Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (02/18/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1280 00:13:13.680 - 9:09:59 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a commission to study public school open enrollment.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025
HB1401 02:24:14.800 - 11:21:00 AM	Public Hearing	amending the meaning of scholarship organization as it pertains to education freedom accounts.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1401 02:56:31.200 - 11:53:17 AM	Public Hearing	amending the meaning of scholarship organization as it pertains to education freedom accounts.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1182 04:18:50.640 - 1:15:36 PM	Executive Session	modifying the term "one-year certificate of eligibility" to "emergency authorization" relative to persons not possessing an educator credential.	Nadeau, Brian(R)[B+]2025
HB1256 04:21:53.199 - 1:18:39 PM	Executive Session	removing the authority of the state librarian to award scholarships to students attending graduate library schools.	Drago, Mike(R)[A-]2025
HB1331 2026-0581H 04:26:35.120 - 1:23:21 PM	Executive Session	enabling the town of Derry to absorb the Derry cooperative school district.	Layon, Erica(R)[A+]2025
HB1402 04:50:20.878 - 1:47:06 PM	Executive Session	relative to credentials for the position of superintendent of schools.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025
HB1403 04:55:26.718 - 1:52:12 PM	Executive Session	relative to credentials for the position of school business administrator.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025
HB1640 05:00:26.798 - 1:57:12 PM	Executive Session	relative to consent for school billing purposes.	Murray, Megan(D)[CT]2025
HB1345 05:04:56.400 - 2:01:42 PM	Executive Session	requiring schools to establish rules related to the display of flags and designate students at each school to serve as the school's color guard.	Thibault, James(R)[A]2025
HB1412 05:07:30.958 - 2:04:16 PM	Executive Session	relative to the display of flags in schools and compliance with the federal flag code.	Horrigan, Timothy(D)[F]2025
HB1453 05:10:45.120 - 2:07:31 PM	Executive Session	relative to student school board members.	Thibault, James(R)[A]2025
HB1548 05:16:26.638 - 2:13:12 PM	Executive Session	requiring the department of education to collect and publish data regarding the costs associated with providing special education services to students of public, charter, private, trade, and other K-12 schools or academies.	Hicks, Matthew(D)[D-]2025
HB1645 05:20:34.560 - 2:17:20 PM	Executive Session	adding a definition for rules relative to innovation schools.	Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025
HB1688 05:22:56.560 - 2:19:42 PM	Executive Session	expanding the circumstances where the restraint is permitted in schools and treatment facilities and modifying the definition of seclusion.	Drago, Mike(R)[A-]2025
HB1700 05:35:54.878 - 2:32:40 PM	Executive Session	adding a non-voting student member to the state board of education.	Alexander, Joe(R)[A+]2025
HB1754 05:39:38.240 - 2:36:24 PM	Executive Session	repealing the statewide use of the multi-tiered system of supports for behavioral health and wellness relative to systems of care for children's mental health.	Sellers, John(R)[A-]2025
HB1795 05:45:40.878 - 2:42:26 PM	Executive Session	requiring criminal history record checks for the renewal of teaching licenses.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2025
HB1823 0397h 05:51:24.878 - 2:48:10 PM	Executive Session	requiring every school, school district, and school administrative unit to produce independent audits and financial reports to be posted publicly and sent to the department of education and the department of revenue administration.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025
HB1212 06:00:38.320 - 2:57:24 PM	Executive Session	establishing a commission to review draft rules related to minimum standards for public school approval and state academic standards developed by the department of education.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025
HB1212 2024-075h 06:01:33.760 - 2:58:19 PM	Executive Session	establishing a commission to review draft rules related to minimum standards for public school approval and state academic standards developed by the department of education.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025

HB1280: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Support00:13:13.680 - 9:09:59 AM; Representative Damon, representing towns including Acworth, Langdon, Lempster, Acworth, Washington, Springfield, Sunapee, and Claremont, introduced HB 1280. She explained that while not opposed to open enrollment, the bill aims to study its implementation thoroughly due to unanswered questions on capacity, residency, special education, funding, and logistics. She highlighted bipartisan concerns from various districts and detailed the commission's diverse membership to address equitable access and funding. The bill proposes a report by September 1, 2027, to inform future legislation.
HB1280: Representative Eileen Kelly, Merrimack District 8 Support00:22:18.720 - 9:19:04 AM; Representative Kelly, representing Bradford, Henniker, and Warner, co-sponsored HB 1280. She expressed concerns about confusion over open enrollment's impacts on school budgets, student flow predictions, inter-district payments, special education, and local control. She advocated for a commission to hear from stakeholders and develop sound policy benefiting the state.
HB1280: Doris Hoeny, former Nashua School Board member Support00:30:18.880 - 9:27:04 AM; Doris Hoeny supported the commission but called for restructuring open enrollment to preserve local governance and avoid budget busting. She criticized current proposals for limiting district control and suggested allowing families to switch districts entirely, with taxes following, to ensure fairness and respect rights, noting historical practices and NH's heavy local tax reliance compared to other states.
HB1280: Christine Downing, Superintendent SAU 75, Grantham School District; resident of Grantham Support00:37:00.240 - 9:33:46 AM; Christine Downing supported HB 1280, representing Grantham residents, her role as school moderator/clerk, and as NHSAA legislative committee chair. She detailed Grantham's tuition-based choice system and potential budget impacts from open enrollment. As part of a summer superintendent group, she emphasized equitable access, vague laws leading to inconsistencies, and existing tools like tuition agreements and best interest cases. She stressed the need for clear guidelines on capacity, special education, and compliance to avoid litigation and ensure choice without creating inequities.
HB1280: David Trumbull, resident of Warner Support01:15:15.280 - 10:12:01 AM; David Trumbull supported HB 1280, sharing Warner's school board's concerns about costs and long-term effects like hollowed-out schools. He compared NH's 70% local funding to Minnesota's 30%, where open enrollment succeeds due to state funding equalization, transportation aid, and local controls. He advocated for state funding increases, local capacity definitions, affordability for all, and special education considerations to prevent inequities and ensure success.
HB1280: Dr. Timothy Bradford, Superintendent of Alton and Barnstead School Districts Oppose01:28:05.040 - 10:24:51 AM; Dr. Bradford opposed HB 1280 due to its temporary suspension of existing open enrollment programs, which would disrupt his districts' lawful program at Prospect Mountain High School serving 30 non-resident students. He supported the study commission for better understanding but objected to the suspension's impact on committed students and families, clarifying no lawsuits involving his district and emphasizing compliance with current laws.
HB1280: Jim O'Connell, Vice Chair Manchester Board of School Committee Support01:51:09.679 - 10:47:55 AM; Jim O'Connell spoke for the Manchester Board supporting HB 1280, highlighting the hearing's questions as evidence for needing a commission. He addressed equity issues for low-income families lacking transportation, existing intra-district choices, budget challenges from unpredictable special education costs, and community impacts on urban schools as hubs. He urged study to answer unanswered questions on implications.
HB1280: Representative Murray Information Only02:07:33.360 - 11:04:19 AM; Representative Murray questions the need to focus on New Hampshire's current funding structure, including special education and tax burdens, when studying open enrollment, noting that NH does not fund schools at the same rate as other states.
HB1280: Unidentified Speaker (likely witness) Information Only02:08:22.400 - 11:05:08 AM; The speaker responds to Representative Murray, suggesting that a commission studying open enrollment should examine the impact of the current funding model, including cases like Claremont and ConVal, as it's hard to separate the two issues. They emphasize looking at everything comprehensively.
HB1280: Jerry Fu, New School Administrators Association Support02:09:28.159 - 11:06:14 AM; Jerry Fu supports the formation of a commission to study open enrollment, highlighting unanswered questions from the sponsor, Christine Downey, and Dr. Broadick. He uses an airplane analogy to stress the need for thorough preparation and clear parameters. He notes no urgency and that amendments can address concerns like impacts on existing programs.
HB1280: Jody Adams, Executive Director, New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools Support02:12:16.239 - 11:09:02 AM; Jody Adams supports HB 1280, noting its potential impact on charter schools, which operate as open enrollment entities. She offers charter school perspectives on special education, transportation, and funding disparities, suggesting inclusion of alliance and charter school representatives on the commission.
HB1280: Representative Kelly Information Only02:14:22.639 - 11:11:08 AM; Representative Kelly clarifies a warrant article for Keos District designating Keos High School as an open enrollment school, allowing 30 out-of-district students while limiting out-of-district attendance to zero percent.
HB1401: Representative Melissa Lichfield, District 32 (Brentwood, Danville, Fremont) Support02:24:14.800 - 11:21:00 AM; Representative Lichfield introduces and supports HB 1401, a narrow update to allow multiple qualified entities to administer EFAs, promoting competition to reduce administrative costs (currently up to 10%, potentially down to 3%). She emphasizes it does not criticize the current administrator (Children's Scholarship Fund NH), maintains program structure, ensures constitutional compliance, and aligns with free market principles without changing eligibility or fund usage.
HB1401: Representative Peoples (co-sponsor) Oppose02:36:13.280 - 11:32:59 AM; Representative Peoples, initially a co-sponsor, now opposes the bill after research, preferring an interim study or ITL. He praises the current nonprofit administrator's 'white glove' human-reviewed service in NH, contrasting it with for-profit AI-driven models that may lack personal touch and could increase long-term costs, as seen in other education services. He values the one-stop nonprofit administration for EFA and tax credit programs.
HB1401: Tom D (Principal, Main Street Strategic) and Daniel Warner (Odyssey) Support02:44:34.319 - 11:41:20 AM; Tom D and Daniel Warner support the bill to open competitive bidding. They clarify the EFA and tax credit programs are separate, with EFA allowing up to 10% admin fees from student funds. Odyssey operates ESAs in six states at under 5%, using edtech for scalability while hiring local staff. They emphasize state ownership of data, compliance with privacy laws, human support, and flexibility to implement DOE rules like age-appropriate purchases. They offer audited financials and immutable ledgers for transparency.
HB1401: Robert Cook (Parent, EFA recipient) Oppose02:56:31.200 - 11:53:17 AM; Robert Cook, a parent with two young children receiving EFA funding, opposes HB1401, which proposes replacing the nonprofit Children's Scholarship Fund (CSF) with a for-profit corporation. He highlights CSF's recent high marks from a third-party audit and questions the need to switch to a profit-driven entity. Cook presents a case study from Idaho, where for-profit provider Odyssey (Primary Class Incorporated) was involved in a scandal: authorizing nearly $200,000 in ineligible purchases and skimming about $487,000 in interest from state funds, totaling over $500,000 in misappropriations. Idaho had paid Odyssey $1.5 million in fees, but the scheme was uncovered by investigators who demanded repayment. He submits two reports as evidence and urges the committee to compare this risk to CSF's exemplary performance, arguing 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' Cook questions who truly benefits from HB1401 besides corporate shareholders and recommends consulting auditors, parents, and providers on CSF's effectiveness.
HB1401: Wendy Santiago (Unknown affiliation) Oppose03:03:39.680 - 12:00:25 PM; Wendy Santiago urges opposition to HB1401, which would allow for-profit entities to administer Educational Freedom Accounts instead of limiting it to nonprofits like the Children's Scholarship Fund. She argues that while supporters claim it increases flexibility and competition, it poses serious risks and ethical conflicts impacting students, families, and public trust. Nonprofits operate under duties of care, loyalty, and obedience per RSA 564-F, reinvesting surplus funds into the mission without distributing profits, prioritizing student benefits. State laws like RSA 194-F and RSA 7-G:5 mandate transparency, auditing, and oversight. In contrast, for-profits must maximize shareholder value, creating conflicts with public funding. This could divert funds to profits, increase administrative costs, complicate oversight, and burden taxpayers. Research shows for-profits allocate more to overhead than mission-driven nonprofits. Vendor consolidation risks higher long-term costs and reduced state leverage, undermining transparency and accountability.
HB1401: Unknown Speaker (Children's Scholarship Fund) Oppose03:08:39.840 - 12:05:25 PM; The speaker highlights the high transparency standards of the Children's Scholarship Fund, noting that over 90% of funds go directly to students. They argue that HB1401 would weaken this system by introducing for-profit motives, conflicting with ethical and legal duties under RSA 193:1 and RSA 193-E to provide free, equal, and meaningful education. The bill undermines safeguards, poses fiscal risks, and departs from mission-driven values, urging opposition to protect students, accountability, and public trust.
HB1401: Packy Campbell (Father, Grandfather, Former Legislator) Oppose03:11:42.720 - 12:08:28 PM; Packy Campbell, a conservative Republican and former legislator on the House Education Funding committee, urges opposition to HB1401, suggesting it deserves ITL 18-0 or withdrawal. He argues the bill shifts the EFA program's mission to profit, targeting a specific for-profit company without competition or savings. He emphasizes the value of nonprofits under RSA 77-G, personal support provided to families, and the lack of need for change, as the current nonprofit exceeds efficiency standards. He stresses policy integrity, transparency, and avoiding profit motives in state-funded education, disclosing his nonprofit involvement but testifying personally. During Q&A, he expresses concerns about unintended legal consequences and potential threats to the program's constitutionality.
HB1401: Ken Duch (Hampstead, NH; Parent) Oppose03:20:37.600 - 12:17:23 PM; Ken Duch, a believer in free markets but opposing HB1401 as an EFA parent and analytics expert, reiterates that the current nonprofit structure is not a monopoly and provides excellent service. He warns that for-profits have a duty to maximize shareholder profits, potentially by enrolling more students aggressively, cutting personalized services like white-glove support, or generating revenue through data mining. He details Odyssey's tech investor backing (A16Z, Tusk Venture Partners), suggesting the program could become a data exploitation tool, processing and selling derived data from student and family information despite legal protections. He urges burying the bill to preserve New Hampshire's unique, effective program.
HB1401: Mark Manganello (Bureau of School Finance, Department of Education) Information Only03:26:34.560 - 12:23:20 PM; Mark Manganello provides neutral technical testimony on HB1401, explaining that the Department of Education could mirror the RSA 77-G process for approving qualified entities, potentially codifying it via State Board rules. During Q&A, he discusses current law's limitation to 77-G organizations (currently one), potential RFP flexibility for multiple vendors, the department's use of both for-profit and nonprofit vendors for other services, and the bill's broad language allowing future administrations to redefine 'qualified entity' without legislation.
HB1401: Matt Southworth (Director of Policy and Compliance, Children's Scholarship Fund) Information Only03:31:08.960 - 12:27:54 PM; Matt Southworth offers technical assistance, confirming the organization cannot accrue interest on funds per contract and federal grant rules. He notes the current 5-year contract with the Department of Education, signed April 16, 2024, expires June 30, 2029, and is publicly available on their website under EFA policies. He mentions 21 full-time equivalent staff, mostly in New Hampshire, that any 77-G organization can apply via RFP, and that the executive director raised over $500,000 in grants specifically for the EFA program to improve efficiency without earning interest. During Q&A, he addresses staff allocation, fundraising details, and the risks of executive authority leading to instability for organizations.
HB1182: Representative Petronell Vote04:18:50.640 - 1:15:36 PM; Moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB1182, explaining that there was little testimony supporting the change and it stemmed from unclear rules language.
HB1182: Representative Celig Information Only04:19:50.239 - 1:16:36 PM; Notes that Steve Applebee from the Department of Education described it as a technical correction due to a legal concern, but will vote with the committee.
HB1256: Representative Pernell Vote04:21:53.199 - 1:18:39 PM; Moves ought to pass (OTP) on HB1256, stating investigation showed unclear origins of the authority, no testimony from the state librarian, and questions its necessity.
HB1256: Second (unnamed) Support04:22:34.960 - 1:19:20 PM; Adds that scholarships should be open to more organizations than just the ALA.
HB1256: Representative Cornell Oppose04:22:34.960 - 1:19:20 PM; Opposes OTP, viewing the discussion as an attack on the library profession and the need for certified librarians.
HB1256: Representative Murray Oppose04:23:41.040 - 1:20:27 PM; Opposes due to lack of testimony from the state librarian, concurring with Representative Cornell.
HB1331 2026-0581H: Representative McDonald Vote04:26:35.120 - 1:23:21 PM; Moves ought to pass (OTP) and then OTP as amended by 2026-0581H, explaining the amendment was requested by the sponsor, addresses funding options for Derry's unique single-town co-op, and allows local voters to decide on restructuring.
HB1331 2026-0581H: Representative Woodcock Oppose04:28:25.520 - 1:25:11 PM; Opposes the bill, arguing it is a facade for a tax cap rather than improving education or schools.
HB1331 2026-0581H: Representative Murray Oppose04:29:24.880 - 1:26:10 PM; Opposes the amendment and bill, noting local communities already have authority via warrant articles for charters, and raises concerns about required study committees for rechartering.
HB1331 2026-0581H: Committee Member (reading testimony) Information Only04:30:13.520 - 1:26:59 PM; Reads online testimony: 3 in support, 149 opposed, mostly from Derry residents.
HB1402: Representative Belchure Vote04:50:20.878 - 1:47:06 PM; Moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL), criticizing the bill for micromanaging qualifications, adding six pages of mandates, and requiring partisan political activism, which violates freedom of conscience.
HB1402: Representative Celig Support04:51:25.520 - 1:48:11 PM; Supports the need for experienced, qualified superintendents as professional educators, not entry-level roles.
HB1402: Representative Woodcock Information Only04:51:25.520 - 1:48:11 PM; Seeks clarification on the political activism requirement in the bill.
HB1402: Representative Pedro Oppose04:52:31.520 - 1:49:17 PM; Opposes, arguing it detracts from local control and makes changing job descriptions difficult via statute.
HB1402: Representative Murray Oppose04:53:32.638 - 1:50:18 PM; Opposes ITL, noting the bill's origin from district issues and an amendment responding to hearing feedback was not considered.
HB1403: Representative Dry Vote04:55:26.718 - 1:52:12 PM; Moves ITL, criticizing the extensive list of qualifications as inflexible and potentially incomplete, preferring a more robust theoretical approach tailored to local needs.
HB1403: Representative Hall Oppose04:56:40.240 - 1:53:26 PM; Opposes ITL, explaining the bill reinstates a three-year certification system repealed in 2023, validates skills, and an amendment allows grandfathering current administrators.
HB1640: Representative Lichfield Vote05:00:26.798 - 1:57:12 PM; Moves ITL, arguing that additional parental signatures should be required for new services or IEPs under Medicaid, ensuring no less rights than private insurance.
HB1640: Second (unnamed) Support05:01:28.320 - 1:58:14 PM; Supports as a mother, liking no surprises for parents.
HB1640: Representative Murray Oppose05:01:28.320 - 1:58:14 PM; Opposes ITL, explaining the bill requires one annual signature for notification, striking a middle ground, and urges reconsideration.
HB1345: Representative Hall Vote05:04:56.400 - 2:01:42 PM; Moves ITL, acknowledging good intentions for civic opportunity but deeming the mandate impractical, a local control issue, and disruptive to class time.
HB1345: Second (unnamed) Support05:05:49.360 - 2:02:35 PM; Agrees with the motion, stating it covers all points.
HB1412: Representative Nato Information Only05:07:30.958 - 2:04:16 PM; Agrees with parts of the bill initially but notes that it prohibits the display of any other flags or banners. Emphasizes the committee's focus on curriculum to improve proficiency rates rather than diverging into flag displays.
HB1412: Representative Pedo Oppose05:08:00.000 - 2:04:46 PM; The bill would allow any flags or banners to be flown on school premises, which is not ideal. Recommends limiting to approved federal or state flags.
HB1453: Representative Belchure Oppose05:10:45.120 - 2:07:31 PM; The bill expands powers and imposes prescriptive processes for student school board members, including disputes and punishments. Suggests student positions should be powerless for learning and voicing opinions, as minors cannot be held accountable like adults.
HB1453: Representative Selig Oppose05:11:48.240 - 2:08:34 PM; Commends the young sponsor for respectful presentation. Supports ITL, citing value in current student roles based on conversation with a district student member. Changing the structure would create problems.
HB1548: Representative Murray Information Only05:16:26.638 - 2:13:12 PM; Acknowledges good intentions to gather more information. Notes ongoing commission work and suggests interim study to see if further legislation is needed.
HB1548: Representative Celic Support05:17:26.480 - 2:14:12 PM; With a commission actively working on the issue, it makes sense to let them proceed and address needs afterward.
HB1645: Representative Pernell Oppose05:20:34.560 - 2:17:20 PM; No significant reason to pass the bill; confusion about rules led to the motion for inexpedient to legislate.
HB1688: Representative McDonald Oppose05:22:56.560 - 2:19:42 PM; The bill changes restraint and seclusion laws, potentially harming student safety in classrooms, daycares, and facilities. Highlights persistent classroom violence against staff and need to protect both students and teachers. Current law suffices but is not followed; suggests training on existing permissions rather than changes. Questions absence of teacher unions in testimony and bill drafting, linking it to teacher shortages.
HB1688: Second (unnamed) Oppose05:25:37.680 - 2:22:23 PM; Appreciated testimony on original legislation's careful drafting. Agrees issues exist but are not within legislative purview now.
HB1688: Representative Murray Information Only05:26:44.320 - 2:23:30 PM; Respects comments but cautions against impugning absent testifiers' intentions, valuing diverse perspectives.
HB1688: Representative Sy Oppose05:27:42.958 - 2:24:28 PM; Supports ITL due to sponsor's lack of consultation with teachers, unions, DOE, or experts. Emphasizes multi-tiered support systems resolve most issues. Teachers should model behavior, not punish emotions; finds prior reasons inappropriate.
HB1688: Representative Pednau Information Only05:28:48.718 - 2:25:34 PM; Adds to Selig's comments: issue not isolated; sponsor approached chair pre-submission for discussion. Valuable for awareness; appreciates sponsor for facilitating conversation. Research shows nationwide issues; hearing confirmed no need to change carefully crafted law.
HB1688: Representative Murray Information Only05:29:53.360 - 2:26:39 PM; Expresses disappointment in anti-UN sentiment from a representative, stating it was inappropriate and unwelcome, especially as a member of the teachers union which does great work.
HB1688: Unnamed Representative Information Only05:30:30.000 - 2:27:16 PM; Agrees with the previous speaker, disappointed in remarks imputing integrity or motive of absent individuals, which could make future testifiers uncomfortable.
HB1688: Representative Nato Information Only05:31:00.718 - 2:27:46 PM; Shares frustration from speaking to a superintendent and teachers about unruliness, violence, and need for training on laws for SAUs to address issues in multiple school districts to protect kids and staff.
HB1688: Representative Luck Information Only05:31:45.440 - 2:28:31 PM; Praises the excellent dialogue and information from the mental health institute on risks in helping kids; finds characterization that NEA does not care about teacher safety inappropriate.
HB1688: Representative Celic Information Only05:32:47.200 - 2:29:33 PM; Emphasizes providing support through MTSS training to diffuse situations, identify warning signs, and reduce incidents; notes factors like hunger affect behavior and stresses appropriate care for children; states the bill does not achieve this.
HB1688: Committee Vote Vote05:33:43.040 - 2:30:29 PM; Motion passes with 16 yays, zero nays; request to omit references to teachers union in the report.
HB1700: Representative Belchure Oppose05:35:54.878 - 2:32:40 PM; Moves ITL; views the bill as impractical and inappropriate for minors to participate in high-level board meetings, as they already have access to school boards; adults over 18 should follow standard appointment process.
HB1700: Representative Pedro Information Only05:36:20.000 - 2:33:06 PM; Nothing further.
HB1700: Unnamed Representative Information Only05:36:30.000 - 2:33:16 PM; Nothing further.
HB1700: Representative Woodcock Information Only05:36:50.480 - 2:33:36 PM; Agrees with Representative Belchure on ITL but supports student voice, suggesting focus on grades 9-12 rather than including college students.
HB1700: Representative Murray Information Only05:37:00.000 - 2:33:46 PM; Commends the bill's intention and the young testifier's civic engagement; agrees with ITL motion.
HB1700: Committee Vote Vote05:37:52.000 - 2:34:38 PM; Motion to ITL passes with 15 yays, 1 nay.
HB1754: Representative Balboni Oppose05:39:38.240 - 2:36:24 PM; Moves ITL; highlights testimony on importance of MTSS framework in schools to avoid restraint situations; suggests moving forward with understanding for tweaks.
HB1754: Representative Cornell Support05:40:23.440 - 2:37:09 PM; Agrees with Representative Balboni; values informative testimony from community members on the bill.
HB1754: Representative Belchure Information Only05:41:33.840 - 2:38:19 PM; Likes the intention but finds the bill under and over inclusive in parts, wanting different language.
HB1754: Representative Woodcock Support05:41:50.000 - 2:38:36 PM; Notes refreshing testimony supporting MTSS effectiveness; regrets prime sponsor not staying for the hearing.
HB1754: Representative Sy Support05:42:00.000 - 2:38:46 PM; Refreshing to hear varied testimony from across the state on how MTSS helps children when properly used.
HB1754: Representative Murray Support05:42:28.878 - 2:39:14 PM; Refreshing to hear dedication to early intervention for children's best interests.
HB1754: Committee Vote Vote05:43:41.360 - 2:40:27 PM; Motion to ITL passes unanimously with 15 yays.
HB1795: Chair (Motion) Vote05:45:40.878 - 2:42:26 PM; Opens executive session on HB1795 and moves for Ought to Pass (OTP). Explains the bill requires another background check at license renewal and adds checks for abuse and neglect.
HB1795: Representative Perno Information Only05:45:40.878 - 2:42:26 PM; Adds that educators must submit criminal history release form every 3 years, at least 60 days prior to expiration.
HB1795: Representative Moro Support05:45:40.878 - 2:42:26 PM; Agrees with the bill and criminal history checks every 3 years, but expresses concern about the $100 cost per teacher, noting the burden on districts like Manchester.
HB1795: Representative Hall Information Only05:46:59.680 - 2:43:45 PM; Follows up on cost concerns, hopes DOE won't profit from fees and that unions/contracts will reduce the burden.
HB1795: Representative Murray Support05:46:59.680 - 2:43:45 PM; Concurs with concerns, suggests bulk rates might apply since renewals happen together.
HB1795: Committee Vote Vote05:47:55.920 - 2:44:41 PM; Motion for OTP passes 15-0 (all yes votes recorded).
HB1823 0397h: Chair (Motion) Vote05:51:24.878 - 2:48:10 PM; Opens executive session on HB1823 and calls for motion from Representative Belchure.
HB1823 0397h: Representative Belchure (Motion) Oppose05:51:24.878 - 2:48:10 PM; Moves Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). Explains the bill requires credentialed audits leading to high costs (20-40 million statewide), stems from local fiscal issues but risks excessive state oversight.
HB1823 0397h: Representative Murray Support05:52:54.958 - 2:49:40 PM; Clarifies cost estimate is 20-30k per audit, not million; notes potential amendment to address concerns; emphasizes audits often already happen locally and bill promotes transparency without implying state takeover; mentions DRA involvement and proposed timeline for implementation.
HB1823 0397h: Representative Belchure (Response) Oppose05:52:54.958 - 2:49:40 PM; Responds that state oversight via DOE review could lead to taking over underperforming districts; notes current audits are professional but cheaper without specific credentialing.
HB1823 0397h: Representative Woodcock Oppose05:56:06.160 - 2:52:52 PM; Highlights DOE's concern on unreasonable timeframe (only 7% compliance); notes withholding funds violates constitution.
HB1823 0397h: Committee Vote Vote05:56:51.760 - 2:53:37 PM; Motion for ITL passes 9-7 (yes: Pnell, Terry, Dry, Belchure, McGuire, Lichfield, McDonald, Nato, Noble; no: Cornell, Murray, Woodcock, Hall, Baloni, Sullig, Klugger). Amendment 0397h noted for report.
HB1212: Chair (Motion) Vote06:00:38.320 - 2:57:24 PM; Opens executive session on HB1212 and calls for motion from Representative Belchure.
HB1212: Representative Belchure (Motion) Oppose06:00:38.320 - 2:57:24 PM; Moves to ITL (implied). Describes bill as creating another committee for education overhaul shortly after recent comprehensive changes; concerns over lack of legislative members and heavy influence from teachers unions and NGOs.
HB1212 2024-075h: Unidentified Representative Oppose06:01:33.760 - 2:58:19 PM; The speaker seconds a motion, finding the bill an additional layer of unnecessary bureaucracy. They note that the last review of minimum standards involved extensive input from multiple parties across the state.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Belony Support06:01:33.760 - 2:58:19 PM; The representative will vote against the ITL motion, arguing that the commission would be advisory to the rules committee, allowing educators with field experience to provide feedback and best practices. They counter the bureaucracy claim and note that voices like theirs were not listened to in the previous review, emphasizing the need for an organized group to present to the rules committee.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Celig Support06:02:41.440 - 2:59:27 PM; The representative points out that the bill passed the body last year but was replaced by a non-germane amendment, suggesting the committee should reconsider its action on the original bill.
HB1212 2024-075h: Unidentified Representative Support06:02:41.440 - 2:59:27 PM; The speaker mentions online testimony with 145 in support and only 5 opposed. They passed around an amendment addressing the Department of Education's main concern by changing 'shall' to 'may', clarifying that the committee only makes suggestions, not mandates.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Belchure (Motion) Support06:00:38.320 - 2:57:24 PM; The motion for ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) is made earlier, but voting yes supports retaining the bill with amendment.
HB1212 2024-075h: Vice Chairman Pernell Support06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes yes on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Terry Support06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes yes on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Dry Support06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes yes on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Magguire Support06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes yes on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Lichfield Support06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes yes on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative McDonald Support06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes yes on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Nato Support06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes yes on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Cornell Oppose06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes no on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Murray Oppose06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes no on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Woodcock Oppose06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes no on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Hall Oppose06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes no on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Baloni Oppose06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes no on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Selig Oppose06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes no on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Representative Kuger Oppose06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes no on the motion.
HB1212 2024-075h: Rep. Chairman Noble Support06:03:44.320 - 3:00:30 PM; Votes yes on the motion.

Noble, Kristin(Chairman)(R)[A+]2025	Drye, Margaret(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Peternel, Katy(V Chairman)(R)[A]2025
Cornell, Patricia(D)[F]2025	Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025	Belcher, Mike(R)[B+]2025
Hall, Muriel(D)[CT]2025	Terry, Paul(R)[B+]2025	McDonnell, Valerie(R)[B+]2025
Selig, Loren(D)[D-]2025	Balboni, Peggy(D)[CT]2025	Murray, Megan(D)[CT]2025
Tenczar, Jeffrey(R)[B+]2025	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025	Woodcock, Stephen(D)[F]2025
Kluger, Lee Ann(D)[F]2025	Snodgrass, Jim(D)[F]2025	Nadeau, Brian(R)[B+]2025