Author: Rep. Steven Smith

  • Republican Review 3-28

    Republican Review | Volume 8 Issue 15 | March 28th, 2025
    House Republicans and Friends Across New Hampshire, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your dedication and unity during this week’s long session days. As usual, Democrats did everything they could to drag out debates and complicate the process, but thanks to our commitment to conservative principles and the Republican Contract with New Hampshire, we stood strong and got the job done.Next week, we have a much-needed break from session—take the time to rest up. When we return, we face one of our most important tasks yet: passing a responsible budget that prioritizes fiscal discipline, economic growth, and the needs of all Granite Staters. This will take immense teamwork and coordination on our part, and we must remain united to ensure success.House Republicans have shown time and again that when we stick together, we deliver real results for New Hampshire. Let’s stay the course, uphold our promises, and continue fighting for the values that make our state the best in the nation.Enjoy the break—you’ve earned it!

    All the best,Jason Osborne
    House Majority LeaderWATCH: Democrats REVOLTED when Rep. Cordelli read from content that is READILY available in middle school libraries around the Granite State. Those same Democrats tried blocking HB 324, a bill which ensures content is age appropriate in schools. Democrats’ hypocrisy knows no limits. Click Here to Watch the Video

    Republicans Protect Children from Radical Gender Ideology
    House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Vice-Chair Lisa Mazur released the following statement after the New Hampshire House passed HB 377 and HB 712. This pair of bills protect Granite State children from the harm of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and breast removal surgeries (with exceptions) before the age of 18.
     
    “In New Hampshire, you need to be 18 to get a tattoo, be a notary, buy a lottery ticket, serve on a jury, and vote. Ironically, this year, Democrats filed legislation that prohibits the sale of over-the-counter weight loss and muscle building supplements to individuals under 18 years of age and imposes penalties on retail establishments that sell the supplements to minors but think that taking harmful gender transition medications and cutting off perfectly healthy body parts as a child is okay,” said Mazur.
     
    “These procedures and medications do irreparable and permanent harm. With seven European countries and several states taking pragmatic steps to protect minors, New Hampshire is following the lead of several other jurisdictions and taking a stand to protect vulnerable children.
    This legislation gives them time, space and hope for a future that isn’t defined by irreversible medical mistakes.”

    Republicans Strengthen Parental Consent Laws
    House Criminal Justice Vice-Chair Jennifer Rhodes released the following statement after the New Hampshire House passed HB 191-FN. As amended, this bill makes it unlawful for any adult to transport a minor for any surgical procedure without the written consent of the parent or guardian.
     
    “It is illogical that we would allow anyone who is not a parent to take our children for surgery or any medical procedure without parental consent. No matter what the procedures or reasons are, parents have a right to know what is happening to their children, and the vast majority of Granite Staters stand by that fact.” 
     
    “Republicans stand for transparency, and we will not allow our children’s lives to be dictated by secrets purposefully withheld from parents. As the primary caregivers tasked with overseeing our children’s wellbeing and safety, HB 191 draws a line in the sand that ensures that we, the parents, maintain the ultimate say in the health and safety of their minor children.”

    Republicans Ensure that New Hampshire’s Official Language is English
    House Transportation Committee Chair Tom Walsh released the following statement after the New Hampshire House passed HB 461. This legislation ensures that testing materials used at the New Hampshire department of Motor Vehicles are printed in English.
     
    “The New Hampshire Department of Safety has publicly stated that language barriers are one of the three main safety issues on New Hampshire roadways. Considering that our road signs, directional signs, and emergency electronic signs are all written in English, it makes sense that anyone with a New Hampshire driver’s license ought to have at least a basic understanding of our language.” said Walsh.
     
    “This is not a new concept,” Walsh explained, “RSA 3-C1 states that the official language of New Hampshire is English. If someone is unable to take a driver’s test without needing translation services, then we should seriously consider whether or not they are safe enough to endorse with the New Hampshire license.”

    Republicans Stop Arbitrary Mask Mandates
    Mask mandates had dire consequences on our children’s mental & emotional development. The power to create a mask mandate should not be arbitrarily enforced. Republicans passed HB 361 so that this heavy decision will be made by the State, not school boards.

    Republicans Assist Ambulance Services
    House Commerce Committee Chair John Hunt released the following statement after the New Hampshire House passed HB 316-FN. This legislation addresses the ongoing crisis in emergency medical services by standardizing ambulance reimbursement rates, prohibiting balance billing, and creating a commission to explore an all-payer model.
     
    “Ambulance services are essential for public safety. With ambulance services at a critical juncture, Republicans are working across the aisle to find common sense solutions. HB 316 is a fair and sustainable step forward to ensure access to emergency services when you need them most.” said Hunt.
     
    Hunt explained, “By implementing a structured and data-driven reimbursement model, New Hampshire can create a sustainable framework that supports ambulance services without imposing undue financial strain on a limited segment of the population. This legislation represents a pragmatic approach to balancing the needs of emergency medical providers, insurers, and consumers alike.”

    Republicans Raise a Glass to Social Districts
    Republicans passed HB467, which enables towns to create social districts. In social districts, people can publicly enjoy alcoholic beverages wherever they choose HB467 benefits small businesses and gives more freedom to both patrons and business owners.

    Democrats Vote to Release Murderers
    House Republicans just killed HB638, a bill letting prisoners on a life sentence without parole walk free. Under Republican leadership, prisoners serving a life sentence will remain incarcerated. Meanwhile Democrats want criminals to roam free, Republicans will keep NH safe.

    Democrats Push Unconstitutional Legislation
    The Supreme Court has repeatedly said that bills that exclude religious schools from Education Freedom are UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Democrats don’t listen and are trying to trigger costly, taxpayer funded lawsuits, Republicans slam the door on Democratic attacks on school choice.

    Democrats Want to Call Your Family Racist
    While Democrats fight tooth, nail, and lawsuit to call you and your children “inherently racist,” Republicans’ are strengthening NH’s nondiscrimination laws. Republicans believe that ALL men are created equal, while Democrats believe you’re all inherently racist

    Republicans Stop Runaway BureaucracyHouse Republicans just passed HB357, that takes power away from unelected bureaucrats who unilaterally obscure rulemaking processes to create arbitrary vaccine mandates. If a vaccine is necessary for healthy development, then the DHHS can make the case through proper processes.

    Republicans Protect the Sovereignty of NH! 
    Republicans pass HB584 and protect the sovereignty of NH! HB584 ensures that the UN, WHO, and WEF have NO jurisdiction here in NH. In NH, we the people decide what’s best for ourselves, not some globalist organization pushing a leftist agenda. HB584 embodies Live Free or Die!

    Make Your Voice Heard: Register Your Opinions on Bills
    Step 1: Go online to Gencourt.State.NH.US. A picture of the State House dome will appear. Scroll down. 
    Step 2:  When you see the box that says “Calendars & Meeting Schedules” click House Calendar (PDF). When you click “View PDF File” you will see a copy of the House Calendar. When you scroll through the document, you will see a day-by-day list of the bills that are being held in each committee. 
    Step 3: When you find bills of interest, go back to Gencourt.State.NH.US. To read a bill, scroll down to the box on the left hand side of the screen that says “Current Bills” enter the bill number (Example: HB2, HB136 etc.) and click the magnifying glass. 
    Step 4: When you find the bill that you are looking for, click the bill number in the left hand corner. This will bring you to the bill docket. To read the bill and its amendments, click the version of the bill that you want to read in the box on the left-hand corner. 
    Step 5: Go back to Gencourt.state.nh.us. And scroll down to “Meeting Resources.” To register your opinion on the bill, click the option “House Sign-in Form and Online Testimony Submission.
    Step 6: To view further instructions on how to register your opinion on a bill, click here.
    Click here to have the House Calendar delivered to your inbox every week
    Click here to view the latest House Calendar
    the official schedule of House business every week.  

  • March 7 Legislative Update

    House Republicans and Friends Across New Hampshire, 

    Yesterday, House Republicans delivered major victories for the Granite State. From repealing vehicle inspections to once again blocking an income tax, we stood united and fought as a team. If we continue this momentum, we will remain unstoppable in advancing our shared priorities.

    Looking ahead to next week, it’s critical that we stay together. We have key votes on expanding the wildly successful EFA program to ensure every student has access to the best education, advancing blockchain to revolutionize commerce, and strengthening bail reforms to keep our communities safe.

    Yesterday’s success proved what we can accomplish when we stand together. I look forward to delivering even more wins for the people of New Hampshire.


    All the best, 
    Jason Osborne
    House Majority Leader
    Need a Professional Headshot? If you would like your headshot taken, please stop by the Majority Office during the lunch break on Thursday March 13th or Thursday March 20th. 
    Republican Effort to Eliminate Vehicle Inspections Succeeds
    House Majority Leader Jason Osborne and House Transportation Committee Chairman Thomas Walsh released the following statement after the New Hampshire House passed HB 649-FN, removing the requirement for physical safety inspections and on-board diagnostic tests for passenger vehicles and eliminating funding for the motor vehicle abatement fund, on a bipartisan vote:

    For too long, hardworking Granite Staters have shouldered the financial burden of annual vehicle inspections. This mandate hits working families the hardest, adding costs and inconvenience without clear benefits. In a state built on personal responsibility, it’s fair to ask whether this system still serves the people.Attempts to find compromise with the Department of Safety and auto industry have gone nowhere, leaving everyday drivers stuck with an outdated, costly requirement. It’s time to trust Granite Staters to take care of their own vehicles and remove unnecessary obstacles that make life more expensive.
    House Republicans Defeat the Democrat’s Attempts to Raise Your Taxes
    House Ways and Means Chairman John Janigian issued the following statement after House Republicans blocked Democrats’ efforts to raise taxes and impose an income tax.

    “House Republicans proudly slammed the door on the Democrats’ despicable attempt to raise your taxes by $711.8 million dollars. Not only would this assault on the New Hampshire Advantage reinstitute the Interest and Dividends income tax, it would have also raised taxes on meals, rooms, and small businesses that are the lifeblood of the Granite State economy,” said Janigian.

    “This is the fourth time in just three years that Republicans have killed an income tax from the Democrats. Let me be crystal clear: under Republican leadership, New Hampshire will remain income tax free. I am proud to stand with my Republican colleagues to protect the New Hampshire Advantage from tax and spend Democrats.” 
    Republicans Advance Parental Bill of Rights From Committee
    Republicans on the Children and Family Law Committee have voted to advance HB 10 on Tuesday, the Parental Bill of Rights. The bill now moves to the full House for a vote. Parents deserve transparency and honesty when it comes to their children’s well-being.
    Republicans Advance Wildly Successful EFA Program from Committee
    Republicans on the Education Funding Committee have voted to advance HB115. This bill will expand the wildly successful Education Freedom Account program to EVERY Granite State student and give them more educational opportunities and pathways. HB115 moves on to the full House.
    House Republicans Protect Children from Radical, Irreversible Medical Interventions 
    House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Vice-Chair Lisa Mazur released the following statement as House Republicans introduce a pair of bills meant to protect children from irreversible life-altering medical procedures.
     
    “The pair of bills that House Republicans are introducing today will protect our children from permanent, irreversible life-altering mutilating medications and surgeries. These procedures have lifelong consequences, and bills such as the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act (HB 377) will ensure that children are not used as medical experiments.”
     
    “In New Hampshire, you cannot vote, get a tattoo, buy a scratch ticket, or use a tanning bed before the age of 18. Ironically, earlier this year, House Democrats pushed to change the legal gambling age to 21, but they continue to push for children as young as three years old to enter into treatments that lead to radical, irreversible and devastating body modification procedures. House Republicans will continue to stand for logical child protections and let kids be kids.”
    Republicans Shut Down Big Brother Democrats Cam Scam 
    Big Brother Democrats tried to cover the Granite State with speed & traffic cameras Republicans stopped them from turning NH into the “Live Free or Spy” state and put an end to the Democrats’ traffic cam scam. NH will continue to be speed camera free!
    House Bill Passes to Repeal NH Vaccine Association
    House Republicans passed House Bill 524, eliminating the costly New Hampshire Vaccine Association (NHVA) and shifting vaccine purchasing to the private sector. The bill increases flexibility and choice for patients and insurance companies while ensuring continued access to fully funded vaccines.
     
    Representative Jim Kofalt, Senior Advisor to the Speaker of the House, praised the move, calling NHVA an inefficient, taxpayer-subsidized program.
     
    “Citizens across the country and throughout New Hampshire have asked for government and government-sponsored entities to be more accountable.  HB 524 moves us in that direction.  Contrary to the fearmongering we have heard from the bill’s opponents, it will have zero effect on the cost and availability of vaccines. What it will do is make government more accountable to New Hampshire taxpayers, who are currently footing the bill for a costly program run by a quasi-governmental organization,” said Kofalt. 
    Conservative Victory: Reducing Licensing Burdens on Healthcare FacilitiesNew Hampshire lawmakers have passed House Bill 223 a key piece of legislation eliminating unnecessary restrictions on healthcare facilities operating within 15 miles of a critical access hospital. 
     
    “This is a win for patient choice, rural communities, and free-market healthcare,” said Rep. Mark McLean. “By cutting red tape, we’re improving access to high-quality care and fostering competition.” Previously, healthcare providers faced a restrictive approval process that limited options for patients. The new law removes bureaucratic barriers and allows providers to focus on delivering care. McLean continued, “Government interference should never hinder critical healthcare services,” added Rep. McLean. “This bill ensures greater access and strengthens New Hampshire’s commitment to free-market principles.”
    Republicans Cut Red Tape for Nurses
    House Republicans passed HB208 to cut red tape for school nurses and save municipalities $1M. Democrats voted against it. We’re balancing student safety while eliminating excessive government regulations—they’re standing in the way.

  • House Republicans Protect Children from Radical, Irreversible Medical Interventions

    CONCORD, NH – House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Vice-Chair Lisa Mazur (R-Goffstown) released the following statement as House Republicans introduce a pair of bills meant to protect children from irreversible life-altering medical procedures.

    “The pair of bills that House Republicans are introducing today will protect our children from permanent, irreversible life-altering mutilating medications and surgeries. These procedures have lifelong consequences, and bills such as the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act (HB 377) will ensure that children are not used as medical experiments.”

    “In New Hampshire, you cannot vote, get a tattoo, buy a scratch ticket, or use a tanning bed before the age of 18. Ironically, earlier this year, House Democrats pushed to change the legal gambling age to 21, but they continue to push for children as young as three years old to enter into treatments that lead to radical, irreversible and devastating body modification procedures. House Republicans will continue to stand for logical child protections and let kids be kids.”

    Background:

    HB377-FN, relative to health care professionals administering hormone treatments and puberty blockers, was introduced to the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee.

    HB 712-FN, limiting breast surgeries for minors, will be introduced to the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee at 1 PM on March 3rd, 2025.

  • Legislative Update

    House Republicans and Friends Across New Hampshire,This week, we celebrate National School Choice Week. Every student deserves a quality education that fits their needs, and we recognize that no two students learn the same way. We also acknowledge that quality itself comes from choice. In 2021, New Hampshire House Republicans established the highly successful Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, transforming thousands of lives while saving taxpayers over $266 million. Despite relentless attacks from Democrats trying to dismantle it, Republicans have remained steadfast in our commitment to leveling the educational playing field. This year, House Republicans introduced HB 115 to make EFAs universal, ensuring every student—regardless of income or zip code—has access to the highest quality education possible. Whether it’s public, private, or home educated, school choice will always be a top priority for the New Hampshire House Republican Caucus.Happy National School Choice Week—we can’t wait to bring back those iconic yellow scarves!
    Jason Osborne
    House Majority Leader
    Republicans Continue Push Against Lawless Immigration Policies House Deputy Majority Floor Leader Juliet Harvey-Bolia (R-Tilton) released the following statement regarding HB71, the “schools not shelters bill,” an act relative to cooperation with federal immigration authorities:“HB71 represents a significant step toward strengthening our immigration policies. This bill ensures public schools and public systems cannot shield illegal immigrants and protects students from being subjected to the Democrats’ politically motivated agenda. House Republicans remain committed to common-sense solutions that preserve the primary purpose of our schools—education,” said Harvey-Bolia.“Our schools should function as places of learning, not as tools to enforce radical open-border and sanctuary city policies,” Harvey-Bolia continued. “Republican initiatives like HB71 and HB511-FN send a clear message: we will not allow these lawless and dangerous policies to undermine our communities and institutions.”
    House Republicans Fight for Workplace Freedom
    Representative Daniel Popovici-Muller (R-Windham) released the following statement after Republicans on the House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services Committee recommended HB 238-FN, prohibiting collective bargaining agreements from requiring employees join or contribute to a labor union, Ought to Pass by a vote of 10-9.

    “No employee should ever feel coerced to join or pay into a union or organization which they do not feel has their best interest in mind. HB238 would end compulsory union dues as a condition  of employment. This bill does not ban or prohibit unionization. Quality comes from choice, and this bill will incentivize unions to provide the kind of service and benefits of membership which employees will want to willingly choose.”

    “New Hampshire has the chance to bolster our economy by being the only state in the Northeast United States to implement this Workplace Freedom Law. According to a recent Harvard University study, counties with similar laws saw a 28% increase in manufacturing jobs in counties that bordered a state without similar policies. Passing HB238 would boost New Hampshire’s economy and truly enable our citizens to Work Free or Die!”
    Make Your Voice Heard: Register Your Opinions on Bills
    Step 1: Go online to Gencourt.State.NH.US. A picture of the State House dome will appear. Scroll down. Step 2:  When you see the box that says “Calendars & Meeting Schedules” click House Calendar (PDF). When you click “View PDF File” you will see a copy of the House Calendar. When you scroll through the document, you will see a day-by-day list of the bills that are being held in each committee. Step 3: When you find bills of interest, go back to Gencourt.State.NH.US. To read a bill, scroll down to the box on the left hand side of the screen that says “Current Bills” enter the bill number (Example: HB2, HB136 etc.) and click the magnifying glass. Step 4: When you find the bill that you are looking for, click the bill number in the left hand corner. This will bring you to the bill docket. To read the bill and its amendments, click the version of the bill that you want to read in the box on the left-hand corner. Step 5: Go back to Gencourt.state.nh.us. And scroll down to “Meeting Resources.” To register your opinion on the bill, click the option “House Sign-in Form and Online Testimony Submission.
    Step 6: To view further instructions on how to register your opinion on a bill, click here.
  • IN MEMORIAM: THE INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS TAX

    IN MEMORIAM: THE INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS TAX
     House Republicans and Friends Across New Hampshire,

    In case you missed the funeral that we held this past week, allow me to continue to put a little more “fun” in “funeral” by offering an obituary for the Interest and Dividends tax.

    The Interest and Dividends tax, or as I call it, the insidious and despicable tax, was established in 1923. From the second that we get our first jobs, we are told about the importance of saving money and setting aside funds for our eventual retirement. For over 100 years, the Interest and Dividends tax siphoned funds from your savings and funneled it into the pockets of the state government.

    However, in 2021, as part of House Republicans’ transformational symphony of reforms in our state budget, we rid our state of this stain on the New Hampshire Advantage and put the full phase-out of this income tax into motion. Of course, Democrats tried to perform CPR on the tax and filed multiple attempts to reinstate it, but House Republicans stood strong until this tax took it’s place six feet underground. And thanks to Republican leadership, the Interest and Dividends tax was fully laid to rest on January 1, 2025. 

    While reasonable Granite Staters will truly celebrate the demise of this income tax, it will live on in the delusions of Democrats who claim that people, “want to pay” income taxes. Thankfully, House Republicans will work to ensure that this tax does not rise from the dead like a zombie or someone voting for Democrats from beyond the grave.

    In memory of the Interest and Dividends tax, I urge you to take a moment to look at your retirement savings or bank account. You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the State of New Hampshire will not be using it to fund any wasteful spending projects, and you can allocate it for the purpose it was meant for, a long and happy retirement right here in the 603.

    As Democrats clutch their pearls over people keeping more of their hard earned money, they are already threatening to use their allies on schools boards to raise your taxes. However, I would like to turn your attention to one of the tools which Republicans have sent you to help contain the situation. With a 60% of a local vote, citizens can now impose a spending cap on school districts. Democrats unanimously opposed this. So as Republicans fight to lower taxes wherever possible, Remember that Democrats are never actually interested about reducing taxes, only playing a game of left-pocket-right-pocket with your money. 


    Live Free or Die,
     
    Jason Osborne
    House Majority Leader

  • Government on a credit card

    House Republicans and Friends Across New Hampshire,

    Anyone who has ever possessed a credit card has learned a few lessons, unless they are New Hampshire House Democrats.

    When you have a credit card, you must pay for the things you buy. If you do not responsibly spend, you accumulate debt and your finances collapse into a mountain of interest and bills. The State works similarly and if you ask a Republican how to keep the state from accumulating too many bills, our answer will be to reign in spending. However, if you ask a Democrat how to keep the state from accumulating too many bills, their solution will be to raise your taxes.

    Life cannot be made more affordable without responsible people in control of the checkbook. The last time the Democrats had total control of the State’s checkbook, they did such a poor job that our state’s credit rating crashed and our state was left just two days from financial bankruptcy. When you go to vote, remember, it’s all about how much of your money you want to keep. Vote Democrat for a new income tax and ever-escalating property taxes along with rising costs of energy, healthcare, and housing. Vote Republican to continue rolling back the bloated costs of taxation, bureaucracy, regulation, and compliance that are depressing your standard of living.

    Democrats believe they can tax, spend, and price control their way into prosperity. They denigrate the very businesses and individuals providing essential services like food, shelter, and healthcare. Republicans celebrate those providers of goods and services, knowing that prosperity is only achieved by unshackling them from the chains of overbearing government.
    We have 11 days left to save the New Hampshire Advantage and your wallet. Will you show up to vote Republican all the way down the ballot and help us keep New Hampshire safe, prosperous, and free? I hope that the answer is a clear and resounding yes.
    All the best, Jason Osborne, House Majority Leader