James Summers

HB 1400 (2024)

Prohibits zoning and planning regulations that set maximum residential parking spaces above one parking space per unit.

SB 263 (2023)

Permanently reauthorizes the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid. Previous law ended the program on December 31, 2023. This bill also reestablishes and revises the commission to evaluate the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid.

HB 1283 (2024)

Establishes a procedure for an individual with terminal illness to receive medical assistance in dying through the self administration of medication (sometimes called physician-assisted suicide). The bill establishes criteria for the prescription of such medication and establishes reporting requirements and penalties for misuse or noncompliance.

HB 1145 (2024)

Prohibits new solid waste landfill permits in the state for facilities owned by any person other than the state of New Hampshire or a political subdivision thereof.

HB 1248 (2024)

Changes the state limit on abortion after 24 weeks gestation to 15 days gestation.

HB 1649 (2024)

Restricts the use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. For example, this bill bans the sale of cosmetics, food packing, carpets, and more products with added PFAS starting July 1, 2028. The House changed that date to January 1, 2027.

The Senate amended the bill to also state that settlement funds from PFAS lawsuits will be deposited in the drinking water and groundwater trust fund and used to fund public water systems impacted by PFAS.

CACR 23 (2024)

Constitutional amendment creating a right to abortion, including a ban on any restrictions on abortion prior to 24 weeks.

HB 1322 (2024)

Gradually increases the minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2029. This bill then allows future increases best on the Northeast Consumer Price Index. This bill also increases the tipped minimum wage from 45% to 50% of the regular minimum wage.

HB 1291 (2024)

Increases the number of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) allowed by right from one to two. This bill also increases the maximum square footage from 750 square feet to 1,000 square feet (and 850 square feet for a second unit). The bill then sets other regulations municipalities can and cannot require for ADUs. For example, the bill states that municipalities may require a property to have at least one half acre to have more than one ADU.

HB 470 (2023)

Exempts some drug checking equipment from the definition of drug paraphernalia, and allows the use of drug checking equipment, such as fentanyl test strips, for harm reduction.

HB 1656 (2024)

Greatly increases the per-pupil state education funding for each student receiving special education services. The House amended the bill to establish three weighted categories for special education differentiated aid, with more funding going to students who need more services.

HB 1711 (2024)

Establishes a system to report to the firearm background check system if a person is found not guilty by reason of insanity, not competent to stand trial, or involuntarily committed to a mental health facility. This bill also allows the court to order a person to surrender their firearms in these circumstances. This bill also establishes a process for a person to have their record removed from the background check system after six months, if they are no longer a danger to themselves or others.

HB 619 (2023)

Prohibits gender transition care for minors under age 18. This bill also prohibits teaching about gender identity in public schools (with an exception for high school psychology courses), requires schools to use the name and gender that students are enrolled as, prohibits students from participating on sports teams that do not correspond to their biological sex at birth, and requires students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their biological sex at birth.

HB 1419 (2024)

Prohibits K-12 schools from making "any material that is harmful to minors" available to students. The bill defines this material to include various content related to sex. This bill also requires school boards to adopt complaint resolution policies to address complaints regarding harmful material by parents or guardians.

HB 1377 (2024)

Right-to-work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.

HB 1665 (2024)

Raises the annual household income limit to qualify for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, from 350% to 500% of the federal poverty level (from about $100,000 to about $150,000 for a family of four).

The Senate rewrote the bill. The Senate version of the bill raises eligibility to just 400% of the federal poverty level, and extends the timeline for phase-out grants for public schools when students leave to use EFA program funds, from 2026 to 2029. These changes are similar to SB 442, a bill killed in the House.

HB 1633 (2024)

Legalizes and regulates recreational marijuana sales to adults over age twenty-one. As amended by the House, this bill would allow the state to license fifteen cannabis retail outlets. There would be a 10% tax on monthly total gross revenue derived from the sale of cannabis and cannabis products. Smoking in public and consuming marijuana while driving would be illegal. Towns could limit marijuana businesses.

HB 1205 (2024)

Prohibits anyone with the reproductive biology and genetics of a male at birth from participating on school sports teams designated for females. As introduced, this bill covered K-12 schools as well as the university and community college system. The House amended the bill so that it only applies to middle and high schools.

SB 272 (2023)

Establishes a parental bill of rights in education. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to access and review all medical records of a child maintained by a school or school personnel"
"The right to inquire of the school or school personnel and to be truthfully and completely informed if the child is being identified or referred to by school district staff, as being of a gender other than that of which the child was identified or referred when enrolled"

HB 106 (2023)

Establishes a procedure for issuing "extreme risk protection orders" to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. An extreme risk protection order would restrict a person's access to firearms, and is also known as a "red flag law."

HB 59 (2023)

Requires commercial sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks.

HB 208 (2023)

Establishes greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for the state, to net zero by 2050. This bill also requires the Department of Environmental Services to develop a climate action plan by July 1, 2024, that includes evaluation of best available information, considers inclusion of strategies, programs and compliance mechanisms with measurable goals and targets, considers opportunities to encourage investment in low/moderate income, rural and minority communities, makes recommendations on retraining and apprenticeship opportunities, and coordinates with other state agencies.

HB 639 (2023)

Legalizes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. The bill allows limited home-growing of marijuana. A new Cannabis Commission would oversee licensing and regulations related to the manufacture, testing, and sale of legal marijuana. Cannabis sales would be taxed under the Meals and Rooms tax system. Alternative Treatment Centers, which currently serve the state's medical marijuana patients, would be allowed to apply for a "dual use certificate" that allows them to participate in recreational marijuana business. Towns could limit marijuana businesses.

HB 523 (2023)

Increases the maximum electric generating capacity to participate in net energy metering, from one to five megawatts. This bill also modifies the transition of tariffs applicable to some customer-generators.

HB 57 (2023)

Gradually raises the minimum wage to $15 per hour over the next three years, with future adjustments based on the consumer price index. This bill also raises the tipped minimum wage from 45% to 50% of the regular minimum wage. Lastly, this bill allows a minimum wage of $8 per hour for youth under age 18 for the first six months of employment.

HB 624 (2023)

Requires state and local law enforcement to notify the public before an immigration checkpoint.

HB 567 (2023)

Requires at least 30 days written notice for a rent increase. Large, multi-unit rental owners must provide at least 60 days notice. If the rent increase is over 15%, large multi-unit landlords must provide at least 6 months notice.

HB 10 (2023)

Establishes a parental bill of rights. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to direct the education and care of his or her minor child"
"The right to be physically present at any health care facility ... at which their minor child is receiving hospital care"
"The right to consent in writing before a biometric scan of his or her minor child is made, shared, or stored"

HB 2 (2023)

State budget bill (part 2). The governor presented his proposal for the next state budget February 14. The House and Senate both made changes to that proposal. Click here to read a summary of the 2023 budget process.

HB 367 (2023)

Increases the maximum household income limit for participation in the Education Freedom Account program, from 300% to 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. The Education Freedom Account program allows families to spend the state's per-pupil share of education funding on private or home school expenses.

The House amended the bill to only increase the income limit to 350% of the federal poverty guidelines.

HB 224 (2023)

Repeals the civil and criminal penalties for health care providers who violate the state's ban on abortion after 24 weeks.

HB 557 (2023)

Removes the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to require vaccinations beyond those in state law. This bill specifically notes that the requirements for chickenpox, Hepatitis B, and Hib vaccinations will expire in 2026.

HB 1660 (2012)

Prohibits abortions beyond 20 weeks gestation.

HB 1679 (2012)

Prohibits partial birth abortions and abortions in the third trimester.

HB 1264 (2012)

Establishes a religious exemption for individuals who do not wish to provide accommodations, goods, or services for same-sex marriages.

HB 330 (2011)

Repeals the requirement to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm.

HB 1383 (2012)

States that only United States citizens may receive in-state tuition at the University of New Hampshire.

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 1666 (2012)

Requires legislative approval of any collective bargaining agreement entered into by the state.

HB 1677 (2012)

Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.

HB 1650 (2012)

Exempts foodstuffs grown or produced and then sold in New Hampshire from federal regulation.

HB 1705 (2012)

Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one.

HB 1595 (2012)

Limits primary elections to voters who have registered as party members.

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.

HB 1492 (2012)

Requires public employers to verify an employee's eligibility to work in the United States.

HB 1526 (2012)

Decriminalizes possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.

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 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 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).

SB 295 (2012)

Increases the Research and Development tax credit.

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."

HB 1654 (2012)

Authorizes earned time credits for inmates participating in rehabilitative programming.

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 1405 (2012)

Allows local governments to establish moratoriums on refugee resettlement.

HB 1511 (2012)

Removes the prohibition on convicted felons possessing certain weapons for self-defense.

HB 1482 (2012)

Limits the exemption from property taxation granted to charitable nonprofit hospitals only to the main campus of the hospital.

HB 592 (2012)

Redistricts the House of Representatives.

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.

HCR 42 (2012)

Expresses support for preserving the Electoral College.

HB 1413 (2012)

Directs New Hampshire to withdraw from the No Child Left Behind federal education program.

HR 9 (2011)

Resolution expressing support for earmarks for law enforcement.

HCR 23 (2011)

Urges congressional earmarks for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

HB 631 (2011)

Repeals the requirement that school districts offer public kindergarten.

SB 52 (2011)

Repeals early release programs for inmates convicted of violent crimes.

HB 340 (2011)

Exempts parents from the education property tax if their children are not enrolled in public school.

HB 176 (2011)

Changes the definition of "domicile" for voting purposes so that out-of-state students can not claim domicile in New Hampshire.

SB 27 (2011)

Raises the speed limit in some areas of Lake Winnipesaukee.

HB 218 (2011)

Repeals the New Hampshire Rail Transit Auhority (NHRTA).

SB 57 (2011)

Makes various revisions to title loan regulations.

HB 370 (2011)

Reverses the expanded definition of bullying in the Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Act.

HB 569 (2011)

Establishes "domestic unions" as an alternative to marriage.

HB 113 (2011)

Prohibits the use of state funds for New Hampshire Public Television (NHPTV).

SB 1 (2011)

Eliminates "evergreen clauses" in public contracts.

SB 88 (2011)

Expands the use of deadly force, adding "Stand Your Ground" to the "Castle Doctrine." Under this bill victims could use deadly force without retreating, anywhere the victim has the right to be.

HB 109 (2011)

Prohibits local planning boards from requiring sprinklers as a condition for a local permit.

HB 329 (2011)

Requires parental notification prior to a minor's abortion.

HB 474 (2011)

Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.

HB 133 (2011)

Ties the New Hampshire minimum wage to the federal minimum wage.

HB 519 (2011)

Repeals the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), New Hampshire's cap-and-trade program.

SB 3 (2011)

Makes various changes to the state retirement system, such as raising retirement ages and increasing member contributions.