Elizabeth "Liz" McConnell
Historical Details
Position on Issues
Other| 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 am a pro-choice candidate. I do not want the women of NH to have to seek permission to determine what is best for their own bodies and when they choose to have a family. Those decisions should be left up to the woman and her medical provider. There are many complicated factors which go into the decision to have a child. I would not want my daughters to have to justify their health status, relationship status or income as reasons they may or may not want to start a family. Abortion should be rare, safe and legal."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 24 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?
When asked about banning abortion after 20 weeks gestation on our 2018 survey, McConnell wrote, "I am a pro-choice candidate. I do not want the women of NH to have to seek permission to determine what is best for their own bodies and when they choose to have a family. Those decisions should be left up to the woman and her medical provider. There are many complicated factors which go into the decision to have a child. I would not want my daughters to have to justify their health status, relationship status or income as reasons they may or may not want to start a family. Abortion should be rare, safe and legal."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?
"I support expanded commuter rail."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH limit terms for elected officials?
"I believe the vote of the citizen is the most effective term limit. With elected offices in NH having 2 year terms, it is hard to say when a legislator has had enough experience to do a good job for their constituents. I think 2 years is too little time, and if a legislator is viewed as not doing a good job the 2 year term allows a reasonable time for the voters to work toward replacement."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?
"I support increased funding for heroin treatment programs."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I don't believe NH will ever have a good discussion about an income tax. That being said, I believe there are huge problems with the property tax system which funds our state. We need to look at ways to relieve the tax burden for poor and elderly homeowners."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"Sales taxes typically have greater negative impact on lower income people. Since NH has chosen to avoid these taxes, I believe creating a sales tax at this point would be difficult to administer and would put a large burden on our small businesses and retail operations."
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
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?
"I support the legalization of marijuana with additional regulations placed on the age of consumer, prevention of accidental consumption and control of product strength and safety."
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?
"Yes, NH was right to expand Medicaid. The expansion of Medicaid has provided care for the poorest of our citizens. The 'traditional Medicaid system of managed care' would have been a less expensive option for our state."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?
"Immigration reform and enforcement should be pursued on the federal level. Bi-partisan immigration reform was introduced in Congress and never acted upon. Our country now appears to the world to be hostile to immigrants and fundamentally at odds with our history. Immigrants are and should be considered an asset to our country and state."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment?
"I support tax credits for business investment when those businesses are based in the state, work to hire local employees or lead the state in innovative technologies."
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 support of the use of body and dashboard cameras by police. I believe cameras make police and the public more accountable for their actions. We should do everything we can to maintain the good relationships between police and the community and use that strength to avoid conflict."
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?
"I support New Hampshire's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative."
Other| 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 would love to see 25% by 2025, but I don't believe that is the way the state is heading.The Governor just vetoed the Net Metering Bill, which would allow electric customers to cut costs by putting the power they generate from alternative sources back into the grid. As a state, we need to work toward renewable energy projects and sources."
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?
"New Hampshire government should do more to increase the supply of affordable housing."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH continue to administer statewide standards-based student assessments?
"I support New Hampshire continuing to administer statewide standards-based student assessments."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I am in favor of enforcing background checks for the purchase of guns at dealers, gun shows and private sales. I am in favor of banning bump stocks, high capacity magazines and creating red flag laws in our state. The second amendment does guarantee the right to own firearms, however it also allows for the state to ensure they are 'well regulated'."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire allocate tax revenues for private and home schooling costs?
"I am opposed to weakening our public schools and raising property taxes for a program which is driven by a national agenda and does not fit in with the way our public schools work in NH."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote?
"The vote on SB 3 in NH was a 'solution looking for a problem' and promoted by outside interests looking to impose burdens on voters. At this point in our history it is more important than ever to get people to the polls!"
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
HB 558 (2019)
Prohibits food service businesses from providing a single-use plastic straw to a customer unless specifically requested.
