Committee Summary for House Education Funding (02/13/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1561 00:02:06.240 - 8:59:57 AM	Public Hearing	prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from attending state institutions of higher education.	Belcher, Mike(R)[B+]2025
HB1561 00:19:33.520 - 9:17:24 AM	General Working Session	prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from attending state institutions of higher education.	Belcher, Mike(R)[B+]2025
HB1807 0714H 00:32:54.960 - 9:30:45 AM	Public Hearing	relative to information on tax rates and tax impact information on warrant articles.	Peternel, Katy(R)[A]2025
HB1099 01:29:27.040 - 10:27:18 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a committee to study private businesses providing special education services and issues relative to local school district reimbursement.	Hill, Gregory(R)[A-]2025
HB1815 03:05:36.880 - 12:03:27 PM	Public Hearing	relative to education financing.	Lynn, Bob(R)[B]2025
HR40 05:04:42.958 - 2:02:33 PM	Public Hearing	urging the legislature to adequately fund public education.	Cloutier, John(D)[F]2025
HR19 05:56:42.558 - 2:54:33 PM	Public Hearing	encouraging state colleges and universities to invite more conservative speakers to campus for the purpose of increasing diversity of viewpoints.	McFarlane, Donald(R)[A]2025

HB1561: Representative Belchure (Bill Sponsor) Support00:02:06.240 - 8:59:57 AM; Representative Belchure introduced HB1561, emphasizing its focus on national and state security rather than just higher education. He referenced China's 'Unrestricted Warfare' strategy from the late 1990s, detailing asymmetric warfare tactics including cyber attacks like the SIM card farm in New Jersey attributed to China, fentanyl deaths exceeding Vietnam War casualties, and attempts to infiltrate bioterrorism agents via PRC national students to devastate US agriculture, such as wheat harvests or the Florida citrus industry. He highlighted China's 2017 National Security Law mandating PRC citizens' participation in intelligence operations, the theft of trillions in US intellectual property through universities, and the presence of Confucius Institutes like at UNH. Belchure argued the bill severs these threats by prohibiting PRC nationals from attending, researching, or working at NH higher education institutions, noting support from congressional intelligence committees and Heritage Foundation. He addressed economic concerns by stating it would free spots and jobs for NH residents currently denied, and it's an imperfect but necessary step for security, citing similar efforts in Florida and recent illegal biolabs linked to PRC nationals.
HB1561: Representative Papovich Information Only00:08:40.080 - 9:06:31 AM; Representative Papovich questioned the revenue loss to the university system from the bill and its security benefits, given NH's porous borders with neighboring states like Massachusetts.
HB1561: Representative Belchure (response) Support00:09:41.440 - 9:07:32 AM; Belchure responded that the revenue hit is minimal as NH residents are currently denied spots filled by PRC nationals paying full tuition; seats and jobs won't go unfilled. He emphasized NH's critical industries vulnerable to PRC attacks via university ties, citing a recent illegal biolab in Las Vegas run by PRC nationals with prior California operations involving dangerous pathogens like HIV and Ebola, often overlapping with university-acquired knowledge. NH benefits by becoming less welcoming to such threats, per game theory.
HB1561: Representative Damon Oppose00:10:40.079 - 9:08:31 AM; Representative Damon expressed puzzlement over Belchure's claim that PRC students take spots from NH residents, noting reported enrollment declines and undercapacity at NH institutions like UNH, Keene State, and Plymouth.
HB1561: Representative Belchure (response) Support00:11:42.880 - 9:09:33 AM; Belchure clarified that NH residents are denied entry while PRC nationals are admitted, creating a mismatch; he refused to believe NH lacks capable locals for those roles.
HB1561: Representative Damon (follow-up) Oppose00:12:47.120 - 9:10:38 AM; Damon sought factual data showing foreign students, especially from PRC, displacing NH residents, reiterating available capacity and distinguishing between student seats and jobs (though the bill covers both).
HB1561: Representative Belchure (response) Support00:13:54.560 - 9:11:45 AM; Belchure noted the bill covers both students and faculty/employment; cited USNH fiscal note estimating $2M annual loss from PRC tuition at Southern NH University, where NH applicants are still denied due to fixed spots/jobs and incentives for full-pay foreigners. It's a simple supply-demand issue, but primarily a security threat.
HB1561: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:14:46.079 - 9:12:37 AM; The representative asked if denials could be due to applicants not being qualified.
HB1561: Representative Belchure (response) Support00:14:46.079 - 9:12:37 AM; Belchure agreed some may be unqualified but the core issue remains fixed spots/jobs with NH denials and perverse incentives from full tuition; economics is secondary to the security threat.
HB1561: Representative Spillsbury Information Only00:15:43.440 - 9:13:34 AM; Representative Spillsbury asked if any other state has adopted similar legislation.
HB1561: Representative Belchure (response) Support00:15:43.440 - 9:13:34 AM; Belchure stated Florida is looking at or adopting similar measures.
HB1561: Representative Burton Information Only00:16:42.560 - 9:14:33 AM; Representative Burton asked if the bill applies to faculty and staff, noting it wasn't clear.
HB1561: Representative Belchure (response) Support00:16:42.560 - 9:14:33 AM; Belchure confirmed it does, citing page 1, line 21, defining 'attendance' broadly to include participation in research, employment, or access to facilities beyond public events, prohibiting faculty exchanges like those at UNH.
HB1561: Unidentified Representative Oppose00:16:42.560 - 9:14:33 AM; The representative questioned prohibiting beneficial Chinese faculty exchanges at UNH.
HB1561: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:17:58.160 - 9:15:49 AM; The representative referenced the book 'Life and Death in Shanghai' by Nien Cheng (corrected from Nanqeng), asking if the bill impacts survivors of China's Cultural Revolution now productive US citizens.
HB1561: Representative Belchure (response) Support00:17:58.160 - 9:15:49 AM; Belchure stated there's a carveout for US citizens; dual citizenship doesn't matter—only US citizenship exempts them.
HB1561: Representative Damon (clarification) Oppose00:18:43.200 - 9:16:34 AM; Representative Damon sought clarification on impact to legal PRC nationals who are not US citizens, like tenure-track faculty.
HB1561: Representative Belchure (response) Support00:18:43.200 - 9:16:34 AM; Belchure confirmed the bill would prohibit non-US citizen PRC nationals from attending as students, faculty, or researchers, including terminating tenure faculty if applicable.
HB1561: Committee Chair Information Only00:19:33.520 - 9:17:24 AM; The chair announced a brief caucus to discuss progress on HB1561, noting no action today but preparation for upcoming meetings; the room would be used for caucus for about 10 minutes.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Katie Pernell (Bill Sponsor, Wolfboro and Tuftonboro) Support00:32:54.960 - 9:30:45 AM; Representative Pernell introduced HB1807, noting the original bill needs significant amending and preferring amendment 0714H, which also may need tweaks. The bill aims to increase taxpayer transparency in education funding and trends, building on the 2023 Students First Act (HB1256) and HB557. Motivated by her district's operating budget failing in smaller towns despite support in larger ones like Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro, yet voters approved other articles, she seeks to add tax impact statements to school warrant articles similar to town ballots. Originally focused on tax impacts, drafting revealed needs to amend RSA 198:7's cost per pupil definition for full educational costs/expenditures. Amendment incorporates Students First Act feedback for comprehensive info. She discussed with Dept. of Revenue Admin's Mark Manganello that it may require broader conversation, possibly for future legislation.
HB1807 0714H: Representative McGuire Information Only00:38:11.839 - 9:36:02 AM; Representative McGuire requested an example of current vs. proposed voter information on ballots under the amendment.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Pernell (response) Support00:39:20.400 - 9:37:11 AM; Pernell described her town's current warrant (SB2) with tax impact per $1,000 under articles for municipal but not school parts; envisioned similar for school ballots.
HB1807 0714H: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:39:20.400 - 9:37:11 AM; The representative clarified that tax impact statements are currently only on municipal ballots, not school ones.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Pernell (confirmation) Support00:39:20.400 - 9:37:11 AM; Pernell confirmed this.
HB1807 0714H: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:40:29.680 - 9:38:20 AM; The representative asked if constituents wanted all costs or just adequacy-required academic program costs for cost per pupil.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Pernell (response) Support00:40:29.680 - 9:38:20 AM; Pernell noted a disconnect: department/district reporting differs from taxpayer interest in total costs divided by ADM-adjusted students for full picture, as discussed with other representatives.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Fellows Oppose00:40:29.680 - 9:38:20 AM; Representative Fellows questioned the intent, suggesting adding ballot info to influence votes feels political, unlike campaigning.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Pernell (response) Support00:41:41.200 - 9:39:32 AM; Pernell viewed it as helping taxpayers value public education, increasing involvement in local schools.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Fellows (follow-up) Information Only00:41:41.200 - 9:39:32 AM; Fellows agreed on involvement but noted low deliberative session turnout as the place for such explanations; asked about her district's turnout.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Pernell (response) Support00:42:41.920 - 9:40:32 AM; Pernell said it's not just about deliberative sessions, which lack true deliberation; hopes ballot info sparks year-round interest starting in September budget planning.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Kokcom Information Only00:43:51.920 - 9:41:42 AM; Representative Kokcom asked if page 2, section 3 (line 21) ensures info appears on both warrant and ballot, citing his district's deliberative session omitting it per instructions for ballot-only.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Pernell (response) Support00:43:51.920 - 9:41:42 AM; Pernell believed it addresses this; invited fixes if not.
HB1807 0714H: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:43:51.920 - 9:41:42 AM; The representative sought to confirm Pernell doesn't support the introduced HB1807, only amendment 0714H which still needs fixes, framing it as opening broader issues for conversation.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Pernell (response) Support00:43:51.920 - 9:41:42 AM; Pernell agreed it's a conversation starter on larger issues, needing continued valuable discussions on whether for this or future legislation.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Pernell Information Only00:43:51.920 - 9:41:42 AM; Representative Pernell finishes his testimony, offering to work with the committee on the bill or amendment if pursued. He responds to questions about interactions with the Secretary of State's office regarding ballot information, noting changes made last year to add information to ballots. He discusses concerns about space limitations on ballots and the need for context in voter information.
HB1807 0714H: Representative Damon Information Only00:44:37.440 - 9:42:28 AM; Representative Damon questions the feasibility of adding detailed information to ballots due to space constraints and costs. He expresses concern that isolated numbers without context may not adequately inform voters, drawing parallels to town warrant articles lacking context. He suggests not passing the bill or amendment as is and inquires about removing cost per pupil from ballots introduced in HB 557 last year.
HB1807 0714H: Mark Manglo, Department of Education Information Only00:48:30.880 - 9:46:21 AM; Mark Manglo from the Bureau of School Finance, Department of Education, provides detailed testimony on the cost per pupil metric, its historical use for over 50 years, and the implications of changing it, which would compromise longitudinal analysis. He explains the metric's purpose in benchmarking operating costs, trends, and peer comparisons, but notes its limitations without deeper investigation. He discusses issues with the proposed metric in the bill, such as mismatches between costs and student counts (e.g., in districts like Hillsboro-Deering with students from other towns). He addresses open enrollment, districts without schools (e.g., Windsor, Benton), debt service exclusions, transportation costs, and the workload of implementing changes. He recommends work sessions to refine the Students First Act based on feedback rather than rushing changes, emphasizing caution in altering the established metric to avoid confusion and maintain historical data.
HB1099: Representative Greg Hill Support01:29:27.040 - 10:27:18 AM; Representative Greg Hill, representing Northfield in the Winnisquam School District, introduces the bill as a response to issues raised by the school board chairman regarding students from Spalding Youth Center attending public schools without clear reimbursement processes. He describes the situation where non-coded (non-special education) DCYF-placed students reside at Spalding and attend Winnisquam, burdening the district without reimbursement for regular education costs. He notes inter-agency involvement (DOE, HHS, DCYF, AG's office) and similar issues in Plymouth and the seacoast. He supports keeping it as a study committee to allow time for solutions, clarifying Spalding's nonprofit status and complications with out-of-state placements.
HB1099: Jason (Winnisquam School Board Representative) Support01:40:24.719 - 10:38:15 AM; Jason, representing the Winnisquam School Board, testifies in support of the study committee. He explains the issue arose during budget processes concerning special education costs and foster children from Spalding attending public schools. He details eight special education students and three traditional foster students among 11 total, impacting ADM and apportionment in the cooperative district (Tilton, Northfield, Sanbornton). He highlights the financial burden of providing $22,000-$23,000 per student in services without full reimbursement for regular education, especially for minimally serviced students, and supports the study to address these gaps.
HB1099: Liz Brown, Department of Education Attorney Support01:48:41.280 - 10:46:32 AM; Liz Brown provides technical assistance, explaining the multifaceted issues at the intersection of DCYF placements, special education, and regular education. She references a 1990s NH Supreme Court ruling establishing that foster/group home children have residency rights in the placement district for regular education, burdening local districts without state reimbursement. She clarifies that resident districts reimburse only special education costs (e.g., therapies), not full regular education. She discusses funding sources (TANF, Medicaid, general funds) for board/care and education, complications with out-of-state placements, court-ordered moves, and breakdowns in communication. She supports the study to address these legislative gaps, noting related issues like episodes of treatment and the need for fixes since the ruling.
HB1099: Megan Emmens, Amanda Champagne, Garrett Levali (Spalding Academy and Family Services) Support02:05:40.480 - 11:03:31 AM; Megan Emmens (CEO), Amanda Champagne (VP), and Garrett Levali (Principal/Special Ed Director) from Spalding testify in support of a study, clarifying misconceptions. Spalding, a 150-year-old nonprofit serving youth ages 3-21 from NH and other states, receives DCYF placements for residential care but has no control over school placement decisions, which are made by sending districts, families, or IEPs based on least restrictive environment. They note increases in trauma-affected students needing public school support, not just Spalding-specific issues. Residential costs are covered by DCYF/DHHS (TANF/general funds) or DOE/out-of-state for non-school time; school tuition is separate. They emphasize Spalding's holistic care but defer to public schools when appropriate, facing challenges with placements and transitions. They seek a seat at the table in a commission (preferring over committee for expert input) to provide perspective, noting similar statewide issues beyond Spalding.
HB1815: Committee Chair Information Only03:05:36.880 - 12:03:27 PM; The chair welcomes guests to the education funding committee hearing and introduces HB1815, relative to education financing, sponsored by Representative Bob Lynn, inviting him to present the bill.
HB1815: Representative Bob Lynn, Windham Support03:05:36.880 - 12:03:27 PM; Representative Bob Lynn introduces HB1815, explaining that Section 1 clarifies that local school districts are created by the state and can only act as authorized, that adequate education is a collective state-local effort focused on the academic program, and that funding adequacy is a political policy matter reserved for the legislative and executive branches. Section 2 makes no changes to the content of adequate education. Section 3 clarifies that funds for adequate education include both base and differentiated costs. He critiques the Conval decision for improperly focusing only on base adequacy and argues the bill clarifies the law to prevent judicial overreach. Lynn notes New Hampshire ranks in the top 10 for education funding and achievement, opposes spending hundreds of millions more via broad-based taxes as suggested by Conval proponents, and emphasizes the bill asserts legislative authority without overruling Claremont. He warns that continued judicial involvement could lead to endless litigation and undermine state control over spending, drawing parallels to retirement funding cases. He urges support for the bill to maintain legislative control.
HB1815: Representative Brookie Information Only03:19:03.760 - 12:16:54 PM; Representative Brookie questions Lynn on New Hampshire's top 10 education funding ranking, clarifying it refers to total dollars, and notes the state ranks 50th in state funding, implying most comes from property taxes, with Lynn acknowledging possible other state and federal funds beyond adequacy.
HB1815: Representative Ames Information Only03:20:01.200 - 12:17:52 PM; Representative Ames summarizes Lynn's testimony as asserting the legislature's independent role separate from the judiciary's overreach in the Conval decision by requiring higher funding levels, and questions if the bill's language in Section 1 reserves financial decisions to legislative and executive judgment, effectively setting aside Conval's implications. Lynn responds that while the legislature cannot overrule constitutional decisions, it can strongly assert its view on adequacy funding, hoping for judicial respect as co-equal branches, without displacing the judiciary's constitutional role.
HB1815: Representative Ames Information Only03:20:01.200 - 12:17:52 PM; Representative Ames continues testimony on the ongoing dialogue between judiciary and legislature regarding education funding, starting from 1997. He argues against simply writing a large check as ordered by the court, stating it would violate responsibility to constituents as the public does not support such spending. He emphasizes shared responsibility in education funding and that the legislature must make policy decisions. He supports local control and an all-of-the-above approach to education, including public and private options like EFAs. He clarifies the bill does not narrow legislative options but affirms the legislature's role in debating issues like property tax burdens and targeted aid.
HB1815: John Tobin, Concord Oppose03:39:12.399 - 12:37:03 PM; John Tobin, a 76-year-old retired lawyer from Concord and one of the lawyers in the Claremont and Rand cases, opposes the bill. He argues it pretends the constitution does not exist by ignoring the state's obligation to provide a core educational program and ensure uniform tax rates for state purposes across districts. He highlights disproportionate property tax rates in property-poor towns like Berlin, Claremont, Pittsfield, Keene, Concord, and Rochester, which violate constitutional principles of reasonable and proportional taxation. The bill lacks a benchmark for state responsibility, allowing potential retreat to minimal funding. He counters Representative Lynn's points, noting increased state funding would shift burden from local taxpayers without necessarily increasing total spending, as NH ranks high in per-student spending but 50th in state contribution. He clarifies court decisions like Conval provide benchmarks, not mandates, leaving final funding levels to the legislature. Tobin urges defeating the bill to address unequal tax rates and fulfill constitutional duties.
HB1815: David Trumbull, Ware Oppose03:59:34.160 - 12:57:25 PM; David Trumbull from Ware opposes the bill for three reasons. First, it backtracks from prior legislative efforts post-Claremont decisions, removing key language like 'opportunity,' 'programs,' and references to minimum standards from RSA 193-E, which ensure accountability through 306 regulations. Second, it violates separation of powers under the NH Constitution (Part I, Article 37), as the Supreme Court has the duty to interpret the law, including declaring unconstitutional actions, as in Claremont and Conval, after 30 years of legislative inaction. Third, it ignores the state's 240-year constitutional duty to fund public schools, rooted in 1795 documents and Claremont rulings, which designate local property taxes as a state tax for this purpose. He recommends focusing on comprehensive solutions like HB 1799 instead. In response to questions, he notes adding all current funding to base adequacy would not resolve issues like underfunded special education (only 11% state-funded, ~$800M shortfall) and criticizes the bill for weakening program requirements.
HB1815: Sam Garland, NH Department of Justice Support04:07:08.880 - 1:04:59 PM; Sam Garland, Senior Assistant Attorney General, supports the bill for providing helpful clarification to the law without disrupting the shared state-local responsibility for education funding, which is embedded in NH's fabric and case law. He notes the bill reflects legislative prerogative to define adequate education and its costs, as affirmed in Londonderry (2006), and clarifies statutory ambiguities litigated in Conval, such as what comprises the definition (specific subject areas in RSA 193-E:1) and costs (total appropriations including base adequacy, differentiated aid, and grants under RSA 198:40-a). This addresses judicial disagreements on statutory construction without altering constitutional obligations. He confirms minimum standards remain referenced in RSA 193-E:2-a(IV)(a) and views changes to RSA 193-E:2-a as precision edits removing imprecise terms like 'opportunity' rather than substantive shifts. Garland emphasizes the bill acknowledges significant existing state funding streams and leaves policy decisions, like funding levels below Conval's benchmark, to the legislature, potentially reducing relitigation by clarifying inclusions.
HB1815: Sam Garland, NH Department of Justice Information Only04:07:08.880 - 1:04:59 PM; Sam Garland responds to questions about potential litigation regarding the bill, stating that the Department of Justice would defend it as in any policy context. He notes the history of litigation on education funding and explains that the bill clarifies the statutory framework without eliminating key sections like RSA 193-E:2-a and 198:40-a. He discusses rules of statutory construction, emphasizing that courts look at plain text and context, and that the bill's title is not dispositive.
HB1815: Caitlyn Davis, Commissioner of Education Information Only04:19:16.720 - 1:17:07 PM; Commissioner Davis provides technical clarification on HB1815, emphasizing what the bill does not do: it does not change the criteria or content of an adequate education in RSA 193-E:1, remove references to minimum standards, take away local decision-making, add new 'shared responsibility' language, impact accountability systems like IBBAS and PABAS, remove key learning areas like digital literacy, rhetoric, and logic, or alter the funding formula. She highlights the need for recodification of RSA 193-E due to confusing interchangeable terminology. She updates on the New Hampshire State Accountability Task Force established by SB 378, detailing its composition, progress in analyzing national models and data metrics like achievement, growth, and early literacy, and the two-part accountability system (PABAS and IBBAS). She notes 100% participation in the recent IBBAS survey and ongoing report preparation. She addresses questions on NEASC accreditation, school participation, departmental structure, court case impacts, and the bill's neutrality, affirming it improves clarity without changing operations.
HB1815: Lawrence Chessel, Newport Oppose04:42:47.360 - 1:40:38 PM; Lawrence Chessel from a property-poor town like Newport opposes HB1815, arguing it stems from legislative frustration with court interference but fails to address 30 years of tax fairness and funding disparities since Claremont. He believes the bill erodes the courts' and public's ability to hold the legislature accountable, weakening residents' options to seek judicial redress for education funding issues.
HB1815: Kathy Huber, Newport Oppose04:44:18.798 - 1:42:09 PM; Kathy Huber opposes HB1815 and its Senate companion, asserting the bill's 'shared responsibility' language contradicts four court rulings upholding that education funding is the state's constitutional obligation, not shared. She highlights local burdens (70% local funding vs. 30% state), non-uniform property taxes, and deficits in districts like Manchester and Rochester due to clipped state funding. She urges upholding the constitution, criticizes legislative delay as defiance, and notes impacts on Conval plaintiff districts where high taxes burden residents. She argues the bill invites injunctive relief by signaling refusal to comply.
HB1815: Representative Donald McFarland, Grafton 18 Support04:50:14.480 - 1:48:05 PM; Representative McFarland supports HB1815, stating it restores clarity and balance to education statutes by defining an adequate education, a legislative responsibility. He defends 'shared responsibility' as historical tradition since 1784, with local management and state standards. He challenges interpretations of 'cherish' in the constitution as judicial inference, not a funding mandate, citing 18th- and 19th-century usages and a rejected 1850 amendment for state funding. He argues the bill respects the constitution, preserves legislative authority, and counters separation of powers concerns by affirming the legislature's role over courts.
HB1815: Caitlyn Bernier, Merrimack Oppose04:57:53.680 - 1:55:44 PM; Caitlyn Bernier opposes HB1815, citing online testimony (7 in support, 11 from NH residents in opposition). She compares current law emphasizing state minimum standards and local flexibility for student needs to the bill's language on collective state-local function for community and family needs, seeing it as reducing local control and state funding obligation. She criticizes removal of specific criteria and substantive programs in RSA 193-E:2-a I A, arguing it furthers disparities in low-income communities. She shares local impacts in Merrimack: cuts to enrichment, gifted programs, languages, 22 staff reductions, and default budgets due to insufficient state funding.
HB1815: Caitlyn Bernier, Merrimack Oppose04:57:53.680 - 1:55:44 PM; Mrs. Bernier testified that the bill attacks local control by imposing state oversight that limits school districts' flexibility in implementing educational approaches tailored to student needs.
HR40: Representative John Cludier, Claremont and Cudden Support05:04:42.958 - 2:02:33 PM; As the prime sponsor, Representative Cludier strongly supported HR40, emphasizing the legislature's obligation to adequately fund K-12 public education in compliance with court rulings since 1993. He shared experiences from an informational session in Newport where residents expressed anger over inadequate funding and high property taxes. He discussed the recent financial crisis in Claremont schools, constituent complaints, and clarified misconceptions about the resolution not creating new taxes or formulas. He urged a unanimous ought to pass, highlighting the need to address funding for property-poor communities like those in Sullivan County to improve quality of life and economic opportunities.
HR40: David Trumbull, Town of I (likely Unity) Support05:28:16.080 - 2:26:07 PM; Mr. Trumbull supported HR40 as a mirror to previous bills, stressing the importance of funding public education for 90% of children and addressing disparities in property-poor towns. He argued the state's constitutional duty to support education, refuting the governor's attorney's claims by citing Claremont decisions. He outlined four points: the constitutional basis of funding, the state's sole duty, courts' limited role, and historical meanings of 'cherish' and 'encourage' from 1780s dictionaries and 1795 correspondence. He noted four Supreme Court decisions over decades affirming this duty.
HR40: Kathy Huber, Newport Support05:34:38.878 - 2:32:29 PM; Ms. Huber, retired and advocating for equitable education funding since 2018, supported HR40 based on her experiences owning businesses in economically challenged communities like Newport, Claremont, and Woodsville. She described patterns of high property taxes and overburdened schools leading to economic decline, contrasted with affluent towns. She highlighted Newport's challenges: high special education needs, poverty, low median income, 50% free/reduced lunch eligibility, poor student performance, and high taxes despite low per-pupil spending. She argued the state relies too heavily on property taxes, creating inequities, and called for bipartisan action to meet constitutional obligations without new taxes but by restructuring funding. She noted recent cuts in Newport, teacher shortages, and risks like eliminating the school resource officer.
HR40: Lawrence Shel (Dr. Shishel), Newport Support05:43:53.040 - 2:41:44 PM; Dr. Shel supported HR40, invoking lyrics from Billie Holiday to illustrate inequities favoring property-wealthy areas. He noted Newport's irony as a donor town via business taxes like from Ruger Manufacturing, yet facing indifference. He criticized decades of ignoring court mandates on defining, funding, and delivering adequate education, warning of an aging population and service economy without investment. He advocated for fair funding to ease property tax burdens and invest in the state's future, stating passage would reassure Newport residents of legislative care.
HR19: Representative Donald McFarland, Grafton 18 Support05:56:42.558 - 2:54:33 PM; As prime sponsor, Representative McFarland supported HR19, focusing on the principle that New Hampshire counters speech with more speech, not violence. He referenced the assassination attempt on Charlie Kirk to underscore the importance of diverse viewpoints on campuses.
HR19: Unnamed Speaker Support05:57:26.160 - 2:55:17 PM; The speaker emphasizes the importance of free speech on college campuses, referencing a violent incident last September as a reminder of the dangers of allowing intimidation to suppress debate. They argue that political violence has no place in New Hampshire and that the state's constitution directs cherishing literature and sciences through open competition of ideas. Higher education suffers if only one ideological spectrum is represented, and students grow through exposure to disagreement, not shielding from it. The resolution does not compel invitations or dictate curricula but encourages broadening voices on campus, condemns threats and disruption, and defends free inquiry to foster stronger minds and a healthier republic. They recommend the committee ought to pass the resolution.
HR19: Representative Mike Moffett, Merrimack District 4 Support05:59:37.760 - 2:57:28 PM; Representative Moffett supports HR 19, stating that the committee welcomes all viewpoints and that diversity of thought enriches growth, unlike many colleges where the left disproportionately controls spending, hiring, pedagogy, and campus welcome. Drawing from 20 years in community college and 12 years in the university system, he shares a personal example: a Marine recruiter in dress blues was denied a notice in the college newspaper by the editor, who equated the Marines to violent organizations like the mafia and refused to support them. This illustrates an unwelcoming culture in higher education institutions. He argues the resolution addresses this by promoting welcome for all, and no one should oppose it. During questions, he addresses concerns about alignment with another bill restricting PRC nationals on campuses, noting the national security impetus but suggesting institutions screen for spies rather than broadly limiting access, emphasizing the need to balance security with openness.

Ladd, Rick(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Brown, Pam(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Spilsbury, Walter(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
McGuire, Dan(R)[A]2025	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2025	Burton, Wayne(D)[F]2025
Luneau, David(D)[CT]2025	Colcombe, Riché(R)[B+]2025	Chretien, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025	Fellows, Sallie(D)[CT]2025
Erf, Keith(R)[A]2025	Bricchi, Tracy(D)[D-]2025	Weinstein, Toni(D)[F]2025
Peeples, Raymond(R)[B+]2025	Mehegan, Peter(R)[B+]2025