Committee Summary for Committee of Conference on SB 96, SB 87, SB 210, SB 206 (06/17/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB96 00:02:46.400 - 8:31:37 AM	Committee of Conference	(New Title) relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents and relative to enforcement of parental rights against school districts and school employees.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB87 03:02:25.439 - 11:31:16 AM	Committee of Conference	relative to one day liquor license requirements and making salons and barber shops eligible for on-premise licenses.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB210 03:30:43.520 - 11:59:34 AM	Committee of Conference	(Second New Title) relative to bullying and cyberbullying prevention and relative to allowing parents to send their children to any school district they choose.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025

SB96: Senate Prime Sponsor Information Only00:02:46.400 - 8:31:37 AM; The Senate prime sponsor opens the Committee of Conference on SB96 and presents a drafted amendment to address issues with the House amended version. He highlights problems in the violation sections on page two, which apply penalties to third-party contractors and medical or mental health professionals not covered by the bill's focus on credentialed educators and administrators. He argues the bill is not intended for healthcare professionals. He also objects to the language on compelling state interest regarding potential or actual psychological or emotional injury to a child, stating it implies such abuse does not constitute abuse, which he cannot accept. The amendment refines the bill to its original intent: preventing educators and administrators from lying to parents, incorporating some House language like section two, and focusing on a Manchester incident to ensure it doesn't recur. He adds a requirement in section three for written reasons for withholding information to be reported to the school board in non-public session.
SB96: House Member Information Only00:05:42.880 - 8:34:33 AM; A House member agrees with preventing the Manchester situation and thanks the sponsor for accepting House section two language. They have no issue with the amendment's lines or concerns about psychological and emotional injury in lines 24-26, though open to discussion. They question if 'credentialed educator or administrator' is needed, as statute defines educators to include administrators who are credentialed. They suggest clarity but defer to others.
SB96: House Member Information Only00:07:08.080 - 8:35:59 AM; Another House member discusses the inclusion of medical or mental health professionals employed or contracted, noting that guidance counselors and school nurses fall under educators and administrators, covered by union contracts. They understand concerns about third-party contractors but emphasize coverage for school-based roles. On compelling state interest, they express concern about 'actual' psychological or emotional injury, sharing a personal perspective as a parent about normal family dynamics and child emotions not equating to abuse. They suggest fixing the language to remove concerns while retaining value, as children express hurtful things in anger.
SB96: Senate Prime Sponsor Information Only00:09:36.000 - 8:38:27 AM; The sponsor responds that section two defines abuse, neglect, and abandonment per RSA 169-C:3, which has vetted criteria. If it meets that definition, it's abuse and a compelling reason to withhold information; no need for additional language that could lead to lawsuits. The statute for abuse should prevail without competing interests.
SB96: Senate Prime Sponsor Information Only00:10:33.040 - 8:39:24 AM; The sponsor notes adding to section three a House provision for written reasons in student records when withholding information, plus a new requirement to report to the school board in non-public session at the next meeting, as the district bears liability. This ensures school board awareness of potential liability without creating competing interests with RSA 169-C:3's definition of psychological emotional abuse.
SB96: House Member Information Only00:11:22.959 - 8:40:13 AM; The House member has no problem with the school board notification provision in the proposed amendment.
SB96: House Member Information Only00:12:17.519 - 8:41:08 AM; A House member suggests a 15-minute break to discuss the amendment internally, offering an office for privacy.
SB96: House Member Information Only00:23:35.919 - 8:52:26 AM; Later, after a pause, a House member requests more time to review the amendment and proposes recessing until after the 10:00 session.
SB96: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:24:23.200 - 8:53:14 AM; Discussion about room availability and other committee sessions starting, leading to a decision to recess until noon.
SB96: Senate Chair Information Only02:31:19.680 - 11:00:10 AM; The chair reconvenes the committee at noon and turns it over to the House.
SB96: House Member Information Only02:31:19.680 - 11:00:10 AM; The House member states they've been working since the break, incorporating the sponsor's suggestions and their priorities, and have a draft of the entire bill to present.
SB96: House Conferee (Unspecified) Information Only02:32:04.960 - 11:00:55 AM; The speaker presents a revised version of the bill, highlighting changes including adding 'parents or guardians' at the top, defining 'educator' using existing statutory language, involving the school board, removing duplicated sections, modifying the compelling interest provision in RSA 193:13,E to exclude psychological or emotional injury, anticipated reactions, or emotions like anger, disappointment, sadness, or disapproval as compelling state interests for withholding information, striking the 'sufficiently serious' section, changing 'state actor' to 'educator', adding 'parent or guardian' in violation claims, specifying penalties for willful violations with suspension for first offense and minimum one-year suspension for multiple offenses, striking certain sentences, and removing sections IV and V related to regulated educators. They note typos and imperfect numbering, and emphasize changes to protect educators while maintaining discretion in the Department of Education.
SB96: Senate Conferee (Unspecified) Information Only02:32:50.720 - 11:01:41 AM; The speaker agrees to adding 'or guardians' throughout the bill as a reasonable accommodation. They question the school board involvement but assume it's acceptable, express opposition to the compelling state interest argument as it creates confusion by deviating from the existing abuse standard in RSA 169-C:3, emphasizing that the law's definition of abuse should suffice without a new standard. They raise concerns about the hard one-year and three-year suspensions potentially conflicting with federal CBA requirements on disciplinary actions, suggesting the state can set rights to suspend or revoke but conditions might be subject to agreements. They call for a five-minute break to consult members.
SB96: House Conferee (Unspecified) Information Only02:37:32.319 - 11:06:23 AM; During the break discussion, the speaker clarifies that the penalty language uses 'may' for first offenses, preserving departmental discretion, and 'shall' for a minimum one-year suspension on multiple offenses. They note changes to protect educators, including reducing the statute of limitations for investigations from five to three years to prevent witch hunts and ensure realistic look-backs. They remind that New Hampshire's constitution prohibits retrospective laws, so the bill would only apply prospectively.
SB96: Senate Conferee (Unspecified) Oppose02:50:07.840 - 11:18:58 AM; After consulting colleagues, the speaker rejects the House's amendment, citing too many problems that could increase issues, particularly the violation levels which limit suspensions on first offenses and guarantee them on second without addressing revocation for severe cases. They propose accepting the Senate's original language with the addition of 'guardians' to allow parents or guardians to file for information, viewing it as an oversight fix. They threaten to refile the bill next year if not accepted.
SB96: House Conferee (Unspecified) Information Only02:51:01.200 - 11:19:52 AM; In response, the speaker offers to amend the violations section to allow suspension 'may be provided' for first offenses and 'shall be suspended for a period to be determined by the state board of education' for multiple offenses, removing the specific one-year minimum. They are open to adding language on revocation of licenses and willing to remove the retroactivity section if needed.
SB96: House Conferee (Unspecified) Information Only02:52:20.000 - 11:21:11 AM; The speaker explains the Senate's position on the bill, highlighting a 3-year statute of limitations and the rejection of an amendment requiring compelling state interest. They emphasize that the language covers credentialed educators and administrators without needing separate definitions. In the violations section, it mandates discipline ('shall') rather than permitting it ('may'), requiring the Board of Education to take action based on circumstances, though the specifics are left to the board. They note that the House version presumes no action if desired, while the Senate's requires suspension for first offenses without defining them. The speaker invites further caucus if needed.
SB87: Chairperson Information Only03:02:25.439 - 11:31:16 AM; The chairperson introduces the committee of conference for SB87, noting it was brought by Senator Waters, and turns the discussion over to the senator.
SB87: Senator Waters Support03:02:25.439 - 11:31:16 AM; Senator Waters thanks Representative P and the committee for their work, stating they are in a good place with the bill. She presents an amendment allowing two drinks instead of one, given the long duration of services like coloring or braiding (5-6 hours). She argues that enforceability is not an issue since no one checks, the drinks are free so merchants won't overprovide, and staff must undergo the same training (e.g., EDGE course) to prevent overserving as other licensees.
SB87: Representative P Oppose03:04:25.840 - 11:33:16 AM; Representative P expresses unease about multiple drinks, appreciating the commission's work and the need for oversight on alcohol service. He is concerned about placing business owners in a position where they might violate rules unofficially, suggesting they should stick to one drink if enforcement is lax. He worries about the slippery slope from two to more drinks and the overserving risks.
SB87: Senator Murphy Support03:04:25.840 - 11:33:16 AM; Senator Murphy, in the alcohol business, supports allowing up to two drinks, noting that customers getting haircuts in the afternoon likely won't consume more than one anyway. He argues there's no harm in allowing two, as no one will force more, and enforcement isn't strict. He agrees it's an experiment that can be reviewed later, but emphasizes that businesses are already doing it informally, and charging for drinks would require food service, opening other issues. He ultimately agrees to go along with the House position limiting to one drink.
SB87: Senator Waters (continued) Support03:02:25.439 - 11:31:16 AM; Senator Waters reiterates the practical reality that businesses are already providing drinks without enforcement, and the bill's intent is to formalize this while shutting down any charging for drinks. She provides historical context, noting the idea originated with bridal shops and enforcement under Chief Eddie Edwards, fitting within existing licensing frameworks.
SB87: Chairperson (closing) Information Only03:07:40.960 - 11:36:31 AM; The chairperson notes that Aaron will draw up the amendment quickly for sign-off and acknowledges potential future bills on the topic.
SB210: Chairperson Information Only03:30:43.520 - 11:59:34 AM; The chairperson opens the committee of conference for SB210 on bullying and bullying prevention, stating they have read the House version.
SB210: Senator (Unspecified) Oppose03:30:43.520 - 11:59:34 AM; The senator insists on deleting the open enrollment provision from the House version of SB210. They argue that current definitions, policies, procedures, and reporting on bullying focus on recognition and response rather than prevention, which was the original intent of the simple Senate bill. They prefer reverting to the original, which proposed a study committee to examine why bullying happens and means to prevent it, as other aspects are already covered by existing RSAs, DOE resources, and reports.
SB210: Representative Kodelli Support03:31:39.120 - 12:00:30 PM; Representative Kodelli thanks the senator and discusses bullying statistics and hearings with disturbing testimonies. In preparation for the House executive session, they reference articles, including one from last September about protesters calling on Keene schools to enforce anti-bullying policies after a student's suicide.
SB210: Unnamed Speaker Support03:33:53.680 - 12:02:44 PM; The speaker references a 2021 incident of a student's suicide at a high school and urges immediate action on bullying rather than further study. They highlight the House's legislation focusing on student handbooks, parental notifications with time frames, parental involvement in investigations, code of conduct violations for non-compliance, better data on incidents, and changing the private right of action from gross negligence to negligence.
SB210: Unnamed Speaker (continuation) Support03:34:45.920 - 12:03:36 PM; Continuing, the speaker emphasizes the persistence of bullying and the need for action to reduce incidents, criticizing study as kicking the can down the road. They mention a parent contacting them about police involvement in school bullying and seek data from the Department of Education on police calls to schools, refusing to concede the House's position.
SB210: Unnamed Speaker (continuation) Support03:36:10.960 - 12:05:01 PM; The speaker acknowledges bullying's long history but stresses the need for immediate measures to address and reduce it, including parental involvement and accurate information.
SB210: Unnamed Speaker (continuation) Support03:37:01.040 - 12:05:52 PM; Further discussing enforcement issues and the need for action, the speaker notes ongoing problems with police handling bullying instead of schools.
SB210: Senator Sullivan Information Only03:38:25.840 - 12:07:16 PM; Senator Sullivan agrees with the need for action but supports the Senate bill for studying bullying prevention and gaps in enforcement of current laws. They reference past work on bullying laws in 2014-2016 and suggest adding language to the study committee to examine enforcement issues, arguing more laws without addressing enforcement failures would be ineffective. They propose combining approaches but emphasize data first.
SB210: Unnamed Speaker Support03:40:34.640 - 12:09:25 PM; The speaker shares a constituent story of a daughter seriously injured in a cross-school bullying incident, stressing the need for a private right of action and immediate action over more study, especially for issues like cyberbullying across lines.
SB210: Representative Freeman Support03:41:39.359 - 12:10:30 PM; Representative Freeman recalls bullying issues from her time on the Manchester school board eight years ago and agrees with Senator Sullivan on enforcement problems. She argues for replacing ineffective laws with a mechanism to address current damages, providing a safety net for children and families in the interim.
SB210: Senator (likely sponsor) Oppose03:42:41.760 - 12:11:32 PM; The senator, who introduced the bill due to a constituent's death at Keen Middle School, supports the study committee to involve all stakeholders on evolving bullying forms like cyberbullying off school grounds. They see the House approach as putting the cart before the horse and advocate for statewide input rather than hasty action.
SB210: Unnamed Speaker Oppose03:43:43.840 - 12:12:34 PM; The speaker argues against studying more, citing existing RSA 193F requirements for procedures, notifications within 48 hours, and DOE guidelines. They recommend returning to the original bill focused on prevention and root causes, referencing the book 'Upstream' to emphasize addressing why bullying happens to prevent it.
SB210: Senator Sullivan Information Only03:45:43.040 - 12:14:34 PM; Senator Sullivan suggests expanding the study to include cyber bullying explicitly, referencing RSA 193F, and clarifies no offense in the 'kicking the can' comment.
SB210: Representative Cordelli Support03:47:06.880 - 12:15:57 PM; Representative Cordelli addresses the timeline of the study report by November 1, 2025, noting it delays action until 2027, and advocates starting immediate measures while gathering data.
SB210: Representative Cordelli Support03:48:18.640 - 12:17:09 PM; Representative Cordelli clarifies that the 48-hour notification can be waived indefinitely by superintendents under current law, while the House bill limits it to five school days except for multi-district cases. He notes HB 108 on cyberbullying and shares a personal story of a child's suicide, emphasizing the urgency and ongoing calls from constituents.
SB210: Senator Sullivan Oppose03:49:33.199 - 12:18:24 PM; Senator Sullivan reiterates frustration with non-enforcement of existing laws by school districts ignoring state law, advocating for the study first to understand why, then implement stronger measures like the House's, potentially adjusted based on findings.
SB210: Unknown Speaker Support03:51:09.199 - 12:20:00 PM; The speaker discusses the benefits of open enrollment programs, citing a 2023 study from Los Angeles showing positive effects on student achievement and college enrollment. They reference a 2017 Ohio study finding achievement benefits for participants. In California, districts losing students to transfers began implementing new programs to retain students, leading to gains in enrollment. The speaker explains funding: new residents bring about $5,000 in state adequacy aid plus property taxes, while a transfer student from a higher-cost district like Hampstead to Salem would bring $16,000 (80% of the home district's average cost per pupil), filling empty seats. This 80% formula is current law for existing open enrollment and matches a recent provision for CTE schools. They argue open enrollment is a win-win for the state, districts, and students.
SB210: Committee Chair Information Only04:06:01.760 - 12:34:52 PM; The chair suggests recessing the committee until Thursday at 2:00 PM to address issues, check on matters, and secure replacement members. They confirm everything must be submitted by 4:00 PM Thursday and note a committee of conference scheduled that afternoon. The chair declines to vote on the bill immediately and thanks participants.
SB210: Committee Chair Information Only04:30:43.199 - 12:59:34 PM; The chair reconvenes briefly to announce recess of the Senate Bill 206 committee of conference until Thursday at 2:00 PM in the same room due to issues needing checking. They apologize for the inconvenience to attendees.