William "Will" Darby
Serving as: NH House Hillsborough County District 11
These objective, nonpartisan measures are used to show this legislator's activities at the Statehouse in 2023 and 2024. The measures are not intended to present a ranking or rating of any kind. Average is that of all state elected officials in this chamber. Gov. Sununu is still in the process of signing and vetoing 2024 bills, so the number of prime sponsored bills that became law may increase.
Session days attended
Party unity score/partisanship
Participated in official roll call votes
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
Prime sponsored bills that became law
Voting Record
CACR 23 (2024)
Constitutional amendment creating a right to abortion, including a ban on any restrictions on abortion prior to 24 weeks.
HB 10 (2023)
Establishes a parental bill of rights. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to direct the education and care of his or her minor child"
"The right to be physically present at any health care facility ... at which their minor child is receiving hospital care"
"The right to consent in writing before a biometric scan of his or her minor child is made, shared, or stored"
HB 106 (2023)
Establishes a procedure for issuing "extreme risk protection orders" to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. An extreme risk protection order would restrict a person's access to firearms, and is also known as a "red flag law."
HB 1145 (2024)
Prohibits new solid waste landfill permits in the state for facilities owned by any person other than the state of New Hampshire or a political subdivision thereof.
HB 1205 (2024)
Prohibits anyone with the reproductive biology and genetics of a male at birth from participating on school sports teams designated for females. As introduced, this bill covered K-12 schools as well as the university and community college system. The House amended the bill so that it only applies to middle and high schools.
HB 1248 (2024)
Changes the state limit on abortion after 24 weeks gestation to 15 days gestation.
HB 1283 (2024)
Establishes a procedure for an individual with terminal illness to receive medical assistance in dying through the self administration of medication (sometimes called physician-assisted suicide). The bill establishes criteria for the prescription of such medication and establishes reporting requirements and penalties for misuse or noncompliance.
HB 1291 (2024)
Increases the number of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) allowed by right from one to two. This bill also increases the maximum square footage from 750 square feet to 1,000 square feet (and 850 square feet for a second unit). The bill then sets other regulations municipalities can and cannot require for ADUs. For example, the bill states that municipalities may require a property to have at least one half acre to have more than one ADU.
HB 1322 (2024)
Gradually increases the minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2029. This bill then allows future increases best on the Northeast Consumer Price Index. This bill also increases the tipped minimum wage from 45% to 50% of the regular minimum wage.
HB 1377 (2024)
Right-to-work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 1400 (2024)
Prohibits zoning and planning regulations that set maximum residential parking spaces above one parking space per unit.
HB 1419 (2024)
Prohibits K-12 schools from making "any material that is harmful to minors" available to students. The bill defines this material to include various content related to sex. This bill also requires school boards to adopt complaint resolution policies to address complaints regarding harmful material by parents or guardians.
HB 1633 (2024)
Legalizes and regulates recreational marijuana sales to adults over age twenty-one. As amended by the House, this bill would allow the state to license fifteen cannabis retail outlets. There would be a 10% tax on monthly total gross revenue derived from the sale of cannabis and cannabis products. Smoking in public and consuming marijuana while driving would be illegal. Towns could limit marijuana businesses.
HB 1649 (2024)
Restricts the use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. For example, this bill bans the sale of cosmetics, food packing, carpets, and more products with added PFAS starting July 1, 2028. The House changed that date to January 1, 2027.
The Senate amended the bill to also state that settlement funds from PFAS lawsuits will be deposited in the drinking water and groundwater trust fund and used to fund public water systems impacted by PFAS.
HB 1656 (2024)
Greatly increases the per-pupil state education funding for each student receiving special education services. The House amended the bill to establish three weighted categories for special education differentiated aid, with more funding going to students who need more services.
HB 1665 (2024)
Raises the annual household income limit to qualify for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, from 350% to 500% of the federal poverty level (from about $100,000 to about $150,000 for a family of four).
The Senate rewrote the bill. The Senate version of the bill raises eligibility to just 400% of the federal poverty level, and extends the timeline for phase-out grants for public schools when students leave to use EFA program funds, from 2026 to 2029. These changes are similar to SB 442, a bill killed in the House.
HB 1711 (2024)
Establishes a system to report to the firearm background check system if a person is found not guilty by reason of insanity, not competent to stand trial, or involuntarily committed to a mental health facility. This bill also allows the court to order a person to surrender their firearms in these circumstances. This bill also establishes a process for a person to have their record removed from the background check system after six months, if they are no longer a danger to themselves or others.
HB 2 (2023)
State budget bill (part 2). The governor presented his proposal for the next state budget February 14. The House and Senate both made changes to that proposal. Click here to read a summary of the 2023 budget process.
HB 208 (2023)
Establishes greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for the state, to net zero by 2050. This bill also requires the Department of Environmental Services to develop a climate action plan by July 1, 2024, that includes evaluation of best available information, considers inclusion of strategies, programs and compliance mechanisms with measurable goals and targets, considers opportunities to encourage investment in low/moderate income, rural and minority communities, makes recommendations on retraining and apprenticeship opportunities, and coordinates with other state agencies.
HB 224 (2023)
Repeals the civil and criminal penalties for health care providers who violate the state's ban on abortion after 24 weeks.
HB 367 (2023)
Increases the maximum household income limit for participation in the Education Freedom Account program, from 300% to 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. The Education Freedom Account program allows families to spend the state's per-pupil share of education funding on private or home school expenses.
The House amended the bill to only increase the income limit to 350% of the federal poverty guidelines.
HB 470 (2023)
Exempts some drug checking equipment from the definition of drug paraphernalia, and allows the use of drug checking equipment, such as fentanyl test strips, for harm reduction.
HB 523 (2023)
Increases the maximum electric generating capacity to participate in net energy metering, from one to five megawatts. This bill also modifies the transition of tariffs applicable to some customer-generators.
HB 557 (2023)
Removes the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to require vaccinations beyond those in state law. This bill specifically notes that the requirements for chickenpox, Hepatitis B, and Hib vaccinations will expire in 2026.
HB 567 (2023)
Requires at least 30 days written notice for a rent increase. Large, multi-unit rental owners must provide at least 60 days notice. If the rent increase is over 15%, large multi-unit landlords must provide at least 6 months notice.
HB 57 (2023)
Gradually raises the minimum wage to $15 per hour over the next three years, with future adjustments based on the consumer price index. This bill also raises the tipped minimum wage from 45% to 50% of the regular minimum wage. Lastly, this bill allows a minimum wage of $8 per hour for youth under age 18 for the first six months of employment.
HB 59 (2023)
Requires commercial sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks.
HB 619 (2023)
Prohibits gender transition care for minors under age 18. This bill also prohibits teaching about gender identity in public schools (with an exception for high school psychology courses), requires schools to use the name and gender that students are enrolled as, prohibits students from participating on sports teams that do not correspond to their biological sex at birth, and requires students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their biological sex at birth.
HB 624 (2023)
Requires state and local law enforcement to notify the public before an immigration checkpoint.
HB 639 (2023)
Legalizes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. The bill allows limited home-growing of marijuana. A new Cannabis Commission would oversee licensing and regulations related to the manufacture, testing, and sale of legal marijuana. Cannabis sales would be taxed under the Meals and Rooms tax system. Alternative Treatment Centers, which currently serve the state's medical marijuana patients, would be allowed to apply for a "dual use certificate" that allows them to participate in recreational marijuana business. Towns could limit marijuana businesses.
SB 263 (2023)
Permanently reauthorizes the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid. Previous law ended the program on December 31, 2023. This bill also reestablishes and revises the commission to evaluate the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid.
SB 272 (2023)
Establishes a parental bill of rights in education. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to access and review all medical records of a child maintained by a school or school personnel"
"The right to inquire of the school or school personnel and to be truthfully and completely informed if the child is being identified or referred to by school district staff, as being of a gender other than that of which the child was identified or referred when enrolled"
Completed our 2022 State Candidate Survey
Position on Issues
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Do you support the “Education Freedom Account” program, which gives students access to the per-pupil share of state school funding to spend on private school or home school expenses?
"Education freedom accounts take money for public schools and predominantly give it to private and religious schools for previously enrolled individuals."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"Health care, including abortions, should be the decision of patients and their physicians. The government has no right to interfere with these intensely personal medical decisions."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"Health care, including abortions, should be the decision of patients and their physicians. The government has no right to interfere with these intensely personal medical decisions."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?
"Children come from a wide variety of family situations. Preventing students and educators from discussing this diversity will contribute to mental health issues of children and adolescents."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the state law that bans teaching certain concepts, such as the idea that people may be "inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously"?
"Local school boards must be given the freedom to set the curriculum for their schools. Additionally, teacher's should not be intimidated or threatened to teach the history of the US and age-appropriate literature."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"Similar to a broad-based sales tax, broad-based income taxes are not necessary to maintain a high-quality of life, and affordable lifestyle, for New Hampshire residents. While a broad-based income tax should be eschewed, taxes for the extremely wealthy should be considered to support the less fortunate."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"New Hampshire maintains a very lean budget by rejecting broad-based taxes and engaging its citizenry. The state can fulfill its obligations to high-quality education, affordable healthcare, and environmental protections with a reasonable balance of taxes from other sources. Sales taxes are particularly regressive."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire add a tax credit for businesses that contribute to student loan repayment for employees?
"The burden of student loan debt causes early career professionals to delay life events including marriage, home ownership and having children. Students graduating from New Hampshire higher education institutions with debt have the highest average debt of any other state. Allowing companies to help their employees pay down this debt by offering a tax credit will benefit young adults and encourage them to make New Hampshire their home."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"New Hampshire businesses receive the benefit of one the most well educated populations, and further the ability to pay a lower wage due to the lack of broad-based income taxes. Therefore, businesses should pay a fair share to maintain a strong, healthy, educated workforce."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"Climate change is a critical threat to the environment and human way of life. The state's natural environment is a primary factor our quality of life. It will take action at every level, including the state government, to address this threat and protect New Hampshire for the next generation. I co-sponsored HB208 in 2023 to establish a state climate action plan."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Do you support giving voters who register without ID on Election Day a ballot that only counts if they return identifying documents to the state before a deadline?
"Provisional ballots disenfranchise eligible voters, and New Hampshire is already one of the most difficult states to execute our constitutional right to vote. Additionally, there are very few proven cases of voter fraud each year. Casting an unauthorized ballot has always been illegal, and existing penalties are sufficient to deter significant voter fraud."
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?
"Roads, bridges and other infrastructure are funded in large part by gas taxes. Electric vehicles should contribute to the costs of building and maintaining this infrastructure based on their usage."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"New Hampshire has a historic deficit of housing units, which is drastically increasing housing costs as observed by recent significant increases in rent and median home prices. While cities such as Nashua and Manchester are adding a large number of new housing units, including affordable and workforce housing, the problem is statewide. Municipalities that maintain large lot size requirements or oppose multi-family units push the housing burden on other New Hampshire communities, and force young people from those communities to move out of state."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire extend the renewable portfolio standard past 2025, requiring public utilities to obtain more than 25% of electricity from renewable energy sources?
"Renewable energy is a critical component of a diverse energy solution that will help to buffer energy prices across the state. Additionally, renewable energy is essential to reducing green house gas emissions that are direct contributor to the world's escalating climate change crisis."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"Health care, including abortions, should be the decision of patients and their physicians. The government has no right to interfere with these intensely personal medical decisions."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?
"Several states have demonstrated the effectiveness of mail-in ballots. This make voting easier and increases voter turnout without an increase in fraud or other irregularities affecting election outcomes."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?
"The state has a constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education for all New Hampshire children regardless of zip code. While property taxes have a role in the basket of education funding sources, those that benefit from a well-educated population, such as businesses and high income individuals, should also pay a fair share."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?
"Marijuana should be decriminalized, as the majority of those prosecuted are minorities and low-income individuals. Marijuana for personal use, including growing at home, should be explicitly permitted. State-run cannabis stores are more likely to avoid the problems experienced by other states with significant marijuana black markets and unlicensed facilities. However, licensed growing facilities in the state should be considered to meet the needs to therapeutic and state-run cannabis locations."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"Marijuana should be decriminalized, as the majority of those prosecuted are minorities and low-income individuals. Marijuana for personal use, including growing at home, should be explicitly permitted. State-run cannabis stores are more likely to avoid the problems experienced by other states with significant marijuana black markets and unlicensed facilities. However, licensed growing facilities in the state should be considered to meet the needs to therapeutic and state-run cannabis locations."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"Marijuana should be decriminalized, as the majority of those prosecuted are minorities and low-income individuals. Marijuana for personal use, including growing at home, should be explicitly permitted. State-run cannabis stores are more likely to avoid the problems experienced by other states with significant marijuana black markets and unlicensed facilities. However, licensed growing facilities in the state should be considered to meet the needs to therapeutic and state-run cannabis locations."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"New Hampshire has the lowest minimum wage in New England, and is on par with Louisiana, Alabama and Oklahoma - which all have a much lower cost of living. New Hampshire has become unaffordable to many young people, forcing them to leave the state. Paying a living wage will allow more New Hampshire graduates to stay and raise a family in the state, as well as attract your people from other states, which will help address lack of qualified job applicants throughout the state."
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?
"New Hampshire previously eliminated its contributions to the New Hampshire Retirement System and dramatically reduced support for school building aid. These downshifted costs should should be shared with the state to reduce local property tax burden."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the gradual phase-out of the Interests and Dividends tax?
"The elderly and retired make up a substantial percentage of those who pay the interest and dividends tax. Individuals of limited means should not be required to pay this tax simply because their interest and dividends exceeds $2,400 yearly. However, the tax is an important component of the complex formula of New Hampshire state government funding. As such, companies and wealthy individuals that benefit from the state's economic advantages should continue to pay their fair share."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"Health care, including abortions, should be the decision of patients and their physicians. The government has no right to interfere with these intensely personal medical decisions."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I support firearm ownership, and also support commonsense gun safety measures, including comprehensive background checks and limiting dangerous individuals from possessing firearms."
