Committee Summary for House Education Funding (02/18/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:06:37.120 - 9:03:18 AM	Executive Session	Unclear
HB1099 02:19:34.240 - 11:16:15 AM	Executive Session	establishing a committee to study private businesses providing special education services and issues relative to local school district reimbursement.	Hill, Gregory(R)[A-]2025
HB1818 0794H 02:23:47.040 - 11:20:28 AM	Executive Session	enabling grants for school construction to also be used to consolidate structures and facilities.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2025
HB1623 02:29:16.640 - 11:25:57 AM	Executive Session	requiring charter schools to have uniform and transparent billing costs and practices for special education services.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1561 0797H 02:35:40.960 - 11:32:21 AM	Executive Session	prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from attending state institutions of higher education.	Belcher, Mike(R)[B+]2025
HB1610 0809H 03:33:44.560 - 12:30:25 PM	Executive Session	allowing school districts to annually retain year-end unassigned general funds.	Sellers, John(R)[A-]2025
HB1815 04:36:19.119 - 1:33:00 PM	Executive Session	relative to education financing.	Lynn, Bob(R)[B]2025
HR19 04:54:05.120 - 1:50:46 PM	Executive Session	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
HR40 05:02:08.560 - 1:58:49 PM	Executive Session	urging the legislature to adequately fund public education.	Cloutier, John(D)[F]2025

Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:06:37.120 - 9:03:18 AM; The chair initiates the executive session, notes the temporary room setup, and checks availability of members: Rep. Damon (absent), Rep. Peoples (testifying next door), and Rep. Spillsbury (in Ways and Means). Emphasizes that once a motion is made, absent members cannot vote. Announces multiple bills on the docket, some may carry over to March 1 but all must be addressed by then. Requests amendments be distributed for review during caucuses.
Unclear: Committee Members Information Only00:09:52.880 - 9:06:33 AM; Discussion on amendments for various bills: For HB1121, amendments 0585H (Rep. McGuire's subsequent), 0627H (Rep. Luno's, needing 30 copies printed). For HB1561, amendment 0809H. For HB1610, amendment 0808h (mentioned in passing). For HB1818, amendment 0794H (distributed that morning). For HB1816, amendment 0793H (distributed that morning). Members confirm receipt and request copies as needed.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:13:47.120 - 9:10:28 AM; After confirming Rep. Peoples' return around 10:45 and noting absences, the chair suggests caucusing on new amendments to avoid separate discussions later. Directs caucus to Rep. Luno's room across the hall, plans a leadership meeting with Reps. Luno, Damon, and Spillsbury post-caucus, aiming to reconvene by 11:00. References amendment 0627H for printing.
HB1099: Representative Lad Support02:19:34.240 - 11:16:15 AM; Representative Lad moved for Ought to Pass (OTP) on HB 1099. He explained the bill's purpose in addressing challenges faced by school districts like Winnisquam and Spalding with residential placement centers. These centers house students from various states, supported by HHS and Medicaid, but the local district bears the educational costs and tax burden. The bill establishes a committee to study this and related issues broadly, including student placements, schooling, and funding responsibilities, as this problem may affect other areas in the state.
HB1099: Representative Damon Support02:21:42.000 - 11:18:23 AM; Representative Damon clarified that the bill title might mislead; it's not about private businesses providing in-district special education but focuses on funding for children in residential placements needing greater services. He supported the need for a thorough study to inform good funding decisions.
HB1818 0794H: Representative Lad Support02:23:47.040 - 11:20:28 AM; Representative Lad moved for OTP and introduced amendment 0794H, which replaces most of the bill. The amendment requires the Department of Education to use 10-year school facilities plans to project building consolidation projects. It mandates school districts to review and update their anticipated school facility capital improvement plans biennially or as needed, changing from 'encouraged' to required, based on department feedback to ensure comprehensive involvement and better budgeting for facility needs.
HB1818 0794H: Representative Luno Support02:24:50.640 - 11:21:31 AM; Representative Luno seconded the motion and amendment, agreeing that keeping districts' Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) up to date will assist in the planning process.
HB1818 0794H: Representative Bricky Information Only02:25:51.520 - 11:22:32 AM; Representative Bricky noted that the school construction building aid was funded at a dollar in the past budget but clarified that significant funds (over $24-25 million of $50 million) were allocated to pay off debt, not for new construction. She emphasized the need to identify facility needs but stressed that without consistent funding, little will change.
HB1623: Representative Lad Oppose02:29:16.640 - 11:25:57 AM; Representative Lad moved for Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1623. He argued that establishing uniform billing costs for special education services in charter schools is impractical due to variations across districts, including different negotiated agreements, bargaining issues, geographic locations, proximity to services, uncontracted services, and online options. Special education aid is provided at actual costs, which vary, and current statutes already address how services are delivered between sending districts and charter schools.
HB1623: Representative Damon Oppose02:30:31.359 - 11:27:12 AM; Representative Damon agreed with the concerns, adding that the bill's language is vague and open to multiple interpretations, supporting the ITL motion.
HB1561 0797H: Representative Mahagan Support02:35:40.960 - 11:32:21 AM; Representative Mahagan moved for Ought to Pass (OTP) on HB 1561. He explained the bill's importance due to a 2017 Chinese law requiring all citizens to report to security officials, effectively making them unwilling spies, especially in universities with sensitive research. This creates pressure for Chinese nationals to either face retribution from their government or spy against the US, necessitating a state response to protect national interests without targeting individuals.
HB1561 0797H: Representative McGuire Support02:37:47.040 - 11:34:28 AM; Representative McGuire introduced and spoke to amendment 0797H, which softens the bill by removing non-effective language, limiting it to public institutions only (excluding private), restricting prohibitions to graduate school, research, and full-time employment (not undergrad or part-time), and adjusting penalties to $1,000 per week instead of per day or $100,000 per incident. He emphasized focusing on protecting sensitive areas without overly broad restrictions.
HB1561 0797H: Representative Luno Oppose02:41:34.319 - 11:38:15 AM; Representative Luno opposed the bill and amendment, viewing them as an attack on foreign students from China, including penalties and potential deportation. He questioned softening the bill if the concern is widespread espionage, arguing it discriminates against an ethnic group.
HB1561 0797H: Representative Mahagan Support02:43:49.040 - 11:40:30 AM; In response to Representative Luno, Representative Mahagan clarified the bill targets a foreign law creating liability, not race. He noted risks of appearing racist but stressed it's about intellectual theft in advanced research, not curious students, and softening addresses that nuance.
HB1561 0797H: Representative Burton Oppose02:44:58.399 - 11:41:39 AM; Representative Burton, with 20 years hiring faculty at UNH, opposed the bill, stating thorough vetting processes already exist, including visa checks and FBI reviews, making it unlikely to hire risky individuals. He argued it sends a wrong message about welcoming international talent to US higher education.
HB1561 0797H: Representative Damon Oppose02:46:23.120 - 11:43:04 AM; Representative Damon strongly opposed the bill, even as amended, seeing it as targeting an ethnic population and risking further discrimination. He questioned the precedent and its impact on America's inclusive identity.
HB1610 0809H: Representative McGuire Support03:33:44.560 - 12:30:25 PM; Representative McGuire moved for Ought to Pass (OTP) and introduced amendment 0809H, a rewrite of RSA 198:4-b on contingency funds and unassigned fund balance for school districts. He described the existing law as poorly written and noted the amendment clarifies and improves it according to the bill's intent.
HB1610 0809H: Representative McGuire Support03:35:54.640 - 12:32:35 PM; Representative McGuire explains the amendment, breaking down the three parts of the law. Part one clarifies contingency funds must be approved via a separate warrant article, not embedded in the budget, and provides sample wording using 'may' for flexibility. Part two addresses unassigned fund balance, requiring annual voter approval instead of one-time, changing the cap from 5% of property tax to 3% of total appropriation, and restricting spending to unanticipated emergencies via RSA 32:11 procedures, requiring budget committee and commissioner approval. Part three applies annual approval to Manchester. He argues these changes align with existing intent, enhance controls, and do not significantly alter fund sizes.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Luno Oppose03:44:25.120 - 12:41:06 PM; Representative Luno criticizes the amendment for requiring annual votes, which he sees as contrary to original legislative intent for perpetual authorization. He notes section two rescinds existing authorizations, potentially releasing 5% fund balances immediately, causing one-time tax relief followed by increases. He argues it reduces stability, increases risk for emergencies like health premiums or school choice assessments, undermines voter will from over a decade ago, and treats school districts differently from municipalities and counties that use surplus funds to stabilize taxes.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Fellows Oppose03:50:29.359 - 12:47:10 PM; Representative Fellows distinguishes contingency funds from unassigned fund balance and notes current practice of budgeting contingent projects (e.g., gym floor refinishing) using end-of-year balances. He argues the amendment's restriction to unanticipated expenses would prevent such uses, limiting flexibility for planned projects if funds are available.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Kok (Colcom) Support03:51:41.359 - 12:48:22 PM; Representative Kok seeks clarification on whether the amendment wipes out existing funds, emphasizing it requires a vote to rescind. He supports annual votes to avoid binding future bodies, refresh awareness, and prevent forgotten authorizations from 14 years ago. He questions the rescission's impact and engages in discussion on trust funds versus contingency funds.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Spillsbury Support03:58:00.160 - 12:54:41 PM; Representative Spillsbury clarifies that the bill does not affect capital reserve or trust funds, which are separate from unassigned fund balance. He confirms voters can still set aside specific amounts into reserves, moving them out of the unassigned bucket, unaffected by the ceiling.
HB1610 0809H: Representative McGuire (response) Support04:09:56.479 - 1:06:37 PM; In response, Representative McGuire reiterates no chaos from section two, as it resets authorizations but requires annual votes anyway; fund amounts remain intact for DRA tax rate calculations. He notes the 3% cap on total budget often yields similar or larger amounts than current 5% of property tax, based on examples. School boards retain flexibility to choose amounts up to the cap. The key change restricts spending to emergencies via RSA 32:11, not routine items like cafeteria tables, requiring approvals.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Luno (further) Oppose04:14:50.159 - 1:11:31 PM; Representative Luno counters that rescinding authorizations would force excess over 3% into current revenue, disrupting cash flow and stability. He argues districts may avoid the weakened fund, increasing risks without the current 5% buffer.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Damon Oppose04:16:02.880 - 1:12:43 PM; Representative Damon shares concerns on the 3% vs. 5% change, noting one town's example isn't representative statewide. He highlights contradictions in expecting districts to plan for maintenance without adequate contingencies. In small tuitioning districts like Cuddon and Goan, unassigned balances level out fluctuating enrollments and tuition costs for taxpayer stability.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Spillsbury (further) Support04:19:43.120 - 1:16:24 PM; Representative Spillsbury agrees 3% of total vs. 5% of tax is roughly equivalent assuming 60% local funding. He clarifies section two rescinds indefinite authorizations but not the fund itself; balances carry over, requiring annual decisions on contributions.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Papovich Support04:21:10.159 - 1:17:51 PM; Representative Papovich defends planning, noting districts surprised by school care assessments failed to budget properly using past refunds. He argues the bill enhances local control by allowing annual voter decisions on retention, not attacking it; rescission mid-year doesn't prevent re-approval next March if voters support it.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Fellows (further) Oppose04:24:23.600 - 1:21:04 PM; Representative Fellows notes the amendment restricts unassigned balance to unanticipated purposes, preventing budgeted warrant articles for known projects (e.g., boiler replacement) contingent on available funds, potentially leading districts to create special funds instead.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Damon (further) Information Only04:25:37.760 - 1:22:18 PM; Representative Damon questions why change from 5% of tax to 3% of budget if similar; seeks sponsor's rationale.
HB1610 0809H: Representative McGuire (final response) Support04:27:05.520 - 1:23:46 PM; Representative McGuire explains the change improves clarity: emergency reserves should be percentage of total spending, not just property tax portion, making 3% a reasonable buffer (e.g., 1.5 weeks' spending). RSA 32:11 allows warrant articles for specific uses like municipalities, not restricting them.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Luno (final) Oppose04:28:19.600 - 1:25:00 PM; Representative Luno points out municipalities retain surplus unlike schools and questions if any school board suggested the changes.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Kok (further) Information Only04:29:20.880 - 1:26:01 PM; Representative Kok notes municipalities need unexpended balances to pay schools promptly despite delinquent taxes, unlike predictable school budgets which use trust funds for planning.
HB1610 0809H: Representative Fellows (final) Oppose04:30:21.520 - 1:27:02 PM; Representative Fellows questions RSA 32:11 details and argues current unassigned balance isn't limited to emergencies but buffers budgets.
HB1815: Representative McGuire Support04:36:19.119 - 1:33:00 PM; Representative McGuire moves ought to pass, praising the bill for affirming municipalities as state political subdivisions in a unified public education system. He argues it clarifies that state-local distinctions in funding don't make sense, as the state controls powers and responsibilities, enabling improvements without viewing towns as separate.
HB1815: Second (unnamed, possibly Representative Kok) Support04:36:19.119 - 1:33:00 PM; The second supports the motion, citing endorsement from the former Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court as validation for the bill's language.
HB1815: Representative Luno Oppose04:39:32.320 - 1:36:13 PM; Representative Luno opposes, arguing the bill contradicts 35 years of jurisprudence holding the state accountable for adequate education costs, not all school costs. He criticizes lines 21-23 for deeming funding a political matter, ignoring court rulings that the state must fund whatever it defines as adequate without shifting to locals. Notes state contributes only 20% (last in nation) and bill seeks to eliminate even that, despite RSA and court mandates; connects to property tax burdens.
HB1815: Representative Damon Oppose04:40:40.638 - 1:37:21 PM; Representative Damon argues the bill disrespects co-equal branches by attempting to dismantle Conval and Rand rulings via merging state-local entities, downshifting costs to property taxes. Criticizes lines 21-23 for politicizing funding against law; opposes removing entitlement to adequate education criteria and including differentiated aid to reduce costs, contrary to rulings.
HB1815: Representative Fellows Oppose04:43:51.600 - 1:40:32 PM; Representative Fellows contends the bill ignores statutes on education standards (e.g., certified teachers, class sizes, 180-day school year, counselors), undermining definitions of adequate education.
HB1815: Representative Burton Oppose04:44:58.958 - 1:41:39 PM; Representative Burton expresses concern that the sponsor aims to overturn a Supreme Court decision where he was in the minority, noting the legislature cannot override courts, especially personally.
HB1815: Representative Spilsbury Support04:46:17.600 - 1:42:58 PM; Representative Spilsbury supports taking legislative issue with recent Supreme Court conclusions (e.g., 3-2 summer decision) on jurisprudence he views as wrongly decided, predicting overruling. Clarifies the bill critiques court views without dictating funding policy; he favors reducing property tax burden via other sources, rejecting implications of zero state aid or avoiding obligations.
HB1815: Unidentified Speaker Information Only04:50:24.080 - 1:47:05 PM; The speaker continues discussion on the reliance on local property taxes for public schools and the constitutional issues involved. They argue that the bill may be mere verbiage attempting to override court decisions, reference historical split court rulings that become law until overturned, and recommend voting it down as the legislature should not override the court.
HR19: Representative Kokcom Support04:54:05.120 - 1:50:46 PM; Moves for Ought to Pass (OTP). Explains the polarized political environment and unfortunate violence, notes the resolution does not change curriculum or compel specific actions but encourages subjective decisions on diverse viewpoints to be more inclusive, emphasizing the importance of diverse communication.
HR19: Representative Burton Oppose04:55:20.400 - 1:52:01 PM; Opposes the resolution, highlighting UNH's high free speech rating from FIRE. As an educator, supports free speech and students forming their own conclusions. Discusses positive diversity at UNH, including Republican and Democratic clubs and student activities, arguing the resolution is unnecessary without evidence of bias and sends the wrong message.
HR19: Representative Popovich Support04:57:17.680 - 1:53:58 PM; Thanks colleague for mentioning FIRE ratings, notes UNH's ranking has dropped from single digits to 38th out of 257, and poor student perception rankings in openness, comfort expressing ideas, and self-censorship. Agrees universities are trying but the resolution seeks balance by inviting more conservative views without mandating anything, as it's just a reminder for equal access to ideas.
HR19: Representative Fellows Oppose04:59:33.520 - 1:56:14 PM; Notes that at Plymouth State College, Republican and Democratic student organizations can invite any speakers they want, so the legislature does not need to tell them what to do.
HR19: Representative Kian Oppose05:00:44.798 - 1:57:25 PM; Believes the resolution is unnecessary as universities have conservative student groups that meet, and she has followed some of them.
HR40: Representative Spilsbury Oppose05:02:08.560 - 1:58:49 PM; Moves Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). Describes it as the reciprocal of HB 1815 with problematic language like 'unjustifiably have reservations,' 'correctly asserted authority,' and others. Argues the legislature has a job to do without shirking it, regardless of jurisprudence.
HR40: Representative McGuire Information Only05:03:22.160 - 2:00:03 PM; Agrees with Representative Spilsbury's points.
HR40: Representative Damon Support05:04:35.680 - 2:01:16 PM; Notes it's the mirror image of HB 1815. Expresses perplexity at claims of not shirking responsibility while failing to fix education funding equitably. The resolution expresses legislative commitment to mandated responsibilities.
HR40: Representative Ames Support05:05:24.798 - 2:02:05 PM; Discusses difficulties school committees face in budgeting due to state funding failures, leading to uneven resources based on zip codes. The resolution aims to assert the need and motivate action on this imperative for public schools.
HR40: Representative Weinstein Support05:07:02.480 - 2:03:43 PM; Echoes colleagues, notes school funding and property tax reliance is the top issue in her community. Supporting the resolution is the bare minimum and easiest vote.
HR40: Representative Kokcom Oppose05:08:20.718 - 2:05:01 PM; Argues no one is shirking responsibility, as the committee has been working on adequacy funding for two years with awareness from constituents. Compares to HR 19, saying the body doesn't need reminding of ongoing work.
HR40: Representative Peoples Oppose05:09:13.600 - 2:05:54 PM; Did not think it necessary, respects the maker but believes the legislature has committed to a bipartisan solution without breaking the state, and building the committee shows commitment.
HR40: Unidentified Representative Oppose05:10:14.718 - 2:06:55 PM; Finds the language petulant and unnecessary, reservations are justifiable and worthy of debate, uncomfortable with a collective admission of guilt.
HR40: Representative Luno Information Only05:10:14.718 - 2:06:55 PM; Comments that they will find out in November.
HR40: Representative Burton Support05:11:39.360 - 2:08:20 PM; Recalls 40 years ago discussions with Governor Sununu rejecting funding despite a court-approved formula. It's sad it remains unresolved. As a sponsor, believes it's not irresponsible but a needed reminder of obligations to all children; non-passage sends a message.

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