Freedom Index

A Legislative Scorecard Based on the Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Votes


Real Money  |  HB1246

HB1246 allows employers in New Hampshire to pay wages in gold or silver, in addition to the existing options of payroll cards, checks, or other payment methods. It amends existing wage payment laws to include gold or silver as a permissible form of compensation.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives declared HB1246 “inexpedient to legislate” on March 21, 2024 by a vote of 182 to 155. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill is an important step toward normalizing restoring real constitutional money. Hopefully, New Hampshire, along with other states, will continue advancing toward a return to the gold standard in line with Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution.

Redistricting  |  CACR19

CACR19 is a constitutional amendment that would create an Independent Redistricting Commission to draw election districts for state and federal offices, stripping the responsibility from the legislature. The nine-member commission would include a mix of political affiliations. If the commission fails to produce a map, the state Supreme Court would appoint a special master to finalize it.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives rejected CACR19 on March 14, 2024 by a vote of 186 to 189. We have assigned pluses to the nays because it is constitutionally the legislature’s duty to draw district lines for state and federal offices, a responsibility that would be shifted to unelected bureaucrats under this amendment. Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution grants state legislatures the authority to determine the “Times, Places and Manner” of elections, including redistricting, reaffirming their central role in the process.

Nullification  |  HB1156

HB1156 declares that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) have no jurisdiction in New Hampshire. State and local entities are prohibited from enforcing or collaborating with any mandates, recommendations, or guidance from these organizations. Additionally, their directives cannot be used to justify mask, vaccine, or medical testing requirements in the state.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives rejected HB1156 on March 14, 2024 by a vote of 181 to 190. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the CDC and WHO lack constitutional authority over Americans, making nullification necessary. The CDC is an unconstitutional federal agency, and the U.S. involvement with the WHO undermines sovereignty. According to Article VI, Clause 2, federal laws must align with the Constitution to be valid. Any law contrary to the Constitution is void. Article VI, Clause 3, binds state officials to support the Constitution, meaning New Hampshire legislators have a duty to resist federal overreach. Nullification is the constitutional remedy to curb government excess.

Rescind Con-Con  |  HCR9

HCR9 rescinds New Hampshire’s 2012 application for a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives voted against declaring HCR9 “inexpedient to legislate” on March 14, 2024 by a vote of 128 to 238. We have assigned pluses to the nays because rescinding applications for a constitutional convention protects the U.S. Constitution. A so-called “Convention of the States” would not be of “limited” purpose. Article V of the U.S. Constitution was designed to correct structural deficiencies in the federal government, not the behavior of its elected officials. Rescission resolutions are a great step toward preserving the constitution. We need more precise and immediate solutions to restore power back to the states and to the people, such as clear-cut proposals in Congress to repeal bad amendments or state nullification of unconstitutional federal actions.

Nullification — Gun Rights  |  HB512

HB512 exempts firearms, accessories, and ammunition manufactured in New Hampshire from federal laws and regulations, including taxes, registration, and interstate commerce rules, as long as they remain within the state.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives declared HB512 “inexpedient to legislate” on January 4, 2024 by a vote of 286 to 69. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill nullifies unconstitutional federal overreach and upholds the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. According to Article VI, Clause 2, only federal laws aligned with the Constitution are valid, and Clause 3 binds state officials to uphold constitutionally protected rights. Nullification is a key tool to resist unconstitutional federal overreach, safeguarding state sovereignty and individual liberties.

Prevent Sex Changes for Minors  |  HB619

HB619 prohibits gender reassignment surgery for individuals under 18. Violations are classified as unprofessional conduct, subject to disciplinary action, lawsuits, and potential damages. The bill also allows minors or their parents to sue for up to 20 years after reaching adulthood.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB619 on January 4, 2024 by a vote of 199 to 175. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the Left has been promoting radical Marxist ideas like this for years. The indoctrination that leads people to believe that they can choose their pronouns and identify as a different gender is immoral. Scientifically and biblically, there are only two genders. Additionally, minors are not yet capable of giving informed consent and should not have the ability to choose a gender that contradicts their scientific classification, causing irreversible damage.

Government Overreach  |  HB1293

HB1293 regulates fertilizer use on urban turf and lawns in New Hampshire, establishing application limits and defining terms such as “low phosphate” and “enhanced efficiency” fertilizers. The bill prohibits fertilizer application during heavy rain, on frozen ground, or within 25 feet of storm drains and water bodies. While aiming to reduce environmental risks, these restrictions could inadvertently put countless well-meaning families in violation of the law when maintaining their privately owned lawns. Retailers would also be required to display educational signs about fertilizer runoff and its legal implications, though golf courses and sod farms are exempt if they follow best management practices.

The New Hampshire State Senate overrode the governor’s veto on October 10, 2024 by a vote of 22 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill is a significant government overreach into private property rights. By imposing restrictive regulations on how citizens manage their lawns while exempting certain industries, the bill creates an uneven playing field and undermines individual autonomy. Government interference in personal property decisions sets a dangerous precedent, prioritizing centralized control over citizens’ lives.

Strengthen Voter ID  |  HB1569

HB1569 eliminates all voter ID exemptions, end the use of affidavits as ID proof, and repeal affidavit ballot protocols.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed HB1569 on May 23, 2024 by a vote of 13 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because strengthening our voter ID laws is crucial to ensuring election integrity. Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution provides that “citizens” of the United States “shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities,” such as the “right of citizens of the United States” to vote as prescribed in the 26th Amendment.

Assisted Suicide  |  HB1283

HB1283 establishes a process for terminally ill individuals in New Hampshire to access medical assistance in dying by self-administering prescribed medication. To qualify, individuals must be adults with a terminal condition expected to result in death within six months and must demonstrate mental capability to make informed decisions.

The New Hampshire State Senate voted to refer HB1283 to interim study on May 16, 2024 by a vote of 17 to 7, effectively halting the bill for the session. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this bill potentially opens the door for assisted suicide beyond terminally ill individuals in the future. The right to life is a fundamental, God-given, unalienable right, as affirmed in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the 5th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Allowing any erosion of this right sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the sanctity of life.

Prevent Sex Changes for Minors  |  HB619

HB619 prohibits gender reassignment surgery for individuals under 18. Violations are classified as unprofessional conduct, subject to disciplinary action, lawsuits, and potential damages. The bill also allows minors or their parents to sue for up to 20 years after reaching adulthood.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed HB619 on May 16, 2024 by a vote of 13 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the Left has been promoting radical Marxist ideas like this for years. The indoctrination that leads people to believe that they can choose their pronouns and identify as a different gender is immoral. Scientifically and biblically, there are only two genders. Additionally, minors are not yet capable of giving informed consent and should not have the ability to choose a gender that contradicts their scientific classification, causing irreversible damage.

Firearm Purchaser’s Privacy Act  |  HB1186

HB1186 prohibits the assignment of a specific merchant code for the sale of firearms, ammunition, or accessories. It also requires that firearms retailers use general merchandise or sporting goods retailer codes instead.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed HB1186 on May 2, 2024 by a vote of 14 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the workaround by credit card companies to track ammunition and firearm purchases violates several constitutionally protected rights, including in the First, Second, and Fourth Amendments. This is a large invasion of privacy, opens the door for illegal searches, and potentially deters people from making firearm purchases.

Free School Meals Expansion  |  HB572

HB572 expands eligibility for free school meals to students from households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. It allocates funding from the education trust fund to cover the additional costs, ensuring schools can provide meals at no charge to eligible students.

The New Hampshire State Senate voted to table HB572 on January 3, 2024 by a vote of 13 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because taxpayers should not fund meals for school students. This bill increases government spending and expands the role of government. Providing free meals to some students, but not others, regardless of need, removes the personal responsibility of parents and guardians to provide for their children’s meals.

Workforce Training Programs  |  SB152

SB152 establishes a marine trades pathway at a regional career technology center based on workforce needs. It creates the non-lapsing Workforce Development and Innovation Fund to support career and technical education, funded by state appropriations, federal grants, and offshore wind lease auction proceeds. The Commissioner of Education can disburse funds following recommendations from the Offshore Wind Industry Workforce Training Center Committee. This committee focuses on the Gulf of Maine offshore wind industry’s workforce needs and suggests training, facility planning, and funding use.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed SB152 on May 4, 2023 by a vote of 250 to 123. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this is an unnecessary creation of a bureaucratic arm of government. Taxpayers are on the hook for a non-lapsing fund that should be taken care of by the free market. Additionally, this feeds into the globalist green energy movement, which is already heavily subsidized by taxpayers.

School Choice Eligibility  |  HB367

HB367 increases the annual household income equal to or less than 350 percent of the federal poverty guidelines at the time of application, which is up from 300 percent for the education freedom account program.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB367 on March 9, 2023 by a vote of 187 to 184. We have assigned pluses to the nays because all government money comes with strings attached. ESAs might sound good in theory, but they expand government involvement into all aspects of education — including homeschools and religious schools — and can potentially affect rules and curriculum. We encourage all parents to get their children out of the government school system and instead pursue sound alternatives such as homeschooling and patriotic private schools, where government funds are not involved.

Governor’s Powers  |  HB127

HB127 reduces the governor’s and courts’ state of emergency declaration powers and length.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB127 on March 22, 2023 by a vote of 193 to 185. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because our Founding Fathers believed that checks and balances in government are essential to keeping our elected officials in check with the Constitution and to prevent any unconstitutional government overreach, and this bill gets us closer to that. Article IV, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution, requires a limitation and separation of powers. 

Abortion Penalties  |  HB224

HB224 repeals the criminal and civil penalties from the fetal life protection act.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB224 on March 23, 2023 by a vote of 205 to 178. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution and HB224 violates that right. Furthermore, there should be a greater effort to provide specific protections for the right to life in compliance with the 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendments.

Weapon Ban Repeal  |  HB31

HB31 repeals the prohibition, penalty, and exceptions relating to the carrying and possessing with intent to sell a black jack, slung shot, or metallic knuckles.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB31 on March 9, 2023 by a vote of 196 to 176. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because restricting people from owning anything, particularly a weapon, is a gross infringement of our rights. Any step to reduce Big Brother’s oversight of the people is a good thing.

Defend the Guard  |  HB229

HB229 requires an official declaration of war for the activation of the New Hampshire national guard.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB229 on January 4, 2024 by a vote of 187 to 182. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this would nullify unconstitutional federal deployments of the National Guard. A congressional declaration of war is constitutionally required to enter into a foreign conflict or for another constitutional reason, in accordance with Article I, Section 8, Clauses 11 and 15, of the U.S. Constitution.

School Choice Eligibility  |  HB367

HB367 increases the annual household income equal to or less than 350 percent of the federal poverty guidelines at the time of application, which is up from 300 percent for the education freedom account program.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed HB367 on May 7, 2023 by a vote of 14 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the nays because all government money comes with strings attached. ESAs might sound good in theory, but they expand government involvement into all aspects of education — including homeschools and religious schools — and can potentially affect rules and curriculum. We encourage all parents to get their children out of the government school system and instead pursue sound alternatives such as homeschooling and patriotic private schools, where government funds are not involved.

Warrantless Arrest  |  SB58

SB58 allows a peace officer to make a warrantless arrest if they have probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a misdemeanor or violation. Additionally, if the immediate arrest does not occur, the person may avoid apprehension, destroy evidence, cause harm or damage, or, if in the care of a medical professional at a residential or healthcare facility, interfere with healthcare services through actual or threatened violence.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed SB58 on March 30, 2023 by a vote of 14 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill undermines the rights of Americans protected specifically by the 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Parents’ Bill of Rights  |  SB272

SB272 underscores parents’ fundamental rights in guiding the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children. It establishes a chapter defining these rights, including the authority to direct moral and religious training, choose educational paths, access information, and consent to matters like medical procedures and data sharing. The bill provides clear definitions, comprehensive parental rights, and alignment with federal laws on parent involvement in education. It emphasizes that any infringement on parental rights must be justified by clear and convincing evidence and narrowly tailored to address compelling state interests.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed SB272 on March 16, 2023 by a vote of 14 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because a student’s upbringing, education, and health care — including their mental or emotional well-being — is the responsibility and fundamental right of parents, not the government. Parental rights, as with all other fundamental rights, are protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

State Health Insurance  |  SB263

SB263 reestablishes and modifies the commission overseeing the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program, extending its existence until 2028. Additionally, it removes the scheduled expiration of the health care program, making it a permanent initiative.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed SB263 on March 9, 2023 by a vote of 24 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because government should not be involved in the healthcare business as it is not a permissible item in the U.S. Constitution. This is something that can be handled by the private and nonprofit sectors.

Sanctuary City Ban  |  SB132

SB132 prohibits any state or local government entity from establishing sanctuary policies.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed SB132 on March 30, 2023, by a vote of 13 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because cities around the country have created sanctuaries for illegal aliens, violating their constitutional oaths of office, particularly Article IV, Section 4, which states, “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion.”

Minor Medical Records  |  SB253

SB253 provides parents of minor children full access to their minor children’s medical records.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed SB253 on February 23, 2023 by a vote of 13 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because parental rights, as with all other fundamental rights, are protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment. 

Background Checks  |  SB141

SB141 authorizes the FBI to conduct all National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) searches concerning the purchase, sale, and transfer of firearms through Federal Firearm Licensees operating in New Hampshire. This legislation also eliminates the states “gun line”.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed SB141 on June 3, 2021 by a vote of 197 to 180. We have assigned pluses to the nays because background checks, as a general requirement for firearm purchases, are a significant infringement on our Constitutional rights, particularly the Second Amendment. Moreover, the state should not be relinquishing these decisions and surrendering its sovereignty to the Federal Government and FBI. This is a total embrace of the federal Safer Communities Act, which has further extended federal background checks conducted by the FBI. While the state’s background check, aka “gun line”, should be abolished, handing over control to the FBI is a bad alternative.

Nullification-Gun Rights  |  HB1178

HB1178 prohibits the state of New Hampshire, a political subdivision of this state, or any person acting under the color of state, county, or municipal law from using any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer, or cooperate with any law, act, rule, order, or regulation of the United States Government or Executive Order of the President of the United States that is inconsistent with any law of this state regarding the regulation of firearms, ammunition, magazines or the ammunition feeding devices, firearm components, firearms supplies, or knives.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB1178 on May 12, 2022 by a vote of 163 to 143. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because under article VI of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and every state is bound by oath to support it. Ultimately, states have a duty to nullify any infringements by the federal government and Article 1, Section 8, of the Constitution gives congress specific powers and if there are violations of those powers, then states have a right to not comply. Also, the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and there should be no infringement on those rights.

Federal Vaccine Mandate  |  HB1455

HB1455 prohibits state enforcement of any federal law, order, or rule that requires an individual, as a condition of employment or any other activity, to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB1455 on March 16, 2022 by a vote of 174 to 159. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because an individual’s personal health care decisions should not be the object of government, nor be under its federal, state, or local jurisdictions in the United States. Forcing an individual to receive a vaccination or partake in any medical procedure would be a violation of their fundamental rights, freedoms, privileges, or immunities protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Budget  |  HB1

HB1 authorizes the state budget, which reduced state spending by $172 million over the prior state budget.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB1 on April 7, 2021 by a vote of 205 to 178. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because reducing government spending and shrinking government, especially during COVID and inflation, should be recognized.

Right to Work  |  SB61

SB61 would make New Hampshire a Right to Work state, prohibiting collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join a labor union.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives failed to pass SB61 on June 3, 2021 by a vote of 175 to 199. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because no worker should be forced to join or pay a union involuntarily, as there is nothing in the Constitution that permits that.

Civil Liberties  |  HB440

HB440 prohibits the suspension of civil liberties during a state of emergency.

The New Hampshire State House of Representatives passed HB440 on April 9, 2021 by a vote of 192 to 178. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because no situation or event in the United States shall lead to the suspension of our God-given Constitutional rights. The republican form of government in New Hampshire, which is guaranteed to each state under Article IV, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution, requires a limitation and separation of powers. Our founding fathers believed that checks and balances in government are essential to keeping our elected officials in check with the Constitution to prevent any unconstitutional government overreach.

Background Checks  |  SB141

SB141 authorizes the FBI to conduct all National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) searches concerning the purchase, sale, and transfer of firearms through Federal Firearm Licensees operating in New Hampshire. This legislation also eliminates the states “gun line”.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed SB141 on April 1, 2021 by a vote of 14 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the nays because background checks, as a general requirement for firearm purchases, are a significant infringement on our Constitutional rights, particularly the Second Amendment. Moreover, the state should not be relinquishing these decisions and surrendering its sovereignty to the Federal Government and FBI. This is a total embrace of the federal Safer Communities Act, which has further extended federal background checks conducted by the FBI. While the state’s background check, aka “gun line”, should be abolished, handing over control to the FBI is a bad alternative.

Nullification-Gun Rights  |  HB1178

HB1178 prohibits the state of New Hampshire, a political subdivision of this state, or any person acting under the color of state, county, or municipal law from using any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer, or cooperate with any law, act, rule, order, or regulation of the United States Government or Executive Order of the President of the United States that is inconsistent with any law of this state regarding the regulation of firearms, ammunition, magazines or the ammunition feeding devices, firearm components, firearms supplies, or knives.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed HB1178 on May 12, 2022 by a vote of 13 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because under article VI of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and every state is bound by oath to support it. Ultimately, states have a duty to nullify any infringements by the federal government and Article 1, Section 8, of the Constitution gives congress specific powers and if there are violations of those powers, then states have a right to not comply. Also, the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and there should be no infringement on those rights.

Federal Vaccine Mandate  |  HB1455

HB1455 prohibits state enforcement of any federal law, order, or rule that requires an individual, as a condition of employment or any other activity, to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed HB1455 on May 5, 2022 by a vote of 13 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because an individual’s personal health care decisions should not be the object of government, nor be under its federal, state, or local jurisdictions in the United States. Forcing an individual to receive a vaccination or partake in any medical procedure would be a violation of their fundamental rights, freedoms, privileges, or immunities protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Budget  |  HB1

HB1 authorizes the state budget, which reduced state spending by $172 million over the prior state budget.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed HB1 on June 3, 2021 by a vote of 14 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because reducing government spending and shrinking government, especially during COVID and inflation, should be recognized.

Religious Liberty  |  HB542

HB542 provides that, during a state of emergency, the state shall permit religious organizations to operate to the same degree as other organizations that provide essential services or are vital to public health and welfare.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed HB542 on May 27, 2021 by a vote of 14 to 10. We have assigned the pluses to the ayes because no law shall prohibit free exercise of religion and the right to peacefully assemble.  These rights are protected by both the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and no situation or event in the United States shall lead to the suspension of those rights.

Right to Work  |  SB61

SB61 would make New Hampshire a Right to Work state, prohibiting collective bargaining agreements that require employees to join a labor union.

The New Hampshire State Senate passed SB61 on February 11, 2021 by a vote of 13 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because no worker should be forced to join or pay a union involuntarily, as there is nothing in the Constitution that permits that.