Frank Byron
Historical Details
Position on Issues
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2016
Voted against prohibiting abortions at or after 20 weeks gestation (HB 1636)
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2014
Voted against allowing physician assisted suicide (HB 1325)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH allow binding referendums?
"No, New Hampshire should not allow a public referendum"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Was NH right to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving?
"The law should remain as it is now [banning text messaging only]."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I am opposed to any new or increased taxes - we should just control our spending."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH authorize one or more casinos?
"I would support an appropriate bill which would allow casino gambling."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?
"The adoption of any testing criteria should be decided upon by local school boards."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH decriminalize small amounts of marijuana?
"We should revise the present law on marijuana possession to make it less punitive."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
What differentiates you from your opponents?
"I know the North Country and will be a strong advocate for rural culture, values and our unique way of life. It is vital that this region has someone who will fight for our fair share -- of the room meals tax and other revenues and services; policies that fit rural areas and the fair delivery of government services. I have a diverse background -- as an local, state and national official, an award-winning business owner, historic property developer, teacher and writer. Economically the North Country is on the ropes -- power is shifting southward, the economy is struggling and the state is down-shifting costs onto counties and municipalities -- this is no time to send someone to Concord to learn the ropes. For nearly 30 years, I have developed a record and political philosophy that reflects the ethos of the region."
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.
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?
"The disclosure laws should remain as they are now."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should LLCs be subject to the interest and dividends tax?
Opposes LLC tax
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH provide more funding for charter schools?
"With appropriate qualifying criteria, I would support increasing state funding to charter schools."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH increase the interest and dividends tax?
Opposes increase in I&D Tax
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH increase tolls and/or add new toll booths?
Supports adding tolls on I-93 (Mass. Border)
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH continue to allow medicinal marijuana?
"Yes, legalize medicinal marijuana"
Other| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2018
Voted to legalize possession and homegrowing of marijuana without allowing sales (HB 656)
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2018
Voted against continuing expanded Medicaid eligibility, using the traditional Medicaid system of managed care instead of private insurance (SB 313)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Was NH right to expand Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible?
"I would oppose legislation expanding Medicaid under the ACA."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2017
Voted against raising the minimum wage to $9.50 in 2018 and $12 in 2019, with annual cost of living adjustments starting in 2020 (HB 115)
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2016
Voted to prohibit abortions beyond 21 weeks and five days' gestation (HB 1625)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Do employees in NH need more legal protections in the workplace?
"Our employment laws are generally adequate as they are."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add restrictions on welfare recipients?
Regarding drug tests for welfare recipients: "I support such legislation."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2018
Voted to keep the death penalty unchanged (SB 593)
Other| 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 would consider supporting the Northern Pass Project with appropriate modifications to the plan."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
What is your philosophy of government?
"I'm a former civics teacher, I love debating the meaning of the Constitution and Bill of Rights because the ideals contain both liberal and conservative principles. The aim, I believe, is to create, not settle, a debate. Fundamentally though, the purpose of our system is to restrict government and prevent it from taking rights away from the people. And, as best it can perfectly balance individual rights with majority rule. When we get the process right -- our government works. I have Jeffersonian trust grassroots democracy -- and people to make wise decisions. I distrust large organization, centralized and professionalized power. I'm governed by tradition and the promise that our system permits change. The government has basic responsibilities to be the collective instrument of the community -- serving the broad (simple and complex) needs that can't exclusvievly be met by individuals. The notion of commonwealth comes to mind. Increasingly government must demand make wise investments that will benefit both individuals and society."
For| 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?
"I am opposed to any new or increased taxes - we should just control our spending."
Against| 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 withdraw from RGGI and structure its own energy strategy."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH repeal same-sex marriage?
"No, do not repeal"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require car insurance for some or all drivers?
"I believe that the current system of insurance is appropriate for auto insurance. Requiring insurance poses significant problems in terms of its management, etc."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should businesses that provide insurance be required to cover contraception?
"No, they should not be able to deny coverage"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require labels on some or all genetically modified foods?
"It is my belief that people have a right to know what is in their food. That said, GMO foods in my opinion do not pose a risk. I do believe that this should be regulated on a federal level rather that at the state level."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH require motorcycle helmets?
"No, let those who ride decide"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH require seat belts?
"No, adults should be able to choose whether or not to wear a seatbelt"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH revise the meals and rooms tax?
Opposes local meals and rooms tax
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH pass right-to-work legislation?
"Right to Work legislation should be considered along with other changes to NH's employment laws."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
State role in economic growth
"Job stimulation is best left to the private sector."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH use taxpayer money to build a memorial to the Old Man?
"No, do not use public money for a manmade Old Man"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I oppose any limits on assault weapons."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2018
Voted to require all voters domiciled in New Hampshire to follow residency laws, such as the requirement to register any car in New Hampshire (HB 1264)
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Why are you running?
"I first ran for public office in 1984 at the age of 18, while still in high school at White Mountains Regional High School. That year I was elected to the 17th Constitutional Convention. I feel compelled to participate in my community's unfolding history and try to make life better for our citizens. These same instincts have led me to write and explore the wonders of rural life and learn what draws and holds people to this place. I decided to run for Senate because I felt we needed someone to articulate a better vision of rural areas and image of rural people and other possibly better people didn't come forward."
Voting Record
HB 1319 (2018)
Prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.
HB 587 (2017)
Prohibits conversion therapy for anyone under age eighteen. Conversion therapy attempts to change a person's sexual orientation.
CACR 22 (2018)
Constitutional amendment establishing various rights for crime victims.
HB 628 (2017)
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. The House amended the bill to increase the employee contribution to 0.67%, to allow employees to opt out, and to limit benefits to six weeks of paid leave.
SB 313 (2018)
Continues New Hampshire's expanded Medicaid program. This bill makes several significant changes to the program. First, it moves participants off private insurance and into managed care, similar to traditional Medicaid enrollees. Second, it adds a work requirement for participants. Third, it removes funding from voluntary contributions by health care providers, which the federal government said is illegal.
HB 1264 (2018)
Redefines "resident" and "inhabitant" to remove the phrase "for the indefinite future." This bill would potentially require all voters domiciled in New Hampshire to follow residency laws, such as the requirement to register any car in New Hampshire.
HB 1680 (2018)
Prohibits abortion after viability, unless the mother's life is in danger, "in cases of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, or to remove a fetus with severe anomalies incompatible with life."
HB 592 (2017)
Repeals the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The House amended the bill to instead end energy efficiency grants, and send all the proceeds from RGGI to commercial and residential ratepayer rebates.
SB 593 (2018)
Changes the penalty for any offense eligible for the death penalty to life imprisonment without parole.
SB 500 (2018)
Removes the prohibition of carrying a loaded rifle or shotgun in or on a stationary motor vehicle, OHRV, snowmobile, or aircraft. This bill also changes some legal references to firearms, and allows licensed bow hunters to carry firearms. Lastly, this bill removes the ability to deny or revoke a hunting license if a person "is not a suitable person to carry firearms." The Senate amended the bill to also allow carrying a loaded firearm on a moving vehicle if the person is protecting livestock or crops. The Senate amendment also allows hunting with an air rifle.
HB 656 (2017)
Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. The bill outlines various regulations, from the ability of municipalities to control the location of marijuana establishments, to labels disclosing the THC in each serving of a marijuana product. The bill also legalizes hemp. The House amended the bill to instead legalize possession and homegrowing of marijuana without allowing sales.
SB 193 (2017)
Establishes the "education freedom savings account program." This allows a parent to contract with a scholarship organization so that state education funding is transferred to the student's scholarship account rather than to the municipality in which the student resides. The House amended the bill to limit the scholarships to certain students, particularly low income students, students in underperforming schools, and special education students. The amended version also requires any student receiving a scholarship to complete an annual assessment to ensure academic progress.
HB 115 (2017)
Raises the minimum wage to $9.50 in 2018 and $12 in 2019, with annual cost of living adjustments starting in 2020. The bill also establishes a training wage that is one dollar less than the minimum wage for the first three months of employment for someone sixteen or seventeen years-old.
HB 157 (2017)
Adds chronic pain to the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana.
SB 242 (2017)
Authorizes one smaller and one larger casino with video lottery and table gaming. The smaller casino would pay an initial ten-year license fee of $40 million, and the larger casino would pay an initial ten-year license fee of $80 million. The casinos would pay a tax of 35% on gross slot machine revenue and 18% on gross table game revenue. The Legislature would choose how to distribute this revenue, provided that some of the revenue goes to towns hosting or neighboring the casino, and some of the revenue goes to treat problem gambling.
HB 478 (2017)
Prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.
HB 144 (2017)
Changes the annual county budget procedures for Rockingham County to match those used in Hillsborough County. Since the House failed to pass the 2018-2019 budget bill HB 1, the Senate amended this bill into a new budget bill.
SB 131 (2017)
Appropriates $1,155,000 to hire five state troopers assigned to drug enforcement on the state border. This bill also appropriates $3,340,000 for state and local law enforcement and the state lab for overtime related to drug enforcement.
SB 10 (2017)
Creates a program to repay licensed milk producers from losses during the 2016 drought. The bill appropriates $2 million to the Milk Producers Emergency Relief Fund.
SB 66 (2017)
Includes fetuses as potential victims under murder statutes. The Senate amended the bill to include only fetuses twenty weeks and older, not just "viable" fetuses.
SB 191 (2017)
Increases state funding for full-day kindergarten programs, with adjustments based on the number of English language learners and free and reduced lunch students in each district. The House amended the bill to simply provide full funding for full-day kindergarten programs, and half funding for half-day kindergarten programs. The House also added keno legalization to the bill to create the revenue for kindergarten funding.
HB 103 (2017)
Requires school districts to provide advance notice to parents and legal guardians of course material involving discussion of human sexuality or human sexual education.
SB 3 (2017)
Changes the definition of domicile for voting purposes to make it more restrictive. This bill explicitly excludes anyone who comes to the state "for temporary purposes," such as volunteering or working on political campaigns. Out-of-state college students are still allowed to claim a domicile in New Hampshire. However, if someone moves to a new New Hampshire address within 30 days of voting, he or she must present proof of intent to stay in New Hampshire. This proof could include a lease, driver's license, a child's enrollment at a public school, etc.
SB 8 (2017)
Allows a school district to assign a child to a non-sectarian private school if there is no public school for the child's grade in the child's resident district. The bill was amended to also require the non-sectarian private school to administer an annual assessment.
SB 11 (2017)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 640 (2017)
Decriminalizes possession of 3/4 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
SB 12 (2017)
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 1623 (2016)
Prohibits abortion based on genetic abnormality.
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.
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 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.
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 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 1374 (2016)
Requires moneys paid into the Renewable Energy Fund to be rebated to ratepayers, rather than spent on other renewable energy projects.
SB 498 (2016)
Reduces the penalty for possessing 1/4 ounce or less of marijuana from a class A to an unspecified misdemeanor.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
SB 106 (2015)
Prohibits the sale, use, or possession of synthetic drugs, such as "spice."
HB 618 (2015)
Decriminalizes possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
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 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 403 (2015)
Repeals the law establishing a protest-free buffer zone around reproductive health clinics.
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.
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 1325 (2014)
Allows physician-assisted suicide.
HB 1360 (2014)
Forbids cell phone use while driving, unless hands-free.
SB 319 (2014)
Authorizes "buffer zones" for protestors around reproductive health clinics.
SB 367 (2014)
Increases the gas tax by four-cents per gallon and removes the toll at Exit 12 in Merrimack.
SB 413 (2014)
Expands Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible.
HB 1403 (2014)
Raises the minimum wage, starting at $9 per hour.
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 1170 (2014)
Repeals the death penalty.
HB 1411 (2014)
Sends some of last year's budget surplus to the Department of Health and Human Services.
SB 203 (2014)
Forbids the use of EBT cards or cash from EBT cards for alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, firearms, or adult entertainment.
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 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.
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 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.
SB 3 (2014)
Removes all tolls in Merrimack.
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 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 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 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.
SB 163 (2013)
Establishes a commission to recommend legislation to prepare for projected sea level rise and other coastal and coastal watershed hazards.
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.
SB 153 (2013)
Gives the legislature power to review collective bargaining agreements entered into by the state.
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.
HB 443 (2013)
Bans prison privatization.
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 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.
