Thomas Southworth

Voting Record, 2024

Southworth voted to consider repealing the Education Freedom Account program in 2022 (HB 1683). In 2023, Southworth also voted against two bills that would expand eligibility for the Education Freedom Account program (HB 367 and HB 464). In 2024 Rep. Southworth voted against several bills to expand eligibility for Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), including HB 1561, HB 1634, HB 1665, and HB 1677. Southworth also voted for HB 1512, which would limit the EFA program to a budget.

Voting Record, 2023

Voted against HB 591, a bill that would prohibit a doctor from performing an abortion after detecting a fetal heartbeat.

Voting Record, 2016

Southworth voted against various abortion restrictions in 2016, including a bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks gestation (HB 1636).

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"A broad based income tax might be part of the mix, but the formula would need to be analyzed closely. Any new taxes should be considered in the context of relief for property tax payers."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"I serve on the Ways and Means Committee. NH's reliance on property taxes places an unfair/unequal burden on NH residents. An alternative mix of taxes must be explored to provide sustainable revenue for the state. A sales tax would be one of the least useful choices."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"NH needs more revenue to address funding gaps in many critical areas such as education, health (including COVID and opioid), roads and bridges and other infrastructure projects. The property tax burden may impact businesses more than the business tax. Loopholes should be closed."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?

"A capital gain tax for high income brackets should be considered. The legislation should include exemptions to protect seniors and middle in come earners."

Voting Record, 2023

Voted for HB 208, a bill to establish greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for the state, to net zero by 2050. The bill also required the Department of Environmental Services to develop a climate action plan.

Voting Record, 2022

Voted against creating a conditional "affidavit ballot" for voters registering on Election Day without ID (SB 418)

Voting Record, 2024

In 2024 Rep. Southworth voted for a few bills that would ease zoning requirements. For example, Southworth voted for HB 1291 (to increase rights of property owners to build accessory dwelling units), HB 1399 (to make it easier to convert single family residence into two units), and HB 1400 (to limit parking requirements, plus add tax credits for office conversions).

Voting Record, 2024

Voted to increase the maximum electric generating capacity to participate in net energy metering, from one to five megawatts (HB 523)

Voting Record, 2024

Voted for a constitutional right to abortion before 24 weeks (CACR 23).

Voting Record, 2024

Voted to consider starting a Child Care Workforce Fund to recruit and retain New Hampshire child care employees (HB 1611)

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?

"Against"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?

When asked about marijuana legalization in general on the 2020 Citizens Count issue survey, Southworth wrote, "I would like to learn more about the experiences in other states and unintended consequences that NH might face."

In 2020 he voted against HB 1648, a bill that would permit adults to possess up to 3/4 of an ounce of cannabis, 5 grams of hashish, and other cannabis-infused products, and permit adults to grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home in a secure location that is not visible from other properties. This bill also allowed adults to give marijuana products away and sell marijuana accessories.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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 2020 Citizens Count issue survey, Southworth wrote, "I would like to learn more about the experiences in other states and unintended consequences that NH might face."

In 2019 he voted against HB 481, a bill to legalize and tax marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. A Cannabis Control Commission, similar to the Liquor Commission, would be responsible for licensing and enforcement. The bill also allowed limited home-growing of marijuana for personal use.

Voting Record, 2022

Voted against a bill to legalize marijuana with the Liquor Commission regulating sales (HB 1598)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?

"I would support a gradual increase to $15. It's not an easy shift and it would be important to work with small businesses and other stakeholders for a smooth transition."

Voting Record, 2024

Voted for HB 368, a bill that would provide various legal protections for persons receiving gender-related health care. For example, HB 368 would prohibit New Hampshire from enforcing an order from another state to remove a child from a home based on a parent allowing their child to receive gender-affirming health care.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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

When asked about a 24-week abortion ban on the Citizens Count issue survey, Southworth wrote, "Irregardless of my personal view, these decisions should always be made by the woman. Hopefully, she can access support from family, friends, and health care professionals."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?

"Against"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I support reasonable gone safety measures that are in line with public opinion. Safety can be increased without undue effect on the majority of responsible gun owners."