality. Testimony and constituent input would help me determine how to vote on any legislature under consideration. Brutality is the unnecessary use of non-deadly and deadly force and the determination of what was necessary can be complicated and highly charged with emotion. Judging the appropriateness of any legislation would require an open mind and I am committed to maintaining a willingness to listen and respond from that position. I do know that the majority of fatal shootings by police in NH involve people who have a mental health diagnosis or are in the midst of substance abuse. Having worked as a physician in mental health for more than 30 years I also know that our legislature has dismantled our mental health system so that adequate, basic care is far too limited. Many, if not all of these deadly situations, could be prevented by adequate services in the community helping patients, families and loved ones, and I will work for that as a legislator."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
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?
"The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is an important program that directly addresses the need to reduce carbon emissions. Climate change is a critical issue for all levels of government to address. The recent extreme flooding from Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas is an example unfolding right now. It has killed 32 people and caused flooding and damage as far inland as Charlotte, NC, over 200 miles from the storm center. It has dropped an estimated 18 trillion gallons of rain on the Carolinas. These events may seem far away, but it is the latest in a pattern of storms causing recording-setting rainfall in the Midwest and Southeast, and the Northeast is one of the areas estimated to be at the greatest risk for damage from these kinds of storms."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire maintain the renewable portfolio standard, which requires public utilities in New Hampshire to obtain a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources (25% by 2025)?
"I support the development of renewable energy in NH and having concrete standards will help ensure our future energy independence. Our Renewable Energy Policy, established in 2007 requires the submission of a full review of the policies effects by 11/1/2018. It will be extremely important for legislation in the next biennium to assess the un-biased accuracy of this report and its recommendations. The legislature must deal with the results without shirking difficult decisions that may arise to ensure the growth of renewable energy sources in NH."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2020
Voted against HB 1649, which would establish a road usage fee ranging from $10 to $125, based on a vehicle's miles per gallon, as part of annual car registration.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire government do more to increase the supply of affordable housing?
"Affordable housing is key to attracting young families and the workforce NH businesses and industry need to stay vital. Towns with less valuable real estate, have to levy higher property taxes to afford an education compared to property rich towns who can actually levy much smaller tax increases and afford to spend more on the education of each student. Property poor towns cannot presently afford plans for building more affordable housing that attracts young families with more children. These plans do not produce more property tax income, but bring in more students. This is another serious, negative effect of our broken tax system that needs to be on the same table mentioned above."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH continue to administer statewide standards-based student assessments?
"I have heard different opinions from people in the field of public education and need to learn more to determine my position on this issue."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"A majority of Americans whether gun owners or non-owners have consistently expressed their support for the following measures in national and regional studies since at least 2013: universal background checks for all gun sales including gun show and private transactions, with provisions for removal from the list of those who have recovered from a mental illness; waiting periods for all gun sales: red flag laws; a minimum age for purchase that does not limit purchase by those under age who have had military or police weapons training. Gun owners and non-owners need to build on this common ground and actively press for legislation that supports these policies. The sheer volume of this unified voice can guide legislation more strongly than any other source of influence. I intend to support that unification so its voice will be heard. I don't view any of the above as gun 'control.' Our Supreme Court has ruled that The Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess firearms for their own use. I support that protection. The Court also clearly stated in the same decision that the Court supported the ability of law-making bodies to legislate limitations on who could possess firearms or where they could be carried. I support that clear confirmation by The Court. The Court ruling created no restriction on the gathering of information about firearm safety and firearm use by local, state or federal agencies. It created no restriction on how modern manufacturing of firearms and ammunition could be undertaken to allow police to more effectively track the criminal use of firearms. I support The Court's decision. Some gun owners voice a strong fear that our government intends to permanently take away everyone's firearms regardless of whether they are law-abiding citizens. Gun ownership by law-abiding citizens is clearly protected by the Supreme Court's ruling, and I would oppose any effort to violate that protection. I am 'pro-gun owner' and I don't want law-abiding gun owners to be misunderstood or misrepresented. I have used firearms lots of times with family and friends: hunting, skeet shooting, and in my father-in-law's sandpit firing range. These were enjoyable experiences with people I know, love, and respect who valued family traditions around gun ownership and use. They don't deserve anyone's disrespect."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire allocate tax revenues for private and home schooling costs?
"I oppose vouchers which shift tax dollars, meant for public education, to pay private and/or home schooling costs."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote?
"New Hampshire should not impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote."
These objective, nonpartisan measures are used to show this legislator's activities at the Statehouse from the 2018 election through the end of the legislative session in 2020. The measures are not intended to present a ranking or rating of any kind. Average is that of all state elected officials in this chamber. "Prime sponsored bills that became law" include bill texts that were incorporated into "omnibus" bills following the coronavirus emergency.
Session days attended
Party unity score/partisanship
Participated in official roll call votes
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
Prime sponsored bills that became law
Voting Record
HB 481 (2019)
Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. A Cannabis Control Commission, similar to the Liquor Commission, would be responsible for licensing and enforcement. The bill also allows limited home-growing of marijuana for personal use.
HB 1577 (2020)
Allows an individual to obtain a new birth certificate based on a change of gender identity, as certified by a licensed health care provider. Parental permission is required if a minor seeks a birth certificate change. At the time of this bill's submission, a court order is required to change a birth certificate. This bill also allows a gender identity of nonbinary on a birth certificate.
HB 1648 (2020)
Permits adults to possess up to 3/4 of an ounce of cannabis, 5 grams of hashish, and other cannabis-infused products, and permits adults to grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home in a secure location that is not visible from other properties. This bill also allows adults to give marijuana products away and sell marijuana accessories.
HB 685 (2019)
Prohibits balance billing for ambulance services. The bill also limits reimbursement for ambulance services to a "commercially reasonable value." The Senate amended the bill to instead require insurance plans which cover maternity benefits to provide coverage for emergency or elective abortion services (similar to SB 486).
HB 1280 (2020)
Caps how much health insurers can charge consumers for insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply. The Senate amended the bill to instead cap the payment at $30 for a 30-day supply.
HB 1166 (2020)
Establishes a committee to study the demographics of the uninsured population in New Hampshire, the barriers to obtaining healthcare coverage, and possible solutions to extend health insurance coverage. The Senate completely amended the bill to add various requirements and protections for employers and employees related to the coronavirus. For example, the amended bill allows employees to collect unemployment if they cannot go to work because they or a family member is sick with COVID-19 - even if Gov. Sununu ends the state of emergency.
HB 1645 (2020)
Extends the waiting period to annul a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, from 3 to 10 years. The Senate amended the bill to incorporate several other pieces of legislation.
HB 1454 (2020)
Gives local school boards the power to determine whether to grant academic credit for alternative extended learning and work-based programs. At the time of this bill's submission, that power lies with the state board of education. The Senate amended the bill to still require the state board of education to vet and approve alternative extended learning and work-based programs, which local school boards "may" accept for credit (similar to a different bill, SB 514).
HB 1672 (2020)
Allows any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day. The Senate amended the bill to become the "Coronavirus Election Protection Act of 2020." The amended bill allows any voter to vote by absentee ballot, allows town officials to start processing ballots before Election Day, and authorizes online voter registration.
HB 1264 (2020)
Extends the Commission on the Seacoast Cancer Investigation from 2020 to 2022. The Senate amended the legislation to incorporate several bills related to PFAS. In particular, the amended bill establishes maximum contaminant levels for perflourinated compounds (PFCs), as originally written in SB 287.
HB 1247 (2020)
Requires landlords to provide at least 90 days notice before a rent increase over 5%. The House amended the bill to require 60 days notice for an increase over 5% and 90 days notice for an increase over 8%. The Senate amended the bill to instead remove the requirement of an eviction notice before public welfare departments provide rental assistance. The amended bill also "creates a duty of good faith and fair dealing for mortgage lenders." Lastly, the amended bill requires landlords to offer tenants a 6-month repayment plan for rent missed during the coronavirus emergency.
HB 731 (2019)
Gradually raises the state minimum wage, starting at $12 per hour in 2020 and ending at $15 per hour in 2024. The bill also raises the tipped minimum wage, although in 2024 it would still be 45% of the regular minimum wage. The bill requires cost of living adjustments every year. This bill also allows cities and towns to set a higher minimum wage. Lastly, this bill establishes a "training wage," no lower than $8.50, for employees under age eighteen for the first three months of employment.
HB 687 (2019)
Establishes "extreme risk protection orders," based on evidence that there is "a significant risk of causing bodily injury to himself or herself or others," which would require the subject of the order to surrender any firearms to law enforcement.
HB 1664 (2020)
Requires the Department of Environmental Services to establish a climate action plan, an office of the environmental advocate, and an oversight commission on environmental services. The House amended the bill to instead establish greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for the state. Those goals are a 20% reduction in statewide emissions by 2025, 50% by 2035, and 80% by 2050 (all compared to 1990 emissions). The amended bill also gives the Department of Environmental Services the authority to develop and update regularly a climate action plan.
HB 712 (2019)
Establishes a social insurance program that would be operated by New Hampshire Employment Security to provide for paid family and medical leave insurance. Employers would pay 0.5% of wages per employee as premium payments. Employees could take up to twelve weeks of leave and receive 60% of their pay after paying into the program for at least six months. As introduced, this bill does not include an opt-out option.
HB 558 (2019)
Prohibits food service businesses from providing a single-use plastic straw to a customer unless specifically requested.
HB 514 (2019)
Establishes a seven day waiting period for the delivery of a firearm. There are some exceptions for rifle or shotgun purchases by hunters, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces. The Senate amended the bill, shortening the waiting period to three days.
HB 706 (2019)
Establishes a fifteen member independent redistricting commission, appointed by the secretary of state after a public application process that includes input from legislative leaders. The Senate amended the bill, generally giving the Secretary of State less say in the process.
SB 1 (2019)
Establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program, which would be run by the state department of employment security. Employers would pay 0.5% of wages per employee as premium payments. Employees could take up to twelve weeks of leave and receive 60% of their pay after paying into the program for at least six months. The bill does not allow anyone to opt-out of the program.
HB 2 (2019)
2020-2021 state budget bill (part 2).
HB 1 (2019)
2020-2021 state budget bill.
HB 564 (2019)
Makes it a misdemeanor to carry a firearm in a safe school zone. ˙There are some exceptions, for example if a person gets permission from the school board. The House amended the bill so that parents do not need to remove or unload firearms in their cars when picking up students. The amendment also specifically bans firearms on "school property" rather than in "school zones." School property includes buildings, grounds, school buses, and vans.
SB 290 (2019)
Modifies the work and community engagement requirements for the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid. For example, this bill extends the work requirement exemption for parents so that parents of children under age 13 are eligible for the exemption. This bill also gives the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to waive the work requirement until July 2021 if there is an inability to communicate with program participants.
HB 109 (2019)
Requires commercial sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks. Also requires private sales or transfers to go through a licensed firearm dealer, if it’s not absolutely clear that both the owner and the recipient are allowed to own guns.
HB 365 (2019)
Increases the electric generating capacity of customer generators who may participate in net energy metering, generally from 1 megawatt to 5 megawatts.
HB 446 (2019)
Allows an individual to obtain a new birth certificate based on a change of gender identity, as certified by a licensed health care provider. At the time of this bill's submission, a court order is required to change a birth certificate. This bill also allows a gender identity of nonbinary on a birth certificate. The Senate amended the bill, for example to require the permission of a parent or guardian if a minor seeks a birth certificate change.
SB 10 (2019)
Increases the minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2020, then to $11 in 2022, except starting that year, employers would have to pay at least $12 per hour if they do not offer at least 10 paid sick days to employees. The House and Senate amended the bill to raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2020 and $12 per hour in 2022, regardless of sick time.
HB 455 (2019)
Changes the penalty for any offense eligible for the death penalty to life imprisonment without parole.
HB 105 (2019)
Generally repeals the voter registration changes passed in SB 3. For example, this bill removes the stricter requirements for voters who register within 30 days of an election. This bill also removes much of the new language on voter registration forms about domicile. This bill also removes the authority of the secretary of state to conduct post-election voter registration investigations, leaving that to the attorney general.
