George Saunderson
Historical Details
Position on Issues
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?
"I oppose a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, even with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?
"I support expanded commuter rail. And we should at least study it."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH limit terms for elected officials?
"I am undecided on this issue."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?
"I support both heroin and opioid treatment programs"
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH allow binding referendums?
"I would have to think about and gather opinions on this.. I would be glad to vote the way my district felt on the question"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Was NH right to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving?
"Only hands free cell phone use should be permitted, as written in the new law."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"We have a tax on earned income. It's called the dividend and interest tax'
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"I would like the legislature to study, for effectiveness and fairness, our current tax system."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2019
Voted in favor of HB 686, a bill that would extend the interest and dividends tax to capital gains and increase the exemptions and filing thresholds for the interest and dividends tax. HB 686 would have used the new capital gains tax revenue to increase per-pupil school funding and lower the state property tax rate.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH authorize one or more casinos?
"I would be willing to try it in ONE spot for a DEFINED period of time to see how it worked."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?
"Needs better implamentation"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH decriminalize small amounts of marijuana?
"We should revise the present law on marijuana to make it less punitive."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
What differentiates you from your opponents?
"I like to think of myself as a middle of the road, common sense, candidate......without a ultra conservative or tea party orientation."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted in favor of 2015 House Bill 572. When residential land is taken through eminent domain for a gas pipeline, HB 572 allows the resident to require the pipeline company to purchase all of the land, not just a part.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?
"We need full disclosure of the individuals or entities financing political campaigns. We need full disclosure of the individuals or entities financing all politically-related advertising."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2020
Voted for SB 124, a bill to revise the required minimum percentages of renewable energy in the Renewable Portfolio Standard, particularly to extend goals from 2025 to 2040.
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH provide more funding for charter schools?
"I believe the current level of funding is adequate."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH continue to allow medicinal marijuana?
"Yes, legalize medicinal marijuana"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?
"I support marijuana legalization and tax it."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Was New Hampshire right to continue expanded Medicaid eligibility, using the traditional Medicaid system of managed care instead of private insurance?
"I support expanded Medicaid eligibility, using the traditional Medicaid system of managed care instead ofprivate insurance."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2016
Voted against various abortion restrictions in 2016, such as a bill to prohibit abortions based on genetic abnormality (HB 1623)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Do employees in NH need more legal protections in the workplace?
"Our employment laws are generally adequate as they are."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?
"I don't think this is an issue in New Hampshire."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add restrictions on welfare recipients?
Regarding drug tests for welfare recipients: "Unsure"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment?
"New Hampshire should increase subsidies and tax credits for investments in solar and wind genderated power."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH allow the Northern Pass to proceed with some (not all) of the lines buried?
"I would consider supporting the Northern Pass Project with appropriate modifications to the plan."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2019
Voted for HB 686, a bill that would increased per-pupil school funding by extending the interest and dividends tax to capital gains. HB 686 would also have increased the exemptions and filing thresholds for the interest and dividends tax, and lowered the state property tax rate.
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
What is your philosophy of government?
"I believe there is a positive role for government to play in certain parts of our lives. Clean water and clean air come to mind, as well as guaranteeing that all of our high school students get a reasonable education."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Is police brutality an issue in NH?
"I am undecided on this issue. Not in Merrimack district 9"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH continue to use property taxes instead of a new broad-based tax, such as an income tax?
Possible revenue sources: "I think we need to be able to talk about all options. Any new tax should be linked to a reduction in local property tax."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
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?
"I support New Hampshire's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire maintain the renewable portfolio standard, which requires public utilities in New Hampshire to obtain a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources (25% by 2025)?
"I support the renewable portfolio standard in New Hampshire."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH repeal same-sex marriage?
"No, do not repeal"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require car insurance for some or all drivers?
"I support legislation requiring auto insurance for all registered vehicles."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH require car insurance for some or all drivers?
"think it might be time to THINK about some base line minimum auto insurance plan."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should businesses that provide insurance be required to cover contraception?
"But, it is important to remember that health insurance companies are delighted to pay for birth control because it is cheaper for them than women having unwanted pregnancies. These babies all end up on the family health plans for 18 years."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require labels on some or all genetically modified foods?
"Generally I think it's hard to have too much information"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH require motorcycle helmets?
"No, let those who ride decide"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH require seat belts?
"No, adults should be able to choose whether or not to wear a seatbelt"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH pass right-to-work legislation?
"Right to Work legislation will result in lower income to the working person."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2020
Voted for HB 1649, which would establish a road usage fee ranging from $10 to $125, based on a vehicle's miles per gallon, as part of annual car registration.
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire government do more to increase the supply of affordable housing?
"I am undecided on this issue."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted against a bill that would have prohibited state funds for any health care provider that performs abortions, regardless of whether public funds were utilized for that specific service (HB 677).
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
State role in economic growth
"Keeping more of our post high school students in state through lower tuition would help stimulate new business and job growth."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH use taxpayer money to build a memorial to the Old Man?
"No, do not use public money for a manmade Old Man"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH continue to administer statewide standards-based student assessments?
"I support New Hampshire continuing to administer statewide standards-based student assessments."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I am for restricting bump stocks and large capacity ammunition clips"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Should NH government switch from a pension system to a 401(k)-style retirement plan?
"All current benefits should be paid as agreed to by the state. Future municipal and state employees contracts should be looked at due to all of our increased longevity and better health as a species."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should New Hampshire allocate tax revenues for private and home schooling costs?
"I oppose allocating tax revenues for private and/or home schooling costs."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018
Should NH impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote?
"We should allow students in N.H. schools to vote"
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2012
Why are you running?
"I have been involved it the Town of Loudon for the past 5 or 6 years (member of the Zoning Board, Trustee of the Trust Funds) and am now in a place in my life where I have time to do this job of being a State Representative. I have also become quite concerned with the direction and incivility of this current legislature. I feel like I have to try to make a difference."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH restrict further wind power development?
"I support such a moratorium on commercial wind towers at the present time until the state studies the matter."
These objective, nonpartisan measures are used to show this legislator's activities at the Statehouse from the 2018 election through the end of the legislative session in 2020. The measures are not intended to present a ranking or rating of any kind. Average is that of all state elected officials in this chamber. "Prime sponsored bills that became law" include bill texts that were incorporated into "omnibus" bills following the coronavirus emergency.
Session days attended
Party unity score/partisanship
Participated in official roll call votes
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
Prime sponsored bills that became law
Voting Record
HB 481 (2019)
Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. A Cannabis Control Commission, similar to the Liquor Commission, would be responsible for licensing and enforcement. The bill also allows limited home-growing of marijuana for personal use.
HB 1672 (2020)
Allows any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day. The Senate amended the bill to become the "Coronavirus Election Protection Act of 2020." The amended bill allows any voter to vote by absentee ballot, allows town officials to start processing ballots before Election Day, and authorizes online voter registration.
HB 687 (2019)
Establishes "extreme risk protection orders," based on evidence that there is "a significant risk of causing bodily injury to himself or herself or others," which would require the subject of the order to surrender any firearms to law enforcement.
HB 1577 (2020)
Allows an individual to obtain a new birth certificate based on a change of gender identity, as certified by a licensed health care provider. Parental permission is required if a minor seeks a birth certificate change. At the time of this bill's submission, a court order is required to change a birth certificate. This bill also allows a gender identity of nonbinary on a birth certificate.
HB 1280 (2020)
Caps how much health insurers can charge consumers for insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply. The Senate amended the bill to instead cap the payment at $30 for a 30-day supply.
HB 1166 (2020)
Establishes a committee to study the demographics of the uninsured population in New Hampshire, the barriers to obtaining healthcare coverage, and possible solutions to extend health insurance coverage. The Senate completely amended the bill to add various requirements and protections for employers and employees related to the coronavirus. For example, the amended bill allows employees to collect unemployment if they cannot go to work because they or a family member is sick with COVID-19 - even if Gov. Sununu ends the state of emergency.
HB 1247 (2020)
Requires landlords to provide at least 90 days notice before a rent increase over 5%. The House amended the bill to require 60 days notice for an increase over 5% and 90 days notice for an increase over 8%. The Senate amended the bill to instead remove the requirement of an eviction notice before public welfare departments provide rental assistance. The amended bill also "creates a duty of good faith and fair dealing for mortgage lenders." Lastly, the amended bill requires landlords to offer tenants a 6-month repayment plan for rent missed during the coronavirus emergency.
HB 1664 (2020)
Requires the Department of Environmental Services to establish a climate action plan, an office of the environmental advocate, and an oversight commission on environmental services. The House amended the bill to instead establish greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for the state. Those goals are a 20% reduction in statewide emissions by 2025, 50% by 2035, and 80% by 2050 (all compared to 1990 emissions). The amended bill also gives the Department of Environmental Services the authority to develop and update regularly a climate action plan.
HB 1645 (2020)
Extends the waiting period to annul a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, from 3 to 10 years. The Senate amended the bill to incorporate several other pieces of legislation.
HB 1454 (2020)
Gives local school boards the power to determine whether to grant academic credit for alternative extended learning and work-based programs. At the time of this bill's submission, that power lies with the state board of education. The Senate amended the bill to still require the state board of education to vet and approve alternative extended learning and work-based programs, which local school boards "may" accept for credit (similar to a different bill, SB 514).
HB 1264 (2020)
Extends the Commission on the Seacoast Cancer Investigation from 2020 to 2022. The Senate amended the legislation to incorporate several bills related to PFAS. In particular, the amended bill establishes maximum contaminant levels for perflourinated compounds (PFCs), as originally written in SB 287.
HB 712 (2019)
Establishes a social insurance program that would be operated by New Hampshire Employment Security to provide for paid family and medical leave insurance. Employers would pay 0.5% of wages per employee as premium payments. Employees could take up to twelve weeks of leave and receive 60% of their pay after paying into the program for at least six months. As introduced, this bill does not include an opt-out option.
HB 1648 (2020)
Permits adults to possess up to 3/4 of an ounce of cannabis, 5 grams of hashish, and other cannabis-infused products, and permits adults to grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home in a secure location that is not visible from other properties. This bill also allows adults to give marijuana products away and sell marijuana accessories.
HB 731 (2019)
Gradually raises the state minimum wage, starting at $12 per hour in 2020 and ending at $15 per hour in 2024. The bill also raises the tipped minimum wage, although in 2024 it would still be 45% of the regular minimum wage. The bill requires cost of living adjustments every year. This bill also allows cities and towns to set a higher minimum wage. Lastly, this bill establishes a "training wage," no lower than $8.50, for employees under age eighteen for the first three months of employment.
HB 685 (2019)
Prohibits balance billing for ambulance services. The bill also limits reimbursement for ambulance services to a "commercially reasonable value." The Senate amended the bill to instead require insurance plans which cover maternity benefits to provide coverage for emergency or elective abortion services (similar to SB 486).
HB 514 (2019)
Establishes a seven day waiting period for the delivery of a firearm. There are some exceptions for rifle or shotgun purchases by hunters, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces. The Senate amended the bill, shortening the waiting period to three days.
HB 706 (2019)
Establishes a fifteen member independent redistricting commission, appointed by the secretary of state after a public application process that includes input from legislative leaders. The Senate amended the bill, generally giving the Secretary of State less say in the process.
SB 1 (2019)
Establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program, which would be run by the state department of employment security. Employers would pay 0.5% of wages per employee as premium payments. Employees could take up to twelve weeks of leave and receive 60% of their pay after paying into the program for at least six months. The bill does not allow anyone to opt-out of the program.
HB 2 (2019)
2020-2021 state budget bill (part 2).
HB 1 (2019)
2020-2021 state budget bill.
HB 564 (2019)
Makes it a misdemeanor to carry a firearm in a safe school zone. ˙There are some exceptions, for example if a person gets permission from the school board. The House amended the bill so that parents do not need to remove or unload firearms in their cars when picking up students. The amendment also specifically bans firearms on "school property" rather than in "school zones." School property includes buildings, grounds, school buses, and vans.
SB 290 (2019)
Modifies the work and community engagement requirements for the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid. For example, this bill extends the work requirement exemption for parents so that parents of children under age 13 are eligible for the exemption. This bill also gives the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to waive the work requirement until July 2021 if there is an inability to communicate with program participants.
HB 109 (2019)
Requires commercial sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks. Also requires private sales or transfers to go through a licensed firearm dealer, if it’s not absolutely clear that both the owner and the recipient are allowed to own guns.
HB 365 (2019)
Increases the electric generating capacity of customer generators who may participate in net energy metering, generally from 1 megawatt to 5 megawatts.
HB 446 (2019)
Allows an individual to obtain a new birth certificate based on a change of gender identity, as certified by a licensed health care provider. At the time of this bill's submission, a court order is required to change a birth certificate. This bill also allows a gender identity of nonbinary on a birth certificate. The Senate amended the bill, for example to require the permission of a parent or guardian if a minor seeks a birth certificate change.
SB 10 (2019)
Increases the minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2020, then to $11 in 2022, except starting that year, employers would have to pay at least $12 per hour if they do not offer at least 10 paid sick days to employees. The House and Senate amended the bill to raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour in 2020 and $12 per hour in 2022, regardless of sick time.
HB 455 (2019)
Changes the penalty for any offense eligible for the death penalty to life imprisonment without parole.
HB 105 (2019)
Generally repeals the voter registration changes passed in SB 3. For example, this bill removes the stricter requirements for voters who register within 30 days of an election. This bill also removes much of the new language on voter registration forms about domicile. This bill also removes the authority of the secretary of state to conduct post-election voter registration investigations, leaving that to the attorney general.
HB 558 (2019)
Prohibits food service businesses from providing a single-use plastic straw to a customer unless specifically requested.
HB 1623 (2016)
Prohibits abortion based on genetic abnormality.
HB 1338 (2016)
Allows parents and guardians to opt their students out of the statewide assessment test, and prohibits schools and the state from penalizing students who do not take statewide assessments.
SB 4 (2015)
Tightens the definition of domicile for the purpose of voting. In particular, the final version of this bill requires a voter to live in New Hampshire at least 10 days before voting.
HB 1616 (2016)
Allows a person obtaining a driver's license to choose whether the license complies with the federal Real ID Act of 2005.
HB 593 (2015)
Permits qualifying patients and registered caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home.
SB 576 (2016)
This bill includes many regulations aimed at combating heroin and prescription drug abuse. For example, this bill increases the penalties for abusing fentanyl and provides funding for an upgrade to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
HB 1694 (2016)
Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one.
HB 1480 (2016)
Raises the minimum wage to $8.25 in 2017, $9 in 2018, and $9.50 in 2019.
HB 1696 (2016)
Continues expanded Medicaid eligibility, with some revisions. This bill adds work requirements to eligibility for expanded Medicaid. Additional funding is provided by the insurance premium tax, paid by insurance companies.
SB 498 (2016)
Reduces the penalty for possessing 1/4 ounce or less of marijuana from a class A to an unspecified misdemeanor.
HB 1374 (2016)
Requires moneys paid into the Renewable Energy Fund to be rebated to ratepayers, rather than spent on other renewable energy projects.
SB 336 (2016)
Removes the phrase "suitable person" from the law governing concealed carry permits, and instead requires law enforcement to issue a permit so long as the person is not prohibited from owning a firearm by state or federal law.
SB 113 (2015)
Authorizes two casinos in New Hampshire. One destination casino would pay a $80 million license fee; a smaller casino would pay $40 million to the state. SB 113 also earmarks $25 million in casino profits for distribution to all New Hampshire municipalities.
SB 40 (2015)
Includes fetuses as potential victims under murder statutes. The original Senate version of the bill applied to "viable fetuses," meaning the fetus is old enough to survive outside the womb. The House revised the bill to apply to all fetuses eight weeks and older. The House and Senate did not agree on a final version of the bill.
HB 563 (2015)
Adjusts the additional grants for chartered public school pupils based on the Consumer Price Index, and increases the per pupil state funding for charter school students by $1,000.
SB 179 (2015)
Requires that a voter has lived in the state and county for at least 30 days.
HB 658 (2015)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 1 (2015)
2016-2017 state budget bill (part 1). The budget cuts business taxes, restores the Rainy Day Fund, and increases funding for some social services. The budget does not reauthorize Medicaid expansion or include a pay raise negotiated with state employees.
SB 30 (2015)
Extends the use of municipal economic development and revitalization districts to certain unincorporated places.
SB 106 (2015)
Prohibits the sale, use, or possession of synthetic drugs, such as "spice."
HB 136 (2015)
Prohibits tanning facilities from tanning anyone under age 18. At the time of this bill's submission, the law allowed tanning under age 18 with a parent or guardian's consent.
HB 684 (2015)
Raises the minimum wage to $9.10 in 2016, $11.40 in 2017, and $14.25 in 2018. Starting in 2019, the minimum wage is adjusted according to cost of living.
SB 101 (2015)
Prohibits the Department of Education and the state Board of Education from implementing the Common Core standards in any school or school district in this state.
HB 618 (2015)
Decriminalizes possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
SB 116 (2015)
Increases the length of time for which a license to carry a concealed firearm is valid, and repeals the requirement to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm.
HB 403 (2015)
Repeals the law establishing a protest-free buffer zone around reproductive health clinics.
SB 169 (2015)
Forbids the use of EBT cards or cash from EBT cards for alcohol, tobacco, gambling, lottery tickets, tattoos, firearms, or adult entertainment.
