Matthew Coker
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 was against the EFA program before I took office. After being in office and learning more about the program and the challenges our schools face, I changed my mind. The world has changed, and people want flexibility and options in their children's education. Wealthy parents have been able to do this; middle-class and low-income families have not. This program allows them to do so and opens up the entire system to innovation and new possibilities that traditional schools simply cannot evolve quickly enough to provide. This will revolutionize educational possibilities, and in the future, I believe it will reshape how all schools, public, private, and even community colleges operate. There are limitless possibilities with the program, yet there will undoubtedly be some growing pains and issues we have to work through. However, considering the relatively low portion of overall education spending going to this program at this point, I believe it is worth the investment."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2024
Voted to allow medical aid in dying (sometimes called physician-assisted suicide) in 2024 (HB 1283).
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"My stance on abortion is that before fetal viability, there should be very few restrictions on abortions. After viability, abortions should be allowed only for the life and health of the mother or in cases of fatal or catastrophic fetal anomalies. Our current law closely follows this by allowing abortions up to 24 weeks and, after that, only for the life or health of the mother or for a fatal fetal condition. I would not be looking to make any major changes to the current law."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"My stance on abortion is that before fetal viability, there should be very few restrictions on abortions. After viability, abortions should be allowed only for the life and health of the mother or in cases of fatal or catastrophic fetal anomalies. Our current law closely follows this by allowing abortions up to 24 weeks and, after that, only for the life or health of the mother or for a fatal fetal condition. I would not be looking to make any major changes to the current law."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?
"I don't believe in blanket state level bans. These are nuanced decisions and are best left up to the local community. Obviously any discussions should be age appropriate but these discussions about these topics should happen between parents and their local school officials not between 400+ politicians in Concord."
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"?
"No I do not. Curriculum decisions should be made at the local level and not in Concord. I believe the government making certain subjects off limits is un-American."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"Against"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"Against"
For| 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?
"Yes. We have an aging state population and doing what we can to encourage talented and educated young people to stay or make New Hampshire home is pivotal."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"For"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?
"Many say this is just a tax on the wealthy, but that's not true. This tax impacts middle-class retirees and is a de facto income tax, which isn't something we do in New Hampshire."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"The state should take advantage of clean energy when it makes sense, but not just for the sake of doing so. I believe the market will naturally move in this direction as green energy sources become a better option for consumers due to advancing technology. Instead, I would prefer the state to invest in keeping our lakes and forests clean and healthy."
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?
"First off, having an ID should be a must to vote. I don't love the affidavit system, but it's what works for now. With the emergence of real-time ID verification technology, I'd like to see a way for poll workers to verify identity in real-time, rather than dealing with the complexity of the current affidavit system."
Against| 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?
"No not at this time, the cost savings creates a great incentive for people to transition away from fossil fueled powered vehicles."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"Housing demand is a widespread priority issue that needs to be addressed from many angles to make significant progress. I support creating state programs that towns can choose to participate in or not. Each locality has its own character, and I believe in allowing towns to develop housing in a way that fits their character and the will of the town residents."
Other| 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?
"From what I've learned during my time in office, net metering really comes down to the details of individual proposals. If it can bring down electricity costs for NH users, I'm for it."
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?
"Yes, investment in renewables will ultimately save money in the long run and may be a source of economic development in the future."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"My stance on abortion is that before fetal viability, there should be very few restrictions on abortions. After viability, abortions should be allowed only for the life and health of the mother or in cases of fatal or catastrophic fetal anomalies. Our current law closely follows this by allowing abortions up to 24 weeks and, after that, only for the life or health of the mother or for a fatal fetal condition. I would not be looking to make any major changes to the current law."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state increase funding for child care providers?
"Yes, quality, available, and affordable child care is a critical component for keeping our economy thriving. I'd like to see increased funding focused on creating new centers or expanding capacity wherever possible. In my own town, I watched a few young entrepreneurs start a childcare center, and it was inspiring. It has become an asset to our community by providing affordable childcare that's desperately needed across the state."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?
"Yes I do, a secure and flexible mail in voting option would be great to make sure people can participate in our democratic process."
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?
"There is no perfect way to fund education. Our system places funding decisions mostly in the hands of town voters. This allows for easier accountability and enables towns to build a school system that reflects their values. That said, I would like to see the state take on more of the burden for special education, which would prevent major swings in small town budgets and leverage economies of scale to provide those services at a lower overall cost."
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?
"Marijuana legalization is inevitable, with over 70% of NH residents in favor of it. With federal reclassification and legalization looking imminent, NH should not be caught unprepared. I believe the focus of our legalization efforts should be on eliminating the black market and ensuring its use is limited to private, non-public places. We should also ensure that an appropriate portion of the taxes raised by marijuana sales goes to substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help reduce any unintended consequences."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"Marijuana legalization is inevitable, with over 70% of NH residents in favor of it. With federal reclassification and legalization looking imminent, NH should not be caught unprepared. I believe the focus of our legalization efforts should be on eliminating the black market and ensuring its use is limited to private, non-public places. We should also ensure that an appropriate portion of the taxes raised by marijuana sales goes to substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help reduce any unintended consequences."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"Marijuana legalization is inevitable, with over 70% of NH residents in favor of it. With federal reclassification and legalization looking imminent, NH should not be caught unprepared. I believe the focus of our legalization efforts should be on eliminating the black market and ensuring its use is limited to private, non-public places. We should also ensure that an appropriate portion of the taxes raised by marijuana sales goes to substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help reduce any unintended consequences."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"Right now, with inflation still a problem, unemployment at historic lows, and wage growth naturally happening, doing anything at all inflationary is unwise."
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?
"Yes it should. I believe one common problem across almost every demographic in NH is the cost of living. Increasing the state revenue share would bring down property taxes for everyone involved."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the gradual phase-out of the Interests and Dividends tax?
"No I do not. I would rather raise the threshold of who pays it to not burden the vast majority of state residents."
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?
"These laws tend to be pointless political footballs that don't change anything and just continue to stoke the culture wars."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"My stance on abortion is that before fetal viability, there should be very few restrictions on abortions. After viability, abortions should be allowed only for the life and health of the mother or in cases of fatal or catastrophic fetal anomalies. Our current law closely follows this by allowing abortions up to 24 weeks and, after that, only for the life or health of the mother or for a fatal fetal condition. I would not be looking to make any major changes to the current law."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?
"Both legal and illegal immigration are at a crisis point. Doing anything other than strictly clamping down on illegal immigration is an affront to the millions of immigrants who came here legally and is not in the best interest of our state."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2024
Voted to against a right-to-work bill (HB 1377)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"Against"
Voting Record
HB 1145 (2024)
Prohibits new solid waste landfill permits in the state for facilities owned by any person other than the state of New Hampshire or a political subdivision thereof.
HB 1248 (2024)
Changes the state limit on abortion after 24 weeks gestation to 15 days gestation.
HB 1322 (2024)
Gradually increases the minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2029. This bill then allows future increases best on the Northeast Consumer Price Index. This bill also increases the tipped minimum wage from 45% to 50% of the regular minimum wage.
HB 1291 (2024)
Increases the number of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) allowed by right from one to two. This bill also increases the maximum square footage from 750 square feet to 1,000 square feet (and 850 square feet for a second unit). The bill then sets other regulations municipalities can and cannot require for ADUs. For example, the bill states that municipalities may require a property to have at least one half acre to have more than one ADU.
HB 1400 (2024)
Prohibits zoning and planning regulations that set maximum residential parking spaces above one parking space per unit.
HB 1377 (2024)
Right-to-work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
CACR 23 (2024)
Constitutional amendment creating a right to abortion, including a ban on any restrictions on abortion prior to 24 weeks.
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 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 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 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 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 1665 (2024)
Raises the annual household income limit to qualify for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, from 350% to 500% of the federal poverty level (from about $100,000 to about $150,000 for a family of four).
The Senate rewrote the bill. The Senate version of the bill raises eligibility to just 400% of the federal poverty level, and extends the timeline for phase-out grants for public schools when students leave to use EFA program funds, from 2026 to 2029. These changes are similar to SB 442, a bill killed in the House.
HB 1633 (2024)
Legalizes and regulates recreational marijuana sales to adults over age twenty-one. As amended by the House, this bill would allow the state to license fifteen cannabis retail outlets. There would be a 10% tax on monthly total gross revenue derived from the sale of cannabis and cannabis products. Smoking in public and consuming marijuana while driving would be illegal. Towns could limit marijuana businesses.
HB 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.
SB 263 (2023)
Permanently reauthorizes the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid. Previous law ended the program on December 31, 2023. This bill also reestablishes and revises the commission to evaluate the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid.
HB 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 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 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 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 10 (2023)
Establishes a parental bill of rights. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to direct the education and care of his or her minor child"
"The right to be physically present at any health care facility ... at which their minor child is receiving hospital care"
"The right to consent in writing before a biometric scan of his or her minor child is made, shared, or stored"
HB 2 (2023)
State budget bill (part 2). The governor presented his proposal for the next state budget February 14. The House and Senate both made changes to that proposal. Click here to read a summary of the 2023 budget process.
HB 367 (2023)
Increases the maximum household income limit for participation in the Education Freedom Account program, from 300% to 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. The Education Freedom Account program allows families to spend the state's per-pupil share of education funding on private or home school expenses.
The House amended the bill to only increase the income limit to 350% of the federal poverty guidelines.
HB 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 624 (2023)
Requires state and local law enforcement to notify the public before an immigration checkpoint.
HB 567 (2023)
Requires at least 30 days written notice for a rent increase. Large, multi-unit rental owners must provide at least 60 days notice. If the rent increase is over 15%, large multi-unit landlords must provide at least 6 months notice.
SB 272 (2023)
Establishes a parental bill of rights in education. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to access and review all medical records of a child maintained by a school or school personnel"
"The right to inquire of the school or school personnel and to be truthfully and completely informed if the child is being identified or referred to by school district staff, as being of a gender other than that of which the child was identified or referred when enrolled"
HB 106 (2023)
Establishes a procedure for issuing "extreme risk protection orders" to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. An extreme risk protection order would restrict a person's access to firearms, and is also known as a "red flag law."
HB 59 (2023)
Requires commercial sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks.
HB 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 639 (2023)
Legalizes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. The bill allows limited home-growing of marijuana. A new Cannabis Commission would oversee licensing and regulations related to the manufacture, testing, and sale of legal marijuana. Cannabis sales would be taxed under the Meals and Rooms tax system. Alternative Treatment Centers, which currently serve the state's medical marijuana patients, would be allowed to apply for a "dual use certificate" that allows them to participate in recreational marijuana business. Towns could limit marijuana businesses.
HB 224 (2023)
Repeals the civil and criminal penalties for health care providers who violate the state's ban on abortion after 24 weeks.
