What Key Issues Will NH’s 2025 GOP-Led Session Tackle?

December 27, 2024

The upcoming 2025 legislative session in New Hampshire is set to address several significant policy areas under Republican governance. With the GOP holding the governorship, state Senate, House of Representatives, and controlling the Executive Council, Republican priorities are expected to dominate the legislative agenda. However, this dominance is likely to bring to the fore intra-party disagreements, particularly on contentious subjects such as abortion policy and tax reforms. As the session approaches, lawmakers are gearing up for intense debates on these and other crucial matters that will shape the state’s future.

Tax Policy and Business Tax Cuts

A critical area of focus for New Hampshire lawmakers in 2025 is tax policy, specifically business tax cuts. Leading Republicans in the New Hampshire House are advocating for further reductions in the Business Enterprise Tax (BET), despite business tax revenue falling short of projections by approximately 15%, equating to around a $60 million shortfall. The proposed bill aims to lower the BET rate from 0.55% to 0.5%. Rep. Joe Sweeney, a key proponent of the bill, argues that reducing the BET will decrease the overall cost of doing business in the state, driving economic growth.

In addition to the BET reduction, House Majority Leader Jason Osborne supports a separate initiative to repeal a tax on telephone communication, currently generating $30 million annually. These proposals are expected to be central to budget discussions as lawmakers work on the next state budget. The focus on business tax cuts is seen as a move to make New Hampshire a more attractive place for businesses to operate, potentially stimulating job creation and economic development across the state.

Housing Policies

Addressing New Hampshire’s housing crunch is another significant focus for the legislature. Several bills aim to increase housing availability, particularly for low and middle-income residents. One notable proposal seeks to establish clear rights for property owners to build more housing, especially accessory dwelling units (ADUs). ADUs are small standalone or in-law apartments that can be constructed on single-family home properties. Currently, homeowners can build attached ADUs if their lot is at least a half-acre. The proposed legislation would expand these rights to allow detached ADUs up to 950 square feet, enhancing property owners’ rights and providing more housing options.

Rep. Joe Alexander, Chairman of the Housing Committee, is also working on other measures to promote the development of manufactured housing and encourage the construction of starter homes, which have become scarce in many regions across the state. Faced with rising housing costs and a limited supply of affordable homes, these initiatives are designed to alleviate the housing crisis and ensure that more New Hampshire residents have access to suitable and affordable housing options.

Tenant and Landlord Rights

Lawmakers will also scrutinize tenant and landlord rights, considering changes that affect eviction processes. One proposal, championed by Republican Rep. Bob Lynn, would permit landlords to evict tenants at the end of a lease term without needing to show good cause. Currently, landlords must provide a valid reason, such as non-payment of rent, to evict a tenant after a lease expires. Lynn argues that allowing a lease’s natural end to justify eviction aligns with common sense, given that tenants can terminate their leases without cause.

Another proposed bill seeks to extend the notice period that landlords must give month-to-month tenants before eviction. The current law mandates a 30-day notice, while the proposed change would extend this period to 60 days, providing tenants with more time to find alternative housing. These proposed changes are poised to ignite discussions about the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, as well as the broader implications for housing stability and tenant protections in New Hampshire.

Abortion Policy

Abortion policy is anticipated to be a contentious issue, testing Gov.-elect Kelly Ayotte’s campaign promise to oppose further restrictions on abortion. State law currently permits abortions during the first six months of pregnancy for any reason, and after that only in cases where the fetus has a fatal anomaly or the mother’s health is at risk. Proposed bills include criminalizing the act of transporting a minor for an abortion without parental consent and mandating that students learn about abortions and their alternatives in sex education classes.

Ayotte has stated unequivocally that she will veto any legislation that imposes more restrictive abortion measures. Despite her stance, some Republican-backed proposals may still make it to her desk, potentially leading to significant political and public debate. The discussions around abortion policy are expected to be charged and deeply polarizing, reflecting the diverse opinions and values held by New Hampshire’s residents and lawmakers alike.

Gender-Affirming Care

Gender-affirming care for transgender youth is another area under scrutiny. Lawmakers are set to consider further restrictions on such care for minors, including access to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-affirming chest surgeries. This follows a 2024 decision to ban gender-affirming genital surgeries for minors, reflecting ongoing legislative debates over the rights of transgender youth.

The nation’s major medical organizations advocate for access to gender-affirming care, viewing it as crucial support for trans youth. However, some GOP lawmakers question the appropriateness of these treatments for minors, sparking concerns among those who rely on this care. For individuals like Linds Jakows of 603 Equality, the potential for increased restrictions is alarming, leading some to consider relocating to more supportive states such as Massachusetts or Maine.

Conclusion

The upcoming 2025 legislative session in New Hampshire is set to tackle several key policy areas under Republican governance. With the GOP maintaining control over the governorship, state Senate, House of Representatives, and the Executive Council, Republican priorities are expected to dominate the legislative agenda. This political landscape, however, is likely to highlight intra-party disagreements, particularly on contentious issues like abortion policy and tax reforms. Lawmakers within the GOP may find themselves divided on how to approach these matters, leading to intense internal debates.

In addition to abortion policy and tax reforms, other important topics will be on the table. These include health care access, education funding, and environmental regulations. With significant impacts on the state’s residents, these discussions will not only shape public policy but also influence future elections.

As the session gears up, stakeholders across New Hampshire are preparing for a legislative term that promises dynamic discussions and pivotal decisions. The outcome of this session will be instrumental in determining the state’s direction for years to come.

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