Skip to main content

Historical Details

Position on Issues

Voting Record, 2024

In 2022, Sen. Birdsell voted to keep the Education Freedom Account program (SB 432). 

Birdsell also voted for HB 367, a 2023 bill which increases the maximum household income limit for participation in the Education Freedom Account program, from 300% to 350% of the federal poverty guidelines.

In 2024 Sen. Birdsell voted for SB 442, a bill that would raise the income cap for families participating in the EFA program from 350% to 400% of the federal poverty level.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?

"I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 24 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?
When asked about banning abortion after 20 weeks gestation on our 2018 survey, Birdsell wrote, "I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?

"I oppose expanded commuter rail."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH limit terms for elected officials?

"I am undecided on this issue."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?

"I believe we need to evaluate the programs that are being implemented now to see if they are working and if not find programs that do work."

Voting Record, 2014

Voted against allowing physician assisted suicide (HB 1325)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?

On the 2018 Citizens Count issue survey, Birdsell indicated, "I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications." Birdsell also voted for HB 1660, a 2012 bill that would prohibit abortions beyond 20 weeks gestation.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?

Voting Record, 2022

Voted to keep the law aimed at banning critical race theory in schools (SB 298)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"I oppose New Hampshire adding an income tax on earned income."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"I oppose New Hampshire adding a broad-based sales tax."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire add a tax credit for businesses that contribute to student loan repayment for employees?

Candidate's Website, 2020

"As your Senator, I have visited businesses across the district, listened to their concerns and have been a strong advocate of pro-business policies in the Senate. I helped lead the effort to cut taxes for our businesses, and as a result I earned a 100% rating from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, a 100% from Americans for Prosperity and have been named a 'Champion of Business' by the NH Business and Industry Association. I believe I am the candidate who will best serve District 19's economic interests."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH authorize one or more casinos?

"I support some casino gambling in New Hampshire."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

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

"I oppose basing statewide assessments on Common Core standards."

Voting Record, 2024

Sen. Birdsell voted to create a conditional "affidavit ballot" for voters without ID (SB 418). However, in 2024 Sen. Birdsell voted to repeal the option to fill out an affidavit and supply ID at a later date (HB 1569).

Voting Record, 2017

Voted against decriminalizing 1 ounce or less of marijuana in 2014 (HB 1625), but voted to decriminalize possession of 3/4 ounce or less of marijuana in 2017 (HB 640)

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?

Voting Record, 2023

Sen. Birdsell voted for SB 145, a 2023 bill to establish a New Hampshire Housing Champion Designation Program. Generally speaking, cities and towns that adopt land use regulations, water infrastructure, public transportation, and other programs that promote the development of workforce housing would have preferential access to state funds.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?

"If we do broaden campaign finance laws, we need to make sure there is no cost to the taxpayers and it doesn't violate freedom of speech."

Voting Record, 2020

Sen. Birdsell originally voted in favor of SB 159, a bill to increase the electric generating capacity of customer generators who may participate in net energy metering, generally from 1 megawatt to 5 megawatts. However, she later voted to sustain Gov. Sununu's veto of SB 159.

Voting Record, 2020

Voted against SB 124, a bill to revise the required minimum percentages of renewable energy in the Renewable Portfolio Standard, particularly to extend goals from 2025 to 2040.

Voting Record, 2023

Sen. Birdsell voted against HB 88 and SB 181. Both bills would prohibit any new state restrictions on abortion, without changing the current ban on abortion after 24-weeks and the requirement for parental notification before a minor's abortion.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should the state increase funding for child care providers?

Voting Record, 2024

Voted for a mandatory minimum sentence for supplying fentanyl (SB 415), voted for a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence for the crime of "distribution of a controlled drug with death resulting" (SB 414), and voted against reducing the penalty for various drug possession offenses (SB 570).

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH increase law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses?

"I support increased law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses."

Voting Record, 2024

Birdsell voted against HB 611 and HB 1672, both bills that would allow any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day. Sen. Birdsell also voted against SB 220, a 2023 bill that would allow any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day. SB 220 also allowed partial processing of absentee ballots prior to Election Day. In 2024 Sen. Birdsell voted against no-excuse absentee voting through SB 536.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

"I oppose marijuana legalization."

Voting Record, 2022

Voted against legalizing possession of 3/4 oz marijuana with home growing, no sales (HB 629)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?

When asked about marijuana legalization in general on the 2018 Citizens Count issue survey, Birdsell said, "I oppose marijuana legalization." Birdsell also voted against HB 1705, a 2012 bill that to legalize and tax marijuana for adults over age twenty-one.

Voting Record, 2024

Voted against legalizing marijuana with state-run stores and a 15% tax on gross revenue (HB 1633)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Was New Hampshire right to continue expanded Medicaid eligibility, using the traditional Medicaid system of managed care instead of private insurance?

"I voted against it for the 2nd phase because it would harm the developmentally disabled population"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Was NH right to expand Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible?

"I am against Medicaid Expansion, I would prefer a NH solution paid by NH, so we can develop our own requirements."

Voting Record, 2024

In the 2019-2020 legislative session, Birdsell voted against three bills that would have gradually raised the minimum wage to $12/hour: SB 410, HB 731, and SB 10. In 2023 and 2024 Birdsell also voted against SB 144 and SB 308, both of which would have raised the minimum wage to $15/hour.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?

"I support increased state enforcement of federal immigration laws."

Voting Record, 2015

Voted to forbid the use of EBT cards or cash from EBT cards for alcohol, tobacco, gambling, lottery tickets, tattoos, firearms, or adult entertainment (SB 169)

Voting Record, 2020

Sen. Birdsell originally voted in favor of SB 159, a bill to increase the electric generating capacity of customer generators who may participate in net energy metering, generally from 1 megawatt to 5 megawatts. However, she later voted to sustain Gov. Sununu's veto of SB 159.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment?

"New Hampshire should increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment."

Voting Record, 2018

Voted to repeal the death penalty in 2014 (HB 1170), but voted to keep the death penalty unchanged in 2018 (SB 593)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

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

"I understand we need more energy, however I want to make sure homeowners are well protected from eminent domain."

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?

Voting Record, 2023

Sen. Birdsell voted to eliminate the Interest and Dividends tax as part of HB 2 (2023). Sen. Birdsell also voted to kill a bill that would have stopped the phase-out of the Interest and Dividends tax at 4%, SB 261 (2023).

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Is police brutality an issue in NH?

"I'm sure there are some bad apples but on the whole, I don't believe police brutality is an issue."

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?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire continue to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which requires utilities to purchase allowances for every ton of carbon they emit?

"I support New Hampshire's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire maintain the renewable portfolio standard, which requires public utilities in New Hampshire to obtain a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources (25% by 2025)?

"I support the renewable portfolio standard in New Hampshire."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?

On the 2018 Citizens Count issue survey, Birdsell indicated, "I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications."

Voting Record, 2014

Voted to consider labeling of genetically engineered foods (HB 660)

Voting Record, 2024

Voted to prohibit state and local governments from adopting "sanctuary policies" (SB 563)

Voting Record, 2017

Voted for right-to-work (SB 11)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire government do more to increase the supply of affordable housing?

"I believe this is a local issue and I believe the state should encourage municipalities to do more to encourage affordable housing for those municipalities who don't have enough workforce housing."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

What is your opinion on the state providing some funding for Planned Parenthood?

"I oppose the state providing some funding for Planned Parenthood."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH continue to administer statewide standards-based student assessments?

"I oppose New Hampshire continuing to administer statewide standards-based student assessments."

Voting Record, 2020

Voted against HB 712 and SB 1, both bills that would establish a statewide family and medical leave program, paid for with a percentage of employee wages, with no opt-out.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I oppose stricter gun control laws."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire allocate tax revenues for private and home schooling costs?

"I support scholarships for low income families so they have a choice."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should parents be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry?

"I am undecided on this issue."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote?

"New Hampshire should impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH restrict further wind power development?

"I support restrictions on further wind power development."

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.

Session days attended
100% Present
Average 99%
Party unity score/partisanship
98% With Party
Average 96%
Participated in official roll call votes
100% Roll Call Votes
Average 98%
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
17 Prime Sponsored Bills
Average 24
Prime sponsored bills that became law
9 Became Law
Average 11
These objective, nonpartisan measures are used to show this legislator's activities at the Statehouse in 2021 and 2022. 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.
Session days attended
100% Present
Average 99%
Party unity score/partisanship
98% With Party
Average 96%
Participated in official roll call votes
100% Roll Call Votes
Average 99%
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
16 Prime Sponsored Bills
Average 17
Prime sponsored bills that became law
10 Became Law
Average 8

These objective, nonpartisan measures are used to show this legislator's activities at the Statehouse from the 2018 election through the end of the legislative session in 2020. The measures are not intended to present a ranking or rating of any kind. Average is that of all state elected officials in this chamber. "Prime sponsored bills that became law" include bill texts that were incorporated into "omnibus" bills following the coronavirus emergency.

Session days attended
100% Present
Average 99%
Party unity score/partisanship
100% With Party
Average 97%
Participated in official roll call votes
100% Roll Call Votes
Average 99%
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
29 Prime Sponsored Bills
Average 28
Prime sponsored bills that became law
13 Became Law
Average 11

Voting Record

CACR 24 (2024)

Constitutional amendment creating "an individual's right to personal reproductive autonomy."

SB 360 (2024)

Establishes a procedure for issuing extreme risk protection orders to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. Family, household members, and law enforcement could petition the court for an order. An extreme risk protection order would restrict a person's access to firearms, and is also known as a "red flag law."

SB 308 (2024)

Increases the minimum wage to $12 per hour in 2024 and $15 per hour in 2025.

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.

SB 536 (2024)

Allows any voter to register and vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day.

SB 415 (2024)

Sets a mandatory minimum sentence for supplying fentanyl. The minimum starts at three years and six months for 5 grams of fentanyl, and goes up for higher quantities.

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 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.

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 563 (2024)

Prohibits state and local governments from adopting "sanctuary policies," which prohibit or impede law enforcement cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

The Senate added the text of this bill to HB 1292.

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.

SB 461 (2024)

Repeals a line in the law against abortion after 24 weeks that states, "Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as creating or recognizing a right to abortion."

The Senate rewrote the bill. The new bill requires any health care provider who performs an abortion to report information including:

SB 144 (2023)

Gradually increases the minimum wage to $15 per hour by July 1, 2024.

SB 104 (2023)

Establishes regulations for online gambling, with the proceeds going to a new community college scholarship fund.

SB 117 (2023)

Changes the definition of "child" in the law about negligent storage of firearms, raising the age to anyone under age 18.

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 220 (2023)

Allows any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day. The bill also allows partial processing of absentee ballots prior to Election Day.

HB 624 (2023)

Requires state and local law enforcement to notify the public before an immigration checkpoint.

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.

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 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 224 (2023)

Repeals the civil and criminal penalties for health care providers who violate the state's ban on abortion after 24 weeks.

HB 1609 (2022)

Revises the law banning abortions after 24 weeks gestation to include exceptions for rape, incest, and fatal fetal anomalies. This bill also repeals the requirement to conduct an obstetric ultrasound before every abortion. Lastly, this bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to compile and publish an annual report of statistics relative to abortions after 24 weeks.

HB 629 (2021)

Legalizes possession of up to 3/4 oz of marijuana for adults over age 21. This bill also allows adults to cultivate six marijuana plants at home and creates a $100 fine for publicly smoking marijuana.

HB 1080 (2022)

Creates a right for health care providers to conscientiously object to participating in providing abortion, sterilization, or artificial contraception services.

HB 1431 (2022)

Establishes a parental bill of rights. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:

HB 1661 (2022)

Requires sending district schools and career and technical education (CTE) centers to enter into an agreement to include scheduling, access, transportation and credits for CTE students.

The House amended the bill to also set aside $35 million for a new legislative parking garage. The Senate revised the bill to lower this number to $9.35 million.

The Senate also amended this bill to add the substance of SB 430, an omnibus bill about care covered under Medicaid, childcare regulations, and more.

HB 1022 (2022)

Authorizes pharmacists to dispense Ivermectin pursuant to a standing order from a physician or APRN. 

The Senate amended the bill to also establish a commission to study the use of Ivermectin to treat Covid-19 and to provide a recommendation regarding whether to make the standing order permanent.

HB 1131 (2022)

Prohibits public schools from adopting, enforcing, or implementing a policy that requires students or members of the public to wear a facial covering.

HB 1178 (2022)

Prohibits any state or local enforcement of any federal laws or actions aimed at limiting firearms.

HB 227 (2021)

Allows a landlord to evict a tenant at the expiration of the term of the lease or tenancy, if the term is longer than six months.  The House amended the bill to also require the landlord to give 30 days' notice.

SB 418 (2022)

Establishes "affidavit balloting" for voters who do not have a valid identification at the polls. Those voters would be given a prepaid envelope to return with documentation proving their eligibility to vote, and their "affidavit ballots" would be numbered and counted separately. Any voter who fails to provide documentation proving their eligibility to vote within ten days of the election would have their ballot pulled and their votes deducted from the official vote totals.

HB 1221 (2022)

Reduces the Business Profits Tax rate from 7.6% to 7.5% and the Business Enterprise Tax rate from 0.55% to 0.50% for taxable periods ending on or after December 31, 2023.

The House amended the bill to only cut the Business Profits Tax to 7.5%.

The Senate amended the bill to also provide towns and cities with 7.5% of their retirement contribution costs for teachers, police officers, and firefighters for one year.

SB 432 (2022)

Repeal the Education Freedom Account program. The program allows the parent of a school age child to receive funds from a scholarship organization to pay for education expenses.

SB 298 (2022)

Repeals the law aimed at banning critical race theory in public schools and workplaces. That law prohibits the teaching of certain concepts in school and public employee trainings. For example, the law prohibits teaching that people of a certain race or sex are "inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously."

HB 1495 (2022)

Prohibits employee vaccine requirements for any state or local government employees or government contractors. This bill has an exception for medical providers when there is a direct threat present.

The House amended the bill to prohibit any state or local government from requiring businesses to implement a vaccine mandate, with an exception for medical facilities.

HB 307 (2021)

Prohibits any "public entity," from school districts to local governments, from regulating the sale, use, or possession of firearms, knives, and related accessories.  The bill includes levels of fines and damages up to $10,000.

HB 1455 (2022)

Prohibits state enforcement of any federal law, order, or rule that requires an individual, as a condition of employment or any other activity, to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or to submit more than once per month to COVID-19 testing.

HB 1210 (2022)

Requires public employers, private employers, and postsecondary education institutions that receive public funds and mandate a vaccination or other inoculation procedure to accept an employee's or student's request for a medical, religious, or right of conscience exemption.

HB 177 (2021)

Prohibits the siting of new landfills, excluding expansions of existing landfills, within 2 miles of state parks. "State parks" do not include state historic sites and recreational rail trails.

The House voted to add this bill to SB 103, but the Senate rejected that change.

SB 80 (2021)

Establishes a fifteen member independent redistricting commission, appointed by House and Senate party leaders after an application process.

SB 61 (2021)

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

SB 89 (2021)

The House voted to add a new section to the bill that states New Hampshire election laws will not be affected by the passage of the federal "For the People Act."  Supporters argue that this is an important measure to protect the integrity of New Hampshire elections from federal interference.  Opponents argue it is unconstitutional to attempt to nullify federal laws, and this measure could require New Hampshire to run two separate election systems, one for state officials and one for federal officials.

HB 1 (2021)

State budget bill.  The governor presented his version of the next state budget February 11.  The House passed a revised version of his budget on April 7.  The Senate passed a different version on June 3.  The House and Senate passed a final version on June 24. Click here to read a summary of the 2021 budget proposals.

HB 2 (2021)

State budget bill (part 2). The governor presented his version of the next state budget February 11.  The House passed a revised version of his budget on April 7.  The Senate passed a different version on June 3. The House and Senate passed a final version on June 24.  Click here to read a summary of the budget proposals.

SB 141 (2021)

Authorizes the FBI to conduct all National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) searches concerning the purchase, sale, and transfer of firearms through Federal Firearm Licensees operating in New Hampshire. This bill then abolishes the "gun line" in the State Police and repeals the state’s partial point of contact system for handguns, allowing the authority to remain exclusively with the FBI.

SB 137 (2021)

Changes the tipped minimum wage from 45% of the regular minimum wage to $3.27 per hour, if the federal government raises the regular minimum wage.  The Senate amended the bill to also set a fixed minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for tipped employees who are licensed as secondary game operators (such as croupiers); the House removed this amendment.

HB 542 (2021)

Excludes religious gatherings from any prohibition on in-person gatherings during a state of emergency.  The House amended the bill to more broadly protect religious activities. The Senate amended the bill to narrow its scope again; the Senate version requires the state to allow religious services and other activities to proceed to the same or greater extent as other essential business activity during a state of emergency.

HB 1672 (2020)

Allows any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day. The Senate amended the bill to become the "Coronavirus Election Protection Act of 2020." The amended bill allows any voter to vote by absentee ballot, allows town officials to start processing ballots before Election Day, and authorizes online voter registration.

HB 687 (2019)

Establishes "extreme risk protection orders," based on evidence that there is "a significant risk of causing bodily injury to himself or herself or others," which would require the subject of the order to surrender any firearms to law enforcement.

HB 1166 (2020)

Establishes a committee to study the demographics of the uninsured population in New Hampshire, the barriers to obtaining healthcare coverage, and possible solutions to extend health insurance coverage. The Senate completely amended the bill to add various requirements and protections for employers and employees related to the coronavirus. For example, the amended bill allows employees to collect unemployment if they cannot go to work because they or a family member is sick with COVID-19 - even if Gov. Sununu ends the state of emergency.

HB 1247 (2020)

Requires landlords to provide at least 90 days notice before a rent increase over 5%. The House amended the bill to require 60 days notice for an increase over 5% and 90 days notice for an increase over 8%. The Senate amended the bill to instead remove the requirement of an eviction notice before public welfare departments provide rental assistance. The amended bill also "creates a duty of good faith and fair dealing for mortgage lenders." Lastly, the amended bill requires landlords to offer tenants a 6-month repayment plan for rent missed during the coronavirus emergency.

HB 1454 (2020)

Gives local school boards the power to determine whether to grant academic credit for alternative extended learning and work-based programs. At the time of this bill's submission, that power lies with the state board of education. The Senate amended the bill to still require the state board of education to vet and approve alternative extended learning and work-based programs, which local school boards "may" accept for credit (similar to a different bill, SB 514).

HB 731 (2019)

Gradually raises the state minimum wage, starting at $12 per hour in 2020 and ending at $15 per hour in 2024. The bill also raises the tipped minimum wage, although in 2024 it would still be 45% of the regular minimum wage. The bill requires cost of living adjustments every year. This bill also allows cities and towns to set a higher minimum wage. Lastly, this bill establishes a "training wage," no lower than $8.50, for employees under age eighteen for the first three months of employment.

HB 685 (2019)

Prohibits balance billing for ambulance services. The bill also limits reimbursement for ambulance services to a "commercially reasonable value." The Senate amended the bill to instead require insurance plans which cover maternity benefits to provide coverage for emergency or elective abortion services (similar to SB 486).

HB 712 (2019)

Establishes a social insurance program that would be operated by New Hampshire Employment Security to provide for paid family and medical leave insurance. Employers would pay 0.5% of wages per employee as premium payments. Employees could take up to twelve weeks of leave and receive 60% of their pay after paying into the program for at least six months. As introduced, this bill does not include an opt-out option.

HB 1280 (2020)

Caps how much health insurers can charge consumers for insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply. The Senate amended the bill to instead cap the payment at $30 for a 30-day supply.

HB 1645 (2020)

Extends the waiting period to annul a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, from 3 to 10 years. The Senate amended the bill to incorporate several other pieces of legislation.

HB 1264 (2020)

Extends the Commission on the Seacoast Cancer Investigation from 2020 to 2022. The Senate amended the legislation to incorporate several bills related to PFAS. In particular, the amended bill establishes maximum contaminant levels for perflourinated compounds (PFCs), as originally written in SB 287.

HB 514 (2019)

Establishes a seven day waiting period for the delivery of a firearm. There are some exceptions for rifle or shotgun purchases by hunters, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces. The Senate amended the bill, shortening the waiting period to three days.

HB 364 (2019)

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

HB 564 (2019)

Makes it a misdemeanor to carry a firearm in a safe school zone. ˙There are some exceptions, for example if a person gets permission from the school board. The House amended the bill so that parents do not need to remove or unload firearms in their cars when picking up students. The amendment also specifically bans firearms on "school property" rather than in "school zones." School property includes buildings, grounds, school buses, and vans.

SB 290 (2019)

Modifies the work and community engagement requirements for the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid. For example, this bill extends the work requirement exemption for parents so that parents of children under age 13 are eligible for the exemption. This bill also gives the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to waive the work requirement until July 2021 if there is an inability to communicate with program participants.

HB 109 (2019)

Requires commercial sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks. Also requires private sales or transfers to go through a licensed firearm dealer, if it’s not absolutely clear that both the owner and the recipient are allowed to own guns.

SB 1 (2019)

Establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program, which would be run by the state department of employment security. Employers would pay 0.5% of wages per employee as premium payments. Employees could take up to twelve weeks of leave and receive 60% of their pay after paying into the program for at least six months. The bill does not allow anyone to opt-out of the program.

SB 10 (2019)

Increases the minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2020, then to $11 in 2022, except starting that year, employers would have to pay at least $12 per hour if they do not offer at least 10 paid sick days to employees.  The House and Senate amended the bill to raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2020 and $12 per hour in 2022, regardless of sick time.

HB 2 (2019)

2020-2021 state budget bill (part 2).

HB 1 (2019)

2020-2021 state budget bill.

HB 455 (2019)

Changes the penalty for any offense eligible for the death penalty to life imprisonment without parole.

HB 105 (2019)

Generally repeals the voter registration changes passed in SB 3. For example, this bill removes the stricter requirements for voters who register within 30 days of an election. This bill also removes much of the new language on voter registration forms about domicile. This bill also removes the authority of the secretary of state to conduct post-election voter registration investigations, leaving that to the attorney general.

HB 587 (2017)

Prohibits conversion therapy for anyone under age eighteen. Conversion therapy attempts to change a person's sexual orientation.

SB 313 (2018)

Continues New Hampshire's expanded Medicaid program. This bill makes several significant changes to the program. First, it moves participants off private insurance and into managed care, similar to traditional Medicaid enrollees. Second, it adds a work requirement for participants. Third, it removes funding from voluntary contributions by health care providers, which the federal government said is illegal.

SB 554 (2018)
Increases the minimum wage for employers that do not offer health benefits to the employee. This bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for all employees.
SB 2 (2017)

Reduces the Business Profits Tax (BPT) from 8.2% to 7.5% and the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) from 0.72% to 0.5% in 2020. Business tax cuts were instead incorporated in the budget bill for this year.

CACR 22 (2018)

Constitutional amendment establishing various rights for crime victims.

SB 193 (2017)

Establishes the "education freedom savings account program." This allows a parent to contract with a scholarship organization so that state education funding is transferred to the student's scholarship account rather than to the municipality in which the student resides.  The House amended the bill to limit the scholarships to certain students, particularly low income students, students in underperforming schools, and special education students.  The amended version also requires any student receiving a scholarship to complete an annual assessment to ensure academic progress.

HB 1264 (2018)

Redefines "resident" and "inhabitant" to remove the phrase "for the indefinite future." This bill would potentially require all voters domiciled in New Hampshire to follow residency laws, such as the requirement to register any car in New Hampshire.

SB 593 (2018)

Changes the penalty for any offense eligible for the death penalty to life imprisonment without parole.

HB 628 (2017)

Establishes a social insurance program that would be operated by New Hampshire Employment Security to provide for paid family and medical leave insurance. Employers would pay 0.5% of wages per employee as premium payments. The House amended the bill to increase the employee contribution to 0.67%, to allow employees to opt out, and to limit benefits to six weeks of paid leave.

SB 83 (2017)

Raises the minimum wage to $8.50 On September 1, 2017, $10 on March 1, 2018, and $12 on September 1, 2018.

HB 157 (2017)

Adds chronic pain to the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana.

SB 233 (2017)

Allows a person twenty-one years of age or older to possess up to 1 ounces of marijuana and to cultivate no more than 6 marijuana plants without penalty. This bill also establishes a committee to study the legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana.

HB 144 (2017)

Changes the annual county budget procedures for Rockingham County to match those used in Hillsborough County. Since the House failed to pass the 2018-2019 budget bill HB 1, the Senate amended this bill into a new budget bill.

SB 131 (2017)

Appropriates $1,155,000 to hire five state troopers assigned to drug enforcement on the state border. This bill also appropriates $3,340,000 for state and local law enforcement and the state lab for overtime related to drug enforcement.

SB 242 (2017)

Authorizes one smaller and one larger casino with video lottery and table gaming. The smaller casino would pay an initial ten-year license fee of $40 million, and the larger casino would pay an initial ten-year license fee of $80 million. The casinos would pay a tax of 35% on gross slot machine revenue and 18% on gross table game revenue. The Legislature would choose how to distribute this revenue, provided that some of the revenue goes to towns hosting or neighboring the casino, and some of the revenue goes to treat problem gambling.

SB 10 (2017)

Creates a program to repay licensed milk producers from losses during the 2016 drought. The bill appropriates $2 million to the Milk Producers Emergency Relief Fund.

SB 66 (2017)

Includes fetuses as potential victims under murder statutes. The Senate amended the bill to include only fetuses twenty weeks and older, not just "viable" fetuses.

SB 191 (2017)

Increases state funding for full-day kindergarten programs, with adjustments based on the number of English language learners and free and reduced lunch students in each district. The House amended the bill to simply provide full funding for full-day kindergarten programs, and half funding for half-day kindergarten programs. The House also added keno legalization to the bill to create the revenue for kindergarten funding.

HB 103 (2017)

Requires school districts to provide advance notice to parents and legal guardians of course material involving discussion of human sexuality or human sexual education.

SB 11 (2017)

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

SB 3 (2017)

Changes the definition of domicile for voting purposes to make it more restrictive. This bill explicitly excludes anyone who comes to the state "for temporary purposes," such as volunteering or working on political campaigns. Out-of-state college students are still allowed to claim a domicile in New Hampshire. However, if someone moves to a new New Hampshire address within 30 days of voting, he or she must present proof of intent to stay in New Hampshire. This proof could include a lease, driver's license, a child's enrollment at a public school, etc.

SB 8 (2017)

Allows a school district to assign a child to a non-sectarian private school if there is no public school for the child's grade in the child's resident district. The bill was amended to also require the non-sectarian private school to administer an annual assessment.

HB 640 (2017)

Decriminalizes possession of 3/4 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.

SB 12 (2017)

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

HB 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.

SB 412 (2016)

Raises the minimum wage to $12 per hour.

SB 551 (2016)

Creates a single casino with video lottery and table gaming, to be located at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH. A tax of 35% of gross slot machine revenue and 18% of gross table game revenue would go to the state with dedicated portions of the funds going to addiction prevention programs and to Salem and neighboring communities.

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 1116 (2016)

Increases the cap on net metering, and requires the Public Utilities to Commission to develop a modified net metering system.

SB 492 (2016)

At the time of this bill's submission, electric utilities pass RGGI rebates through to customers in the form of a reduction to the customer’s monthly bill based on monthly usage. This bill eliminates rebates to residential customers. The Public Utilities Commission and Department of Environmental Services state most of this revenue would instead be redirected to programs for low income, municipal, school district and local government energy efficiency projects.

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.

SB 261 (2015)

Raises the minimum wage to $8.25 in 2016, $9.00 in 2017, and $10.00 in 2018.

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.

SB 107 (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 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.

SB 106 (2015)

Prohibits the sale, use, or possession of synthetic drugs, such as "spice."

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 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.

SB 203 (2014)

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

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).

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.

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 1411 (2014)

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

SB 318 (2014)

Establishes the crime of domestic violence.

HB 1170 (2014)

Repeals the death penalty.

HB 1633 (2014)

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

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.

SB 163 (2013)

Establishes a commission to recommend legislation to prepare for projected sea level rise and other coastal and coastal watershed hazards.

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.

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.

SB 1 (2013)

Increases the Research and Development tax credit.

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 1264 (2012)

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

HB 1526 (2012)

Decriminalizes possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.

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 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 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 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 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 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 218 (2011)

Repeals the New Hampshire Rail Transit Auhority (NHRTA).

HB 569 (2011)

Establishes "domestic unions" as an alternative to marriage.

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.

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.

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.

HB 631 (2011)

Repeals the requirement that school districts offer public kindergarten.

Thank you to our sponsors and donors