Donald McFarlane
Overview
"Donald McFarlane was elected in 2024 to represent Grafton County District 18 in the New Hampshire House, where he serves on the House Judiciary Committee. In Orange, he serves on the planning board and budget committee and as a trustee of the trust funds. During his first term, Donald sponsored successful legislation requiring government-issued photo identification to vote, establishing a vulnerability disclosure program to help secure New Hampshire’s election systems, prohibiting the Grafton County Attorney from maintaining a private law practice, and eliminating unnecessary title and bill-of-sale paperwork at routine vehicle-registration renewals. Donald has also worked to protect constitutional rights. He secured final legislative passage of a measure limiting intrusive questions on applications for licenses to carry a pistol or revolver, advanced additional pro-Second Amendment legislation through the House, and led House adoption of resolutions reaffirming the right of people of all persuasions to keep and bear arms and promoting greater diversity of viewpoints at New Hampshire’s public colleges and universities. A graduate electrical engineer and cybersecurity leader with more than three decades of experience, Donald has served as a chief information security officer and advised major organizations on cybersecurity, risk management, resilience, and incident response. He is NACD Directorship Certified and spent more than a decade serving his community as a volunteer EMT and EMS chief. He previously served in the Royal Corps of Signals. A resident of Orange since 2008, Donald became a United States citizen in 2002. He and his wife, Karen, have been married since 2012 and live in Orange with their son, Cameron, and their Shetland sheepdog, Neep."
B.Eng. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London; NACD Directorship Certified® (NACD.DC); additional professional training and certifications in cybersecurity, risk management, corporate governance, and incident and emergency management
280 Burnt Hill Road
Orange, NH 03741
United States
History
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.
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?
"Parents, not government, should have the primary say in choosing the education that best fits their child. Education Freedom Accounts let families use the state-funded portion of education dollars for approved expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum, and home-school programs. They expand opportunity for families who might otherwise have no practical alternative to their assigned school. The program should remain transparent, accountable, and focused on legitimate educational expenses. But public education funding should support the student, not preserve a monopoly for one delivery system."
Other| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2026
"We should not pretend that biological sex is irrelevant in every setting. Privacy, safety, and fairness may demand sex-based distinctions in certain places such as bathrooms, locker rooms, prisons, shelters, and athletic competition. Allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports is plainly unfair to female athletes and undermines the purpose of having women’s competition in the first place. New Hampshire should protect women’s sports and allow appropriate single-sex spaces. Every person should be treated with dignity, but dignity does not require denying biological reality."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"Abortion is legal in New Hampshire throughout the pregnancy. It is legal through the first two trimesters for any reason, and legal in certain circumstances in the third trimester such as a fatal fetal abnormality or risk to the mother's health. New Hampshire's abortion laws are some of the most lenient in the country, and are more lenient than many European countries. According to the CDC, only 1% of abortions are performed after 21 weeks. I believe life begins at conception and should be protected. However, as a lifelong advocate for personal liberty, I also recognize that a decision to terminate a pregnancy is profoundly personal and may involve difficult medical circumstances, religious beliefs, and questions of conscience. The state cannot sensibly legislate every circumstance a woman, her family, and her physician may confront. I support retaining New Hampshire’s existing 24-week framework, which does not infringe on women's reproductive choice. I would oppose both repealing the protection after 24 weeks and imposing new six- or fifteen-week prohibitions. Supporting legal access does not require compelling taxpayers to fund elective abortions. That said, I oppose using public money for elective abortion services: I do not believe tax dollars should be allocated to fund a choice that goes against the moral fiber of so many Americans."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"Abortion is legal in New Hampshire throughout the pregnancy. It is legal through the first two trimesters for any reason, and legal in certain circumstances in the third trimester such as a fatal fetal abnormality or risk to the mother's health. New Hampshire's abortion laws are some of the most lenient in the country, and are more lenient than many European countries. According to the CDC, only 1% of abortions are performed after 21 weeks. I believe life begins at conception and should be protected. However, as a lifelong advocate for personal liberty, I also recognize that a decision to terminate a pregnancy is profoundly personal and may involve difficult medical circumstances, religious beliefs, and questions of conscience. The state cannot sensibly legislate every circumstance a woman, her family, and her physician may confront. I support retaining New Hampshire’s existing 24-week framework, which does not infringe on women's reproductive choice. I would oppose both repealing the protection after 24 weeks and imposing new six- or fifteen-week prohibitions. Supporting legal access does not require compelling taxpayers to fund elective abortions. That said, I oppose using public money for elective abortion services: I do not believe tax dollars should be allocated to fund a choice that goes against the moral fiber of so many Americans."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"New Hampshire should never tax earned income. I have signed the Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers’ anti-broad-based tax pledge. More importantly, I prime-sponsored CACR 10 to place strong constitutional limits on the creation or increase of state taxes. I then supported the amended proposal that would have constitutionally prohibited new taxes on personal income. It received 194 votes, but 158 House Democrats voted against it, denying New Hampshire voters the opportunity to decide the question for themselves. I will continue to oppose income and sales taxes and defend the New Hampshire Advantage."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"Yes. Business taxes ultimately appear in higher prices, lower wages, reduced investment, and fewer opportunities for workers. New Hampshire should continue reducing and simplifying business taxes as revenues permit, while controlling state spending and protecting a balanced budget. Our goal should be a competitive economy in which businesses can start, grow, hire, and remain in New Hampshire."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"It should not take two or three years to navigate a large town's approval process for a single development, and there are examples of this happening across the state. It is reasonable for landowners to expect that their zoning and planning submissions will be heard and acted upon timely."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire do more to encourage the development of nuclear power, including small modular reactors (SMR), in the state?
"New Hampshire needs more reliable, affordable, and abundant electricity. Nuclear power provides dependable, around-the-clock energy without the emissions produced by fossil-fuel generation. The state should remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, support safe development of advanced nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors, and ensure that projects can be reviewed through a clear and predictable permitting process. Government should not pick winners or place unreasonable risks on taxpayers. But New Hampshire should welcome private investment in safe nuclear power and position itself to benefit from the next generation of energy technology."
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?
"From a resilience standpoint, I am in favor of distributed energy generation including at the residential level. Nevertheless, New Hampshire's current net metering system is structured so as to create perverse incentives which serve to negatively impact our most reliable energy producers and increase our rates. New Hampshire already has some of the most expensive electricity in the nation, and I reject this action which would further increase energy costs and negatively impact already-stressed local households."
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire restore funding for the Office of the Child Advocate?
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"Abortion is legal in New Hampshire throughout the pregnancy. It is legal through the first two trimesters for any reason, and legal in certain circumstances in the third trimester such as a fatal fetal abnormality or risk to the mother's health. New Hampshire's abortion laws are some of the most lenient in the country, and are more lenient than many European countries. According to the CDC, only 1% of abortions are performed after 21 weeks. I believe life begins at conception and should be protected. However, as a lifelong advocate for personal liberty, I also recognize that a decision to terminate a pregnancy is profoundly personal and may involve difficult medical circumstances, religious beliefs, and questions of conscience. The state cannot sensibly legislate every circumstance a woman, her family, and her physician may confront. I support retaining New Hampshire’s existing 24-week framework, which does not infringe on women's reproductive choice. I would oppose both repealing the protection after 24 weeks and imposing new six- or fifteen-week prohibitions. Supporting legal access does not require compelling taxpayers to fund elective abortions. That said, I oppose using public money for elective abortion services: I do not believe tax dollars should be allocated to fund a choice that goes against the moral fiber of so many Americans."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire reinstate the interest and dividends tax?
"No. New Hampshire finally repealed this tax, effective January 1, 2025. Reinstating it would punish saving, retirement planning, investment, and personal responsibility. It would also reopen the door to taxing personal income. The repeal should remain permanent."
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 local control of education, but I do not support endlessly rising property-tax bills. The state must meet its constitutional responsibilities while respecting the authority of parents and voters. We should relieve pressure on property taxpayers by controlling spending growth, reducing state mandates, directing state education aid responsibly, and requiring clear public approval for extraordinary increases. We should not replace property taxes with a statewide income or sales tax."
For| 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?
"Adults should not face criminal penalties for the private, responsible use of marijuana. New Hampshire should permit limited home cultivation and establish a carefully regulated private market rather than leave cannabis sales to the illegal market. Any legalization law should include strict age limits, product testing and labeling, restrictions on advertising to children, and reasonable local control over retail locations."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"Adults should not face criminal penalties for the private, responsible use of marijuana. New Hampshire should permit limited home cultivation and establish a carefully regulated private market rather than leave cannabis sales to the illegal market. Any legalization law should include strict age limits, product testing and labeling, restrictions on advertising to children, and reasonable local control over retail locations."
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire require new voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when registering to vote?
"Only United States citizens may vote in our elections, and new voter registrations should be supported by reasonable proof of citizenship. This is a basic election safeguard, not an unreasonable barrier. The state should accept a practical range of documents, provide a clear verification process, and help eligible citizens obtain necessary records without charge. No qualified citizen should be denied the vote merely because a document is difficult to obtain, but citizenship should be verified rather than simply assumed. Secure elections and accessible elections are not competing goals. New Hampshire should provide both."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire allow at least 10% of students in each school district to enroll in a different public school, regardless of where they live?
"Parents should have a meaningful say in where their children attend school. A child’s ZIP code should not trap that child in a school that is not the right fit. Open enrollment gives families more options, creates healthy competition, and encourages public schools to improve. Choice should not be limited to families who can afford private tuition or move to another town. The policy should include reasonable limits for school capacity, transportation, special-education services, and costs to local taxpayers."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"Abortion is legal in New Hampshire throughout the pregnancy. It is legal through the first two trimesters for any reason, and legal in certain circumstances in the third trimester such as a fatal fetal abnormality or risk to the mother's health. New Hampshire's abortion laws are some of the most lenient in the country, and are more lenient than many European countries. According to the CDC, only 1% of abortions are performed after 21 weeks. I believe life begins at conception and should be protected. However, as a lifelong advocate for personal liberty, I also recognize that a decision to terminate a pregnancy is profoundly personal and may involve difficult medical circumstances, religious beliefs, and questions of conscience. The state cannot sensibly legislate every circumstance a woman, her family, and her physician may confront. I support retaining New Hampshire’s existing 24-week framework, which does not infringe on women's reproductive choice. I would oppose both repealing the protection after 24 weeks and imposing new six- or fifteen-week prohibitions. Supporting legal access does not require compelling taxpayers to fund elective abortions. That said, I oppose using public money for elective abortion services: I do not believe tax dollars should be allocated to fund a choice that goes against the moral fiber of so many Americans."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should state law cap how much local school districts can increase their budget each year?
"Yes, provided local voters retain the authority to approve an increase above the cap. Annual school-budget growth should generally be limited to inflation and changes in enrollment, with a voter override provision for emergencies, major capital needs, or other clearly justified circumstances. This approach protects taxpayers from unchecked spending growth while preserving local control."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"New Hampshire should not punish law-abiding citizens for the crimes of violent offenders. Our state has strong traditions of responsible gun ownership and constitutional carry, while remaining one of the safest states in the nation. I oppose new restrictions on lawful possession, purchase, or carry. We should instead enforce laws against violent criminals, improve access to mental-health care, and protect due process. The right to keep and bear arms is a constitutional right, not a privilege granted by government."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"New Hampshire taxpayers pay enough already. I will oppose all efforts to impose a sales, income or other broad-based tax on the citizens of this state."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?
"New Hampshire taxpayers pay enough already. I will oppose all efforts to impose a sales, income or other broad-based tax on the citizens of this state."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"Preserving the natural beauty of New Hampshire is something which I believe many if not all residents want, for themselves and for future generations. It is reasonable that the state may collaborate to protect the commons, nevertheless I have not yet seen a related project for which I would support government spending or mandate."
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?
"We require ID to drive, to fly, to open a bank account, to close a bank account, and to perform countless other daily tasks. I have personal knowledge of voter fraud, in New Jersey, and in New York. The New Hampshire attorney general has found evidence of voter fraud in New Hampshire. We have thousands of illegal aliens entering the US every day. Yes, I support that when our new neighbors first register to vote, we should ask them to show ID and demonstrate that they are in fact US citizens."
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state increase funding for child care providers?
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"Against"
Other| 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?
"Of course people should be free to obtain healthcare in the place of their choosing. It is my belief, supported by strong constitutional evidence, that US citizens have a right to freedom of movement within these united states. I have seen no evidence to suggest that any amendments or additions to either our New Hampshire statutes or our state constitution are warranted."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?
"New Hampshire should require federal immigration enforcement and federal prosecutors to comply with federal law. Under existing federal law it is an imprisonable offense to employ, harbor or otherwise aid illegal aliens. I support legal immigration. Illegal immigration is a a national catastrophe."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?
"I do not feel that any detailed discussion in school of sexuality is necessary or appropriate for children of that age."
No Response
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"?
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?
"As we have seen (for example) at the federal level with the CARES Act, and at the state level with 2018's SB564, such approaches create an uneven playing field and often disproportionately benefit large employers, favored industries, etc. Generally speaking, I do not support these kinds of tax credits."
No Response
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?
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?
"New Hampshire already has some of the most expensive electricity in the nation, and Eversource recently raised their supply rates by 112%. I am concerned about rising energy costs and its impact on already-stressed local households. I believe that, for example, clean nuclear power (not considered renewable) is preferable to expensive renewable sources which cannot support base load requirements and which require significant subsidy. I will seek to let the market - including consumers who choose to support renewable sources - drive an appropriate mix."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?
"Against"
No Response
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?
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the gradual phase-out of the Interests and Dividends tax?
"For"
Voting Record
SB 101 (2025)
Allows parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state, regardless of what town or city they live in. A public school could reject a student's transfer for limited reasons, such as a "documented history of significant disciplinary issues."
The Senate amended the bill to also allow school events open to the general public, such as concerts and sports games, to be recorded without written consent from parents.
The Senate then added the substance of this bill to another bill, HB 751.
HB 1580 (2026)
Imposes an annual 0.75% surcharge on the assessed value of residential properties classified as non-primary residences with a value over $500,000. There is an exemption for long-term rentals.
HB 1642 (2026)
Establishes a legal process for issuing extreme risk protection orders to temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals found to pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. Family, household members, and law enforcement could petition the court for an order. An extreme risk protection order would restrict a person's access to firearms, and is also known as a "red flag law."
HB 1442 (2026)
Defines sex based on biology for statutory purposes and requires public schools and government buildings to designate bathrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex, while allowing private entities to do the same.
The Senate rewrote the bill to allow, but not require, separation based on biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, sports, prisons, and treatment centers.
CACR 10 (2026)
Constitutional amendment requiring any new tax or tax increase to originate in the House of Representatives and pass by a two-thirds majority.
The House amended the bill to instead prohibit any tax on personal income that was not in effect on January 1, 2026.
HB 1792 (2026)
Titled the "Countering Hate And Revolutionary Leftist Indoctrination in Education Act" or the "CHARLIE Act." The bill prohibits teaching various concepts and theories. For example, the bill prohibits teachers from requiring "affirmation of LGBTQ+ sexuality as ethical or normative." As another example, the bill only allows instruction on critical race theory if is presented "as Marxian theories contrary to American tradition, law, and ethics." The bill would not apply to colleges and universities, private schools, or home schools. Individuals could sue under the law.
HB 1775 (2026)
Authorizes New Hampshire electric public utilities to invest in or own natural gas, hydrogen, and nuclear energy generation resources connected to their distribution system. The bill also expands the types of utility investments eligible for rate recovery (passing costs onto customers through monthly bills) to include those resources.
HB 1793 (2026)
Prohibits public colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and non-lethal weapons (such as pepper spray) on campus. Individuals could sue under the law.
The Senate rewrote the bill. Their version of the bill prohibits public colleges and universities from regulating non-lethal weapons students; faculty would be allowed to possess and carry firearms. The amended bill also establishes a committee to study allowing guns on campus.
HB 1706 (2026)
Terminates the refugee resettlement program administered through the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and prohibits public spending to assist refugee resettlement.
The House added the substance of this bill to SB 625.
HB 232 (2025)
Creates a right for health care providers to conscientiously object to participating in providing abortion, sterilization, or artificial contraception services. A health care employer could not act against a provider who refuses to participate.
The House amended the bill to only protect the right to conscientiously object to participating in abortion.
The Senate amended the bill to more narrowly protect the right for health care employees to request a reasonable accommodation of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction against abortion.
HB 155 (2025)
Reduces the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) rate from 0.55% to 0.50% starting in 2027.
The House amended the bill so that it would start in 2028.
The Senate amended the bill to instead raise the threshold for business before they must file taxes, from $250,000 to $375,000. The Senate amendment also sends $2.5 million to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for nursing home Medicaid per diem rate stabilization.
HB 1815 (2026)
Redefines what educational content the state must fund to satisfy an "adequate education" in state law. For example, the bill removes references to the minimum standards for public school approval. Notably, this bill states, "How the state and its local governmental entities choose to raise, allocate, and spend financial resources to implement this integrated public education system is a political policy matter reserved to legislative and executive judgment and control." This pushes back against New Hampshire Supreme Court rulings on what the state must fund for an adequate education.
HB 649 (2025)
Removes the requirement for physical safety inspections and on-board diagnostic tests for passenger vehicles and eliminates funding for the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Abatement Fund.
HB 1268 (2026)
Modifies home education laws to remove the requirement for parents to notify the state unless participating in public school activities and makes annual evaluations optional.
The House amended the bill to add other protections for parents who choose to home educate. For example, the amended bill allows families to seek damages if a person knowingly makes a report that alleges abuse or neglect predominantly on the basis that a child is home educated. However, the Senate removed some of those provisions.
HB 1811 (2026)
Repeals statutory immunization requirements for school and child care enrollment and prohibits vaccine mandates for public services.
HB 1196 (2026)
Repeals the Housing Champion designation and grant program, along with its associated fund and advisory committee.
HB 1300 (2026)
Redraws the boundaries for the state's two United States Congressional districts.
The House rewrote the bill. The new bill requires voters to vote on a school district local tax cap at each general election. The bill then limits central office administrative expenses in school districts.
The Senate amended the bill to only require a local tax cap vote only at the 2026 general election.
A conference committee of representatives and senators agreed to require a local tax cap vote at both the 2026 and 2028 general elections.
HB 323 (2025)
Requires a voter to present government-issued photographic ID to vote. Student identification, for example, would no longer satisfy voter ID laws.
SB 228 (2025)
Modifies the scope and capacity limits of community solar projects. Generally speaking, this bill increases the size of projects that can participate in net energy metering. The bill also allows nonprofit educational institutions and public housing authorities to operate as “municipal hosts” for net metering.
The Senate added some of this bill to HB 710.
SB 284 (2025)
Limits zoning laws to require no more than one parking spaces per residential unit, with exceptions for certain workforce housing and multi-family developments.
The House amended the bill to remove those exceptions.
SB 62 (2025)
Prohibits state and local government from blocking law enforcement participation in a federal 287(g) program. That program allows local law enforcement to perform some immigration enforcement duties.
The House amended the bill to add the text of SB 71, which prohibits state and local governments from adopting "sanctuary policies," which prohibit or impede law enforcement cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
HB 56 (2025)
Requires sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks. This bill also establishes a 3-day waiting period for firearm transfers. The bill includes some exceptions, such as transfers between immediate family members.
HB 282 (2025)
Increases the maximum compensation for first responders' critical injury benefits from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
HB 10 (2025)
Establishes a Parental Bill of Rights. The bill requires schools to adopt a policy to promote parental involvement in the public school system. The bill also establishes a right to sue schools that violate the law.
The final version of this bill requires schools to respond to parental inquiries "regarding any and all matters related to their minor child," within ten days.
The final Senate version of this bill also does not require parents to give written consent to any medical procedure or treatment; that provision was removed after much debate.
HB 1 (2025)
State budget bill. The governor presented her proposal for the next state budget February 13. Click here to read a summary of the budget process.
HB 148 (2025)
Adds an exception to state anti-discrimination laws for bathrooms, locker rooms, sports, prisons, hospitals, and treatment centers to classify individuals based on biological sex.
HB 53 (2025)
Allows qualifying medical marijuana patients and caregivers to grow marijuana at home. There would be limits on the size of the growing operation.
The House added the text of this bill to SB 118.
HB 60 (2025)
After six months of renting, this bill adds the expiration of the term of the lease or tenancy as grounds for an eviction.
The Senate amended the bill so that it will only take effect if there is a 4% vacancy rate in the state. The amended bill also increases in the minimum lease term to twelve months before eviction.
A conference committee of representatives and senators agreed on a final version of the bill. Landlords could evict without cause after twelve months, and the law would take effect regardless of the vacancy rate.
HB 324 (2025)
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 377 (2025)
Makes it a felony to provide hormone treatments and puberty blockers to a minor unless a minor is "born with a medically verifiable disorder of sex development."
The Senate amended the bill to allow doctors to continue hormone treatments and puberty blockers started prior to January 1, 2026.
The Senate amended the bill to also recognize Children's Environmental Health Day, similar to SB 184.
A conference committee of representatives and senators agreed to those Senate amendments.
HB 238 (2025)
Right-to-work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 357 (2025)
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.
The House added the text of this bill to SB 60.
HB 198 (2025)
Removes the legal penalties for possessing and using marijuana and cannabis-infused products for those over age twenty-one. This bill does not include any mechanism for legal sales or taxation.
SB 295 (2025)
Removes the household income limit to participate in the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program.
The Senate amended the bill, adding a 10,000 enrollment cap for the EFA program. If there are 9,000 EFA applicants in a year, the enrollment cap would increase by 25%.
SB 287 (2025)
If an absentee voter asks for a ballot to be mailed to an address other than the address shown on the voter checklist, this bill adds additional verification requirements. In particular, the voter must show a copy of their photo ID to the clerk or include a notarized signature on their absentee ballot application. If an absentee voter does not complete either step, "his or her signature on the application for an absentee ballot shall be compared to his or her signature on the absentee ballot affidavit on election day in the same manner as other voters."
SB 14 (2025)
Sets a mandatory minimum sentence for supplying fentanyl. The minimum starts at three years and six months and goes up for higher quantities.
The House amended the bill to also increase penalties for dealing fentanyl to a person who overdoses and dies, similar to SB 15. The amendment also decreases the penalty for possessing 3/4 of an ounce or less of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) to a misdemeanor.
