Joe Duarte
Historical Details
Position on Issues
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH abolish partisan primaries and adopt the "Top 2" primary system?
Does not support adopting a top 2 primary system.
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2016
Voted to prohibit abortions at or after 20 weeks gestation (HB 1636)
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH limit terms for elected officials?
"I support term limits for NH elected officials."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?
"We already did."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2014
Voted against allowing physician assisted suicide (HB 1325)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH allow binding referendums?
Not in favor of amending the NH constitution to allow citizen to vote on statewide issues in a referendum.
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Was NH right to ban hand-held cell phone use while driving?
"The law should remain as it is now [prior to banning handheld cell phone use]."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I oppose NH adding an income tax on earned income."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"I oppose NH adding a broad-based sales tax."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH authorize one or more casinos?
"I support some casino gambling in New Hampshire."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?
"I oppose basing statewide assessments on Common Core standards."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH pass a constitutional amendment giving the Legislature more control over the distribution of school funding?
Against adopting a constitutional amendment that reduces the role of the courts in the school funding challenge.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH decriminalize small amounts of marijuana?
"The possession of small quantities of marijuana should not be a crime."
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, 2016
Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?
"I support broader campaign finance disclosure laws."
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted to allow qualifying patients and caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home (HB 593)
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should LLCs be subject to the interest and dividends tax?
Opposes LLC tax.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH provide more funding for charter schools?
"With appropriate qualifying criteria, I would support increasing state funding to charter schools."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH increase law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses?
"I support increased law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH increase tolls and/or add new toll booths?
Opposes adding tolls on I-93 at the Massachusetts border.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH continue to allow medicinal marijuana?
In favor of legalizing medicinal marijuana.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?
"I support marijuana legalization."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Was NH right to expand Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible?
"I oppose NH's expanded Medicaid program."
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted against a minimum wage increase (HB 684).
For| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2015
Voted to consider prohibiting sending any state funds to any health care provider that performs abortions, regardless of whether public funds are utilized for that specific service (HB 677). The Department of Health and Human Services said the bill would prevent the Department from entering into ANY contract with organizations such as Planned Parenthood.
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."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?
"I support increased state enforcement of federal immigration laws."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add restrictions on welfare recipients?
Regarding drug tests for welfare recipients: "I support such legislation."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH keep the death penalty?
Does not want to repeal the death penalty.
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH allow the Northern Pass to proceed with some (not all) of the lines buried?
"I oppose the Northern Pass as currently proposed."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH continue to use property taxes instead of a new broad-based tax, such as an income tax?
Opposes general sales tax and/or income tax.
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
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?
"NH should withdraw from RGGI and structure its own energy strategy."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH repeal same-sex marriage?
In favor of repealing the gay marriage law.
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."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require labels on some or all genetically modified foods?
"I oppose such legislation because this is a complex area and requires more study."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH require motorcycle helmets?
Against a mandatory helmet law for motorcycle riders.
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH require seat belts?
Not in favor of a mandatory seatbelt law for adults.
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH revise the meals and rooms tax?
Opposes local meals and rooms tax.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH pass right-to-work legislation?
"Right to Work legislation will create many new jobs in NH."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
What is your opinion on the state providing some funding for Planned Parenthood?
"I oppose the state providing some funding for Planned Parenthood."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
State role in economic growth
"Job stimulation is best left to the private sector."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH continue to administer statewide standards-based student assessments?
"I oppose NH continuing to administer statewide standards-based student assessments."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I oppose stricter gun control laws."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH government switch from a pension system to a 401(k)-style retirement plan?
Supports reform of retirement benefits for municipal and state employees.
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should parents be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry?
"Parents should be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016
Should NH restrict further wind power development?
"I oppose restrictions on further wind power development."
Voting Record
HB 1694 (2016)
Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one.
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.
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 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.
HB 1480 (2016)
Raises the minimum wage to $8.25 in 2017, $9 in 2018, and $9.50 in 2019.
HB 593 (2015)
Permits qualifying patients and registered caregivers to grow medicinal marijuana at home.
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.
HB 1623 (2016)
Prohibits abortion based on genetic abnormality.
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 498 (2016)
Reduces the penalty for possessing 1/4 ounce or less of marijuana from a class A to an unspecified misdemeanor.
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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 618 (2015)
Decriminalizes possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
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 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 403 (2015)
Repeals the law establishing a protest-free buffer zone around reproductive health clinics.
SB 179 (2015)
Requires that a voter has lived in the state and county for at least 30 days.
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.
HB 1633 (2014)
Authorizes one casino in New Hampshire, regulated by the Gaming Commission.
SB 207 (2014)
“Pay Equity Law,” a bill to combat pay discrimination based on gender, forbidding employers from restricting employees from discussing wages, and allowing a three year deadline to report pay discrimination to the state (current deadline is one year).
HB 1325 (2014)
Allows physician-assisted suicide.
HB 1360 (2014)
Forbids cell phone use while driving, unless hands-free.
SB 319 (2014)
Authorizes "buffer zones" for protestors around reproductive health clinics.
HB 1503 (2014)
Originally written to include fetuses eight weeks and older as potential victims under first and second degree murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide, and causing or aiding suicide. The House amended the bill to instead increase penalties for for manslaughter or negligent homicide causing a miscarriage or stillbirth.
SB 367 (2014)
Increases the gas tax by four-cents per gallon and removes the toll at Exit 12 in Merrimack.
SB 413 (2014)
Expands Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible.
HB 1403 (2014)
Raises the minimum wage, starting at $9 per hour.
HB 1170 (2014)
Repeals the death penalty.
HB 1411 (2014)
Sends some of last year's budget surplus to the Department of Health and Human Services.
SB 203 (2014)
Forbids the use of EBT cards or cash from EBT cards for alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, firearms, or adult entertainment.
HB 1602 (2014)
Givies the Public Utilities Commission the power to force PSNH to sell its power plants. This bill also requires the state Site Evaluation Committee to address scenic impacts, sound impacts, fire protection plans, and more when evaluating wind farm proposals.
HB 1625 (2014)
Decriminalizes possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
SB 318 (2014)
Establishes the crime of domestic violence.
HB 1294 (2014)
Requires Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to allow any health provider into their network for the purpose of participating in the online health insurance exchange.
HB 1508 (2014)
Terminates New Hampshire’s participation in the Common Core educational standards.
HB 1486 (2014)
Decreases the fine for underage drinking from $300 to $100 on first offense and from $600 to $300 on a subsequent offense.
SB 3 (2014)
Removes all tolls in Merrimack.
SB 152 (2013)
Authorizes a casino.
HB 306 (2013)
Changes RGGI to dedicate some of the proceeds to ratepayer rebates, and lowering the cap on carbon emissions, which will raise the cost of carbon credits to utilities and utility bills to consumers.
HB 659 (2013)
Increases the tobacco tax.
HB 135 (2013)
Limits the use of deadly force, repealing "Stand Your Ground" in favor of the "Castle Doctrine." Under this bill victims could use deadly force within their homes without retreating, but anywhere else they would have to attempt retreat before resorting to deadly force.
HB 271 (2013)
Forbids NH from expanding Medicaid eligibility under the federal Affordable Care Act.
HB 501 (2013)
Sets the state minimum wage at $7.25, in place of federal minimum wage.
HB 630 (2013)
Reallocates proceeds from RGGI to the low-income energy efficiency program.
HB 370 (2013)
Repeals the education tax credit program, in which businesses receive tax breaks for contributing to a scholarship fund for low income students that wish to attend private school.
HB 595 (2013)
Revises 2011 voter ID law to delay requirement that poll workers photograph voters without ID; also allows student ID at polls.
SB 163 (2013)
Establishes a commission to recommend legislation to prepare for projected sea level rise and other coastal and coastal watershed hazards.
HB 1 (2013)
Final 2014-2015 state budget, including increased funding for higher education, increased funding for services for individuals with mental illness and/or other disabilities, no Medicaid expansion, and no gas tax increase.
SB 153 (2013)
Gives the legislature power to review collective bargaining agreements entered into by the state.
HB 573 (2013)
Allows medicinal use of marijuana, without allowing home growing.
HB 2 (2013)
Makes various appropriations related to the budget bill, and establishes commissions to study Medicaid expansion and casino regulations.
SB 1 (2013)
Increases the Research and Development tax credit.
HB 443 (2013)
Bans prison privatization.
HB 451 (2013)
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 323 (2013)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
SB 286 (2012)
Establishes a prescription drug monitoring program funded entirely through "grants, gifts, or user contributions."
HB 1654 (2012)
Authorizes earned time credits for inmates participating in rehabilitative programming.
HB 1650 (2012)
Exempts foodstuffs grown or produced and then sold in New Hampshire from federal regulation.
HB 1705 (2012)
Legalizes and taxes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one.
HB 1482 (2012)
Limits the exemption from property taxation granted to charitable nonprofit hospitals only to the main campus of the hospital.
HB 1676 (2012)
Establishes a pilot program to provide public financing for eligible candidates for state senator.
HB 1667 (2012)
Raises the threshold between juvenile and adult offenders from seventeen to eighteen years-old.
HB 1677 (2012)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 1526 (2012)
Decriminalizes possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
HB 1560 (2012)
Establishes the interstate Health Care Compact, which provides that each member state shall have the authority to enact state laws that trump all federal laws regarding health care within its state.
HB 1658 (2012)
Limits financial assistance for mothers who have additional children while receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The House and Senate amended the bill to instead establish an income and identity verification system for public assistance recipients.
SB 409 (2012)
Allows medicinal marijuana through home growing.
HB 1487 (2012)
Requires legislative approval for the expenditure of funds involving New Hampshire in any low carbon fuel standards program, such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
SB 295 (2012)
Increases the Research and Development tax credit.
HB 1659 (2012)
"Women's Right to Know Act," mandating that women considering an abortion receive "complete and accurate information on abortion and its alternatives."
HB 1660 (2012)
Prohibits abortions beyond 20 weeks gestation.
HB 648 (2012)
Forbids the use of eminent domain for regional electricity projects when costs and benefits cannot be shared across the ISO - New England network.
HB 1383 (2012)
States that only United States citizens may receive in-state tuition at the University of New Hampshire.
HB 1405 (2012)
Allows local governments to establish moratoriums on refugee resettlement.
HB 330 (2011)
Repeals the requirement to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm.
HB 1264 (2012)
Establishes a religious exemption for individuals who do not wish to provide accommodations, goods, or services for same-sex marriages.
HB 1492 (2012)
Requires public employers to verify an employee's eligibility to work in the United States.
HB 1511 (2012)
Removes the prohibition on convicted felons possessing certain weapons for self-defense.
HB 1595 (2012)
Limits primary elections to voters who have registered as party members.
HB 1679 (2012)
Prohibits partial birth abortions and abortions in the third trimester.
HB 1666 (2012)
Requires legislative approval of any collective bargaining agreement entered into by the state.
HB 592 (2012)
Redistricts the House of Representatives.
SB 372 (2012)
Establishes a tax credit for businesses that contribute to a scholarship fund for students who wish to attend private, parochial, or home schools.
SB 289 (2012)
Requires voters to present identification at polling places.
HCR 42 (2012)
Expresses support for preserving the Electoral College.
HB 1413 (2012)
Directs New Hampshire to withdraw from the No Child Left Behind federal education program.
HB 218 (2011)
Repeals the New Hampshire Rail Transit Auhority (NHRTA).
HB 569 (2011)
Establishes "domestic unions" as an alternative to marriage.
HB 340 (2011)
Exempts parents from the education property tax if their children are not enrolled in public school.
HB 176 (2011)
Changes the definition of "domicile" for voting purposes so that out-of-state students can not claim domicile in New Hampshire.
HR 9 (2011)
Resolution expressing support for earmarks for law enforcement.
HCR 23 (2011)
Urges congressional earmarks for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
SB 27 (2011)
Raises the speed limit in some areas of Lake Winnipesaukee.
HB 113 (2011)
Prohibits the use of state funds for New Hampshire Public Television (NHPTV).
HB 370 (2011)
Reverses the expanded definition of bullying in the Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Act.
SB 52 (2011)
Repeals early release programs for inmates convicted of violent crimes.
HB 631 (2011)
Repeals the requirement that school districts offer public kindergarten.
SB 1 (2011)
Eliminates "evergreen clauses" in public contracts.
SB 88 (2011)
Expands the use of deadly force, adding "Stand Your Ground" to the "Castle Doctrine." Under this bill victims could use deadly force without retreating, anywhere the victim has the right to be.
HB 109 (2011)
Prohibits local planning boards from requiring sprinklers as a condition for a local permit.
SB 57 (2011)
Makes various revisions to title loan regulations.
HB 329 (2011)
Requires parental notification prior to a minor's abortion.
HB 474 (2011)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
HB 133 (2011)
Ties the New Hampshire minimum wage to the federal minimum wage.
HB 519 (2011)
Repeals the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), New Hampshire's cap-and-trade program.
SB 3 (2011)
Makes various changes to the state retirement system, such as raising retirement ages and increasing member contributions.
