Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (01/29/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB121 00:07:07.960 - 8:42:48 AM	Public Hearing	establishing local school district special education parent advisory councils.	Cordelli, Glenn(R)[A-]2024
HB398 01:35:28.280 - 10:11:09 AM	Public Hearing	requiring holocaust and genocide studies in public schools to include the impacts on people with disabilities.	Ball, Lorie(R)[B+]2024
HB76 01:41:04.920 - 10:16:45 AM	Public Hearing	relative to tracking special education complaints.	Kuttab, Katelyn(R)[A-]2024
HB388 01:54:36.960 - 10:30:17 AM	Public Hearing	requiring local school boards to issue public reports on special education in their district.	Porcelli, Susan(R)[A-]2024
HB677 03:55:52.439 - 12:31:33 PM	Public Hearing	requiring schools to maintain a supply of EpiPen injectors for use in event of an emergency.	Drago, Mike(R)[A]2024
HB532 04:37:57.480 - 1:13:38 PM	Public Hearing	relative to alternative dispute resolution and individualized education plan team meeting facilitation.	Ball, Lorie(R)[B+]2024
HB329 05:21:37.520 - 1:57:18 PM	Public Hearing	relative to school district policies governing air quality and temperature issues in schools.	Sullivan, Brian(D)[CT]2024

HB121: Representative Glenn Cordelli, Prime Sponsor Support00:07:07.960 - 8:42:48 AM; Representative Glenn Cordelli introduced House Bill 121, which aims to establish local special education advisory councils. He emphasized that these councils should be parent-driven and not district organizations. The councils would include parents of special needs children from each town within the district. Their duties would include advising the district on education and safety, meeting quarterly with district administration, and providing input on policies and practices related to special education. Cordelli highlighted the importance of communication between parents and school administration, drawing from previous legislative efforts and heart-wrenching testimonies about special needs education. He also mentioned that the councils should hold an annual workshop and produce a year-end report for the school board. He referenced the U.S. Department of Education's guidance on parent advisory councils, emphasizing the collaborative approach of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the potential for these councils to improve education for all children.
HB121: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:14:09.959 - 8:49:50 AM; An unnamed speaker asked for clarification on the word 'shall' in line four of the bill, questioning whether it makes the formation of the council a requirement. Representative Cordelli confirmed that 'shall' indeed mandates the creation of such councils, emphasizing the importance of them being parent-driven rather than administratively led.
HB121: Representative Murray Information Only00:14:58.079 - 8:50:39 AM; Representative Murray inquired about the formation of the council in districts without a local parent-teacher organization, to which Representative Cordelli suggested an organic establishment of the council as an option.
HB121: Representative Terry Information Only00:15:44.240 - 8:51:25 AM; Representative Terry asked about the involvement of other individuals or groups in the development of the bill. Representative Cordelli responded that it was driven by special education parents and advocates who frequently testify before the committee.
HB121: Representative Celik Information Only00:16:30.519 - 8:52:11 AM; Representative Celik expressed concern about the applicability of the bill to small districts like Newington, questioning whether the council's size and operations would be burdensome. Representative Cordelli assured that the council would not be a burden on school administration and that the size of the council could be flexible to accommodate small districts.
HB121: Representative Murray Information Only00:18:51.120 - 8:54:32 AM; Representative Murray asked about the adequacy of resources provided by districts under the bill, particularly concerning legal counsel for parents. Representative Cordelli clarified that resources would include space and support for meetings, and not necessarily legal counsel, but such questions could be addressed at an annual workshop.
HB121: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:20:12.760 - 8:55:53 AM; An unnamed speaker questioned how to ensure that a broad range of special education needs are represented on the council. Representative Cordelli indicated that this would be left to local decision-making, and meetings would be open to all parents of students with disabilities to ensure diverse representation.
HB121: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:21:48.679 - 8:57:29 AM; An unnamed speaker asked about the connection between the state advisory council and the proposed local councils. Representative Cordelli suggested that local councils could provide feedback to the state council, and possibly have representation at state meetings.
HB121: Representative Celik Information Only00:22:36.080 - 8:58:17 AM; Representative Celik expressed concern about student privacy and the potential for stigma associated with IEPs or learning disabilities. Representative Cordelli acknowledged the issue but did not see it as a significant problem, suggesting that parents could choose what information to disclose.
HB121: Representative Woodcock Information Only00:24:56.960 - 9:00:37 AM; Representative Woodcock asked about the logistics of organizing the council and the role of the council in evaluating district special education programs. Representative Cordelli clarified that the council's evaluation would be based on parental experiences and observations, not formal grading or decision-making.
HB121: Representative Litfield Information Only00:26:34.760 - 9:02:15 AM; Representative Litfield confirmed that the councils would give parents a voice and that participation would be voluntary. Representative Cordelli affirmed this, reiterating that the councils should be parent-driven.
HB121: Representative Terry Information Only00:28:07.960 - 9:03:48 AM; Representative Terry sought clarification on whether the role of parents in the council would be advisory and not determinative. Representative Cordelli agreed, emphasizing that the councils would not have a formal role in decision-making but would provide valuable input based on experience.
HB121: Representative Bon Information Only00:29:10.320 - 9:04:51 AM; Representative Bon raised a question regarding line 28 on page one of the bill, inquiring about the responsibilities of the 11-person council. They specifically asked if the council's role includes providing information on state and federal rights to students. They suggested that the council should provide resources such as websites and phone numbers from organizations like the Parent Information Center and the Disability Rights Center, rather than generating its own information.
HB121: Representative Bon Information Only00:30:08.080 - 9:05:49 AM; Representative Bon expressed concerns about the disbanded state advisory committee and the difficulty in recruiting enough interested parents to restart it. They discussed the composition of the committee, suggesting the inclusion of an educational professional alongside parents to bring institutional knowledge. They also mentioned the potential for inviting professionals from the Disability Rights Center or special education advocates to provide guidance to parents.
HB121: Representative Bon Information Only00:31:40.799 - 9:07:21 AM; Representative Bon further discussed the advisory council's structure, emphasizing the importance of involving school board members in selecting members for the council due to its specific mission. They highlighted the difference between advisory committees and parent-teacher associations, indicating a need for careful member selection.
HB121: Representative Murray Information Only00:32:46.080 - 9:08:27 AM; Representative Murray inquired about the fiscal impact of the bill on local communities, particularly regarding the costs associated with the requirements imposed on districts. They expressed that they do not anticipate a significant cost, perhaps only minor expenses such as copying.
HB121: Representative Hall Information Only00:33:35.279 - 9:09:16 AM; Representative Hall sought clarification on the power dynamics within the committee, specifically the role of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) in selecting members. They emphasized the importance of the committee being a parent-led organization, not a district initiative, and raised concerns about the potential lack of special needs parents in the PTO, which could affect the selection process.
HB121: Representative Murray Information Only00:35:15.560 - 9:10:56 AM; Representative Murray questioned the potential impact of the bill on the PTO/PTA's fundraising efforts, considering the involvement of these organizations in selecting council members. They discussed whether the PTO's involvement in the council could risk their other activities. Additionally, they asked if the bill should be amended to include guardians as well as parents.
HB121: Richfield Information Only00:36:14.599 - 9:11:55 AM; Richfield, a speaker at the public hearing, inquired about the openness to involve other organizations besides the PTO in deciding on the committee bill. They suggested that if there are other thoughts, an amendment could be drafted. Richfield clarified they do not have veto power and are open to suggestions, indicating a willingness to collaborate on the bill's amendment process.
HB121: Nicole Sheath, Exeter, NH Support00:37:21.720 - 9:13:02 AM; Nicole Sheath, a resident of Exeter, NH, and a pediatric occupational therapist, testified in support of HB121. She shared her personal experiences as a mother of four children with disabilities and the challenges they face in the education system. Nicole emphasized the importance of a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC), suggesting amendments to the bill to include an open application process through the local school board and ensure at least half of the committee members are parents or individuals with disabilities. She highlighted the benefits of a CPAC in improving educational outcomes, fostering collaboration, and addressing unmet needs in special education.
HB121: Vanessa Blaze, Director of Policy and Planning, New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities Information Only00:56:08.720 - 9:31:49 AM; Vanessa Blaze, representing the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities, supported the concept of a parent advisory council but raised concerns about the bill's membership stipulations. She stressed the need for a well-written policy to ensure the voices of parents with students in supportive education are heard effectively. Vanessa highlighted the importance of considering the makeup of different districts and the potential for divisiveness around special education funding. She suggested that the council is open to collaborating with legislators to refine the bill.
HB121: Heather Rondo Support01:03:01.599 - 9:38:42 AM; Heather Rondo expressed strong support for HB121, emphasizing her personal experience as a parent of a child with disabilities. She discussed the challenges she faces in advocating for her son's education and the lack of confidentiality in the school system. Heather supported the idea of a parent advisory council but was unsure about who should select the members, suggesting it should not be the IEP team but possibly the school board if they are well-informed about special education issues. She highlighted the importance of parent involvement and understanding in the educational process.
HB121: Heather Barker, Student Service Director, NHSAA, Concord Support01:13:15.120 - 9:48:56 AM; Heather Barker, the Student Service Director for NHSAA in Concord, supported the concept of a parent advisory council but suggested the bill needs reworking. She shared her experience with a successful advisory council in a previous school district, which provided valuable input on special education policies and procedures. Heather emphasized the importance of including parents who have had challenging experiences with special education and suggested an application process for membership. She proposed that the director or a similar role should be involved to ensure concerns are addressed at the district level and supported amendments to enhance the bill's effectiveness.
HB121: Heather Barker, Student Service Director, NHSAA, Concord Information Only01:13:15.120 - 9:48:56 AM; Heather Barker provided detailed insights into her role as the student director of student services in a district with 3600 students. She highlighted the importance of involving parents in special education processes and the value of having a diverse advisory council. Barker discussed the effectiveness of parent evenings and training sessions in partnership with the Parent Information Center, which helped parents better advocate for their children in IEP team meetings. She emphasized the importance of flexibility in the group's composition based on district size and needs, suggesting that the bill might need adjustments to accommodate different district configurations.
HB121: Representative Murray Information Only01:19:36.120 - 9:55:17 AM; Representative Murray asked Heather Barker about her support for stratifying the cohort of participants in advisory councils to include preschool to high school age learners. Barker responded positively to the idea but highlighted the challenges of managing larger groups and suggested the inclusion of parents without children with disabilities and educators to provide a broader perspective. She also detailed the success of her district's parent advisory council, which had a social media presence and offered mentorship to new families.
HB121: Becky Wilson, New Hampshire School Boards Association Information Only01:25:02.560 - 10:00:43 AM; Becky Wilson expressed support for the bill's premise of enhancing communication between school districts and parents of students with disabilities. However, she voiced concerns about the bill's language and implementation, noting that many districts already have effective family-school partnership groups. Wilson suggested the potential need for training facilitated by external agencies to ensure these groups function effectively and protect student privacy. She also highlighted the challenges smaller districts without schools might face in complying with the bill's requirements.
HB398: Representative Melissa Lichfield, representing Brentwood, Danville, and Fremont Information Only01:35:28.280 - 10:11:09 AM; Representative Lichfield introduced the bill on behalf of the prime sponsor, Lori Ball, who was unable to attend. She mentioned that a constituent, Bonnie Dunham, would testify and provide detailed information on the subject.
HB398: Bonnie Dunham, Marlow, NH Support01:36:15.760 - 10:11:56 AM; Bonnie Dunham supported the bill, emphasizing the need for students to learn about the historical targeting of people with disabilities during the Holocaust and other genocides. She detailed the T4 program in Nazi Germany, which led to the murder of an estimated 275,000 people with disabilities. Dunham argued that including this history in Holocaust and genocide studies would ensure these victims are no longer forgotten and urged the committee to pass the bill.
HB76: Representative Brian Morse Information Only01:41:04.920 - 10:16:45 AM; Representative Morse introduced House Bill 76, which focuses on tracking special education complaints.
HB76: Rebecca Fette, Administrator, Bureau of Special Education Support, Department of Education Information Only01:41:51.719 - 10:17:32 AM; Rebecca Fette expressed concerns about the bill's requirement to name school districts publicly, especially for smaller districts where it could lead to personally identifiable information being disclosed. She also noted the challenge of processing complaints within 30 days due to the need for redaction. Fette mentioned that the department already tracks and posts some complaint data online, but not all the data points proposed in the bill.
HB388: Representative Susan Porcelli, Rockingham District 19, Hampton Falls and Kensington Support01:54:36.960 - 10:30:17 AM; Representative Porcelli sponsored HB388 to require school district superintendents to provide reports on special education statistics and make this information available to the public on school district websites. She emphasized that no personally identifiable information would be included, and the bill would not increase administrative burden as the reporting requirements are already mandated by federal and state laws. She argued that the bill is necessary for transparency and uniformity, especially since not all school districts provide this information at the local level. The bill would help school boards and taxpayers assess budgets and make informed decisions, especially as special education costs escalate.
HB388: Representative Bon Information Only02:00:57.000 - 10:36:38 AM; Representative Bon asked for clarification on the bill, specifically about the availability of the information. He noted that while the data is collected and required at the state and federal level, it is not always posted by all school districts. Representative Porcelli responded that the bill aims to make this data more accessible by requiring it to be posted on district websites.
HB388: Representative Murray Information Only02:02:02.199 - 10:37:43 AM; Representative Murray raised concerns about the potential identification of students in smaller districts due to the small sample size of special education participants. Representative Porcelli clarified that the bill does not include identifiable information and aims to provide a snapshot of data in an easily accessible format for taxpayers and school boards.
HB388: Representative Bon Information Only02:04:46.079 - 10:40:27 AM; Representative Bon questioned the potential divisiveness of publicizing legal costs and complaints related to special education, suggesting that it could cause tension among parents. Representative Porcelli responded that the bill aims to clarify where funding is required, especially as legal expenses and transportation costs escalate.
HB388: Representative Murray Information Only02:07:38.400 - 10:43:19 AM; Representative Murray expressed concern about the potential identification of students due to the frequent changes in census numbers and the way data is requested. Representative Porcelli emphasized the importance of transparency for taxpayers, especially with the increasing property taxes, and argued that understanding the growth in special education spending is crucial for budget decisions.
HB388: Representative Woodcock Information Only02:09:09.760 - 10:44:50 AM; Representative Woodcock commented on the bill, suggesting that much of the information requested is already public record and accessible during school budget processes. Representative Porcelli noted that the bill is necessary because not all districts provide this information in a consolidated format, making it difficult for taxpayers to access.
HB388: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Support02:10:40.599 - 10:46:21 AM; Aubrey Friedman spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing the importance of transparency in special education spending. He mentioned the difficulty in obtaining detailed information during budget sessions and argued that having this data readily available on websites would help taxpayers understand where their money is going and assess the effectiveness of the spending.
HB388: Karen Rosenberg, Policy Director at the Disability Rights Center Oppose02:14:37.840 - 10:50:18 AM; Karen Rosenberg testified in opposition to the bill, citing serious concerns about its legality and potential impact. She argued that the bill could violate federal law by inadvertently identifying students in small towns, breaching confidentiality protections under IDEA and FERPA. She also expressed concerns about the potential for the bill to foster divisiveness among community members and suggested that the Department of Education could post aggregate data on their website instead.
HB388: Speaker from Littleton Information Only02:21:41.280 - 10:57:22 AM; The speaker emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in school budgeting, particularly concerning special education. They raised concerns about the lack of detail due to privacy laws and questioned how to improve transparency without compromising student privacy. They suggested that while federal laws mandate confidentiality for student records and services, there are mechanisms like IEP teams and Department of Education oversight that ensure students receive appropriate education within budget constraints.
HB388: Speaker from Manchester Information Only02:25:10.520 - 11:00:51 AM; The speaker addressed concerns about identifying students through the data reported under the bill. They pointed out that in Manchester, city employee data is easily accessible online, raising questions about the possibility of inadvertently identifying students. They also clarified the concept of the least restrictive environment under IDEA, explaining that it varies based on individual needs and not all students are mainstreamed.
HB388: Bonnie Dunham from Merrimack, NH Oppose02:29:50.240 - 11:05:31 AM; Bonnie Dunham expressed strong opposition to the bill, initially hoping it aimed to improve special education practices. However, she felt it focused more on budgetary concerns than on student welfare. She highlighted that decisions about special education services should be made by IEP teams, not budget committees, and criticized the bill for potentially identifying students and increasing their families' stigmatization. She also mentioned that data on outcomes for students with disabilities is available on the Department of Education's website.
HB388: Kristen Manami from the Office of Special Education Advocate Oppose02:35:42.479 - 11:11:23 AM; Kristen Manami testified against the bill, reinforcing points made by previous speakers. She emphasized the ongoing concerns of local education agencies with special education costs and suggested that these issues would be better addressed in upcoming bills related to adequacy funding. She highlighted the risk of identifying students through the proposed reporting and stressed that special education costs are a matter of compliance with federal and state laws, not a taxpayer decision.
HB677: Representative Caitlyn Cab from Rockingham District 17 Support03:55:52.439 - 12:31:33 PM; Representative Cab introduced HB677, which requires schools to maintain a supply of EpiPen injectors. She explained that while schools could stock epinephrine last year, they were not required to do so. The bill aims to make it mandatory due to its life-saving potential. She provided statistics on epinephrine use in schools and mentioned new products like Nephy spray. She also highlighted available programs that offer free epinephrine to schools and shared a personal anecdote to underline the urgency of having such medication readily available in schools.
HB677: Representative Try, Rockingham District 17 Information Only04:01:46.040 - 12:37:27 PM; Representative Try inquired about the accessibility of AEDs and whether they should be included in the bill to ensure they are not locked away. The response highlighted that AEDs are typically kept in accessible locations like the nurse's office and are moved to the principal's office when the nurse is absent, ensuring they remain accessible but secure.
HB677: Representative Cornell Information Only04:04:04.199 - 12:39:45 PM; Representative Cornell raised concerns about the accessibility of epinephrine auto-injectors, particularly for stock units, questioning if they should be placed in more accessible areas like playgrounds. The response affirmed that the bill allows schools to determine the quantity needed, suggesting the possibility of multiple units in different locations.
HB677: Representative Murray Information Only04:05:36.600 - 12:41:17 PM; Representative Murray discussed potential conflicts with other bills that might restrict school nurses from prescribing medication, questioning how this bill fits with those. The response noted that an exception for epinephrine and albuterol would be reviewed to ensure compatibility.
HB677: Representative Dry Information Only04:06:22.000 - 12:42:03 PM; Representative Dry raised concerns about the cost of EpiPens and whether the bill specifies the use of generic versions. It was clarified that the bill's text refers to 'epinephrine auto-injectors,' which includes generics and nasal sprays, not specifically EpiPens, which is only in the bill's title.
HB677: Representative Cornell Information Only04:07:52.520 - 12:43:33 PM; Representative Cornell asked if the administration of epinephrine can be done by trained individuals other than nurses. It was explained that trained personnel can administer it, similar to how they would for a student with a known allergy, as long as the symptoms are identifiable.
HB677: Representative Dry Information Only04:08:38.399 - 12:44:19 PM; Representative Dry sought clarification on the training required for administering epinephrine. It was noted that the New Hampshire Nurses Association provides a 2-hour training, and CPR instructors can also administer it under medical control.
HB677: Representative Murray Information Only04:09:11.560 - 12:44:52 PM; Representative Murray discussed the follow-up procedures after using epinephrine, emphasizing the need for immediate reporting to the nurse and EMS contact. The bill requires that trained personnel be available during school hours.
HB677: Nancy Beerman, New Hampshire Rare Disease Advisory Council Support04:10:44.640 - 12:46:25 PM; Nancy Beerman, speaking for herself and not the council, expressed support for the bill but highlighted personal experiences with epinephrine auto-injectors. She discussed the cost and accessibility issues, mentioning a case where a child could only afford one injector, which had to be transported between home and school. She also mentioned another bill, HB63, concerning nasal spray auto-injectors.
HB532: Melissa Lichfield, Brentwood, Fremont, and Danville Information Only04:37:57.480 - 1:13:38 PM; Melissa Lichfield introduced HB532, explaining that the prime sponsor, Representative Ball, was unable to attend. She mentioned that the bill aims to move IEP team facilitation from the list of alternative dispute resolutions to its own section.
HB532: Bonnie Dunham, Marlow, NH Support04:38:41.278 - 1:14:22 PM; Bonnie Dunham supported HB532, explaining that moving IEP team facilitation to a separate section is necessary because alternative dispute resolution procedures have confidentiality and no record-keeping requirements, which do not apply to IEP meetings. She emphasized that IEP facilitation helps in reaching agreements more effectively and reduces the need for adversarial proceedings.
HB532: Rebecca Fet Information Only04:44:09.520 - 1:19:50 PM; Rebecca Fet clarified that the Department of Education placed IEP facilitation back into the alternative dispute resolution language following a legislative audit. She suggested that while it is recognized as an alternative dispute resolution, some language adjustments might be needed to address concerns, rather than moving it to a separate section.
HB532: Hall Information Only04:48:52.440 - 1:24:33 PM; Hall asked for clarification on how IEP facilitation differs from other processes mentioned by Miss Dunham. They discussed the concern that certain sections of the legislation should not apply to IEP facilitation because it's a different process. Hall suggested considering changing the language to address these concerns without creating a new section of the law. They discussed the possibility of working with the Department to craft legislation to indicate that certain sections do not apply to mediation.
HB329: Representative Brian Sullivan, Sullivan County District 1, Grantham Support05:21:37.520 - 1:57:18 PM; Representative Sullivan introduced HB329, which modifies the current statute to include air temperature in school district air quality policies. He shared personal experiences of teaching in Berlin where high temperatures affected the learning environment. He emphasized that the bill requires school boards to consider ways to mitigate high temperatures and other air quality issues without mandating specific actions. He also addressed the difference between this bill and a previous one, noting this bill's less specific requirements.
HB329: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Support05:27:01.638 - 2:02:42 PM; Representative Damon co-sponsored HB329 and supported its exploration and potential passage. The bill requires school districts to establish policies on air quality and temperature, prevent heat illness, and define emergency response plans. She highlighted the impact of extreme temperatures on learning, citing an example from Stevens High School in Claremont. She also discussed the EPA's Tools for Schools program as a resource for managing indoor air quality at little or no cost, suggesting it could be used as a learning opportunity for students.
HB329: Megan Tuttle, President of NEA New Hampshire Support05:33:28.000 - 2:09:09 PM; Megan Tuttle, representing 17,000 educators in New Hampshire, supported HB329. She shared experiences of extreme temperatures in schools, including a week in September 2023 where temperatures and other issues severely affected learning. She mentioned that other states have more stringent laws on classroom temperatures, but HB329 is seen as a starting point for conversation in New Hampshire. She emphasized the need for addressing air quality and temperature in schools, given the age and variability of school buildings.
HB329: Brian Hawkins, Government Relations Director for NEA New Hampshire Support05:38:26.280 - 2:14:07 PM; Brian Hawkins supported HB329 and clarified that unlike last year's bill, which set specific temperature thresholds, this bill is less prescriptive. He emphasized the importance of the Tools for Schools program and its role in helping schools address air quality and temperature issues without necessarily incurring significant costs.
HB329: Murray, Representative Information Only05:46:56.718 - 2:22:37 PM; Representative Murray asked for clarification on whether school districts already exploring temperature issues could continue their current efforts without starting from scratch under the proposed bill. They were assured that districts could continue their existing efforts, but formalizing these into policy would be required under the bill.
HB329: Brian Hawkins, Government Relations Director for NEA New Hampshire Information Only05:47:42.798 - 2:23:23 PM; Brian Hawkins responded to Representative Murray's query, stating that schools could continue their current efforts but would need to formalize them into policy as per the bill's requirements. He highlighted that the bill allows for district-specific solutions.
HB329: Woodcock, Representative Information Only05:48:29.240 - 2:24:10 PM; Representative Woodcock discussed concerns about the timing of air quality checks in schools, noting that these typically occur in the summer when students and faculty are absent. He expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of checks done during optimal conditions and sought clarification on the timing of such assessments in other districts.
HB329: Brian Hawkins, Government Relations Director for NEA New Hampshire Information Only05:50:03.760 - 2:25:44 PM; Brian Hawkins responded to Representative Woodcock's concerns about the timing of air quality checks, admitting he was unsure about the timing at the schools he had worked at, as it was not something that involved direct teacher input.
HB329: Lichfield, Representative Information Only05:50:49.478 - 2:26:30 PM; Representative Lichfield questioned the necessity of a top-down approach in addressing temperature issues in schools, suggesting that local school boards and contract negotiations should handle such concerns. He was concerned that local efforts might not be sufficient without a mandate.
HB329: Brian Hawkins, Government Relations Director for NEA New Hampshire Information Only05:51:35.200 - 2:27:16 PM; In response to Representative Lichfield, Brian Hawkins argued in favor of a top-down approach to ensure all schools address temperature issues uniformly. He emphasized the importance of consistent learning conditions across different towns and districts in New Hampshire.
HB329: Becky Wilson, New Hampshire School Boards Association Oppose05:52:21.558 - 2:28:02 PM; Becky Wilson expressed opposition to the bill as currently written, citing concerns over the necessity of a specific policy on temperature conditions in schools. She highlighted the challenges districts face with multiple needs and the potential financial burden of mandated changes. Wilson also raised issues with mandatory training and the unclear costs associated with implementing the EPA Tools for Schools program, suggesting these should be funded by the state to avoid becoming unfunded mandates.
HB329: Jerry FW, Associate Executive Director, NHSAA Information Only05:55:53.878 - 2:31:34 PM; Jerry FW, responding to an indirect question, stated that superintendents manage weather-related decisions like snow days without needing a state law. He appreciated the less prescriptive nature of the current bill compared to the previous year's version and supported local districts' flexibility in decision-making regarding temperature conditions.

Cordelli, Glenn(Chairman)(R)[A-]2024	Drye, Margaret(Clerk)(R)[A-]2024	Noble, Kristin(V Chairman)(R)[A+]2024
Cornell, Patricia(D)[CT]2024	Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2018	Hall, Muriel(D)[CT]2024
Terry, Paul(R)[A]2024	McDonnell, Valerie(R)[B+]2024	Selig, Loren(D)[CT]2024
Balboni, Peggy(D)[CT]2024	Murray, Megan(D)[CT]2024	Tenczar, Jeffrey(R)[B+]2024
Litchfield, Melissa(R)[A-]2022	Woodcock, Stephen(D)[CT]2024	Kluger, Lee Ann(D)
Snodgrass, Jim(D)	Morse, Bryan(R)	Nadeau, Brian(R)