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These objective, nonpartisan measures are used to show this legislator's activities at the Statehouse in 2023. 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. Sununu is still in the process of signing and vetoing 2023 bills, so the number of prime sponsored bills that became law may increase.

Session days attended
100% Present
Average 99%
Party unity score/partisanship
97% With Party
Average 97%
Participated in official roll call votes
100% Roll Call Votes
Average 99%
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
7 Prime Sponsored Bills
Average 11
Prime sponsored bills that became law
2 Became Law
Average 5

Voting Record

HB 2 (2023)

State budget bill (part 2). The governor presented his proposal for the next state budget February 14. The House and Senate both made changes to that proposal. Click here to read a summary of the 2023 budget process.

HB 224 (2023)

Repeals the civil and criminal penalties for health care providers who violate the state's ban on abortion after 24 weeks.

HB 367 (2023)

Increases the maximum household income limit for participation in the Education Freedom Account program, from 300% to 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. The Education Freedom Account program allows families to spend the state's per-pupil share of education funding on private or home school expenses.

The House amended the bill to only increase the income limit to 350% of the federal poverty guidelines.

HB 624 (2023)

Requires state and local law enforcement to notify the public before an immigration checkpoint.

HB 639 (2023)

Legalizes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. The bill allows limited home-growing of marijuana. A new Cannabis Commission would oversee licensing and regulations related to the manufacture, testing, and sale of legal marijuana. Cannabis sales would be taxed under the Meals and Rooms tax system. Alternative Treatment Centers, which currently serve the state's medical marijuana patients, would be allowed to apply for a "dual use certificate" that allows them to participate in recreational marijuana business. Towns could limit marijuana businesses.

SB 104 (2023)

Establishes regulations for online gambling, with the proceeds going to a new community college scholarship fund.

SB 117 (2023)

Changes the definition of "child" in the law about negligent storage of firearms, raising the age to anyone under age 18.

SB 144 (2023)

Gradually increases the minimum wage to $15 per hour by July 1, 2024.

SB 220 (2023)

Allows any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day. The bill also allows partial processing of absentee ballots prior to Election Day.

SB 263 (2023)

Permanently reauthorizes the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid. Previous law ended the program on December 31, 2023. This bill also reestablishes and revises the commission to evaluate the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, commonly known as expanded Medicaid.

SB 272 (2023)

Establishes a parental bill of rights in education. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to access and review all medical records of a child maintained by a school or school personnel"
"The right to inquire of the school or school personnel and to be truthfully and completely informed if the child is being identified or referred to by school district staff, as being of a gender other than that of which the child was identified or referred when enrolled"

Declined to complete our 2022 State Candidate Survey

Position on Issues

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I oppose stricter gun control laws."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"I oppose New Hampshire adding an income tax on earned income."

Voting Record, 2023

In the 2019-2020 legislative session, Birdsell voted against three bills that would have gradually raised the minimum wage to $12/hour: SB 410, HB 731, and SB 10. In 2023 Birdsell also voted against SB 144, which would have raised the minimum wage to $15/hour.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"I oppose New Hampshire adding a broad-based sales tax."

Voting Record, 2023

Birdsell voted against HB 611 and HB 1672, both bills that would allow any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day. Sen. Birdsell also voted against SB 220, a 2023 bill that would allow any voter to vote by absentee ballot, whether or not he or she will actually be absent on election day. SB 220 also allowed partial processing of absentee ballots prior to Election Day.

Voting Record, 2020

Voted against 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.

Candidate's Website, 2020

"As your Senator, I have visited businesses across the district, listened to their concerns and have been a strong advocate of pro-business policies in the Senate. I helped lead the effort to cut taxes for our businesses, and as a result I earned a 100% rating from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, a 100% from Americans for Prosperity and have been named a 'Champion of Business' by the NH Business and Industry Association. I believe I am the candidate who will best serve District 19's economic interests."

Voting Record, 2022

Voted to create a conditional "affidavit ballot" for voters without ID (SB 418)

Voting Record, 2022

Voted against legalizing possession of 3/4 oz marijuana with home growing, no sales (HB 629)

Voting Record, 2022

Voted to keep the law aimed at banning critical race theory in schools (SB 298)

Voting Record, 2023

In 2022, Sen. Birdsell voted to keep the Education Freedom Account program (SB 432). Birdsell also voted for HB 367, a 2023 bill which increases the maximum household income limit for participation in the Education Freedom Account program, from 300% to 350% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?

When asked about marijuana legalization in general on the 2018 Citizens Count issue survey, Birdsell said, "I oppose marijuana legalization." Birdsell also voted against HB 1705, a 2012 bill that to legalize and tax marijuana for adults over age twenty-one.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?

On the 2018 Citizens Count issue survey, Birdsell indicated, "I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications." Birdsell also voted for HB 1660, a 2012 bill that would prohibit abortions beyond 20 weeks gestation.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?

On the 2018 Citizens Count issue survey, Birdsell indicated, "I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the state’s current system of public school funding, with each district’s total funding primarily dependent on local property tax revenue?

Voting Record, 2023

Sen. Birdsell voted to eliminate the Interest and Dividends tax as part of HB 2 (2023). Sen. Birdsell also voted to kill a bill that would have stopped the phase-out of the Interest and Dividends tax at 4%, SB 261 (2023).

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire add a tax credit for businesses that contribute to student loan repayment for employees?

Voting Record, 2023

Sen. Birdsell voted for SB 145, a 2023 bill to establish a New Hampshire Housing Champion Designation Program. Generally speaking, cities and towns that adopt land use regulations, water infrastructure, public transportation, and other programs that promote the development of workforce housing would have preferential access to state funds.

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?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?

Voting Record, 2023

Sen. Birdsell voted against HB 88 and SB 181. Both bills would prohibit any new state restrictions on abortion, without changing the current ban on abortion after 24-weeks and the requirement for parental notification before a minor's abortion.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?

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?
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