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Laurence Rappaport

Historical Details

Position on Issues

Voting Record, 2016

Voted against prohibiting abortions at or after 20 weeks gestation (HB 1328)

Voting Record, 2014

Voted against allowing physician assisted suicide (HB 1325)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH allow binding referendums?

In favor of amending the NH constitution to allow citizen to vote on statewide issues in a referendum

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Was NH right to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving?

"Only hands free cell phone use should be permitted."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

Does not support a general sales and/or income tax

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

Does not support a general sales and/or income tax

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH authorize one or more casinos?

"I am opposed to increased gaming for New Hampshire."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?

"The adoption of any testing criteria should be decided upon by local school boards."

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."

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.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?

"We need full disclosure of the individuals or entities financing political campaigns."

Voting Record, 2015

Voted to allow qualifying patients and caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home (HB 593)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should LLCs be subject to the interest and dividends tax?

Does not support an LLC tax

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH provide more funding for charter schools?

"With appropriate qualifying criteria, I would support increasing state funding to charter schools."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH increase the interest and dividends tax?

Does not support an increase in I&D tax

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH increase tolls and/or add new toll booths?

Possible revenue sources: "Tolls on I-93 (Mass Border), Gambling Winnings Tax, HB569 - revenue from leasing state transportation rights of way"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH continue to allow medicinal marijuana?

Does not support legalizing medicinal marijuana

Voting Record, 2016

Voted against legalizing and taxing marijuana (HB 1694)

Voting Record, 2015

Voted against a minimum wage increase (HB 684)

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.

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."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH add restrictions on welfare recipients?

Regarding drug tests for welfare recipients: "I support such legislation."

Voting Record, 2014

Voted to repeal the death penalty (HB 1170)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH allow the Northern Pass to proceed with some (not all) of the lines buried?

"I want complete burial in state transportation rights of way"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

What is your philosophy of government?

"1. Extremely fiscally conservative. Government has proven that it cannot run services effectively, therefore it should ONLY do what it is permitted to do under the State Constitution."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH continue to use property taxes instead of a new broad-based tax, such as an income tax?

Does not support a general sales and/or income tax

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."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH repeal same-sex marriage?

Supports repeal of gay marriage law

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH require car insurance for some or all drivers?

"I believe auto insurance should sometimes be required."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should businesses that provide insurance be required to cover contraception?

Does support a company and/or religious organization having the ability to deny employees contraception coverage

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH require labels on some or all genetically modified foods?

"I support such legislation."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH require motorcycle helmets?

Does not support mandatory helmet laws for motorcycle riders

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH revise the meals and rooms tax?

Does not support increasing meals and room tax

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH pass right-to-work legislation?

"Right to Work legislation will create many new jobs in NH."

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).

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

State role in economic growth

"Job stimulation is best left to the private sector."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH use taxpayer money to build a memorial to the Old Man?

Does not support use of public money for man-made Old Man

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I oppose any limits on assault weapons."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Should NH government switch from a pension system to a 401(k)-style retirement plan?

"I think the question should be carefully studied before giving an answer"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012

Why are you running?

"I felt it was necessary to stop the Northern Pass Project. In addion I felt it was necessary to uphold both the State and Federal Constitutions."

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

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.

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 498 (2016)

Reduces the penalty for possessing 1/4 ounce or less of marijuana from a class A to an unspecified misdemeanor.

HB 1696 (2016)

Continues expanded Medicaid eligibility, with some revisions. This bill adds work requirements to eligibility for expanded Medicaid. Additional funding is provided by the insurance premium tax, paid by insurance companies.

HB 1694 (2016)

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

HB 1480 (2016)

Raises the minimum wage to $8.25 in 2017, $9 in 2018, and $9.50 in 2019.

HB 1616 (2016)

Allows a person obtaining a driver's license to choose whether the license complies with the federal Real ID Act of 2005.

HB 593 (2015)

Permits qualifying patients and registered caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home.

HB 1338 (2016)

Allows parents and guardians to opt their students out of the statewide assessment test, and prohibits schools and the state from penalizing students who do not take statewide assessments.

SB 576 (2016)

This bill includes many regulations aimed at combating heroin and prescription drug abuse. For example, this bill increases the penalties for abusing fentanyl and provides funding for an upgrade to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

HB 1374 (2016)

Requires moneys paid into the Renewable Energy Fund to be rebated to ratepayers, rather than spent on other renewable energy projects.

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.

HB 403 (2015)

Repeals the law establishing a protest-free buffer zone around reproductive health clinics.

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.

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 1411 (2014)

Sends some of last year's budget surplus to the Department of Health and Human Services.

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.

SB 3 (2014)

Removes all tolls in Merrimack.

SB 207 (2014)

“Pay Equity Law,” a bill to combat pay discrimination based on gender, forbidding employers from restricting employees from discussing wages, and allowing a three year deadline to report pay discrimination to the state (current deadline is one year).

HB 1633 (2014)

Authorizes one casino in New Hampshire, regulated by the Gaming Commission.

HB 1360 (2014)

Forbids cell phone use while driving, unless hands-free.

SB 319 (2014)

Authorizes "buffer zones" for protestors around reproductive health clinics.

HB 1625 (2014)

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

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.

SB 203 (2014)

Forbids the use of EBT cards or cash from EBT cards for alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, firearms, or adult entertainment.

SB 318 (2014)

Establishes the crime of domestic violence.

HB 1170 (2014)

Repeals the death penalty.

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 1294 (2014)

Requires Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to allow any health provider into their network for the purpose of participating in the online health insurance exchange.

HB 1508 (2014)

Terminates New Hampshire’s participation in the Common Core educational standards.

HB 1486 (2014)

Decreases the fine for underage drinking from $300 to $100 on first offense and from $600 to $300 on a subsequent offense.

HB 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 135 (2013)

Limits the use of deadly force, repealing "Stand Your Ground" in favor of the "Castle Doctrine." Under this bill victims could use deadly force within their homes without retreating, but anywhere else they would have to attempt retreat before resorting to deadly force.

HB 271 (2013)

Forbids NH from expanding Medicaid eligibility under the federal Affordable Care Act.

HB 573 (2013)

Allows medicinal use of marijuana, without allowing home growing.

HB 501 (2013)

Sets the state minimum wage at $7.25, in place of federal minimum wage.

HB 630 (2013)

Reallocates proceeds from RGGI to the low-income energy efficiency program.

HB 370 (2013)

Repeals the education tax credit program, in which businesses receive tax breaks for contributing to a scholarship fund for low income students that wish to attend private school.

HB 595 (2013)

Revises 2011 voter ID law to delay requirement that poll workers photograph voters without ID; also allows student ID at polls.

SB 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 1 (2013)

Final 2014-2015 state budget, including increased funding for higher education, increased funding for services for individuals with mental illness and/or other disabilities, no Medicaid expansion, and no gas tax increase.

SB 153 (2013)

Gives the legislature power to review collective bargaining agreements entered into by the state.

HB 2 (2013)

Makes various appropriations related to the budget bill, and establishes commissions to study Medicaid expansion and casino regulations.

HB 451 (2013)

Increases the length of time for which a license to carry a concealed firearm is valid, and repeals the requirement to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm.

HB 323 (2013)

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

SB 286 (2012)

Establishes a prescription drug monitoring program funded entirely through "grants, gifts, or user contributions."

HB 1654 (2012)

Authorizes earned time credits for inmates participating in rehabilitative programming.

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 1482 (2012)

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

SB 409 (2012)

Allows medicinal marijuana through home growing.

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 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.

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 1511 (2012)

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

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 1264 (2012)

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

HB 1492 (2012)

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

HB 1595 (2012)

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

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.

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.

HB 569 (2011)

Establishes "domestic unions" as an alternative to marriage.

HB 218 (2011)

Repeals the New Hampshire Rail Transit Auhority (NHRTA).

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.

HR 9 (2011)

Resolution expressing support for earmarks for law enforcement.

HCR 23 (2011)

Urges congressional earmarks for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

SB 27 (2011)

Raises the speed limit in some areas of Lake Winnipesaukee.

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.

SB 57 (2011)

Makes various revisions to title loan regulations.

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.

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.

SB 489 (2010)

Authorizes three casinos in New Hampshire.

HB 1653 (2010)

Decriminalizes possession of 1/4 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age eighteen.

HB 1644 (2010)

Includes all fetuses as potential victims under first and second degree murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide.

SB 497 (2010)

Establishes certain requirements for the reasonable compensation deduction under the business profits tax. This bill also establishes a committee to study safe harbors.

HB 1607 (2010)
Establishes certain requirements for the reasonable compensation deduction under the business profits tax. The bill creates a committee to study safe harbors and taxation of investment organizations. This bill also deletes a provision subjecting to taxation certain income accumulated in trust for the benefit of unborn or unascertained persons.
SB 450 (2010)

Makes various budget cuts.

SS HB 1 (2010)

Repeals the LLC tax.

HB 1128 (2010)

Makes various regulatory changes, such as allowing towns to adopt a local meals and rooms tax in addition to the state meals and rooms tax and authorizing expanded gambling.

SB 464 (2010)

Establishes speed limits on Lake Winnipesaukee.

CACR 28 (2010)

Constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

HB 648 (2009)

Allows medicinal use of marijuana, without allowing home growing.

HB 531 (2009)

Requires parental notification prior to a minor's abortion.

HB 556 (2009)

Repeals the death penalty.

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