Lorrie J. Carey
Serving as: NH House Merrimack County District 01
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
Party unity score/partisanship
Participated in official roll call votes
Bills sponsored (as prime sponsor)
Prime sponsored bills that became law
Voting Record
HB 10 (2023)
Establishes a parental bill of rights. Some of the parental rights in this bill include:
"The right to direct the education and care of his or her minor child"
"The right to be physically present at any health care facility ... at which their minor child is receiving hospital care"
"The right to consent in writing before a biometric scan of his or her minor child is made, shared, or stored"
HB 106 (2023)
Establishes a procedure for issuing "extreme risk protection orders" to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. An extreme risk protection order would restrict a person's access to firearms, and is also known as a "red flag law."
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 208 (2023)
Establishes greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for the state, to net zero by 2050. This bill also requires the Department of Environmental Services to develop a climate action plan by July 1, 2024, that includes evaluation of best available information, considers inclusion of strategies, programs and compliance mechanisms with measurable goals and targets, considers opportunities to encourage investment in low/moderate income, rural and minority communities, makes recommendations on retraining and apprenticeship opportunities, and coordinates with other state agencies.
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 523 (2023)
Increases the maximum electric generating capacity to participate in net energy metering, from one to five megawatts. This bill also modifies the transition of tariffs applicable to some customer-generators.
HB 557 (2023)
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.
HB 567 (2023)
Requires at least 30 days written notice for a rent increase. Large, multi-unit rental owners must provide at least 60 days notice. If the rent increase is over 15%, large multi-unit landlords must provide at least 6 months notice.
HB 57 (2023)
Gradually raises the minimum wage to $15 per hour over the next three years, with future adjustments based on the consumer price index. This bill also raises the tipped minimum wage from 45% to 50% of the regular minimum wage. Lastly, this bill allows a minimum wage of $8 per hour for youth under age 18 for the first six months of employment.
HB 59 (2023)
Requires commercial sales and transfers of firearms to take place through licensed dealers. Those dealers are required to perform background checks.
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 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"
Completed our 2022 State Candidate Survey
Position on Issues
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
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?
"We have not fully funded public education in the State of NH and until the State honors its constitutional commitment to fully fund public education, which will reduce local property taxes, there should be no new State funded education programs. Fund obligations first - this includes fully funding public education, Special Education mandates and other educational mandates as dictated by the NH Department of Education. Do not make Administrative Rules, programs or laws without fully funding them with a specific revenue source."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"This questionnaire seems to focus a lot upon banning ideas and actions. In the case of abortion, this is none of the government's business. This is a medical decision made by a woman in consultation with her doctor. It may also be a religious decision, again, not the Government's concern. The role of government is not to restrict an individual's access to medical care. This is a personal health decision."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"This questionnaire seems to focus a lot upon banning ideas and actions. In the case of abortion, this is none of the government's business. This is a medical decision made by a woman in consultation with her doctor. It may also be a religious decision, again, not the Government's concern. The role of government is not to restrict an individual's access to medical care. This is a personal health decision."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?
"Sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3 is not required by NH State law in RSA 186:10 and 11. Health curriculum in the State of NH focuses upon age appropriate issues. At this age, hygiene is a major focus. There is an 'opt out' option for any parent who does not wish their child to participate in health education. I hope the schools will continue to be a safe place for children to discuss their feelings and that parents will feel comfortable expressing their thoughts with teachers and teachers with parents. Banning discussions does not mean issues no longer exist. Parents, teachers and children need to have an safe environment where all concerns are heard and respected."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the state law that bans teaching certain concepts, such as the idea that people may be "inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously"?
"Freedom includes the freedom to express all ideas. The minute we begin banning ideas, we begin restricting people's freedom of speech and expression. A Democracy allows the freedom of expression which is what makes democracies unique from other forms of government. It is important to debate all sides of an issue to come to an understanding or a belief that is your own. Parents have the responsibility to teach their beliefs at home. If we ban certain topics at school, what is next? Banning discussion at home?"
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire add a tax credit for businesses that contribute to student loan repayment for employees?
"On the surface, this sounds like a great idea. However, when a business receives a credit, this is a reduction in the taxes it pays to the State, and therefore, a reduction in state revenue. What would the cost of this program be and how many businesses and employees might take advantage of this program. Should there be a limit to the total amount of credit each business requests?"
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"In lowering any tax, there is an impact on state revenues. The belief, in regards to lowering business taxes is that there is a positive trickle down effect. This is not necessarily true - the cigarette tax is an example of that. As a State, we have taxed rooms & meals at a higher rate, then lowered the rate out of concern for tourists. We need a clear policy and goal for taxation with projected impacts and returns."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"We can be proactive or we can be reactive. I prefer to be proactive. The climate is changing and we can do our part to make a difference. Alternative energy sources help provide new industries and jobs in our state along with having a positive impact upon the climate."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
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?
"Why would we want to deny anyone their constitutional right to vote? I could see where this might make the result of elections very long and drawn out waiting for documents and appeals of the process. What if the individual lacks 'identifying' documents either because they do not have them or have access to them or cannot afford to get them. Would we have the legal right to throw out someone's vote? Is this a solution searching for a problem?"
Undecided| Read My Position
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?
"This is an equity issue. People with gas propelled vehicles pay more in gas tax than people with hybrid or all electric vehicles. Overall, road tax revenues to maintain the roads have declined as vehicles have become more efficient. If the plan is to have all vehicles which use the road contribute to the cost of maintaining the roads, then there must be some way to capture that 'lost' revenue with an electric vehicle. Perhaps this could be done annually, when the vehicle is registered based upon annual mileage. Another fee for Town Clerks to manage, however, if we do nothing, the state, cities and towns will have less and less road revenue to maintain more new and more aging infrastructure."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"NH's gun laws are some of the least restrictive in the country. We don't require a permit to carry a concealed, loaded gun or to open carry. There are no magazine restrictions.You can build your own firearms. We have 'Stand Your Ground' and Castle Doctrine. However, surprisingly, pepper spray is illegal to purchase, use or carry. If we truly believe that all gun tragedies are the result of mental health issues, than we need to close the loopholes in background checks and create a better system to check backgrounds. This includes implementing a red flag law."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"We need to explore this issue as well to make sure we are thorough and comprehensive in seeking alternatives to high property taxes. Small business owners already pay income taxes in the form of the Business Enterprise Tax, so we would be remiss to pretend we do not already have an income tax in NH."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?
"Voting should be made easy and accessible to engage as many voters as possible."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?
"NH legalized Marijuana for medical use and decriminalized having small quantities.Every year there are a number of bills presented to legalize marijuana, but other than the aforementioned, they never pass. Part of the issue is enforcement and the cost of enforcement. The Law Enforcement community has not been in favor of legalization."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"NH legalized Marijuana for medical use and decriminalized having small quantities.Every year there are a number of bills presented to legalize marijuana, but other than the aforementioned, they never pass. Part of the issue is enforcement and the cost of enforcement. The Law Enforcement community has not been in favor of legalization."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"NH legalized Marijuana for medical use and decriminalized having small quantities.Every year there are a number of bills presented to legalize marijuana, but other than the aforementioned, they never pass. Part of the issue is enforcement and the cost of enforcement. The Law Enforcement community has not been in favor of legalization."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"I ask you, how many businesses do you know who can hire anyone at the Federal Minimum wage? Even McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts are offering $14 and up for wages. We have always done things the NH way. We need to set a minimum wage which is appropriate for the businesses of our state. Currently, we have none, which means we defer to the Federal minimum. Time to set a NH Minimum Wage."
For| Read My Position
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?
"Local taxes have gone up due to the reduction in state revenue sharing. State Government should stop downshifting and honor its commitment to local governments. The initial intent of the revenue sharing statute, RSA 31-A, was to 'return a certain portion of the general revenues of the state to the cities and towns for their unrestricted use'. Revenue Sharing was suspended in 2010-2021. That was wrong. Local governments should be getting a 40% share of Rooms & Meals, but last year, we got about 23% after a high of 29%. That is wrong. State Government should stop balancing its budget on the backs of local taxpayers and honor its revenue obligations to towns and cities."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Do you support the gradual phase-out of the Interests and Dividends tax?
"What would the cost, in terms of revenues for the State, be for a phase out of Interests and Dividends? How many people does this tax currently impact and how many people benefit from the proceeds? Any time a revenue source is cut, another revenue source must be found. What would the alternative for this tax be?"
Against| Read My Position
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?
"The ability of each community to provide an education for its students should not be dependent upon the property value of the community. Communities with low property values end up having high local taxes and less funding for education, think Claremont or Berlin whereas communities with high property values have lower school taxes and are able to provide better facilities and opportunities, think New Castle or Moultonborough. Where you live should not define the type of education you receive in NH. All NH children deserve to have an equivalent education and each community should be taxed in an equivalent manner. It is time for the State to honor our state constitution and fund education."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire extend the renewable portfolio standard past 2025, requiring public utilities to obtain more than 25% of electricity from renewable energy sources?
"We have always been a state which has valued self-sufficiency. Moving to home grown, renewable energy sources is the NH way. Protecting our clean air and water is the NH way. Not being dependent upon others to provide our energy is a goal we should strive to achieve."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"This questionnaire seems to focus a lot upon banning ideas and actions. In the case of abortion, this is none of the government's business. This is a medical decision made by a woman in consultation with her doctor. It may also be a religious decision, again, not the Government's concern. The role of government is not to restrict an individual's access to medical care. This is a personal health decision."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"This questionnaire seems to focus a lot upon banning ideas and actions. In the case of abortion, this is none of the government's business. This is a medical decision made by a woman in consultation with her doctor. It may also be a religious decision, again, not the Government's concern. The role of government is not to restrict an individual's access to medical care. This is a personal health decision."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"Each side of an issue must be explored for it's pros and cons in order to come to a valid decision. We know that people are being taxed out of their houses. There needs to be an alternative to high property taxes. All possible solutions should be considered."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"I believe in local control. Each community in our state is different. Each community should have the training and tools to make the best planning and zoning decisions for their own community. The State should provide education and resources to train communities about zoning and planning, but the communities should each decide what is best for their community. Some communities will welcome more development, some will want to retain more open space. We need both."
