$100 Plus Mileage

Should NH redesign its state flag? Feb 11, 2025

The blue flag emblazoned with the New Hampshire state seal that currently flutters proudly above the State House could be in for a makeover—that is, if state legislators pass HB 210 or HB 176 this year. These bills look to redesign the official New Hampshire state flag. HB 210 would create a commission to study whether there should be a new flag, while HB 176 proposes a specific, new design featuring the Old Man of the Mountain.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

How to advocate for your cause through election season Sep 16, 2024

Election season is here, and it’s hard to turn on the TV or pull up a news site without being bombarded by messaging from candidates and interest groups. Still, if you have a cause you care deeply about, now is a great time to advance that cause by getting involved in the electoral process. In this article, we’ll explore some concrete steps you can take to do just that.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

Gone but not forgotten: these bills will probably come back in 2025 Jun 17, 2024

Summer vacation isn’t just for kids and teachers; the New Hampshire Legislature is also nearing its summer break. Most of the legislative action is over until the fall, when lawmakers will begin proposing a new round of bills. That makes now a good time to look back on some proposals that had a lot of buzz this year but didn’t make it to the finish line (Gov. Sununu’s desk). If the past is any sign of the future, this article won’t just be a retrospective, but a preview of coming attractions.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S4 E11: Should NH ban a credit card category for firearm purchases? Jun 03, 2024

As more of our world moves online, more policy debates center around how businesses collect and use our personal data. The debate over gun laws is no exception; this year the New Hampshire Legislature passed a bill blocking credit card companies from implementing a code for firearm purchases.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S4 E10: Should NH ban Chinese companies from buying land in the state? May 20, 2024

From the proposed TikTok ban to the infamous “Chinese spy balloon” that drifted across the United States last year, many American lawmakers have called for new laws defending against the threat of Chinese espionage. While much of this conversation has taken place at the federal level, Granite State legislators are considering a broad bill to prevent Chinese companies from buying land near U.S. military installations, farmland, critical infrastructure, and even restaurants and banks. The bill sailed through the Senate, but now state representatives have raised some red flags.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S4 E9: Should NH license music therapists? May 06, 2024

When facing a controversial issue, the New Hampshire Legislature can take years to work out a bill. Marijuana legalization, firearm background checks, Right-to-Work, and school funding are some of the most well-known multi-year debates. For the past four years legislators have been working on another issue you might have missed: whether the state should license music therapists.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

Bonus Episode: NH legislators take action on AI Apr 24, 2024

We have yet to fight time-traveling terminators, but artificial intelligence is still taking over. Chatbots are replacing customer service operators, generative AI is overtaking human stock photos, and students are letting ChatGPT do their homework. Until the federal government takes action, it’s up to state legislators to draw the line. Now the New Hampshire House and Senate are working on five bills that define the legal and illegal use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S4 E8: Should NH regulate the batteries in electric scooters and e-bikes? Apr 24, 2024

If you lived in an American city around 2021, you’ll likely remember how, all of a sudden, electric scooters seemed to be everywhere. Companies like Bird and Lime unleashed a fleet of scooters available for rent using a smartphone app, and many cities hosted shared e-bikes to help cut down on automotive traffic. Since then, the popularity of scooters and e-bikes for commuting has continued to grow. Some worry about the safety of these mobility devices however, since their rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if improperly built or cared for. Now, the New Hampshire Legislature is considering SB 365, a bill that prohibits sales of electric bicycles, scooters, and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, that have not been safety certified.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S4 E7: Do NH colleges and universities need a due process law? Apr 08, 2024

Many of the debates around campus sexual assault in New Hampshire have focused on protecting victims and punishing perpetrators, but state Rep. Bob Lynn (R-Windham) sees the issue through a different lens. He’s concerned about the rights of the accused. Now the New Hampshire House of Representatives is debating a bill that would require detailed due process rights for students, faculty, and student organizations accused of misconduct at public colleges and universities.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S4 E6: 2024’s Legislative Graveyard: bills that have been killed this year Mar 25, 2024

Every year, New Hampshire legislators consider around 1,000 bills. About two thirds of them don’t survive long enough to make it to the governor’s desk. There are plenty of reasons for this—lawmakers may feel the proposed law would have unintended consequences, or that the proposal needs to be given more thought, or there might just be a clash of party ideals. As we approach the halfway point of this legislative session, let’s pause to remember some of the bills that have been killed this year.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S4 E5: Should restaurants, bars face stiffer penalties for overserving alcohol? Mar 11, 2024

It’s not only illegal to drink and drive, it’s illegal for restaurants and bars to overserve alcohol. If a customer drives drunk and hurts someone, the business that served them may face a fine and a suspended alcohol license. To some victim advocates, however, these penalties do not go far enough. This year a New Hampshire family is working with legislators to raise the stakes for bars and restaurants overserving alcohol.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S4 E4: Should NH remove the right to treasure hunt with a metal detector on school grounds? Feb 26, 2024

New Hampshire takes its rights seriously—we are the “Live Free or Die State” after all. But here’s one right you probably didn’t know you had: the right to go treasure hunting with a metal detector on athletic fields and school grounds. That access may be in jeopardy however. This year, the New Hampshire Legislature is considering removing these areas from the list of allowed places to metal detect.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S4 E3: Should state law require libraries to grant access to children’s records? Feb 13, 2024

State law protects the privacy of library records, which means even the police need a court order to see what you’re reading. It also means that if a minor has their own library card, a parent does not have automatic access to their child’s checkouts. This year a state representative introduced a bill to open children’s records for parents, but questions remain about liability and the legal role of libraries.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

Citizens Count is a nonprofit serving the New Hampshire community by providing objective information about issues, elected officials, bills, elections, and candidates. These articles are being shared with partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org

S4 E2: Should NH limit coyote hunting to coincide with pup season? Feb 01, 2024

Coyotes have long been vilified in New Hampshire and across the country. Generations of farmers learned to despise these predators for ravaging livestock. New Hampshire hunters can target coyotes all year long with no bag limit. Advocates argue that the coyote’s bad reputation is unfair, however. This has led to HB 1100, a bill that would limit coyote hunting to protect pup rearing season.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

Citizens Count is a nonprofit serving the New Hampshire community by providing objective information about issues, elected officials, bills, elections, and candidates. These articles are being shared with partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org

S4 E1: Should NH ban bots and regulate ticket resales? Jan 16, 2024

If you bought tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour last year, you probably battled bots on Ticketmaster or paid a reseller thousands over face value. Bots and scalpers don’t just impact international popstars, however; artists, venues, and fans in New Hampshire are getting scammed. Now the New Hampshire Legislature is considering how – and if – the state can fight back.

On January 16 the Senate Commerce Committee will host a public hearing on SB 328, a bill that takes on deceptive ticket sales.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S3 E12: Putting a face to the name: New Hampshire proclaims new observances, names new bridges, and more Jul 03, 2023

Every year, New Hampshire legislators consider a host of bills establishing commemorative days and naming bridges and highways after various notables. It’s easy to overlook these bills as the product of legislative “sausage making,” but they say a great deal about how New Hampshire—by way of its legislators—sees itself. Let’s take a look at some of this year’s “naming” bills and where they’ve ended up.

S3 E11: New law will allow EMTs to help K-9s Jun 19, 2023

The New Hampshire Legislature recently passed a bill that will allow emergency services personnel to treat and transport police dogs.

This new law is inspired by the story of Nero, a Massachusetts K-9 that was shot in the face while serving an arrest warrant in Barnstable in 2018. While there were multiple ambulances on site, none could legally help or transport Nero. A senior law enforcement officer made the decision to place Nero in the back seat of his cruiser and find a vet. During the ride a doctor from the SWAT team intubated Nero with a drinking straw. Nero survived that day, although his injuries forced an early retirement.

Sargent Sean Gannon, Nero’s handler, did not survive. The same man who shot Nero took Sgt. Gannon’s life.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University

S3 E10: Should NH require rear-facing car seats for children under 2 years old? Jun 02, 2023

New Hampshire state law doesn’t require adults to wear seat belts, but the law is not so laissez-faire when it comes to infants. Passengers under age seven must be fastened by a child restraint system (e.g. a car seat) with specific rules spelled out by the federal government. Now, the Legislature is set to vote on SB 118, a bill that would require rear-facing car seats for children less than two years old

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University

S3 E9: Should NH mandate solid playground paths for wheelchairs? May 22, 2023

According to some Granite Staters, new playgrounds are failing to provide access for children with disabilities. Now the state legislature is considering a bill that would require solid, rubber-like materials for playground pathways.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S3 E8: Should New Hampshire lessen the penalty for driving without a driver’s license? May 05, 2023

There are a variety of reasons someone might break the law by driving without a valid driver’s license—they let it expire, or their family couldn’t afford drivers’ education courses, for example. If someone drives without a license because they can’t pass a safety test, however, it puts everyone on the road at risk. A 2015 law introduced stricter penalties for those who drive without a license. Now New Hampshire is considering HB 201, a bill to roll back some of those changes.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S3 E7: Should NH remove the requirement for schools to offer free period products in bathrooms? Apr 20, 2023

This year there has been a lot of attention on school policies related to sex and gender, but not every bill has received the same scrutiny. One bill, HB 129, would ease the state requirements for schools to provide free pads and tampons in bathrooms. The bill received almost no attention in the House of Representatives but may hit some roadblocks in the Senate.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S3 E6: Should NH make it a misdemeanor to intentionally make false reports of child abuse and neglect? Apr 10, 2023

Sometimes, reporting instances of child abuse can mean the difference between life and death for children in troubled homes. But what about when someone makes a report of child abuse in bad faith? For example, what if a relative falsely reports that a family member is abusing or neglecting their children, simply to humiliate them? A bill before the New Hampshire Legislature would seek to punish such bad faith reports.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S3 E5: Should electric vehicle owners pay an annual fee to offset lost gas tax revenue? Mar 24, 2023

Over the past two years President Biden has championed transportation upgrades, from bridge repairs to electric vehicle tax credits. While federal funds for these initiatives will have a big impact on New Hampshire, they don’t address an underlying problem: New Hampshire relies on the gas tax to fund its transportation infrastructure, and those dollars are slowly dwindling. To help bridge the gap, the New Hampshire Legislature is considering a new fee structure for electric cars.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S3 E4: Should NH allow students to test out of the requirement to attend high school? Mar 14, 2023

As tuition costs continue to rise, many have questioned whether college is worth the time and money it takes to get a degree. Many students who might otherwise have pursued a bachelor’s degree are finding it more attractive to begin working and building their careers right out of high school. A somewhat similar debate that has gotten far less buzz—whether high school is really necessary—is now taking place in New Hampshire thanks to HB 399.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S3 E3: Does NH need to license massage establishments? Feb 27, 2023

For several years the New Hampshire Legislature has considered bills to license massage establishments, similar to how the state licenses nail salons and barbershops. At first glance this seems like many other licensing debates, with tension between public health and government overreach. A deeper look uncovers an ongoing discussion over how to fight human trafficking in the Granite State.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S3 E2: Should NH exempt domestic abuse victims from wiretapping law? Feb 27, 2023

Part of what makes the study of public policy so fascinating is how even the most admirable proposals can warrant deeper scrutiny. A great example of this is found in HB 143, a bill before the NH House of Representatives that would allow domestic violence victims to secretly record their abusers without running afoul of the state’s wiretapping law.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University

S3 E1: Legislators call “Mulligan!” on bills from last year Jan 27, 2023

New Hampshire legislators are sponsoring roughly 850 bills this year, but dozens of those are repeats from previous years. Sometimes legislators refine a bill based on feedback, but sometimes the bill text is identical. Here are three hot debates that will get a do-over in 2023.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

Bonus Episode: Every Vote Matters Oct 28, 2022

You may not feel like you have a lot of power as a voter, but in New Hampshire every vote really does count. If you’re on the fence about visiting the polls this November, here’s proof of the power of one vote.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

Bonus episode- How to Research your Candidates Sep 02, 2022

If you wish to be a more informed voter, you’ll want to research your candidates thoroughly before you vote. While they may be running as Democrats or Republicans, there are self-proclaimed anarchists, secessionists, pacifists, socialists, scientists, massage therapists, chicken farmers, hometown heroes, and recent arrestees all on the ballot this year.

It isn’t always easy to be an informed voter, however; especially with state and local offices, there is often very little information available about candidates. That said, we’re here to help you find the information you need in order to vote confidently. Citizens Count is a nonprofit dedicated to providing unbiased information about New Hampshire issues and candidates. We survey and profile the roughly 1,000 candidates for state and federal office in the Granite State every election year. Here’s our guide for researching your candidates.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

Bonus Episode: Should NH allow towns to borrow money to build broadband infrastructure anywhere, not just in “unserved” areas? Jul 18, 2022

In recent decades, access to high-speed internet has become an increasingly important issue for many rural towns in New Hampshire. In the wake of COVID lockdowns and the resulting shift toward remote work, the topic is more relevant today than ever. Still, despite the demand, creating the infrastructure needed to connect far flung towns comes with significant costs. In this article, we’ll examine the potential solution of “municipal broadband” as well as a recent proposal—SB 247—to implement it.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2; E23 Season Finale: Top issues for Granite Staters heading into 2022 elections Jun 03, 2022

Every election year the nonpartisan, nonprofit Citizens Count surveys and profiles the roughly 900 candidates for state and federal office in New Hampshire, from state representative through U.S. senator. When Citizens Count staff choose which issues to ask about on our candidate surveys – and how to phrase the questions – we know we are sending a message about the most important issues facing New Hampshire. Our survey drafting process therefore includes input from various policy advocates, stakeholders, and the general public. According to the 110 individuals who responded to Citizens Count’s request for input, here are the top five issues Granite Staters want candidates to address in 2022.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E22 Should NH law require police body cameras? May 27, 2022

The New Hampshire Legislature is done voting on new bills in 2022, but some committees will meet in June to discuss whether certain bills should come back next year. One of these bills, HB 253, would require all police officers to wear body cameras.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E 21 Should NH allow teens to work more hours during the school week? May 24, 2022

New Hampshire law places restrictions on the hours that minors can work a job while school is in session. The law, intended to make sure young people have time to focus on their education, could be significantly pared back if the governor signs SB 345. The debate has folks on both sides fired up, between business owners desperate for more help and those who say it puts business before education.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E20 A recent history of redistricting in NH May 13, 2022

Every ten years officials must redraw voting districts to reflect population changes, according to the U.S. Census. Right now New Hampshire’s redistricting process is held up at multiple levels, with the governor and Legislature at odds and lawsuits before the state Supreme Court. New Hampshire candidates are scheduled to file their first campaign paperwork in June, so the clock is ticking to finalize new voting districts. Will the governor and legislators agree on redistricted maps that meet constitutional muster, or will the courts step in? If the courts act, will they keep current maps in place for now or will they draw completely new maps? Whatever the decision, it will have a big impact on who represents you. Looking back at the last three rounds of redistricting in New Hampshire provides some examples of how this year’s redistricting might play out.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E19 Should NH institute a “housing champion certification program” to incentivize municipalities to develop workforce housing? May 06, 2022

It’s hard to think of a New Hampshire issue that impacts more people than the housing shortage. Whether you are a renter or you own your own home, the limited availability of housing in New Hampshire likely affects your finances directly or indirectly. As housing costs increase, the need for workforce housing in particular has come into focus. This year, the Legislature considered a large piece of legislation, SB 400, meant to address the problem. The bill, which was championed by Gov. Sununu, contained a slew of programs and incentives aimed at increasing the supply of workforce housing. The House tabled the bill on May 5, which means the bill is unlikely to pass this year. Still, many of the policies contained in SB 400 are repeats from previous years and might find their way into final bill negotiations. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on one of the more contentious parts of SB 400: the “Housing Champion Certification Program.”

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S 2; E18 Who should have the power to open roads to OHRVs: local officials or full town meetings? May 02, 2022

In recent years New Hampshire’s Coos County has transformed into a mecca for off highway recreational vehicles (OHRVs). In addition to hosting a long system of trails, many North Country towns allow OHRVs to travel on regular roads. While this may have boosted roadside business, it has also increased conflict with town residents. In 2021 the Fish and Game Department announced it was so overwhelmed with calls, it would no longer respond to complaints about OHRVs on town roads; those calls would be left to local police. Now the New Hampshire Legislature is debating whether state law should require a full town meeting vote to open or close a road to OHRVs.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University

S2 E 17 Should NH allow scuba divers to catch lobsters? Apr 22, 2022

The waters off the New Hampshire coast boast an abundant lobster population which has made the Granite State home to some of New England’s best seafood restaurants. For some, nothing says “summer” quite like a lobster roll. A bill before the New Hampshire Legislature would make it legal for scuba divers to catch lobsters recreationally by issuing a special license. However, some worry the legislation could have unintended consequences for the environment and the commercial lobster industry.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E16: Should NH repeal a law requiring embalming? Apr 15, 2022

For millennia humans have used different methods to preserve the deceased, from Egyptian mummification to modern embalming. While embalming is common in the United States, there is growing interest in “green burials” and other alternative body dispositions that reject embalming. Now the New Hampshire Legislature is deciding whether to repeal a law on the books that requires embalming in some circumstances.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2E15 - Should NH prohibit the sale of cosmetic products tested on animals? Apr 08, 2022

In 2018, California passed the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, which banned the sale of animal-tested cosmetics. Since then, eight other states have followed suit, including Maine, as well as 41 foreign countries. Now, New Hampshire is considering SB 202, a bill that would ban cosmetics manufacturers who employ animal testing from selling their products in the Granite State. Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative, and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E14 Does NH need to do more to get lead out of school water? Apr 04, 2022

In recent years Granite Staters have seen many headlines about PFAS in water, but there is an older contaminant still lurking in New Hampshire’s plumbing: lead. Four years ago New Hampshire passed a law aimed at fighting lead poisoning in homes, daycares, and schools. Now legislators are debating whether the testing requirements do enough to protect children from lead in school water.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2E13 Should NH crack down on roadside memorials? Mar 25, 2022

You’ve seen them as you drive down the highway: wooden crosses or other homemade monuments on the side of the road memorializing someone who passed away in a car accident. These memorials occupy a legal gray zone in New Hampshire, but that hasn’t stopped them from becoming commonplace and increasingly ornate. A bill in the Legislature would crack down on roadside memorials and direct Department of Transportation workers to dispose of them 90 days after the incident.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2E12: Does NH need a law on game cameras to protect privacy, “fair chase” hunting? Mar 18, 2022

From spotting prize bucks to capturing porch pirates, cameras have become an increasingly popular tool for hunters and everyday homeowners. However, some wildlife protectors argue live cameras are unethical, while privacy advocates are leery of hunters surveilling private property. Earlier this year the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed a bill to add regulations on how hunters can use game cameras. The next step is a public hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E11 Should NH prohibit discrimination against renters with housing vouchers? Mar 12, 2022

This month, the New Hampshire House of Representatives will vote on a measure prohibiting landlords from discriminating against renters who use Section 8 housing vouchers. While the bill got a thumbs-down from the committee that worked on it, the House could still decide to pass it anyway. If the legislation becomes law, it could have a big impact on New Hampshire’s low-income renters and landlords.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E10 Should NH create an easier process outside the courts for right-to-know complaints? Mar 04, 2022

The New Hampshire Constitution guarantees a right to access government records and the state’s right-to-know law puts this right into practice. If an official blocks access, however, a citizen has to file a lawsuit to resolve the complaint. This year the Legislature is considering a new way to handle right-to-know complaints: the Right-to-Know Ombudsman.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E9 Should NH voters be allowed to wear political clothing at polling places? Feb 28, 2022

New Hampshire law forbids wearing political clothing at polling places. Hats, t-shirts, or other garments that advocate for or against any candidate, political party, or measure being voted on are prohibited. Now legislators are considering repealing that ban, allowing voters to wear articles of clothing advertising their political beliefs. Some worry this could have unintended consequences, however.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E8: Should NH bar employers from using credit history in employment decisions? Feb 17, 2022

In the coming weeks the New Hampshire House of Representatives will vote on HB 1385, a bill that aims to prohibit employers from using credit history in employment decisions. This is not the first time the New Hampshire Legislature has voted on this idea; similar bills got a vote in 2020, 2019, 2017, 2015, and 2014. Each year, opponents argued that employers should be able to use credit history as a measure of a person’s responsibility. Advocates argue the practice unjustly locks low-income residents into a cycle of debt.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E7: Should NH increase the fine for littering? Feb 17, 2022

Chances are, you can’t drive down any street in your neighborhood without being confronted by this issue: litter. New Hampshire is famously picturesque, but it seems many are intent on changing that given the number of discarded cans and fast food bags strewn along our roadsides. Now, some legislators in Concord say it’s time to increase the penalties for littering, and they’ve introduced two bills to do just that: HB 1461 and HB 1571. Still, some say the legislation goes too far.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2 E6: Should parents be allowed to teach driver education? Feb 08, 2022

During the COVID-19 emergency Gov. Sununu allowed parts of driver education to take place online or with a parent. Those adjustments ended along with the state of emergency, but some legislators believe the allowances should go even further. Ten state legislators are sponsoring a bill that would let parents provide all of driver education instead of enrolling their teen in an approved course.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

S2, Episode 5: Should NH adopt ranked-choice voting? Feb 01, 2022

You walk into the voting booth with a conundrum on your mind: the electoral field is crowded and your first-choice candidate might not win. You worry that by voting for your first-choice candidate, you will help split the vote and your least favorite candidate will benefit. This year, New Hampshire legislators are considering a switch to ranked-choice voting to help address this issue.

In fact, the New Hampshire Legislature is considering three different pieces of legislation that would institute ranked-choice voting in one form or another.

Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage.

This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, The Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.

Season 2 Episode 4: A tale of “Crookies and Cream”: Should NH allow raw milk ice cream? Jan 21, 2022

It’s legal to sell raw, unpasteurized milk in New Hampshire, but if you put that milk in an ice bucket and churn it you just might find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

The sale of raw milk ice cream may seem inconsequential, but this is the third year in a row that the state Legislature is debating whether it should be legal.

Hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar of Citizens Count will break it down in this week's episode of $100 Plus Mileage.

This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, The Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication at Franklin Pierce University.

Season 2 Episode 3 Should NH ban cat declawing? Jan 17, 2022

Anyone who has ever owned a cat knows they can be moody creatures—accepting a gentle pat one minute, thrashing their claws at you the next. To avoid this, some cat owners take their cats to the vet to have their claws removed, but animal rights advocates deeply oppose this practice. This year, the Legislature will consider HB 1226, which would ban cat declawing. The surgery would become a misdemeanor; there would, however, be an exception to the ban if there was a medical reason for declawing the cat.

Hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar of Citizens Count will break it down in this week's episode of $100 Plus Mileage.

This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, The Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication at Franklin Pierce University.

$100 Plus Mileage Season 2 Episode 2 What would it look like if NH seceded? Jan 10, 2022

For many years a group of Libertarians in New Hampshire have advocated for the Granite State to secede from the nation. This year the Legislature will formally debate the issue. Democrats and Republican leaders have condemned the idea of secession, but if 2020 and 2021 have taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. This article breaks down the mechanics and consequences of the unlikely proposal to form the nation of New Hampshire.

$100 Plus Mileage S 2; E1 NH House comes back with a bang: big bill votes in January Dec 29, 2021

Welcome back to $100 Plus Mileage, the podcast about New Hampshire legislation that might not make the news but still could impact you. Last year we talked about everything from home distilling to delivery robots. With the legislature coming back in session in 2022, we’re coming back for a second season, too. Each week we’ll highlight one of the roughly 1,000 bills making its way through the New Hampshire Legislature, give you the unbiased facts, pros, and cons, and tell you about how to make your voice heard and get involved in the New Hampshire democratic process. This week, we'll dive into some of the big bills already being discussed in NH's legislature.

$100 Plus Mileage Teaser Dec 29, 2021

Welcome to $100 Plus Mileage, the podcast about the New Hampshire policymaking process, covering everything from delivery robots to historic horse racing. Each week we highlight one of the roughly 1,000 bills making its way through the New Hampshire Legislature, give you the unbiased facts, pros, and cons, and tell you about how to get involved. Listen now to get a preview of some of the topics we'll dig into for Season 2 beginning in January 2022.

Ep. 23 Citizen Bills Sep 16, 2021

Welcome to $100 Plus Mileage, the podcast about the New Hampshire policymaking process, covering everything from delivery robots to historic horse racing. Each week we highlight one of the roughly 1,000 bills making its way through the New Hampshire Legislature, give you the unbiased facts, pros, and cons, and tell you about how to get involved. We’ve taken a break this summer, just like the legislature, but now that legislators are gathering for meetings again, we’re back for a special episode about the bill-making process.

Ep. 22 Constitution Day Sep 16, 2021

Welcome to $100 Plus Mileage, the podcast about the New Hampshire policymaking process, covering everything from facial recognition software to hobby distilling. Usually on this podcast we highlight current bills making their way through the New Hampshire Legislature, but this episode we’re honoring Constitution Day by talking about the process to amend the New Hampshire Constitution – which, it turns out, starts out very similarly to a regular bill.

Season 1 Finale Jun 27, 2021

While the House and Senate wrapped up their legislative session on June 24, close to 200 bills are still “retained in committee” in the House of Representatives. Committees will have a chance to work on these bills over the summer and fall, before the legislature reconvenes in January.

Sometimes committees retain legislation as a polite way to kill bill or make way for an alternate proposal. Other bills retained in committee get significant work and emerge as flagship legislation the next year.

This article highlights some of the notable bills retained in committee this summer.

Is NH ready for the delivery robot revolution? Jun 20, 2021

New Hampshire legislators have a habit of looking to the future with bills to legalize flying cars or autonomous vehicles. HB 116 is another such bill that looks toward the not-to-distant future; it regulates how delivery robots would be allowed to operate in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Holidays Jun 13, 2021

Two years ago New Hampshire recognized Juneteenth in state law. This year June 19 falls on a Saturday, which means many of us will have the day off to celebrate. Any other year, though, public schools and state offices would still be open. That’s because Juneteenth is not an official state holiday – and if it was, history suggests there would have been a lot more debate about whether to recognize it.

NH futurists take note: weather experiments now require public input Jun 06, 2021

It sounds like the plot of a science fiction movie—state agencies attempting to modify the weather. Still, HB 128, a bill that requires public notice before a state agency attempts to modify the weather, is anything but fiction; in fact, it was just signed into law by Gov. Sununu.

Should NH give Granite Staters more time to file PFAS lawsuits? May 30, 2021

PFAS may be called “forever chemicals” but you only have three years to file a lawsuit after discovering you were harmed by PFAS. A bill in the New Hampshire Legislature would double that time limit, potentially opening the door to more PFAS-related claims.

Should law enforcement be prohibited from disseminating post-arrest photos except in limited circumstances? May 23, 2021

Whether it’s on the TV news or your local police department’s Facebook page, we all know what a “mug shot” looks like; it’s the photo that’s taken of someone after they are arrested. But just because someone has been arrested doesn’t mean they have been convicted of a crime, so some feel it is unfair to release these embarrassing post-arrest photos where potential employers and others can see them. HB 125, a bill being considered by the New Hampshire Legislature, would prohibit law enforcement officers from publicly disseminating these post-arrest photos with limited exceptions.

Should NH add de-escalation and implicit bias training for police to state law? May 16, 2021

Earlier this year the New Hampshire Senate unanimously passed SB 114, a bill to require law enforcement officers to complete training on de-escalation, ethics, implicit bias, and cultural diversity. The bill mirrors action from the Police Standards and Training Council to voluntarily add this training. Now that SB 114 is in the House of Representatives, some legislators argue a state law is unnecessary.

Should New Hampshire allow patients to grow their own medical marijuana? May 09, 2021

Medical marijuana is legal in New Hampshire, but patients have to buy their therapeutic cannabis at one of a handful of Alternative Treatment Centers. Now, legislators are considering allowing patients to grow their own marijuana at home.

Should NH update its Fair Housing Law for federal funding? May 02, 2021

While many Granite State homebuyers and renters are being priced out of the market, some face a more surreptitious barrier to housing: discrimination.

In March the New Hampshire Senate voted unanimously to revise the state Fair Housing Law through SB 126. The bill is intended to win federal funding for housing discrimination investigations. However, SB 126 could meet resistance in the state House of Representatives, where some legislators look suspiciously on federal government ties.

Should NH freeze the tipped minimum wage if Congress raises the federal minimum wage? Apr 25, 2021

If the federal government raises the minimum wage, New Hampshire employers will have to match that minimum. Tipped employees, however, are treated differently under state and federal law. Now lawmakers in Concord are considering a bill to insulate the tipped wage from federal increases.

Should NH ban landfills within 2 miles of state parks? Apr 18, 2021

A landfill proposal in northern New Hampshire is kicking up dust in the state Legislature, with some lawmakers supporting a bill to ban landfills near state parks. Nobody likes to imagine a pile of trash next to scenic lake, but lawmakers are also concerned about shrinking landfill capacity and state interference in local zoning laws.

Should NH legalize historic horse racing? Apr 11, 2021

There’s been a lot of talk about gambling in New Hampshire in recent years, from sports betting to Keno and proposed casinos. Recently, historic horse racing has gained traction, and this year there are several proposals to legalize this form of gambling.

Should NH add legal protections for “displaying” a firearm? Apr 04, 2021

While the national debate over gun control heats up, one New Hampshire bill examines the legal area before any shots are fired. HB 195 would shield “displaying a firearm” from the state’s reckless conduct law. Bill supporters argue this will protect gunowners who show a firearm to stop a crime before it happens. Opponents worry HB 195 will empower gunowners to terrorize people during conflicts.

Do NH students need protection from school lunch debt policies? Mar 28, 2021

Being a kid can be hard enough as it is—add on top of that being made to feel stigmatized for having unpaid school lunch debt and it can be even harder. That’s the motivation behind HB 202, a bill up for debate in the NH Legislature this year.

Should private hunting preserves pay more taxes if they keep invasive species? Mar 21, 2021

The state House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that could increase property taxes for private hunting preserves in the Granite State. The bill has not received a lot of attention, but it ties together the diverse challenges of invasive species, property tax rates, open space preservation, funding for the Fish and Game Department, and even the Laurie List of cops with credibility issues.

Elk Bugling CREDIT: NPS/Jennifer Jerrett https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=11F0225E-155D-451F-678E6266AD8326F7

Facial Recognition Mar 14, 2021

The same technology that allows you to open your phone simply by looking at it can be used by governments to track people as they go about their lives in public. Pretty creepy. But there’s legislation in the NH House to do something about this. A New Hampshire bill up for debate this year—HB 499— would set limits on how this kind of technology can be used in the Granite State. There are some important caveats to that, though. Citizens Count Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar will break it all down in this episode.

Should NH make “cyberflashing” a crime? Mar 08, 2021

As the coronavirus pandemic has moved daily life into the virtual world, crime has followed. We now have words like “zoombombing” and “cyberflashing” to describe new forms of online harassment. This year the New Hampshire Legislature is considering a bill that would criminalize some of these behaviors.

Should NH open the door for microblading at beauty salons? Feb 27, 2021

Big brows are in, and unless you are blessed with Brooke Shields’ genes, you may have considered eyebrow microblading. The procedure takes more than a trip to your local beauty salon in New Hampshire, however – only tattoo artists can legally microblade. The New Hampshire Legislature is considering a bill to change that.

Should NH require towns to allow tiny houses? Feb 20, 2021

The New Hampshire House is considering a bill that would require towns to allow “tiny houses” alongside single-family homes.

Supporters envision a future where tiny house aficionados flock to New Hampshire, bolstering our workforce. Opponents are concerned about the erosion of local control and property values.

Should NH allow hobby distilling of liquor? Feb 14, 2021

Many Granite Staters have tried brewing their own beer or making wine at home. It’s fun, tasty, and less expensive than buying from a brewery or vineyard. A natural progression for these backyard brew masters might be to “graduate” to making hard liquor like whiskey or brandy, but this is where it gets more complicated. You can’t distill your own liquor at home the way you can with beer or wine—but there’s a bill before the Legislature, HB 416, to change that.

Should towns be allowed to process absentee ballots early? Feb 14, 2021

In the midst of the debate over absentee voting, there is one detail that has not gotten as much attention: the timing of counting absentee ballots. Timing may seem like a small administrative issue, but it can have a big impact on how people perceive the legitimacy of election results.

This year two New Hampshire bills – HB 61 and SB 47 – would allow early processing of absentee ballots as part of larger plans to expand absentee voting. Two other election-related bills, SB 83 and SB 89, would also allow early processing of absentee ballots.

Bonus Episode: What's in a Name? Feb 13, 2021

Have you ever worked a job that only paid $100 plus mileage?
Well, New Hampshire legislators do. In this bonus episode Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar of Citizens Count explain what's in name and a long-standing New Hampshire policy debate.

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