Lorrie J. Carey
Serving as: NH House Merrimack County District 01
These objective, nonpartisan measures are used to show this legislator's activities at the Statehouse in 2023 and 2024. 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. Gov. Sununu is still in the process of signing and vetoing 2024 bills, so the number of prime sponsored bills that became law may increase.
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
CACR 23 (2024)
Constitutional amendment creating a right to abortion, including a ban on any restrictions on abortion prior to 24 weeks.
HB 10 (2023)
Establishes a parental bill of rights. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to direct the education and care of his or her minor child"
"The right to be physically present at any health care facility ... at which their minor child is receiving hospital care"
"The right to consent in writing before a biometric scan of his or her minor child is made, shared, or stored"
HB 106 (2023)
Establishes a procedure for issuing "extreme risk protection orders" to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. An extreme risk protection order would restrict a person's access to firearms, and is also known as a "red flag law."
HB 1145 (2024)
Prohibits new solid waste landfill permits in the state for facilities owned by any person other than the state of New Hampshire or a political subdivision thereof.
HB 1205 (2024)
Prohibits anyone with the reproductive biology and genetics of a male at birth from participating on school sports teams designated for females. As introduced, this bill covered K-12 schools as well as the university and community college system. The House amended the bill so that it only applies to middle and high schools.
HB 1248 (2024)
Changes the state limit on abortion after 24 weeks gestation to 15 days gestation.
HB 1283 (2024)
Establishes a procedure for an individual with terminal illness to receive medical assistance in dying through the self administration of medication (sometimes called physician-assisted suicide). The bill establishes criteria for the prescription of such medication and establishes reporting requirements and penalties for misuse or noncompliance.
HB 1291 (2024)
Increases the number of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) allowed by right from one to two. This bill also increases the maximum square footage from 750 square feet to 1,000 square feet (and 850 square feet for a second unit). The bill then sets other regulations municipalities can and cannot require for ADUs. For example, the bill states that municipalities may require a property to have at least one half acre to have more than one ADU.
HB 1322 (2024)
Gradually increases the minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2029. This bill then allows future increases best on the Northeast Consumer Price Index. This bill also increases the tipped minimum wage from 45% to 50% of the regular minimum wage.
HB 1377 (2024)
Right-to-work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 1400 (2024)
Prohibits zoning and planning regulations that set maximum residential parking spaces above one parking space per unit.
HB 1419 (2024)
Prohibits K-12 schools from making "any material that is harmful to minors" available to students. The bill defines this material to include various content related to sex. This bill also requires school boards to adopt complaint resolution policies to address complaints regarding harmful material by parents or guardians.
HB 1633 (2024)
Legalizes and regulates recreational marijuana sales to adults over age twenty-one. As amended by the House, this bill would allow the state to license fifteen cannabis retail outlets. There would be a 10% tax on monthly total gross revenue derived from the sale of cannabis and cannabis products. Smoking in public and consuming marijuana while driving would be illegal. Towns could limit marijuana businesses.
HB 1649 (2024)
Restricts the use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. For example, this bill bans the sale of cosmetics, food packing, carpets, and more products with added PFAS starting July 1, 2028. The House changed that date to January 1, 2027.
The Senate amended the bill to also state that settlement funds from PFAS lawsuits will be deposited in the drinking water and groundwater trust fund and used to fund public water systems impacted by PFAS.
HB 1656 (2024)
Greatly increases the per-pupil state education funding for each student receiving special education services. The House amended the bill to establish three weighted categories for special education differentiated aid, with more funding going to students who need more services.
HB 1665 (2024)
Raises the annual household income limit to qualify for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, from 350% to 500% of the federal poverty level (from about $100,000 to about $150,000 for a family of four).
The Senate rewrote the bill. The Senate version of the bill raises eligibility to just 400% of the federal poverty level, and extends the timeline for phase-out grants for public schools when students leave to use EFA program funds, from 2026 to 2029. These changes are similar to SB 442, a bill killed in the House.
HB 1711 (2024)
Establishes a system to report to the firearm background check system if a person is found not guilty by reason of insanity, not competent to stand trial, or involuntarily committed to a mental health facility. This bill also allows the court to order a person to surrender their firearms in these circumstances. This bill also establishes a process for a person to have their record removed from the background check system after six months, if they are no longer a danger to themselves or others.
HB 2 (2023)
State budget bill (part 2). The governor presented his proposal for the next state budget February 14. The House and Senate both made changes to that proposal. Click here to read a summary of the 2023 budget process.
HB 208 (2023)
Establishes greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for the state, to net zero by 2050. This bill also requires the Department of Environmental Services to develop a climate action plan by July 1, 2024, that includes evaluation of best available information, considers inclusion of strategies, programs and compliance mechanisms with measurable goals and targets, considers opportunities to encourage investment in low/moderate income, rural and minority communities, makes recommendations on retraining and apprenticeship opportunities, and coordinates with other state agencies.
HB 224 (2023)
Repeals the civil and criminal penalties for health care providers who violate the state's ban on abortion after 24 weeks.
HB 367 (2023)
Increases the maximum household income limit for participation in the Education Freedom Account program, from 300% to 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. The Education Freedom Account program allows families to spend the state's per-pupil share of education funding on private or home school expenses.
The House amended the bill to only increase the income limit to 350% of the federal poverty guidelines.
HB 470 (2023)
Exempts some drug checking equipment from the definition of drug paraphernalia, and allows the use of drug checking equipment, such as fentanyl test strips, for harm reduction.
HB 523 (2023)
Increases the maximum electric generating capacity to participate in net energy metering, from one to five megawatts. This bill also modifies the transition of tariffs applicable to some customer-generators.
HB 557 (2023)
Removes the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to require vaccinations beyond those in state law. This bill specifically notes that the requirements for chickenpox, Hepatitis B, and Hib vaccinations will expire in 2026.
HB 567 (2023)
Requires at least 30 days written notice for a rent increase. Large, multi-unit rental owners must provide at least 60 days notice. If the rent increase is over 15%, large multi-unit landlords must provide at least 6 months notice.
HB 57 (2023)
Gradually raises the minimum wage to $15 per hour over the next three years, with future adjustments based on the consumer price index. This bill also raises the tipped minimum wage from 45% to 50% of the regular minimum wage. Lastly, this bill allows a minimum wage of $8 per hour for youth under age 18 for the first six months of employment.
HB 59 (2023)
Requires commercial sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks.
HB 619 (2023)
Prohibits gender transition care for minors under age 18. This bill also prohibits teaching about gender identity in public schools (with an exception for high school psychology courses), requires schools to use the name and gender that students are enrolled as, prohibits students from participating on sports teams that do not correspond to their biological sex at birth, and requires students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their biological sex at birth.
HB 624 (2023)
Requires state and local law enforcement to notify the public before an immigration checkpoint.
HB 639 (2023)
Legalizes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. The bill allows limited home-growing of marijuana. A new Cannabis Commission would oversee licensing and regulations related to the manufacture, testing, and sale of legal marijuana. Cannabis sales would be taxed under the Meals and Rooms tax system. Alternative Treatment Centers, which currently serve the state's medical marijuana patients, would be allowed to apply for a "dual use certificate" that allows them to participate in recreational marijuana business. Towns could limit marijuana businesses.
SB 263 (2023)
Permanently reauthorizes the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid. Previous law ended the program on December 31, 2023. This bill also reestablishes and revises the commission to evaluate the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid.
SB 272 (2023)
Establishes a parental bill of rights in education. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to access and review all medical records of a child maintained by a school or school personnel"
"The right to inquire of the school or school personnel and to be truthfully and completely informed if the child is being identified or referred to by school district staff, as being of a gender other than that of which the child was identified or referred when enrolled"
Completed our 2022 State Candidate Survey
Position on Issues
Against| 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 object to this program because it is contracted to an out-of-state organization instead of being run by our own Department of Education. The program is not audited, so we have know way of knowing if the funding is spent responsibly and there is no performance audit which demonstrates whether or not children are learning. All schools receiving taxpayer funding should be audited and demonstrate student achievement. The Legislature rushed to spend taxpayer dollars before putting guardrails in place."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"This is not the government's business. This is a healthcare decision to be made by a woman with her doctor based upon her personal situation."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"This is not the government's business. This is a healthcare decision to be made by a woman with her doctor based upon her personal situation."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?
"Sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3 is not required by NH State law in RSA 186:10 and 11. Health curriculum in the State of NH focuses upon age appropriate issues. At this age, hygiene is a major focus. There is an 'opt out' option for any parent who does not wish their child to participate in health education. I hope the schools will continue to be a safe place for children to discuss their feelings and that parents will feel comfortable expressing their thoughts with teachers and teachers with parents. Banning discussions does not mean issues no longer exist. Parents, teachers and children need to have an safe environment where all concerns are heard and respected."
Against| 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"?
"Freedom includes the freedom to express all ideas. The minute we begin banning ideas, we begin restricting people's freedom of speech and expression. A Democracy allows the freedom of expression which is what makes democracies unique from other forms of government. It is important to debate all sides of an issue to come to an understanding or a belief that is your own. Parents have the responsibility to teach their beliefs at home. If we ban certain topics at school, what is next? Banning discussion at home?"
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"Our archaic taxation system needs to be revamped to reflect current times. All avenues must be studied to relieve the tax burden from local property taxpayers."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"Any tax should be strategic and provide relief to local property taxpayers."
Undecided| 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?
"On the surface, this sounds like a great idea. However, when a business receives a credit, this is a reduction in the taxes it pays to the State, and therefore, a reduction in state revenue. What would the cost of this program be and how many businesses and employees might take advantage of this program. Should there be a limit to the total amount of credit each business requests?"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"The legislature has repeatedly lowered taxes for businesses while local property taxes have increased. The business tax that is the most burdensome is the Business Enterprise Tax which was passed in 1993 under a Republican administration. This tax is, in essence, an income tax. Small business owners must pay this then. in fairness, all should pay an income tax."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"We are already seeing the effects of climate change in our tourism industry such as the ski industry, as well as on our infrastructure (roads). We can deny its existence or we can be strategic and create a plan to address the problem. We will need to invest more resources so local governments can address the effects of climate change."
For| 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?
"We have had the practice in existence for many years without any concerns from the Secretary of State."
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?
"This is an equity issue. People with gas propelled vehicles pay more in gas tax than people with hybrid or all electric vehicles. Overall, road tax revenues to maintain the roads have declined as vehicles have become more efficient. If the plan is to have all vehicles which use the road contribute to the cost of maintaining the roads, then there must be some way to capture that 'lost' revenue with an electric vehicle. Perhaps this could be done annually, when the vehicle is registered based upon annual mileage. Another fee for Town Clerks to manage, however, if we do nothing, the state, cities and towns will have less and less road revenue to maintain more new and more aging infrastructure."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"Encouraging positive support for decreasing regulation by providing incentives from the State would help the local housing crisis. Providing State resources/funding to improve local water and sewer infrastructure would be a good place to start."
For| 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?
"We have always been a state which has valued self-sufficiency. Moving to home grown, renewable energy sources is the NH way. Protecting our clean air and water is the NH way. Not being dependent upon others to provide our energy is a goal we should strive to achieve."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"This is not the government's business. This is a healthcare decision to be made by a woman with her doctor based upon her personal situation."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?
"Voting should be made easy and accessible to engage as many voters as possible."
Against| 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?
"The State Constitution under Article 83 specifies the State is responsible for education, however, the State has repeatedly downshifted to cost of education to local taxpayers and underfunded special education costs. The quality of education varies based upon where you live which is both unequal in cost and unfair to the students."
For| 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?
"For"
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"Undecided"
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"Undecided"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"The reality in the business world in NH with our current labor shortages is that one must pay a wage higher than the Federal Minimum Wage in order to hire workers in NH. Why don't we memorialize the NH minimum with a NH minimum wage? Currently, we rely on the Federal minimum."
For| 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?
"Local taxes have gone up due to the reduction in state revenue sharing. State Government should stop downshifting and honor its commitment to local governments. The initial intent of the revenue sharing statute, RSA 31-A, was to 'return a certain portion of the general revenues of the state to the cities and towns for their unrestricted use'. Revenue Sharing was suspended in 2010-2021. That was wrong. Local governments should be getting a 40% share of Rooms & Meals, but last year, we got about 23% after a high of 29%. That is wrong. State Government should stop balancing its budget on the backs of local taxpayers and honor its revenue obligations to towns and cities."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the gradual phase-out of the Interests and Dividends tax?
"What would the cost, in terms of revenues for the State, be for a phase out of Interests and Dividends? How many people does this tax currently impact and how many people benefit from the proceeds? Any time a revenue source is cut, another revenue source must be found. What would the alternative for this tax be?"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"This is not the government's business. This is a healthcare decision to be made by a woman with her doctor based upon her personal situation."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I am for stricter background checks and red flag legislation."
