Laura Jones
Historical Details
Position on Issues
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2016
Voted to prohibit abortions at or after 20 weeks gestation (HB 1636)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH allow binding referendums?
"I believe that the citizens of NH are very well represented, in the General Court, due to the frequency of elections."
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."
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."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"I am opposed to any new or increased taxes - we should just control our spending."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH authorize one or more casinos?
"This is a complex issue with many ramifications, and I am still studying it."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?
"The state should establish its own standards and tests for NH school districts."
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'm a proven fiscal conservative who believes government should be affordable and should protect individual liberty."
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."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted to allow qualifying patients and caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home (HB 593)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should LLCs be subject to the interest and dividends tax?
Opposes LLC tax
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH provide more funding for charter schools?
"I am studying this issue."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH increase the interest and dividends tax?
Opposes increases in I & D tax
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH increase tolls and/or add new toll booths?
Opposes adding tolls on I-93 (Mass. Border)
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH continue to allow medicinal marijuana?
"I believe NH should legalize medicinal marijuana, but it would depend on the specifics of the legislation."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2016
Voted against raising the minimum wage to $8.25 in 2017, $9 in 2018, and $9.50 in 2019 (HB 1480)
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 (HB 677). 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.
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."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add restrictions on welfare recipients?
Regarding drug tests for welfare recipients: "I am studying this issue."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2014
Voted against repealing the death penalty (HB 1170)
Undecided| 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 am studying this issue."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
What is your philosophy of government?
"My philosophy is that the New Hampshire and US Constitutions place limits on government. Under the New Hampshire Constitution, the power to tax is reserved for the people and their elected representatives, not the judicial or executive branches. Government should protect life, liberty, and property. In addition, government should not confiscate property, or constrain liberties, without due process."
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."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH repeal same-sex marriage?
"I support defining marriage as between one adult male and one adult female. At the same time, I would not vote for legislation that would rescind the marriages that have taken place under the current law."
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?
"I support reducing insurance mandates and allowing people to purchase the types and amount of insurance they desire."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require labels on some or all genetically modified foods?
"I am studying this issue."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH require motorcycle helmets?
"I believe that those who ride should take personal responsibility for their decision regarding whether or not to wear a motorcycle helmet."
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 will create many new jobs in NH."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted to consider prohibiting state funds for any health care provider that performs abortions, regardless of whether public funds are utilized for that specific service (HB 677).
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
State role in economic growth
"Yes, the state should do more: NH should reduce its corporate tax rate, pass RTW, and update laws affecting startups, such as extending the net operating loss carry forward provision, to stimulate job growth."
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 legislation that interferes with NH citizens' right to self defense."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH government switch from a pension system to a 401(k)-style retirement plan?
"I think we need to look into changing our retirement program from a defined benefits program to a defined contribution program, similar to a 401(k). Adequately funding a defined benefits program can be very difficult, especially given the risk level of various investment vehicles, and the uncertainty in the current economy."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Why are you running?
"I was attracted to running for public office out of a strong desire to serve the people of New Hampshire and to maintain and strengthen New Hampshire's superior laws protecting personal privacy and individual freedom."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH restrict further wind power development?
"I support such a moratorium on commercial wind towers at the present time until the state studies the matter."
Voting Record
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.
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 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 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.
HB 1623 (2016)
Prohibits abortion based on genetic abnormality.
HB 1694 (2016)
Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one.
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.
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 1360 (2014)
Forbids cell phone use while driving, unless hands-free.
HB 1325 (2014)
Allows physician-assisted suicide.
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.
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 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 1508 (2014)
Terminates New Hampshire’s participation in the Common Core educational standards.
SB 3 (2014)
Removes all tolls in Merrimack.
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.
SB 152 (2013)
Authorizes a casino.
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 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 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 573 (2013)
Allows medicinal use of marijuana, without allowing home growing.
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.
SB 163 (2013)
Establishes a commission to recommend legislation to prepare for projected sea level rise and other coastal and coastal watershed hazards.
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.
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 286 (2012)
Establishes a prescription drug monitoring program funded entirely through "grants, gifts, or user contributions."
HB 1264 (2012)
Establishes a religious exemption for individuals who do not wish to provide accommodations, goods, or services for same-sex marriages.
HB 1654 (2012)
Authorizes earned time credits for inmates participating in rehabilitative programming.
HB 1595 (2012)
Limits primary elections to voters who have registered as party members.
HB 1482 (2012)
Limits the exemption from property taxation granted to charitable nonprofit hospitals only to the main campus of the hospital.
SB 289 (2012)
Requires voters to present identification at polling places.
HB 1676 (2012)
Establishes a pilot program to provide public financing for eligible candidates for state senator.
HB 1492 (2012)
Requires public employers to verify an employee's eligibility to work in the United States.
HB 1677 (2012)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
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.
SB 409 (2012)
Allows medicinal marijuana through home growing.
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 1660 (2012)
Prohibits abortions beyond 20 weeks gestation.
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 1383 (2012)
States that only United States citizens may receive in-state tuition at the University of New Hampshire.
HB 1405 (2012)
Allows local governments to establish moratoriums on refugee resettlement.
HB 330 (2011)
Repeals the requirement to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm.
HB 1511 (2012)
Removes the prohibition on convicted felons possessing certain weapons for self-defense.
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 1667 (2012)
Raises the threshold between juvenile and adult offenders from seventeen to eighteen years-old.
HB 1679 (2012)
Prohibits partial birth abortions and abortions in the third trimester.
HB 1666 (2012)
Requires legislative approval of any collective bargaining agreement entered into by the state.
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.
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.
HB 218 (2011)
Repeals the New Hampshire Rail Transit Auhority (NHRTA).
HB 569 (2011)
Establishes "domestic unions" as an alternative to marriage.
HB 176 (2011)
Changes the definition of "domicile" for voting purposes so that out-of-state students can not claim domicile in New Hampshire.
HR 9 (2011)
Resolution expressing support for earmarks for law enforcement.
HCR 23 (2011)
Urges congressional earmarks for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
HB 113 (2011)
Prohibits the use of state funds for New Hampshire Public Television (NHPTV).
HB 370 (2011)
Reverses the expanded definition of bullying in the Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Act.
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.
SB 27 (2011)
Raises the speed limit in some areas of Lake Winnipesaukee.
HB 631 (2011)
Repeals the requirement that school districts offer public kindergarten.
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.
SB 57 (2011)
Makes various revisions to title loan regulations.
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.