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Historical Details

Position on Issues

Voting Record, 2023

In 2022, Whitley voted to consider repealing the Education Freedom Account program (SB 432). Sen. Whitley also voted against 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.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 24 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?

"All across the country and here in NH, there are efforts to restrict access to critical family planning services and impose abortion bans. There is simply no place for that in New Hampshire and we need to remain vigilant. We need to protect New Hampshire's positive reproductive legal landscape and prevent unnecessary and dangerous barriers to care. We cannot allow national efforts to restrict access and impose abortion bans to seep into New Hampshire. Right here in New Hampshire, several bills were introduced this past session effectively banning abortion. We need bold, state-level champions for reproductive health and justice who will resist any efforts to restrict access to critical family planning services, impede access to abortion, or impose abortion bans in New Hampshire. Denying someone the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion care, jeopardizes an individual's economic well-being and ability to determine their own future. When laws push abortion care out of reach, this undermines the economic security individuals need to raise happy, healthy families."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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

When asked on a ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation, Whitley wrote, "All across the country and here in NH, there are efforts to restrict access to critical family planning services and impose abortion bans. There is simply no place for that in New Hampshire and we need to remain vigilant. We need to protect New Hampshire's positive reproductive legal landscape and prevent unnecessary and dangerous barriers to care. We cannot allow national efforts to restrict access and impose abortion bans to seep into New Hampshire. Right here in New Hampshire, several bills were introduced this past session effectively banning abortion. We need bold, state-level champions for reproductive health and justice who will resist any efforts to restrict access to critical family planning services, impede access to abortion, or impose abortion bans in New Hampshire. Denying someone the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion care, jeopardizes an individual's economic well-being and ability to determine their own future. When laws push abortion care out of reach, this undermines the economic security individuals need to raise happy, healthy families."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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

When asked on a ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation, Whitley wrote, "All across the country and here in NH, there are efforts to restrict access to critical family planning services and impose abortion bans. There is simply no place for that in New Hampshire and we need to remain vigilant. We need to protect New Hampshire's positive reproductive legal landscape and prevent unnecessary and dangerous barriers to care. We cannot allow national efforts to restrict access and impose abortion bans to seep into New Hampshire. Right here in New Hampshire, several bills were introduced this past session effectively banning abortion. We need bold, state-level champions for reproductive health and justice who will resist any efforts to restrict access to critical family planning services, impede access to abortion, or impose abortion bans in New Hampshire. Denying someone the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion care, jeopardizes an individual's economic well-being and ability to determine their own future. When laws push abortion care out of reach, this undermines the economic security individuals need to raise happy, healthy families."

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 consider repealing the law aimed at banning critical race theory in schools (SB 298)

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"We need to remain steadfastly connected to our core values as Democrats and move away from a zero-sum budgeting process, where we are forced to cut critical services and valuable state employees. Instead, we need to take an honest, fresh look at our potential revenue sources. We know that tax revenue under our current tax structure will be down and that this will have a significant impact on the state budget. New Hampshire relies on property taxes, limited business taxes, and tourism-driven revenues to balance our state budget. We need structural change to New Hampshire's framework of taxation which places an incredible burden on property taxpayers and gives tax breaks to wealthy corporations. Crushing property taxes greatly disadvantages older folks, young families, working families, and communities of color ? the very people we need to focus on with in our recovery. We need a more equitable funding system and we can't afford to take solutions off the table which is why I would consider an income tax. We cannot afford to balance the state budget on the backs of property taxpayers any longer."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"We need to change NH's framework of taxation which is not sustainable and places an incredible burden on property taxpayers. We need a more equitable funding system and we can't afford to take solutions off the table. I think we need to consider more equitable and progressive taxes before 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?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"We cannot continue to provide tax giveaways to wealthy corporations while property taxes are crushing working families and small businesses."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?

"I would consider this as part of structural reform to our tax system."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase the tax on cigarettes?

"This is also a public health measure."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?

Voting Record, 2022

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

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?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add restrictions to the governor's powers during a state of emergency?

"The Governor should not have unchecked power during an emergency. Recently, we've seen the Governor make an end run around the legislature and the executive council in managing the distribution of federal stimulus funds. These funds should go through an existing body and be used in alignment with the state budget, the state's largest policy document."

Voting Record, 2023

Sen. Whitley 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, 2020

Should New Hampshire extend the renewable portfolio standard past 2025, requiring public utilities to obtain more than 25% of electricity from renewable energy sources?

"We need to use all means available in our Renewable Portfolio Standard to set ambitious but achievable renewable energy goals."

Voting Record, 2023

Sen. Whitley voted to consider 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, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase public access to reports of police misconduct?

"Systemic racism is a deep-rooted issue in New Hampshire and our country. I will push and support legislation that supports communities of color and helps to change an oppressive system. This tougher laws that govern misconduct for police, including creating a police registry for misconduct."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?

"We need to ensure ALL eligible voters are able to access the polls and protect and expand voting rights in NH. Across the country, and especially here in New Hampshire, we have seen legislation to disenfranchise voters, particularly students and communities of color."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

"I support legalizing cannabis with commonsense policies to advance public health. Cannabis prohibition has not stopped cannabis use or sales. Instead, it has fueled a black market, perpetuated the false theory that we can and should treat substance misuse by penalizing it, and contributed to mass incarceration. A black Granite Stater is four times more likely than a white Granite Stater to be arrested and jailed for marijuana possession. New Hampshire has rightfully undertaken a phased-in approach on cannabis, starting with therapeutic cannabis and continuing by decriminalizing small amounts. These policies have worked, and I believe it is time to legalize cannabis. My first priority is the health and prosperity of Granite State families. Legalizing cannabis can and should be coupled with strong public health protections that reduce harms, help prevent substance misuse, protect youth from harmful effects, and ensure social equity. We can simultaneously end prohibition and advance commonsense policies that avert misuse. This includes setting the legal age for cannabis at 21 and regulating the sale of cannabis products. Because New Hampshire has limited sources of revenue, taxing cannabis cultivation and sales could be an important new source of revenue for the state. Similar to the regulation of alcohol in New Hampshire, at least 10% of revenue from cannabis cultivation and sales should go towards prevention, treatment and recovery programs for substance misuse. Allowing adults to grow their own cannabis for personal use must be coupled with restrictions on gifting and in particular, prohibitions on gifts to anyone under 21 and limits on the amount that can be gifted. There should also be limits on the amount that can be cultivated for personal use to ensure it does not undermine the regulated retail market."

Voting Record, 2022

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

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, Whitley said, "I support legalizing cannabis with commonsense policies to advance public health. Cannabis prohibition has not stopped cannabis use or sales. Instead, it has fueled a black market, perpetuated the false theory that we can and should treat substance misuse by penalizing it, and contributed to mass incarceration. A black Granite Stater is four times more likely than a white Granite Stater to be arrested and jailed for marijuana possession. New Hampshire has rightfully undertaken a phased-in approach on cannabis, starting with therapeutic cannabis and continuing by decriminalizing small amounts. These policies have worked, and I believe it is time to legalize cannabis. My first priority is the health and prosperity of Granite State families. Legalizing cannabis can and should be coupled with strong public health protections that reduce harms, help prevent substance misuse, protect youth from harmful effects, and ensure social equity. We can simultaneously end prohibition and advance commonsense policies that avert misuse. This includes setting the legal age for cannabis at 21 and regulating the sale of cannabis products. Because New Hampshire has limited sources of revenue, taxing cannabis cultivation and sales could be an important new source of revenue for the state. Similar to the regulation of alcohol in New Hampshire, at least 10% of revenue from cannabis cultivation and sales should go towards prevention, treatment and recovery programs for substance misuse. Allowing adults to grow their own cannabis for personal use must be coupled with restrictions on gifting and in particular, prohibitions on gifts to anyone under 21 and limits on the amount that can be gifted. There should also be limits on the amount that can be cultivated for personal use to ensure it does not undermine the regulated retail market."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?

"Even before the recent crisis, New Hampshire families were experiencing real economic strains and working families are dealing with even more pressure now. Costs continue to rise but wages aren't keeping pace. We need to put working families first in this recovery. Every Granite Stater should have access to a living wage that can provide a decent standard of living. Working families and those working full time should have enough money to live above the federal poverty line. We need to set a state minimum wage at a living wage and support our small businesses by allowing a phased approach."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase the size of solar panel installations that may participate in net energy metering?

"We need to raise the cap on net metering, which allows solar owners to sell excess solar energy back to the grid so they only pay the utility for their 'net' energy use. New Hampshire lags every other New England state in renewable power. Lifting the arbitrary cap on net-metering ratepayers would boost renewables and create good jobs in the process."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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

"Undecided"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase the base amount of per-pupil funding it provides to local school districts?

"We need to make structural changes to the inequitable way we fund our public schools in New Hampshire. As a mom and engaged community member, I understand the importance of strong public schools and have a front row seat to the challenges New Hampshire is facing in public education. Public education is supposed to create equal opportunity but our current funding system embeds disparities by its very design. New Hampshire has a deep commitment to local schools, local control, and a long history of committed educators. But we've been struggling with education funding for decades, and I know we can do better. After years of dwindling commitment to public education funding at the state level, we need to increase state support for public education in New Hampshire to support our local school districts and put an end to divisiveness within communities. We need to build on local communities' deep commitment to public education and give our students and educators the tools and the resources necessary to achieve success. Supporting our public schools is one of the most important ways to ensure that the economic future of New Hampshire is strong. Our public schools play a central role in New Hampshire's ability to attract skilled workers and young families to New Hampshire. That's why I believe we need broad structural changes to our education funding system that are more equitable. Our current system for funding public education system is not sustainable and has created disparities in access to a quality education. All New Hampshire children should have the SAME opportunity to develop academically, socially, and emotionally and all educators deserve support, regardless of zip code. Children in Berlin should have access to the same quality education as children in Hopkinton. Local property taxpayers face greater and greater strains on their budgets and taxpayers are also not treated equitably or fairly across the state. Which is why I think it's past time to take an honest, fresh look at our state's revenue problem, consider new revenue sources, and stop downshifting more and more costs to local communities, placing an incredible burden on property taxpayers."

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

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?

"Against"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the state’s current system of public school funding, with each district’s total funding primarily dependent on local property tax revenue?

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?

"We should build and improve upon Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative which has been an incredibly successful program."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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

When asked on a ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation, Whitley wrote, "All across the country and here in NH, there are efforts to restrict access to critical family planning services and impose abortion bans. There is simply no place for that in New Hampshire and we need to remain vigilant. We need to protect New Hampshire's positive reproductive legal landscape and prevent unnecessary and dangerous barriers to care. We cannot allow national efforts to restrict access and impose abortion bans to seep into New Hampshire. Right here in New Hampshire, several bills were introduced this past session effectively banning abortion. We need bold, state-level champions for reproductive health and justice who will resist any efforts to restrict access to critical family planning services, impede access to abortion, or impose abortion bans in New Hampshire. Denying someone the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion care, jeopardizes an individual's economic well-being and ability to determine their own future. When laws push abortion care out of reach, this undermines the economic security individuals need to raise happy, healthy families."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire create a road usage fee?

"Undecided"

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?

"The future of our state depends on New Hampshire being an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family. We need to send a message from the State House that the Granite State is a place where young people can thrive. We need to do this by passing family-friendly policies like statewide, mandatory paid family and medical leave."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"Gun violence is a public health crisis in our country. It's also preventable and it doesn't mean ripping guns away from responsible fun owners ? unless it's assault weapons which are weapons of war not suitable for civil society. The majority of Granite Staters have long supported common-sense gun violence prevention. I was proud to receive the Gun Sense distinction from Moms Demand Action."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire provide student loan debt repayment programs for workers in industries with labor shortages?

"This will be particularly important to address New Hampshire's workforce shortage, particularly in the healthcare industry."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add tax incentives for affordable housing development?

"State government has a critical role in incentivizing more affordable housing in New Hampshire. Wages are not keeping pace with housing costs in the Granite State. We need to review municipal requirements for the mix of affordable housing and created a statewide plan for addressing the lack of affordable housing in New Hampshire. We should be investing in carbon-neutral affordable housing, particularly in frontline communities with shortages of affordable housing. These are a key strategies for attracting and retaining young people to our state and attracting a highly skilled workforce to encourage small businesses to invest in New Hampshire and thrive."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

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

"Against"

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
97% Present
Average 99%
Party unity score/partisanship
100% With Party
Average 96%
Participated in official roll call votes
98% Roll Call Votes
Average 99%
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
18 Prime Sponsored Bills
Average 17
Prime sponsored bills that became law
5 Became Law
Average 8

Voting Record

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 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 144 (2023)

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

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.

SB 104 (2023)

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

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"

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 224 (2023)

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

HB 624 (2023)

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

HB 1431 (2022)

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

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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