Diane Pauer
Serving as: NH House Hillsborough County District 36
These objective, nonpartisan measures are used to show this legislator's activities at the Statehouse in 2025 and 2026. 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. Ayotte is still in the process of signing and vetoing 2026 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
Completed our 2024 State Candidate Survey
Position on Issues
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
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?
"I support school choice and New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. The EFA program should be available to every New Hampshire student so parents have the freedom to choose the educational setting that best meets their child's needs. Under the EFA program, the student's share of state education funding follows the student rather than the system. School choice and EFAs encourage innovation, increase accountability, and promote healthy competition among educational options, helping improve student outcomes whether a child attends a public school, public charter school, private school, or is homeschooled."Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"I am pro-life, and I support maintaining New Hampshire's current abortion law, which permits abortion up to 24 weeks gestation with exceptions after 24 weeks for fatal fetal anomalies and when necessary to save the life of the mother, as provided in RSA 329:44. I do not support repealing the current 24-week limit or expanding abortion beyond the protections and limitations established under existing state law. New Hampshire's current approach reflects a balance between respecting the value of unborn life, protecting women's health, and recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by families in certain medical situations."Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"I am pro-life, and I support maintaining New Hampshire's current abortion law, which permits abortion up to 24 weeks gestation with exceptions after 24 weeks for fatal fetal anomalies and when necessary to save the life of the mother, as provided in RSA 329:44. I do not support repealing the current 24-week limit or expanding abortion beyond the protections and limitations established under existing state law. New Hampshire's current approach reflects a balance between respecting the value of unborn life, protecting women's health, and recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by families in certain medical situations."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I oppose any state income tax in order to protect the NH Advantage."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"I oppose any broad-based sales tax in order to protect the NH Advantage."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"I support business tax relief including modest reductions in the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) and Business Profits Tax (BPT) in order to make N.H. more business friendly. This tax reduction will attract more businesses to NH and create good paying jobs for NH citizens."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?
"I oppose new taxes, including a tax on capital gains."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"I support protection of natural resources such as clean air and water. Any climate action must be balanced with the economic impact on our state."
For| 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?
"I support the current law that requires in person voters registering in NH for the first time who do not have a valid ID use an affidavit ballot, which will be counted if the identifying documents are returned to the Secretary of State within 7 days. I oppose voters registering to vote in NH on election day without a valid ID using a regular (non-affidavit) ballot. In order to preserve election integrity, only the votes of legal NH citizens must count in our elections."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"I support repealing unreasonable local zoning regulations that unnecessarily restrict housing development and infringe on private property rights, including the rights of property owners and landlords. While local control over zoning is an important principle, it must be balanced with the need to expand housing opportunities for New Hampshire residents. Local zoning ordinances should protect the character of a community without creating unnecessary barriers to the development of safe, affordable housing. At the same time, any state zoning reforms must recognize the practical limitations of properties that are not served by public water and sewer, where minimum lot sizes and development density must remain consistent with sound environmental and public health standards."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Do you support legislation to expand the net energy metering system capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW for all residential and commercial customers in New Hampshire?
"I do not support expanding the net energy metering system capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW for all residential and commercial customers. While I support responsible energy policies that encourage innovation and consumer choice, changes to net metering must carefully consider the impact on all ratepayers. Expanding the cap could shift costs to other electric customers who do not participate in these programs. Any changes to New Hampshire's energy policies should be evaluated carefully to ensure they maintain fairness, reliability, and affordability for all residents and businesses."Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"I am pro-life, and I support maintaining New Hampshire's current abortion law, which permits abortion up to 24 weeks gestation with exceptions after 24 weeks for fatal fetal anomalies and when necessary to save the life of the mother, as provided in RSA 329:44. I do not support repealing the current 24-week limit or expanding abortion beyond the protections and limitations established under existing state law. New Hampshire's current approach reflects a balance between respecting the value of unborn life, protecting women's health, and recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by families in certain medical situations."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state increase funding for child care providers?
"I support the current system and funding levels for child care. In order to make child care more accessible and affordable, I support the removal of local zoning ordinances that restrict where child care providers can operate. Such actions will increase the supply and bring down the cost of child care for working NH families."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?
"I support the current system of public school funding. Since public school spending is approved locally, it makes sense that the majority of public school funding is raised and appropriated at the local level. Additionally, any expanded state education aid should go towards local property tax relief instead larger school budgets, especially with declining student enrollment. In an effort to better control local property taxation, I support enabling/adoptable provisions, such as local tax caps and school district budget caps, to guide local school boards and budget committees in developing long-term sustainable and affordable school budgets."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?
"I oppose legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, whether through home cultivation, private retail sales, or state-run cannabis stores. Marijuana legalization presents significant public health and safety concerns, including the potential for increased use, impaired driving, and the risk of individuals progressing to more dangerous and addictive substances. The state should not create a new commercial market for a substance that carries these risks or expand government involvement in its distribution. I do support the responsible use of cannabis for legitimate medical purposes when recommended by a qualified medical provider and used as medically indicated. New Hampshire's focus should remain on protecting public health, supporting treatment and prevention efforts, and ensuring that any medical cannabis program serves patients who truly need it."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"I oppose legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, whether through home cultivation, private retail sales, or state-run cannabis stores. Marijuana legalization presents significant public health and safety concerns, including the potential for increased use, impaired driving, and the risk of individuals progressing to more dangerous and addictive substances. The state should not create a new commercial market for a substance that carries these risks or expand government involvement in its distribution. I do support the responsible use of cannabis for legitimate medical purposes when recommended by a qualified medical provider and used as medically indicated. New Hampshire's focus should remain on protecting public health, supporting treatment and prevention efforts, and ensuring that any medical cannabis program serves patients who truly need it."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"I oppose legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, whether through home cultivation, private retail sales, or state-run cannabis stores. Marijuana legalization presents significant public health and safety concerns, including the potential for increased use, impaired driving, and the risk of individuals progressing to more dangerous and addictive substances. The state should not create a new commercial market for a substance that carries these risks or expand government involvement in its distribution. I do support the responsible use of cannabis for legitimate medical purposes when recommended by a qualified medical provider and used as medically indicated. New Hampshire's focus should remain on protecting public health, supporting treatment and prevention efforts, and ensuring that any medical cannabis program serves patients who truly need it."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"I support the free market to determine wages. The federal minimum wage is appropriate. Moreover, NH businesses can chose to raise employee wages based on their business needs and in general are paying employees far higher than the minimum wage. "
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add legal protections for residents of other states who travel here for health care related to abortion or gender transition?
"State laws do not extend beyond the borders of the state, so such legal protections are unnecessary."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"I am pro-life, and I support maintaining New Hampshire's current abortion law, which permits abortion up to 24 weeks gestation with exceptions after 24 weeks for fatal fetal anomalies and when necessary to save the life of the mother, as provided in RSA 329:44. I do not support repealing the current 24-week limit or expanding abortion beyond the protections and limitations established under existing state law. New Hampshire's current approach reflects a balance between respecting the value of unborn life, protecting women's health, and recognizing the difficult circumstances faced by families in certain medical situations."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?
"I support that local law enforcement cooperate with federal immigration enforcement by notifying proper federal agencies of individuals in custody who have violated NH law and have a federal detainer. I oppose sanctuary cities in our state."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I support the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms as protected by both the United States Constitution and the New Hampshire Constitution. New Hampshire's constitutional carry law reflects our commitment to preserving the rights of responsible citizens, and it must be protected. I do not support additional restrictions that infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. Our focus should remain on enforcing existing laws and addressing criminal behavior while respecting the constitutional freedoms of New Hampshire citizens."