Kurt Wuelper
Historical Details
Position on Issues
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Do you support the “Education Freedom Account” program, which gives students access to the per-pupil share of state school funding to spend on private school or home school expenses?
"I think it is unfair to ask parents who choose other education for their children to pay for that and a public education, and I understand the public school system and why we pay for it via local taxes. I think the least we can do is give the small amount the state pays the local school to educate a child who won't be there back to parents to help those who need a different way."
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 support protecting ALL Pre-born people. The baby has her inalienable right to life and has committed no crime, certainly none warranting the death penalty. Mom should get medical treatment even if it risks the baby's life."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2020
Voted to consider HB 1475, a bill that would prohibit abortions after detection of a fetal heartbeat.
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?
"I oppose expanded commuter rail."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH limit terms for elected officials?
"I oppose term limits for New Hampshire elected officials."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?
"I am undecided on this issue."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"I don't believe in bans, so I oppose all these. I do think abortion is bad for women, men, society at large, and especially the children whose lives are the most tragic cost of abortion. The State should regulate abortion to protect as many children as we can. The current law protects most children of at least 6-months age by limiting abortion against them. I would like to see us go further, that is to a lower age of the child, but that political decision will only be made when the voters choose it by electing more candidates like myself."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"I don't believe in bans, so I oppose all these. I do think abortion is bad for women, men, society at large, and especially the children whose lives are the most tragic cost of abortion. The State should regulate abortion to protect as many children as we can. The current law protects most children of at least 6-months age by limiting abortion against them. I would like to see us go further, that is to a lower age of the child, but that political decision will only be made when the voters choose it by electing more candidates like myself."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Was NH right to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving?
"Cell phone use should be legal. Drivers should be responsible for whatever happens while they are diriving for whatever reason."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?
"'Discussion' being such a broad term, I find it hard to say it should be banned. However, at this tender age, children have little or no understanding or comprehension of sexuality, making any serious discussion in school both age inappropriate and very problematic."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the state law that bans teaching certain concepts, such as the idea that people may be "inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously"?
"Discussions about controversial subjects should be encouraged in schools, with the teachers simply guiding the discussion as opposed to pushing their own views on the students. Recently, we've seen students being taught that they are racist by birth, which is extremely dangerous to our society."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"NH has long refused to implement broad based sales or income taxes, and this has helped us have one of the most frugal governments in the country and keep our citizens the most free we can."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"If it isn't broke, don't fix it. We're doing just fine without a broad-base sales tax."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire add a tax credit for businesses that contribute to student loan repayment for employees?
"Businesses can offer whatever incentives they desire to employees. Most people have no student debt, and they should not be forced to contribute toward paying for an education that benefits the most well off."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"Business taxes are our main source of State revenue and our current structure is competitive. We have the strongest economy in the region and among the strongest in the country because this structure has encouraged many small businesses, thereby insulating us from many vagaries of the national economic difficulties."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?
"Capital Gains taxes are a primary way many business owners recover the costs of creating/owning/running a business, and how retirees receive the earnings from their savings, So, capital gains taxes would fall most heavily on retirees and those on fixed incomes, and would discourage business formation. Both bad."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH authorize one or more casinos?
"I oppose casino gambling in New Hampshire."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire increase the tax on cigarettes?
"Cigarette taxes fall primarily on the poor who are already taxed economically."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"I believe the climate is warming as it has been since the last ice age. The climate may be warming faster now than in the past, but, even if it is, we have a very long lead time for actions. Since the United States is one of the least polluting countries and the actions of others dwarf what we could do if we reduced our emissions to 0, I think the state should look into preparedness and work on that as opposed to looking to reduce our emissions."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?
"I oppose basing statewide assessments on Common Core standards."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Do you support giving voters who register without ID on Election Day a ballot that only counts if they return identifying documents to the state before a deadline?
"ID requirements are so broad, no one should have a problem with providing one. After all, one needs a picture ID for virtually anything nowadays, and voting should be taken at least as seriously as buying a beer."
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."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire add a fee or mileage charge for electric vehicle owners to help pay for transportation and/or electric infrastructure?
"The 'gas tax' is the primary source of money to maintain our public infrastructure and is primarily a user fee. It should be tailored to cost heavy users more than incidental users and those that cause the most damage to reads the most. EV owners currently get a free ride and should contribute toward road maintenance."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"Local zoning is the biggest cost driver of housing. I believe local communities should decide how to balance the cost and benefits from these restrictions. Personally, I believe fewer zoning restrictions are better, but each community should, as they can now, make that call. If the people want more lower-cost housing, they can make the changes necessary to attract that without State mandates. Encouragement might help, but when it is the State 'encouraging', there is a fine line between encouraging and demanding."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?
"I oppose broader campaign finance disclosure laws."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Do you support legislation to expand the net energy metering system capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW for all residential and commercial customers in New Hampshire?
"5 MW is so much electricity that only a reseller would want to produce it. So, that one wants to be a supplier of electricity and should be treated as all other power sellers are."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire extend the renewable portfolio standard past 2025, requiring public utilities to obtain more than 25% of electricity from renewable energy sources?
"Government is terrible at finding solutions to big problems. Educate the people, give them the freedom to find the best solutions. Projections of what will occur a hundred years hence should be banned.Only 40 or so years ago, we were being told of a coming Ice age."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"I don't believe in bans, so I oppose all these. I do think abortion is bad for women, men, society at large, and especially the children whose lives are the most tragic cost of abortion. The State should regulate abortion to protect as many children as we can. The current law protects most children of at least 6-months age by limiting abortion against them. I would like to see us go further, that is to a lower age of the child, but that political decision will only be made when the voters choose it by electing more candidates like myself."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH provide more funding for charter schools?
"I think state $$ should follow the student into the school of her parent's choice. If homeschool is chosen up to half the cost of public school in her town should be available to defray schooling expenses, inlcuding lost income to the home schooling parent."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state increase funding for child care providers?
"I think government regulation is a major factor in the cost of childcare. I would prefer to remove some of that regulation and let parents and providers determine the cost of child care. From another perspective, Child care costs are so high because the government subsidizes women in the work force and penalizes mothers who stay home. I would prefer to help mothers to care for their own children and maybe for their working neighbors as well."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH increase law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses?
"I oppose increased law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses."
Against| Read My Position
Other, 2016
"I oppose medicinal marijuana."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?
"Mail-in voting has been so problematic in other countries, it has been totally banned in most advanced democracies. It is an open door to massive voter fraud and undermines our electoiral system."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?
"Whoever pays the piper calls the tune. I believe local communities should be in charge of education for their children. Also, the biannual property tax bill makes the tax real for taxpayers as opposed to the less noticeable sales tax or income tax. That lets the citizen see what the real costs of his government is."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?
"The state should not encourage people to do harm to themselves. It's bad enough we exploit those who use alcohol and tobacco. All these alternatives would support more drug use. The private option would be totally unenforceable"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"The state should not encourage people to do harm to themselves. It's bad enough we exploit those who use alcohol and tobacco. All these alternatives would support more drug use. The private option would be totally unenforceable"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"The state should not encourage people to do harm to themselves. It's bad enough we exploit those who use alcohol and tobacco. All these alternatives would support more drug use. The private option would be totally unenforceable"
Against| 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 mistake. The State should not be in the business of providing General health care, so the choice of method is pretty much irrelevant."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Was NH right to expand Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible?
"I oppose NH's expanded Medicaid program."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"The market sets the minimum amount business must pay for labor. Our required minimum wage is less than half what business pays now, and no one suggests raising it above the current market rate. I've seen nothing to indicate that any minimum wage does anything to increase wages."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted to consider prohibiting sending any state funds to any health care provider that performs abortions, regardless of whether public funds are utilized for that specific service. The Department of Health and Human Services said the bill would prevent the Department from entering into ANY contract with organizations such as Planned Parenthood. (HB 677)
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."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?
"I oppose increased state enforcement of federal immigration laws."
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."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment?
"Tax credits/subsidies distort the market. Let business decide where to invest how much without state assistance."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2018
Voted to keep the death penalty unchanged (SB 593)
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH allow the Northern Pass to proceed with some (not all) of the lines buried?
"I support the Northern Pass as currently proposed."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire increase the base amount of per-pupil funding it provides to local school districts?
"Against"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should the state permanently increase how much tax revenue it shares with towns and cities every year, beyond public school funding?
"Localities control their own taxes, and the Sate should only raise enough money to fund State obligations/services. Any State contributions to local government simply reduces the local citizen's control over their own taxes."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the gradual phase-out of the Interests and Dividends tax?
"The interest and dividends tax amounts to double taxation, as taxes were previously paid when the money was earned. People should be able to keep the fruits of their labor."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
What is your philosophy of government?
Gov't exists to protect our rights and it should do little else. Gov't that governs the least governs the best.
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Is police brutality an issue in NH?
"Police brutality is not an issue in New Hampshire."
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, 2024
Should New Hampshire add legal protections for residents of other states who travel here for health care related to abortion or gender transition?
"The State should not be undermining other states' laws. NH government, as do all other states, exists to protect our citizens, not to interfere with what the people of other states have voted for."
Against| 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 oppose New Hampshire's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative."Against| 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 oppose the renewable portfolio standard in New Hampshire."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"I don't believe in bans, so I oppose all these. I do think abortion is bad for women, men, society at large, and especially the children whose lives are the most tragic cost of abortion. The State should regulate abortion to protect as many children as we can. The current law protects most children of at least 6-months age by limiting abortion against them. I would like to see us go further, that is to a lower age of the child, but that political decision will only be made when the voters choose it by electing more candidates like myself."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require car insurance for some or all drivers?
"I oppose legislation that would mandate insurance in order to register a vehicle."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should businesses that provide insurance be required to cover contraception?
Supports employer ability to deny contraception coverage
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."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?
"Federal immigration is the law of the land, and we should cooperate with the Federal government both to support the rule of law and to help remove those who are here illegally to protect those here legally."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH require motorcycle helmets?
Does not support mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH require seat belts?
Does not support mandatory seat belt laws for adults
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH pass right-to-work legislation?
"Right to Work legislation will create many new jobs in NH."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire create a road usage fee?
"The road usage fee pays for road maintenance and the lanes should provide the money to maintain our roads."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire government do more to increase the supply of affordable housing?
"Housing costs are driven by zoning: a local issue. I believe local control works best"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
What is your opinion on the state providing some funding for Planned Parenthood?
"I oppose the state providing some funding for Planned Parenthood."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
State role in economic growth
"The state should create an environment attractive to business; low taxes, well educated work force, minimal regulations"
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH use taxpayer money to build a memorial to the Old Man?
"Since the 'Old Man' is our state symbol and existed on State property, and a replica could be another attraction, I would be open to this idea. Not necessarily for or against."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH continue to administer statewide standards-based student assessments?
"Achievement tests are preferable."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"NH is one of the safest states in the union, in part because of our gun laws. My understanding is the gun regulations are directly related to more crime, making them both ineffective and largely, if not completely, unconstitutional."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire provide student loan debt repayment programs for workers in industries with labor shortages?
"If an industry wants to provide this as a benefit they are free to do so. Government assistance benefits the more highly educated at the expence of the the poor."
For| Read My Position
Other, 2016
"I believe retirement system reform is critical for our state and would definitely support changing to a 401(k)-style retirement plan and might support a 'Cash' system, in either case, mandatory for new employees and optional for current employees."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire add tax incentives for affordable housing development?
"Reduce housing restrictions to lower housing costs."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire allocate tax revenues for private and home schooling costs?
"State money should follow the child whatever the educational course, but the Constitution constrains. I support Constitutional use of State money in the broadest way possible including every form of education."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should parents be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry?
"Parents should be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote?
"New Hampshire should impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Why are you running?
"I have long been politically active, as I think all citizens should, and now have the time to serve our state."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH restrict further wind power development?
"I oppose restrictions on further wind power development."
Session days attended
Party unity score/partisanship
Participated in official roll call votes
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
Prime sponsored bills that became law
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 1609 (2022)
Revises the law banning abortions after 24 weeks gestation to include exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomalies. This bill also repeals the requirement to conduct an obstetric ultrasound before every abortion. Lastly, this bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to compile and publish an annual report of statistics relative to abortions after 24 weeks.
HB 1668 (2022)
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 1598 (2022)
Allows personal consumption and possession of marijuana over age 21, with some limits (e.g. four ounces of cannabis in plant form). Home-growing would be illegal. The state Liquor Commission would regulate marijuana growing and sales. Revenue from marijuana sales would go to substance misuse-related education, prevention, treatment, and recovery; and offsetting the statewide education property tax.
HB 1576 (2022)
Repeals the law aimed at banning critical race theory in public schools and workplaces. That law prohibits the teaching of certain concepts in school and public employee trainings. For example, the law prohibits teaching that people of a certain race or sex are "inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously."
HB 1431 (2022)
Establishes a parental bill of rights. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
HB 1661 (2022)
Requires sending district schools and career and technical education (CTE) centers to enter into an agreement to include scheduling, access, transportation and credits for CTE students.
The House amended the bill to also set aside $35 million for a new legislative parking garage. The Senate revised the bill to lower this number to $9.35 million.
The Senate also amended this bill to add the substance of SB 430, an omnibus bill about care covered under Medicaid, childcare regulations, and more.
HB 227 (2021)
Allows a landlord to evict a tenant at the expiration of the term of the lease or tenancy, if the term is longer than six months. The House amended the bill to also require the landlord to give 30 days' notice.
HB 1022 (2022)
Authorizes pharmacists to dispense Ivermectin pursuant to a standing order from a physician or APRN.
The Senate amended the bill to also establish a commission to study the use of Ivermectin to treat Covid-19 and to provide a recommendation regarding whether to make the standing order permanent.
HB 1131 (2022)
Prohibits public schools from adopting, enforcing, or implementing a policy that requires students or members of the public to wear a facial covering.
HB 1178 (2022)
Prohibits any state or local enforcement of any federal laws or actions aimed at limiting firearms.
SB 418 (2022)
Establishes "affidavit balloting" for voters who do not have a valid identification at the polls. Those voters would be given a prepaid envelope to return with documentation proving their eligibility to vote, and their "affidavit ballots" would be numbered and counted separately. Any voter who fails to provide documentation proving their eligibility to vote within ten days of the election would have their ballot pulled and their votes deducted from the official vote totals.
HB 1080 (2022)
Creates a right for health care providers to conscientiously object to participating in providing abortion, sterilization, or artificial contraception services.
HB 1221 (2022)
Reduces the Business Profits Tax rate from 7.6% to 7.5% and the Business Enterprise Tax rate from 0.55% to 0.50% for taxable periods ending on or after December 31, 2023.
The House amended the bill to only cut the Business Profits Tax to 7.5%.
The Senate amended the bill to also provide towns and cities with 7.5% of their retirement contribution costs for teachers, police officers, and firefighters for one year.
HB 1683 (2022)
Repeal the Education Freedom Account program. The program allows the parent of a school age child to receive funds from a scholarship organization to pay for education expenses.
HB 1495 (2022)
Prohibits employee vaccine requirements for any state or local government employees or government contractors. This bill has an exception for medical providers when there is a direct threat present.
The House amended the bill to prohibit any state or local government from requiring businesses to implement a vaccine mandate, with an exception for medical facilities.
HB 1455 (2022)
Prohibits state enforcement of any federal law, order, or rule that requires an individual, as a condition of employment or any other activity, to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or to submit more than once per month to COVID-19 testing.
HB 1210 (2022)
Requires public employers, private employers, and postsecondary education institutions that receive public funds and mandate a vaccination or other inoculation procedure to accept an employee's or student's request for a medical, religious, or right of conscience exemption.
HB 177 (2021)
Prohibits the siting of new landfills, excluding expansions of existing landfills, within 2 miles of state parks. "State parks" do not include state historic sites and recreational rail trails.
The House voted to add this bill to SB 103, but the Senate rejected that change.
HB 121 (2021)
Establishes a fifteen member independent redistricting commission, appointed by House and Senate party leaders after an application process.
SB 89 (2021)
The House voted to add a new section to the bill that states New Hampshire election laws will not be affected by the passage of the federal "For the People Act." Supporters argue that this is an important measure to protect the integrity of New Hampshire elections from federal interference. Opponents argue it is unconstitutional to attempt to nullify federal laws, and this measure could require New Hampshire to run two separate election systems, one for state officials and one for federal officials.
SB 61 (2021)
Right-to-work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 1 (2021)
State budget bill. The governor presented his version of the next state budget February 11. The House passed a revised version of his budget on April 7. The Senate passed a different version on June 3. The House and Senate passed a final version on June 24. Click here to read a summary of the 2021 budget proposals.
HB 2 (2021)
State budget bill (part 2). The governor presented his version of the next state budget February 11. The House passed a revised version of his budget on April 7. The Senate passed a different version on June 3. The House and Senate passed a final version on June 24. Click here to read a summary of the budget proposals.
SB 141 (2021)
Authorizes the FBI to conduct all National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) searches concerning the purchase, sale, and transfer of firearms through Federal Firearm Licensees operating in New Hampshire. This bill then abolishes the "gun line" in the State Police and repeals the state’s partial point of contact system for handguns, allowing the authority to remain exclusively with the FBI.
HB 625 (2021)
Prohibits abortion after 24 weeks gestation, unless there is a medical emergency. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.
The House and Senate added a similar ban to the 2021 state budget bill.
HB 458 (2021)
Repeals the the law that requires public middle schools and high schools to provide menstrual hygiene products at no cost. This bill then permits school health departments "to make reasonable efforts to secure, through grants and donations, and distribute menstrual hygiene products to students in need."
HB 542 (2021)
Excludes religious gatherings from any prohibition on in-person gatherings during a state of emergency. The House amended the bill to more broadly protect religious activities. The Senate amended the bill to narrow its scope again; the Senate version requires the state to allow religious services and other activities to proceed to the same or greater extent as other essential business activity during a state of emergency.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 558 (2019)
Prohibits food service businesses from providing a single-use plastic straw to a customer unless specifically requested.
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 2 (2019)
2020-2021 state budget bill (part 2).
HB 1 (2019)
2020-2021 state budget bill.
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 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."
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
HB 157 (2017)
Adds chronic pain to the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana.
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 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 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 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 1623 (2016)
Prohibits abortion based on genetic abnormality.
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.
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.
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.
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.
