Walter A. Stapleton
Historical Details
Position on Issues
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
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?
"Yes, and the public schools still get the credits while in phase out reduction of the ADMA (Average Daily Membership in Attendance) for those students availing EFA's. Not 'one size fits all', so EFA's provide the opportunity for students with special needs or circumstances to get what they need. Some say 'its not fair' for private school students shouldn't be entitled to taxpayer funding. But if the Claremont Lawsuits established that the State has the obligation for an 'adequate education' for 'each student', that means all students, not just those in the public school. Parents of private school students are also Taxpayers just like parents of public school students. There is also an element of competition for excellence in education which is good to keep all factions of the education system up to quality!"
Other| Read My Position
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 complete ban on abortion except in case of risk to the life of the mother. Guttmacher Institute figure indicate that the total of abortions for Life-of-Mother, Rape/Incest constitute less than 1% of all abortions!"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 24 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?
"It is the duty of government to protect the lives of it's citizens and facilitate their wellbeing where it can help. And that includes protecting the innocent life in the womb! We have no business fostering or paying for abortions with taxpayer dollars, nor facilitating it's gruesome practice against the moral and religious beliefs of its citizens. Banning abortion after 24 weeks, would be a start, but there should be even further earlier ban limits such as heartbeat and pain-capable thresholds."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?
"I support expanded commuter rail."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH limit terms for elected officials?
"I am undecided on this issue."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?
"I would rather see money put into intervention and vigilance to stem drug usage, instead of just treating the problem with money at the tail end, which amounts to nothing more than enabling and perpetuation of the problem."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2024
Voted against allowing medical aid in dying (sometimes called physician-assisted suicide) in 2024 (HB 1283).
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"I am a pro-life person, period. My personal, practical and religious beliefs are that Life is sacred from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death, and that it is murder and wanton waste to destroy nascent life in the womb. But at the same time, we need to counsel and help women, especially single mothers, to have and raise that child. There are a dozen pro-life pregnancy care centers in our State that help in this regard and there are programs and resources as well that can assist. Nobody talks about 'responsibility' any more, or restraint in sexual activity for marriage where economics and stability are most conducive to life and family. CDC, Guttmacher Institute and others peg the loss of human life from abortion in our country since Roe-v-Wade in 1973, to 62,000,000 persons! That's a huge chunk of lost humanity out of our 340 million population today! Is there any wonder why there are 'Help Wanted' and 'Now Hiring' signs all over the place and staff shortages abound? Not to mention the ever increasing shortfalls in contributions to the Social Security System."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"I am a pro-life person, period. My personal, practical and religious beliefs are that Life is sacred from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death, and that it is murder and wanton waste to destroy nascent life in the womb. But at the same time, we need to counsel and help women, especially single mothers, to have and raise that child. There are a dozen pro-life pregnancy care centers in our State that help in this regard and there are programs and resources as well that can assist. Nobody talks about 'responsibility' any more, or restraint in sexual activity for marriage where economics and stability are most conducive to life and family. CDC, Guttmacher Institute and others peg the loss of human life from abortion in our country since Roe-v-Wade in 1973, to 62,000,000 persons! That's a huge chunk of lost humanity out of our 340 million population today! Is there any wonder why there are 'Help Wanted' and 'Now Hiring' signs all over the place and staff shortages abound? Not to mention the ever increasing shortfalls in contributions to the Social Security System."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?
"Why would we ever want to confuse young children with such a thing? It is disturbing and counter to parental training and upbringing about those things which should occur later when maturity can deal better with the subject of gender and purpose, and, not be counter to family traditions, morays and religious beliefs. The State has no business in this area but it has become a disordered cultural obsession and must be stopped!"
For| 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"?
"Let's focus on the basics and the relevant specifics of education and leave divisive concepts and agendas outside the school doors. We need to unify our culture, not fragment it with somebody's ideology."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"If we look at other states in New England, like Connecticut for instance, they implemented an income tax 3 decades ago to relieve property and sales taxes was the argument. But that "relief" never came, and now they have property, income and sales taxes! Once enacted, the money gets sucked up by bigger government and never goes away!"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"We control our spending, getting value for our State dollars, and we generate enough income from various other sources so that we do not need broad-based taxes, which if implemented would tend to expand government and its costs. Under Republican administration, we balanced the budge and this year have a $400 mm surplus!"
Against| 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?
"I believe that businesses who want to provide that perk for their employees do so in regard for their employees improvement and not because of what would be a very miniscule tax credit. We have already cut the Business Profits and Enterprise taxes, so that business has that money for re-investment and such perks as they wish."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"In this term, Republicans lowered the NH Business Profits tax to 7.5% from 7.7% and the Business Enterprise tax to .55% from .60%, and the taxable filing threshold raised to $250,000 from $222,000."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?
"Added to the NH Interest & Dividends Tax but with and income floor to protect lower income families could be a useful way to raise revenue in shortfall periods, like we will experience with the COVID economic downturn, without imposing a broad-based tax and without creating another bureaucratic and costly tax administration system."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH authorize one or more casinos?
"I am undecided on this issue. I'm not enthusiastic about encouraging 'gambling vice' with associated problems and activities! But some well-regulated and limited license with proper controls might be a helpful state revenue source."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire increase the tax on cigarettes?
"For"
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"Human activity is not the sole nor even largest component of climate change. Industrial age pollution was horrible and pushed a lot of carbon into the atmosphere. But so do volcano's and we've been working steadily at air and water quality standards. Preserving green belts and forested areas that consume and utilize carbon is a good consideration among other things we are doing. But the earth is still in creation and geologic change, so to is weather. Warming and cooling cycles on our planet are part of history and reality, and not a cause for panic or even anxious hasty decisions. Let's do what we can as Stewards of our Environment and keep moving in that direction, but dramatic and costly endeavors may not really make much of a difference."
Against| Read My Position
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. Common Core just surrenders state and local control to Fed Gov't and could be misused as a vehicle for adverse social and indoctrinal teachings."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
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?
"This 2022 NH bill is a good way to enable first time voters and voters who arrive without ID to still participate in the voting process, while guaranteeing that their vote is valid. Either be prepared with sufficient proof and ID at the polling place, or submit that proof to qualify your ballot! You can either spend the effort to be properly prepared to vote, or spend the time and hassle to remedy your lack of preparedness. It's called responsibility!"
For| 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?
"The gas taxes are a major component for road and bridge infrastructure. If the electric vehicle doesn't use gas, a way has to be found to enable it to compensate for road use, otherwise it becomes an exempted mode leaving others who can't afford that technology to bear an increasing burden. Mileage fee relates to actual usage and so makes sense!"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire add restrictions to the governor's powers during a state of emergency?
"Governor Sununu has done a fine and responsible job in bringing us through the COVID-19 crisis. That's what governors are supposed to do. Let's not micro-manage that responsibility and muck things up!"
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"Rather than 'encourage', I would say 'enable', thereby preserving local control while addressing the housing shortage. In some places mixed zoning could work, but in others it might be incongruous, so municipalities are better positioned for those decisions rather than the State."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?
"I am undecided on this issue. Thought that current reporting and disclosure laws are already pretty thorough."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2024
Voted against increasing the maximum electric generating capacity to participate in net energy metering, from one to five megawatts (HB 523)
Against| 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?
"Renewable energy is great, but let's not hamstring our important and reliable conventional power and infrastructure. A significant part of energy delivery cost is in back-up and standby power capacity when the sun is shaded, the water is low and the wind is slack. Renewable energy is an important component of energy sourcing but without large battery storage capability its reliability doesn't match our other fuel-sourced power, even as the gas-fired fuel has risen dramatically in price due to war and unwise political decisions! Many plants here and abroad are having to return to coal instead of gas to generate the vast power demand of our culture! We need to expand the use of nuclear as a long term rate stabilizer and efficient and consistent source. So, let's put off that renewables extension until we're out-of-the-woods with the Ukraine war and the political obsession with an immediate instead of gradual green conversion."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"I am a pro-life person, period. My personal, practical and religious beliefs are that Life is sacred from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death, and that it is murder and wanton waste to destroy nascent life in the womb. But at the same time, we need to counsel and help women, especially single mothers, to have and raise that child. There are a dozen pro-life pregnancy care centers in our State that help in this regard and there are programs and resources as well that can assist. Nobody talks about 'responsibility' any more, or restraint in sexual activity for marriage where economics and stability are most conducive to life and family. CDC, Guttmacher Institute and others peg the loss of human life from abortion in our country since Roe-v-Wade in 1973, to 62,000,000 persons! That's a huge chunk of lost humanity out of our 340 million population today! Is there any wonder why there are 'Help Wanted' and 'Now Hiring' signs all over the place and staff shortages abound? Not to mention the ever increasing shortfalls in contributions to the Social Security System."
For| Read My Position
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. Greater network and coordination w/ other agencies in MA, RI, CT, NY to interdict the drug trade and traffic including greater federal sanctions."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire increase public access to reports of police misconduct?
"America in general, and NH in particular, are very sensitive to privacy rights. Why should police officers, and other first responders as well, be exposed to a lower standard of privacy than any other societal entities or industries. Right now the Country is insane with demeaning and defunding the police -- wrong way to go! Police and Police Commissions are capable of internal monitoring and behavior standards without flushing that out into the public venue. A show-cause court order should remain as a requirement to open records of this nature."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?
"In spite of widespread denial, mail-in and absentee ballots were a source of voting irregularities, skewed results and even election fraud, as have been disclosed in certain precincts around the country by ongoing investigations. If you are ill or away on travel, military duty or business assignment, you already have the alternative to the absentee ballot. But your personal appearance to vote in your local town or precinct is a duty as well as a privilege, and an efficient way to ensure and verify 'one man one vote'. Without personal appearance, there is no way to be certain of the validity of the ballot, especially in the fact that many voter registrations lists are not current, if some aren't significantly outdated, to verify the current residence or even existence of the voter! We're not ready for mail-in ballots, especially after the doubts about the 2020 election."
For| Read My Position
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?
"The myth is that renters don't contribute their share to support education. Well the owner landlord pays taxes on that property and doesn't just 'absorb' that cost -- rather it passes onto the tenants as a component of their rent. Others say we should have out-of-state shoppers share that burden to relieve property taxes. But the 'New Hampshire Advantage brings those folks to NH to buy goods and services and that bolsters our economy. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' as the expression goes!"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?
"Against"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?
"Other states like California and Colorado are have less than satisfactory results in their legalization and regulation of marijuana. And problems abound, regulation is challenged, and contraband growth and product still abounds. This is going to be a difficult task to get the right balance. Don't think the State should be involved in this business."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"Other states like California and Colorado are have less than satisfactory results in their legalization and regulation of marijuana. And problems abound, regulation is challenged, and contraband growth and product still abounds. This is going to be a difficult task to get the right balance. Don't think the State should be involved in this business."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"Other states like California and Colorado are have less than satisfactory results in their legalization and regulation of marijuana. And problems abound, regulation is challenged, and contraband growth and product still abounds. This is going to be a difficult task to get the right balance. Don't think the State should be involved in this business."
Other| Read My Position
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?
"If we are going to reverse the costly mandates and high premiums occasioned by Obamacare, we may have to expand Medicaid eligibility as a fair way to cover low income families until private insurance can regain market stability."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Was NH right to expand Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible?
"I support NH's expanded Medicaid program."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"NH relies on the Federal minimum rate for a base and has for a long time. The market really determines rates and it is currently a seller's market for labor, with many businesses competing for workers with higher rates now in the realm of $15 - $18/hour and above! It is a waste of time for NH to 'chase' after a minimum wage rate when, a.) The market is driving it, and, b.) The small shops, businesses, and private employers still have the flexibility to afford offering entry and part time level positions with the Federal minimum."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?
"I support increased state enforcement of federal immigration laws."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire increase the size of solar panel installations that may participate in net energy metering?
"There has to be limits on size and extent of total output in the State so that we don't jeopardize our overall system generating capacity to answer peak demands, nor shift costs to the greater base of population who haven't the ability to acquire solar installations. Wind and Hydro development should be pursued, but again, not to the detriment of our established base power producing grids and systems. Balance and regulation is critical to getting this right."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment?
"For"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH allow the Northern Pass to proceed with some (not all) of the lines buried?
"I support the Northern Pass as currently proposed. If the state is to grow its economy, industry and Life Quality, it needs to ever improve its resources infrastructure thru Power Lines, Pipe Lines, Railroads and Highways, etc."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire increase the base amount of per-pupil funding it provides to local school districts?
"Of course in NH, we're up against a NH Supreme Court decision for the State to provide an adequate education for all students on an equitable basis in the State. This issue has gone on for 30 years now. There's no way out of it, except to "bite the bullet" and create the funding system we need to efficiently and effectively manage it."
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, but not as a rigid, repetitive formula. This year the Republican administration relieved the SWEPT (State Wide Education Property Tax by $100 mm! And 30% of the Meals and Rooms Tax will flow back to municipalities. (Not quite the 40% it was envisioned to be, but better than the 20% it had fallen to.) State money for roads and bridges, block grants, lead abatement, water projects, etc. was possible with surplus and ARPA money to help through the COVID-19 pandemic. Careful budgeting every biennium against variable resources is way to go instead of a rote straight-line formula."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the gradual phase-out of the Interests and Dividends tax?
"Interest and Dividends are an important income component for retired and senior citizens, so the 5-year phase out passed in 2022 will enable those folks to retain a greater portion of those earnings."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Is police brutality an issue in NH?
"Police brutality is not an issue in New Hampshire."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Do you support Gov. Sununu's proposal to allow employers and employees to opt-in to a private, paid family and medical leave insurance plan, based on a pool of state employees, excluding coverage for personal illness?
"For"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
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?
"Against"
Other| Read My Position
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 reasonable goals on an incentive basis, but not statutory mandates like the misguided Obama Cap and Trade and like the light bulbs mandate!"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"I am a pro-life person, period. My personal, practical and religious beliefs are that Life is sacred from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death, and that it is murder and wanton waste to destroy nascent life in the womb. But at the same time, we need to counsel and help women, especially single mothers, to have and raise that child. There are a dozen pro-life pregnancy care centers in our State that help in this regard and there are programs and resources as well that can assist. Nobody talks about 'responsibility' any more, or restraint in sexual activity for marriage where economics and stability are most conducive to life and family. CDC, Guttmacher Institute and others peg the loss of human life from abortion in our country since Roe-v-Wade in 1973, to 62,000,000 persons! That's a huge chunk of lost humanity out of our 340 million population today! Is there any wonder why there are 'Help Wanted' and 'Now Hiring' signs all over the place and staff shortages abound? Not to mention the ever increasing shortfalls in contributions to the Social Security System."
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, 2020
Should New Hampshire create a road usage fee?
"Against"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire government do more to increase the supply of affordable housing?
"New Hampshire government should do more to increase the supply of affordable housing."
Against| Read My Position
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. Planned Parenthood is the single largest abortion provider in the U.S. and should NOT be funded with taxpayer dollars supporting the destruction of human life in the womb contrary to the 14th Amendment, in spite of Roe-v-Wade and Doe-v-Bolton - both defective SCOTUS decisions."
Against| Read My Position
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."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire create a statewide family and medical leave program, paid for with a percentage of employee wages, with no opt-out?
"Too much government intervention."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I've heard it said that NH is the safest state in the County and gun deaths the lowest. Once again, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it"!'
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire provide student loan debt repayment programs for workers in industries with labor shortages?
"That could be a good incentive for workers to come here and stay with employers. Employee turnover is very costly to businesses and employee retention is paramount."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire add tax incentives for affordable housing development?
"We have a shortage of affordable housing in NH, and incentives would help us meet the needs of now and the future to facilitate influx and growth of jobs and industry in our State!"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020
Should New Hampshire allocate tax revenues for private and home schooling costs?
"Competition for Education Quality, like everything else, is an incentive for public systems to maximize quality and efficiency. And, it enables private and charter schools, and home schooling to participate and contribute to that drive for quality, in addition to providing important choices to parents and students with special needs and special abilities to excel!"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should parents be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry?
"Parents should not be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry. Except perhaps for medical or allergic reasons but then school access may be problematic."
For| Read My Position
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."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH restrict further wind power development?
"I am undecided on this issue. Alternative Energy is important but there should perhaps be some control in where and how Wind and Solar can be safely and properly deployed."
Session days attended
Party unity score/partisanship
Participated in official roll call votes
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
Prime sponsored bills that became law
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
Party unity score/partisanship
Participated in official roll call votes
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
Prime sponsored bills that became law
Voting Record
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 1248 (2024)
Changes the state limit on abortion after 24 weeks gestation to 15 days gestation.
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.
CACR 23 (2024)
Constitutional amendment creating a right to abortion, including a ban on any restrictions on abortion prior to 24 weeks.
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 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 1377 (2024)
Right-to-work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
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 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 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 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 1400 (2024)
Prohibits zoning and planning regulations that set maximum residential parking spaces above one parking space per unit.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 1668 (2022)
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.
HB 1576 (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 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 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.
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.
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 1080 (2022)
Creates a right for health care providers to conscientiously object to participating in providing abortion, sterilization, or artificial contraception services.
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.
HB 1683 (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.
HB 1598 (2022)
Allows personal consumption and possession of marijuana over age 21, with some limits (e.g. four ounces of cannabis in plant form). Home-growing would be illegal. The state Liquor Commission would regulate marijuana growing and sales. Revenue from marijuana sales would go to substance misuse-related education, prevention, treatment, and recovery; and offsetting the statewide education property tax.
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 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.
HB 121 (2021)
Establishes a fifteen member independent redistricting commission, appointed by House and Senate party leaders after an application process.
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.
SB 61 (2021)
Right-to-work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
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.
HB 625 (2021)
Prohibits abortion after 24 weeks gestation, unless there is a medical emergency. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.
The House and Senate added a similar ban to the 2021 state budget bill.
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.
HB 458 (2021)
Repeals the the law that requires public middle schools and high schools to provide menstrual hygiene products at no cost. This bill then permits school health departments "to make reasonable efforts to secure, through grants and donations, and distribute menstrual hygiene products to students in need."
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 481 (2019)
Legalizes and taxes 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 allows limited home-growing of marijuana for personal use.
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 1577 (2020)
Allows an individual to obtain a new birth certificate based on a change of gender identity, as certified by a licensed health care provider. Parental permission is required if a minor seeks a birth certificate change. At the time of this bill's submission, a court order is required to change a birth certificate. This bill also allows a gender identity of nonbinary on a birth certificate.
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 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 1664 (2020)
Requires the Department of Environmental Services to establish a climate action plan, an office of the environmental advocate, and an oversight commission on environmental services. The House amended the bill to instead establish greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for the state. Those goals are a 20% reduction in statewide emissions by 2025, 50% by 2035, and 80% by 2050 (all compared to 1990 emissions). The amended bill also gives the Department of Environmental Services the authority to develop and update regularly a climate action plan.
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 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 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 1648 (2020)
Permits adults to possess up to 3/4 of an ounce of cannabis, 5 grams of hashish, and other cannabis-infused products, and permits adults to grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home in a secure location that is not visible from other properties. This bill also allows adults to give marijuana products away and sell marijuana accessories.
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 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.
HB 706 (2019)
Establishes a fifteen member independent redistricting commission, appointed by the secretary of state after a public application process that includes input from legislative leaders. The Senate amended the bill, generally giving the Secretary of State less say in the process.
HB 446 (2019)
Allows an individual to obtain a new birth certificate based on a change of gender identity, as certified by a licensed health care provider. At the time of this bill's submission, a court order is required to change a birth certificate. This bill also allows a gender identity of nonbinary on a birth certificate. The Senate amended the bill, for example to require the permission of a parent or guardian if a minor seeks a birth certificate change.
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.
HB 558 (2019)
Prohibits food service businesses from providing a single-use plastic straw to a customer unless specifically requested.
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 365 (2019)
Increases the electric generating capacity of customer generators who may participate in net energy metering, generally from 1 megawatt to 5 megawatts.
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.
