Stephen Stepanek
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
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH allow binding referendums?
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?
"New Hampshire should repeal the new law and only ban text messaging."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I am opposed to any new or increased taxes-we should just control our spending."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"I am opposed to any new or increased taxes-we should just control our spending."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH authorize one or more casinos?
"I would support a casino bill only as an alternative revenue source to allow us to reduce the business profits/enterprise tax."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?
"The adoption of any testing criteria should be decided upon by local school boards."
For| 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?
Supports adopting a constitutional amendment that reduces the role of the courts in the school funding challenge
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH decriminalize small amounts of marijuana?
"We should revise the present law on marijuana possession to make it less punitive."
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.
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?
"The disclosure laws should remain as they are now."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should LLCs be subject to the interest and dividends tax?
Does not support 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."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH increase the interest and dividends tax?
Opposes increases in I & D tax
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH increase tolls and/or add new toll booths?
Against adding tolls to I-93 at Mass. border
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH continue to allow medicinal marijuana?
Does not support legalizing medicinal marijuana
Against| Read My Position
Voting Record, 2012
Voted against legalizing and taxing marijuana (HB 1705)
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, 2010
Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?
Does not believe immigration laws should be left to the federal government
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."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2010
Should NH keep the death penalty?
In favor of repealing the death penalty
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
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH continue to use property taxes instead of a new broad-based tax, such as an income tax?
"I am opposed to any new or increased taxes-we should just control our spending."
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
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH require car insurance for some or all drivers?
"I oppose legislation that would mandate insurance in order to register a vehicle."
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?
Against increases to 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
Voting Record, 2015
Voted to consider prohibiting state funds for any health care provider that performs abortions, regardless of whether public funds are utilized for that specific service (HB 677).
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
State role in economic growth
"Yes, the state should do more. The state needs to reduce business taxes and regulations to again make NH a state that people would want to start and or grow a business."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2014
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"I oppose any limits on assault weapons."
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, 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."
Voting Record
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 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 1374 (2016)
Requires moneys paid into the Renewable Energy Fund to be rebated to ratepayers, rather than spent on other renewable energy projects.
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 1623 (2016)
Prohibits abortion based on genetic abnormality.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
HB 658 (2015)
Right-to-Work bill that prohibits collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join or contribute to a labor union.
SB 106 (2015)
Prohibits the sale, use, or possession of synthetic drugs, such as "spice."
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.
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.
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.
SB 179 (2015)
Requires that a voter has lived in the state and county for at least 30 days.
HB 1679 (2012)
Prohibits partial birth abortions and abortions in the third trimester.
SB 295 (2012)
Increases the Research and Development tax credit.
HB 1666 (2012)
Requires legislative approval of any collective bargaining agreement entered into by the state.
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 1492 (2012)
Requires public employers to verify an employee's eligibility to work in the United States.
HB 1264 (2012)
Establishes a religious exemption for individuals who do not wish to provide accommodations, goods, or services for same-sex marriages.
HB 1526 (2012)
Decriminalizes possession of 1/2 ounce or less of marijuana, with additional penalties for violators under age twenty-one.
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 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).
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."
SB 286 (2012)
Establishes a prescription drug monitoring program funded entirely through "grants, gifts, or user contributions."
HB 1511 (2012)
Removes the prohibition on convicted felons possessing certain weapons for self-defense.
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 1595 (2012)
Limits primary elections to voters who have registered as party members.
HB 592 (2012)
Redistricts the House of Representatives.
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.
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.
SB 27 (2011)
Raises the speed limit in some areas of Lake Winnipesaukee.
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.
