Joseph Barton
Overview
Representative, NH House of Representatives (2024 - present); Engineer
BS Engineering
120 Cottage Street
Littleton, NH 03561
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?
"I support Education Freedom Accounts because parents—not government bureaucracies—are best positioned to decide which educational setting will meet their child’s needs. EFAs give families greater access to tutoring, private schools, approved online programs, specialized services, and other educational options that may be unavailable in their assigned district. They are especially important for students who are struggling, being bullied, have disabilities, or need a different academic environment. The program must include strong eligibility rules, financial audits, transparent reporting, and penalties for misuse so that public funds are spent only on legitimate educational expenses. Properly administered, EFAs expand opportunity, increase accountability, and ensure that education funding serves the student rather than protecting a system that may not be working for that child."I support the 2nd amendment right to bear arms for law abiding citizens. I also support gun safety legislation that protects victims of domestic violence, that keeps guns out of schools, and ensures that violent felons and people with significant mental health issues and threaten to harm themselves or others do not have ready access to firearms."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination law allow segregation based on biological sex in some settings, such as bathrooms and locker rooms?
"I support a narrowly written New Hampshire bathroom bill that protects privacy and requires shared school restrooms and locker rooms to be separated according to biological sex. Girls should not be required to share intimate facilities with biological males, and biological boys should not be permitted in girls’ restrooms or locker rooms. For purposes of the law, biological sex should be based on objective reproductive biology, ordinarily reflected by XX chromosomes for females and XY chromosomes for males, while recognizing that rare medical conditions may require appropriate individual accommodations. Schools should provide reasonable single-user or private facilities for any student who needs additional privacy, without eliminating the sex-based protections that safeguard the dignity, safety, and privacy of all students."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"I believe human life deserves protection and that abortion should never be treated as a routine form of birth control. In cases involving consensual sexual activity, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and personal responsibility must remain part of this discussion. At the same time, the law must recognize legitimate medical emergencies and include clear exceptions when a pregnancy threatens the life or serious physical health of the mother, is ectopic or otherwise nonviable, or involves a fatal fetal condition, while ensuring physicians can provide necessary care without fear of prosecution. My position is to protect unborn life, support mothers facing difficult pregnancies, expand adoption and prenatal resources, and enact laws that are compassionate, medically workable, and respectful of both life and individual circumstances."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"I believe human life deserves protection and that abortion should never be treated as a routine form of birth control. In cases involving consensual sexual activity, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and personal responsibility must remain part of this discussion. At the same time, the law must recognize legitimate medical emergencies and include clear exceptions when a pregnancy threatens the life or serious physical health of the mother, is ectopic or otherwise nonviable, or involves a fatal fetal condition, while ensuring physicians can provide necessary care without fear of prosecution. My position is to protect unborn life, support mothers facing difficult pregnancies, expand adoption and prenatal resources, and enact laws that are compassionate, medically workable, and respectful of both life and individual circumstances."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I oppose a broad-based income tax because New Hampshire should not punish people for working, earning, and building a better life. An income tax would create a permanent new tax bureaucracy, give government greater access to residents’ personal finances, and inevitably invite higher rates and expanded spending in the future. Supporters may promise property-tax relief, but without firm spending controls, an income tax is far more likely to become an additional burden than a true replacement for existing taxes. New Hampshire’s lack of a broad-based income tax is a major competitive advantage that attracts families, workers, retirees, entrepreneurs, and employers. The answer to high property taxes is not another major tax; it is controlling spending, reducing unfunded mandates, cutting administrative waste, and demanding measurable results from government. I will vote against any broad-based or backdoor income tax and will fight to protect the New Hampshire Advantage.For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"I support reducing New Hampshire’s business taxes because lower rates encourage employers to invest, expand, hire, and raise wages here rather than in competing states. Businesses do not pay taxes in isolation—the cost is ultimately borne by workers, customers, and families through fewer jobs, lower wages, and higher prices. A responsible business-tax reduction, paired with disciplined state spending, will strengthen the New Hampshire Advantage, help small businesses compete, attract new employers, and broaden our economy. I will support tax policies that reward growth and job creation while ensuring government lives within its means."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 reasonable local zoning reforms that allow New Hampshire communities to build more housing while preserving legitimate local control and neighborhood character. Excessive minimum lot sizes, rigid single-family-only zoning, unnecessary parking mandates, restrictions on duplexes and multifamily housing, burdensome special-exception procedures, density limits, lengthy permitting delays, and unreasonable barriers to accessory dwelling units can make otherwise practical housing projects impossible or unaffordable. New Hampshire should encourage municipalities to permit a broader range of housing by right where adequate roads, water, sewer, and public safety services exist, while still allowing communities to enforce objective standards for safety, infrastructure, and responsible development. The goal is not uncontrolled growth or eliminating zoning; it is removing artificial barriers that drive up housing costs, discourage private investment, and prevent working families, seniors, and young people from finding homes in the communities where they live and work."I support reducing New Hampshire’s business taxes because lower rates encourage employers to invest, expand, hire, and raise wages here rather than in competing states. Businesses do not pay taxes in isolation—the cost is ultimately borne by workers, customers, and families through fewer jobs, lower wages, and higher prices. A responsible business-tax reduction, paired with disciplined state spending, will strengthen the New Hampshire Advantage, help small businesses compete, attract new employers, and broaden our economy. I will support tax policies that reward growth and job creation while ensuring government lives within its means."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?
"I support developing small modular reactors in New Hampshire because reliable, carbon-free nuclear power can strengthen our energy independence, improve grid stability, and help reduce long-term electricity costs. I have a background in nuclear engineering and previously worked as a reactor engineer at a commercial nuclear power plant, so I understand both the technical promise of nuclear energy and the rigorous safety standards required to operate it responsibly. Small modular reactors can provide dependable, around-the-clock generation close to where electricity is needed, reducing reliance on expensive imported power and volatile natural-gas prices. By adding stable generation to the local grid, SMRs could place downward pressure on electricity rates over time while supporting skilled jobs, economic development, and a more resilient energy system for New Hampshire families and businesses."For| 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 support the recent expansion of net metering and favor responsibly expanding it further so homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and school districts can generate more of their own electricity and receive fair credit for the excess power they return to the grid. Net metering promotes energy choice, private investment, local generation, and greater resilience, but compensation must reflect the actual value of the electricity provided and should not force utilities to purchase power at inflated rates or shift grid-maintenance costs onto customers who do not participate. A balanced policy should fairly compensate producers, protect utilities and nonparticipating ratepayers from unreasonable costs, and encourage the continued growth of distributed energy without creating hidden subsidies or increasing electric rates."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire restore funding for the Office of the Child Advocate?
"I support a strong and independent Office of the Child Advocate because DCYF exercises extraordinary power over children and families and must be subject to meaningful oversight, transparency, and accountability. However, that office can only function effectively if its leadership is demonstrably neutral, fair-minded, and willing to scrutinize both agency conduct and complaints from families without ideological or institutional bias. I testified against the nomination of Diana Fenton because, in my judgment, she did not meet the level of neutrality required for a position entrusted with investigating such sensitive and consequential matters. The Child Advocate must be independent of DCYF, political factions, and advocacy interests, and must approach every case with an open mind, respect for due process, and an unwavering commitment to the best interests of children."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"I believe human life deserves protection and that abortion should never be treated as a routine form of birth control. In cases involving consensual sexual activity, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and personal responsibility must remain part of this discussion. At the same time, the law must recognize legitimate medical emergencies and include clear exceptions when a pregnancy threatens the life or serious physical health of the mother, is ectopic or otherwise nonviable, or involves a fatal fetal condition, while ensuring physicians can provide necessary care without fear of prosecution. My position is to protect unborn life, support mothers facing difficult pregnancies, expand adoption and prenatal resources, and enact laws that are compassionate, medically workable, and respectful of both life and individual circumstances."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire reinstate the interest and dividends tax?
"I oppose bringing back New Hampshire’s Interest and Dividends Tax because government should not punish people for saving, investing, and preparing for retirement. Reinstating the tax would be a direct tax increase on retirees, families, and small investors, and it would move New Hampshire backward toward a broader personal income tax. We should protect the New Hampshire Advantage, encourage responsible saving and investment, and control government spending rather than reaching back into taxpayers’ pockets. I will vote against any effort to restore the Interest and Dividends Tax."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 a balanced school-funding model in which local districts pay approximately half of the cost of public education and the state pays the other half, or at minimum fully meets its constitutional and legal obligations. Local communities should retain a meaningful financial stake in their schools, but a child’s educational opportunity should not depend on whether that child lives in a property-rich or property-poor town. State funding must therefore be distributed fairly to reduce extreme disparities among districts while preserving local control and accountability. Any increase in state support must also come with stronger financial oversight, transparent reporting, limits on administrative growth, and clear restrictions preventing education funds from being diverted to wasteful or unnecessary spending. Taxpayers deserve both equitable school funding and proof that every education dollar is producing real value for students."Undecided| 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 support legalizing the regulated recreational use of marijuana for adults in New Hampshire. Cannabis is not harmless, but its risks are generally more manageable than those associated with alcohol, and continuing prohibition makes little sense when Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont already permit adult recreational use. A carefully regulated and competitively priced legal market would draw consumers away from illegal dealers, create enforceable standards for potency, labeling, age restrictions, and product testing, and reduce the risk of contaminated or adulterated products entering the market. Legalization should be structured so taxes and regulatory costs do not become so excessive that they preserve the black market. I remain undecided on whether individuals should be permitted to grow marijuana at home for private, noncommercial use, and I would evaluate that issue separately based on public safety, enforceability, and personal-liberty concerns."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?
"I support legalizing the regulated recreational use of marijuana for adults in New Hampshire. Cannabis is not harmless, but its risks are generally more manageable than those associated with alcohol, and continuing prohibition makes little sense when Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont already permit adult recreational use. A carefully regulated and competitively priced legal market would draw consumers away from illegal dealers, create enforceable standards for potency, labeling, age restrictions, and product testing, and reduce the risk of contaminated or adulterated products entering the market. Legalization should be structured so taxes and regulatory costs do not become so excessive that they preserve the black market. I remain undecided on whether individuals should be permitted to grow marijuana at home for private, noncommercial use, and I would evaluate that issue separately based on public safety, enforceability, and personal-liberty concerns."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"I support legalizing the regulated recreational use of marijuana for adults in New Hampshire. Cannabis is not harmless, but its risks are generally more manageable than those associated with alcohol, and continuing prohibition makes little sense when Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont already permit adult recreational use. A carefully regulated and competitively priced legal market would draw consumers away from illegal dealers, create enforceable standards for potency, labeling, age restrictions, and product testing, and reduce the risk of contaminated or adulterated products entering the market. Legalization should be structured so taxes and regulatory costs do not become so excessive that they preserve the black market. I remain undecided on whether individuals should be permitted to grow marijuana at home for private, noncommercial use, and I would evaluate that issue separately based on public safety, enforceability, and personal-liberty concerns."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?
"I support requiring reasonable proof of United States citizenship when a person registers to vote because citizenship is a fundamental constitutional qualification for participating in our elections, and the state has a duty to confirm that every registrant is legally eligible. For most citizens, that qualification can be readily established through commonly available records such as a passport, birth certificate, naturalization documentation, or secure government database verification. The process should include a practical method for eligible citizens with unusual documentation circumstances to verify their status without losing their right to vote, but merely signing a form should not permanently substitute for objective confirmation. Protecting ballot access and protecting election integrity are not competing goals: every qualified citizen should be able to vote, and every voter should be able to trust that only qualified citizens are registered."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?
"I support open enrollment because a child’s educational opportunities should not be limited by a ZIP code or trapped within a school that is not meeting that student’s needs. Families should be able to choose another public school with available capacity when it offers a better academic program, safer environment, specialized services, or stronger fit for their child. Open enrollment promotes accountability by requiring schools to earn the confidence of families, encourages innovation, and expands opportunity without eliminating public education or local control. Any policy should include fair admissions rules, transparent capacity standards, protections for students with disabilities, and a responsible funding system that allows education dollars to follow the student while preventing districts from manipulating enrollment or costs."Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"I believe human life deserves protection and that abortion should never be treated as a routine form of birth control. In cases involving consensual sexual activity, abstinence is the only certain way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, and personal responsibility must remain part of this discussion. At the same time, the law must recognize legitimate medical emergencies and include clear exceptions when a pregnancy threatens the life or serious physical health of the mother, is ectopic or otherwise nonviable, or involves a fatal fetal condition, while ensuring physicians can provide necessary care without fear of prosecution. My position is to protect unborn life, support mothers facing difficult pregnancies, expand adoption and prenatal resources, and enact laws that are compassionate, medically workable, and respectful of both life and individual circumstances."For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should state law cap how much local school districts can increase their budget each year?
"I supported HB 1300 because taxpayers deserve a direct voice when school-district taxes and spending rise faster than families’ ability to pay. The bill’s local tax-cap process would impose meaningful fiscal discipline while allowing voters to decide whether their district should adopt the cap, and its restrictions on central-office administrative expenses would help ensure that education funding reaches classrooms and students rather than feeding an expanding bureaucracy. A tax cap does not prevent communities from supporting strong schools; it requires school officials to establish priorities, justify major increases, eliminate waste, and obtain public approval before imposing excessive new burdens on homeowners and renters. I support HB 1300 because educational quality and taxpayer accountability must go hand in hand. This will be on the November Ballot!"Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I oppose stricter gun laws in New Hampshire because law-abiding citizens should not lose their constitutional rights because criminals refuse to follow the laws already on the books. New Hampshire has a strong tradition of responsible firearm ownership, self-defense, hunting, and respect for individual liberty, and new restrictions would primarily burden responsible citizens rather than violent offenders. The state should focus on enforcing existing laws, prosecuting armed criminals, improving access to mental-health treatment, and addressing threats before violence occurs—not imposing new bans, registration schemes, waiting periods, or other barriers on people who have done nothing wrong. I will defend both the Second Amendment and Part I, Article 2-a of the New Hampshire Constitution and oppose measures that undermine the right to keep and bear arms."Against| Read My Position
Other, 2024
Barton signed the Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers 2024 pledge, which states, "I, the above signatory, pledge that if I am elected to any statewide office, I will oppose all efforts to impose a sales, income, or other broadbased tax on the taxpayers of the State of New Hampshire."
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2024
Rep. Barton voted against HB 106, which would have established a commission to determine the financial cost of climate damage to New Hampshire and methods of recouping such costs. Rep. Barton also voted in favor of HCR 1, a resolution that calls for policymakers to fully consider all relevant information and factors pertaining to climate change as climate policy is developed. That resolution specifically called out "climate alarmism."
No Response
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?
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state increase funding for child care providers?
No Response
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
No Response
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?
Voting Record
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."
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 282 (2025)
Increases the maximum compensation for first responders' critical injury benefits from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
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 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.
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.
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.
