Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (02/19/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB184 2024-0394h 00:38:07.160 - 9:02:03 AM	Executive Session	establishing a committee to study changing school start times.	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D+]2024
HB394 2025-0467h 00:48:46.839 - 9:12:42 AM	Executive Session	relative to the powers and duties of cooperative school district budget committees and the role of cooperative school district board member representatives on such committees.	Spilsbury, Walter(R)[B+]2024
HB738 00:54:56.720 - 9:18:52 AM	Executive Session	requiring certain non-public schools or education service providers that accept public funds to perform background checks on all employees and volunteers.	Luneau, David(D)[CT]2024
HB235 00:59:23.240 - 9:23:19 AM	Executive Session	relative to amending the educator code of ethics and code of conduct to include responsibility to parents.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2024
HB532 0480H 01:24:21.520 - 9:48:17 AM	Executive Session	relative to alternative dispute resolution and individualized education plan team meeting facilitation.	Ball, Lorie(R)[B+]2024
HB564 01:33:20.400 - 9:57:16 AM	Executive Session	relative to the adoption of school administrative unit budgets.	Vose, Michael(R)[A]2024
HB676 01:37:38.159 - 10:01:34 AM	Executive Session	relative to the composition and responsibilities of the parent and education service provider advisory commission, and establishing education freedom account impact and parent satisfaction surveys.	Cordelli, Glenn(R)[A-]2024
HB653 03:37:28.279 - 12:01:24 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a pilot program within the department of education to implement alternatives to restraint and seclusion of students.	Petrigno, Peter(D)[CT]2024
HB361 05:14:57.360 - 1:38:53 PM	Public Hearing	prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2024
HB360 05:21:09.718 - 1:45:05 PM	Public Hearing	prohibiting public schools from performing diagnostic tests or surgical procedures, or prescribing pharmaceutical drugs.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2024
HB50 06:17:06.798 - 2:41:02 PM	Public Hearing	relative to teaching discrimination in public schools and discrimination in public workplaces.	Petrigno, Peter(D)[CT]2024
HB362 06:44:28.680 - 3:08:24 PM	Executive Session	granting the department of education rulemaking authority to require candidates to obtain passing scores on professional education assessments.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2024

HB184 2024-0394h: Representative Litfield Support00:38:07.160 - 9:02:03 AM; Representative Litfield moved to pass House Bill 184 with the amendment. They appreciated Representative Wheeler's efforts in bringing this issue to the forefront and noted that no one testified in opposition to the bill during the public hearing. They also mentioned that Representative Terry had consulted with Representative Wheeler about the amendment, who was comfortable with it.
HB184 2024-0394h: Representative McDonald Support00:38:52.280 - 9:02:48 AM; Representative McDonald moved for Amendment 0394 and explained that it changes the duties of the committee to be more investigative and amends the reporting requirements to include the governor. They supported the amendment because their district in Salem, after reviewing the issue, found it impractical to change start times due to busing and CTE Center issues. They felt the amendment aligns better with local control.
HB184 2024-0394h: Representative Freeman Support00:40:01.400 - 9:03:57 AM; Representative Freeman seconded the motion for the amendment and echoed Representative McDonald's sentiments.
HB184 2024-0394h: Representative Sel Information Only00:40:51.040 - 9:04:47 AM; Representative Sel questioned the amendment's changes to the report distribution, noting that the original bill included the House and Senate clerks. They sought clarification to avoid future difficulties, and the chair assured that the speaker could send additional copies.
HB184 2024-0394h: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:41:37.079 - 9:05:33 AM; An unnamed representative expressed concern about the amendment's restriction to evidence-based studies, suggesting that surveys may be informational rather than evidence-based. They felt the amendment might limit the committee's ability to collect all relevant information.
HB184 2024-0394h: Representative McDonald Support00:44:01.240 - 9:07:57 AM; Representative McDonald further supported the amendment, explaining that their district in Salem had looked into changing school start times and found it unfeasible due to busing and CTE Center issues. They appreciated the amendment's focus on local control.
HB184 2024-0394h: Representative Sing Support00:46:20.319 - 9:10:16 AM; Representative Sing encouraged the committee to review a comprehensive report on school start times provided to the Oyster River School District, suggesting it as a valuable resource for their study process.
HB394 2025-0467h: Representative Cordelli Support00:48:46.839 - 9:12:42 AM; Representative Cordelli moved to pass House Bill 394 with the amendment, noting that the amendment clarifies language from the original bill and was worked on with the school boards association.
HB394 2025-0467h: Representative More Support00:49:33.960 - 9:13:29 AM; Representative More seconded the motion for the amendment and agreed with Representative Cordelli's summary.
HB394 2025-0467h: Representative Hall Support00:51:05.240 - 9:15:01 AM; Representative Hall appreciated the collaboration between the parties on this amendment.
HB738: Representative Dry Oppose00:54:56.720 - 9:18:52 AM; Representative Dry moved to find House Bill 738 inexpedient to legislate, citing issues with the bill's requirement for private citizens to perform background checks on other private citizens. They highlighted the complexities and potential legal issues with the bill's implementation, particularly for homeschooling families turned EFA students.
HB738: Representative Freeman Oppose00:56:50.559 - 9:20:46 AM; Representative Freeman seconded the motion for inexpedient to legislate and agreed with Representative Dry's concerns about the bill's impact on homeschool families.
HB738: Representative Cornell Oppose00:57:41.240 - 9:21:37 AM; Representative Cornell supported the inexpedient to legislate motion, agreeing with the concerns raised by Representative Dry. They expressed a desire for future bills on this topic to involve homeschool families in the process but acknowledged that the current bill does not work.
HB235: Representative Dry Support00:59:23.240 - 9:23:19 AM; Representative Dry moved to pass House Bill 235, arguing that the educator code of ethics and conduct should include responsibilities to parents, reflecting the three-legged stool model of education involving parents, students, and teachers.
HB235: Representative Morris Support01:00:09.480 - 9:24:05 AM; Representative Morris seconded the motion to pass House Bill 235.
HB235: Representative Woodcock Oppose01:00:56.559 - 9:24:52 AM; Representative Woodcock opposed the motion to pass House Bill 235, emphasizing that a teacher's primary responsibility is to the student, not to the parents.
HB235: Representative Balboni Oppose01:01:44.440 - 9:25:40 AM; Representative Balboni opposed the motion to pass House Bill 235, stating that parents are already included in the code of conduct under the community section. They were concerned about the lack of clarity on what the responsibilities to parents would entail and the process for defining them.
HB235: Representative Murray Oppose01:02:05.079 - 9:26:01 AM; Representative Murray expressed opposition to the OTP (Ought to Pass) motion on HB235, citing that the issue is already mentioned in the community section of the ethics guideline and noted in statute 21 N1 where parents are enumerated. This influenced their decision to vote against the OTP.
HB235: Representative Dry Information Only01:02:30.720 - 9:26:26 AM; Representative Dry provided information regarding statute 21, which mentions responsibility towards students, the school community, and parents as an entity among others listed, indicating equal treatment within the statute.
HB532 0480H: Representative Cordelli Support01:24:21.520 - 9:48:17 AM; Representative Cordelli moved to pass HB532 with amendment 0480H. They explained the amendment's purpose to clarify the differentiation between neutral conference, mediation, and IEP facilitation as dispute resolution methods. They mentioned working with others present at the hearing and the special education advocate to develop this language, which was also influenced by a special audit from the previous year.
HB532 0480H: Representative Freeman Support01:25:07.800 - 9:49:03 AM; Representative Freeman seconded the motion for amendment 0480H but did not provide additional comments.
HB532 0480H: Representative Balboni Information Only01:26:32.360 - 9:50:28 AM; Representative Balboni asked Representative Cordelli about the development of the amendment language and the reason for moving a particular section about rule adoption from one part of the amendment to another. They were informed that the change was to clarify that rules would apply to all three methods of dispute resolution and was influenced by discussions with stakeholders including the special education advocate.
HB532 0480H: Representative Woodcock Information Only01:28:02.360 - 9:51:58 AM; Representative Woodcock sought clarification on whether certain subparagraphs, including 'B', applied to the amendment. They were confirmed that subparagraphs A, B, C, and D all apply to Roman two alternative dispute methods.
HB532 0480H: Representative Murray Information Only01:29:34.560 - 9:53:30 AM; Representative Murray asked if the rule-making authority granted in the amendment would be the same for all three dispute resolution methods. They were told that rules would be specific to each method, not applied in mass.
HB564: Representative Cordelli Information Only01:33:20.400 - 9:57:16 AM; Representative Cordelli moved to retain HB564, explaining that it had been considered the previous term and was either retained or sent to interim study. They noted ongoing confusion about provisions related to single and multi-district SAUs and suggested revisiting it in the fall for further clarification, with a report due in November and floor action in January.
HB564: Representative Morris Support01:34:10.360 - 9:58:06 AM; Representative Morris seconded the motion to retain HB564 but did not provide further comments.
HB676: Representative Cordelli Support01:37:38.159 - 10:01:34 AM; Representative Cordelli moved to pass HB676, detailing changes to the Education Service Provider Advisory Commission, including clarifying membership, quorum requirements, and mandating quarterly meetings. They also discussed the addition of parental satisfaction and EFA impact surveys to gather data on satisfaction and academic improvement, similar to those used for tax credit scholarship programs.
HB676: Representative Freeman Support01:38:25.760 - 10:02:21 AM; Representative Freeman seconded the motion to pass HB676 but did not provide additional comments.
HB676: Unnamed Speaker Support01:44:33.880 - 10:08:29 AM; The speaker expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to address issues and questions about the Education Freedom Accounts (EFA). They highlighted the popularity of the program and suggested that the survey proposed in the bill could help strengthen public schools by identifying gaps or weaknesses. The speaker also mentioned the importance of an extra layer of protection for programs receiving EFA funds, ensuring they meet required standards.
HB676: Representative Hall Oppose01:45:33.040 - 10:09:29 AM; Representative Hall expressed opposition to the bill, arguing that the survey would not have any significant impact. They believed the results were predictable and would not provide new information or address gaps and holes in the EFA program. They suggested the survey questions were designed in a way that would not yield useful results.
HB676: Representative Balbon Oppose01:46:19.920 - 10:10:15 AM; Representative Balbon criticized the committee conducting the survey, noting that its members were handpicked by the director of the scholarship program and only represented four counties, lacking diversity and oversight. They expressed concern that the survey only measures parental satisfaction with leading and subjective questions, lacking objective data on student achievement, and thus would not provide useful information.
HB676: Representative Wock Information Only01:47:05.960 - 10:11:01 AM; Representative Wock sought clarification on the survey questions, specifically noting an error where the Education Tax Credit Program was mentioned instead of the EFA. They questioned whether there were additional survey questions beyond the three listed and expressed confusion over whether the survey was intended for parents or other entities.
HB676: Representative Murray Oppose01:49:26.360 - 10:13:22 AM; Representative Murray shared concerns about the survey's structure, pointing out inconsistencies in the questions directed at parents versus other entities. They also highlighted the leading nature of the questions, suggesting that the survey would not yield meaningful data and expressed confusion about its intended recipients.
HB676: Representative Pur Cordelli Information Only01:50:14.000 - 10:14:10 AM; Representative Pur Cordelli clarified that the advisory commission mentioned in sections one and two was separate from the survey, and the survey was not aimed at the commission members. They acknowledged an error in the draft regarding the Education Tax Credit Program and mentioned a plan to submit a floor amendment to correct it.
HB676: Representative Freeman Support01:51:20.360 - 10:15:16 AM; Representative Freeman defended the bill, pointing out that the survey would help public schools identify any gaps or areas for improvement based on feedback from parents whose children had exited public schools for the EFA program. They believed this could be a valuable tool for schools.
HB676: Representative from Winr Oppose01:52:52.800 - 10:16:48 AM; The representative from Winr countered Representative Freeman's argument, noting that only 15% of EFA participants had previously attended public schools, suggesting the survey would capture data from a very small and potentially unrepresentative sample. They highlighted the limited scope of the survey due to the small percentage of participants it would cover.
HB676: Representative Murray Information Only01:53:01.159 - 10:16:57 AM; Representative Murray clarified that the concern was not about the survey being misleading but rather that the questions were leading, which could bias the results. They suggested expanding the survey to include parents of students who left the EFA program and returned to public schools to gather more comprehensive data.
HB676: Representative Dve Information Only01:54:12.560 - 10:18:08 AM; Representative Dve noted that the questions in the survey did not need to be limited by statute and could be expanded. They mentioned an upcoming floor amendment to address technical errors and potentially broaden the survey's scope, including those who never attended public schools.
HB676: Representative Woodcock, North Shore Information Only01:59:36.119 - 10:23:32 AM; Representative Woodcock clarified that they are not from the South Shore as previously mentioned, correcting the record. They also mentioned a brief break while Representative C testified next door.
HB676: Representative McDonald Information Only01:56:54.079 - 10:20:50 AM; Representative McDonald responded to a previous comment by Representative Hall, stating that having surveys in law is not a novel concept, citing the Youth Risk Behavior Survey as an example.
HB676: Representative Murray Information Only01:57:41.040 - 10:21:37 AM; Representative Murray expressed concerns about the survey's demographic inclusivity and its format, noting it lacks open-ended questions and seems limited in its ability to gather comprehensive feedback.
HB676: Representative Hul Information Only01:58:29.400 - 10:22:25 AM; Representative Hul clarified that the survey itself is not in law, similar to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and that the bill allows for additional questions to be added which are also not in law.
HB676: Chairman Cordelli Information Only01:58:49.119 - 10:22:45 AM; Chairman Cordelli announced the voting results on HB676, with 9 votes in favor and 8 against. They also mentioned a brief break for Representative C to testify elsewhere.
HB676: Representative Paul Information Only02:08:32.239 - 10:32:28 AM; Representative Paul clarified that the word 'initial' was added to House Bill 440 the previous day, indicating changes to the bill's text.
HB676: Representative Marie Information Only02:10:05.360 - 10:34:01 AM; Representative Marie raised questions about the waiver process in House Bill 362, expressing concern over potential conflicts between the school board and the department regarding waiver submissions.
HB676: Representative S Information Only02:14:54.480 - 10:38:50 AM; Representative S mentioned a previous committee's strategy of retaining similar bills to ensure that one could be amended and passed if the other faced difficulty, suggesting this as a potential approach.
HB676: Representative Morse Information Only02:15:44.079 - 10:39:40 AM; Representative Morse discussed the possibility of consolidating House Bills 440 and 362 or retaining one as a backup, awaiting clarification from the Department on the preferred approach.
HB676: Chairman Cordelli Information Only02:17:18.280 - 10:41:14 AM; Chairman Cordelli summarized the discussion on House Bills 440 and 362, suggesting to hold off until clarification from the Department is received. They also introduced House Bill 384 on bullying, recommending not to move forward with it but to incorporate its ideas into other bullying bills.
HB676: Representative Cornell Information Only02:19:16.318 - 10:43:12 AM; Representative Cornell agreed with the recommendation to not move forward with House Bill 384, citing concerns over the CHINS referral, conflict resolution provisions, and the undefined role of the bullying officer.
HB676: Representative Morris Information Only02:20:04.240 - 10:44:00 AM; Representative Morris supported not moving forward with House Bill 384, expressing concerns about government overreach in mandating parental classes as outlined in the bill.
HB676: Vice Chairman Noble Information Only02:20:56.640 - 10:44:52 AM; Vice Chairman Noble moved to recommend House Bill 384 as Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), which was seconded by Representative Morris. The motion was discussed and passed unanimously with 17 votes in favor and 0 against.
HB653: Rebecca Fet, Department of Education Information Only03:37:28.279 - 12:01:24 PM; Rebecca Fet from the Department of Education mentioned receiving an email about comments from a previous hearing related to behavior and discipline problems. She noted that while she lacks data to support or contradict the information, her experience suggests some children with disabilities exhibit behaviors that can lead to disciplinary actions. These behaviors are often linked to their disabilities.
HB653: Representative Peter Patrino, Milford Support03:39:08.279 - 12:03:04 PM; Representative Peter Patrino from Milford, the prime sponsor, introduced HB653, which resulted from an interim study he chaired following House Bill 1269. The study was initiated due to concerns about the use of restraint and seclusion in schools, especially for students with IEPs. Patrino shared that parents had testified about alleged abuse and neglect, showing photos of injuries. The study explored alternative methods to reduce the need for restraint and seclusion, referencing successful approaches like those used by Dr. Ross Greene and the Wio School in Hillsboro. The legislation aims to pilot trauma-informed practices in schools to explore effective alternatives to current methods, acknowledging the need for change as seen in reforms by the state of Maine. Patrino thanked Senator MCU and the Office of the Child Advocate for their assistance in the study and drafting the bill.
HB653: Representative Murray Information Only03:42:23.359 - 12:06:19 PM; Representative Murray asked Representative Patrino for clarification on the term 'seclusion' within the context of the bill. He inquired whether seclusion would include a child self-relocating due to overstimulation. Patrino clarified that seclusion, as defined in the bill, refers to the act of removing a child and isolating them, typically as a punitive measure, and does not apply to self-imposed isolation due to overstimulation.
HB653: Representative Salik Information Only03:44:42.960 - 12:08:38 PM; Representative Salik questioned Representative Patrino about the specifics of the pilot program mentioned in the bill, particularly regarding the use of evidence-based programs from a national clearinghouse. Patrino confirmed that the programs to be used in the pilot are defined as such. Salik also sought clarification on why deescalation and behavior management training were not included as alternatives to restraint and seclusion. Patrino explained that the bill focuses on exploring alternatives beyond current practices, including deescalation, which have been acknowledged as not always effective.
HB653: Unknown Information Only03:46:09.520 - 12:10:05 PM; The speaker raised a question about the bill's language on page one, line 24, regarding the schools with the highest per capita incidents of restraints and seclusion. They questioned how there could be two schools listed as having the highest incidents, suggesting it should only be one. The response clarified that the intent was to identify schools with the highest percentage of these incidents, and at least two schools would be included.
HB653: Freeman Information Only03:46:52.800 - 12:10:48 PM; Freeman asked about the bill's approach to using alternatives to restraint and seclusion, specifically if these alternatives could be used alongside other modalities like Crisis Prevention deescalation or behavior management. The response highlighted the current methods' inefficacy and the desire to explore alternatives, citing the state of Maine's approach to only using restraint and seclusion in safety-critical situations. A pilot program was suggested to test these alternatives in New Hampshire, driven by previous testimonies about the harm caused by current practices.
HB653: Unknown Information Only03:49:11.359 - 12:13:07 PM; The speaker expressed concern about removing current techniques used to address their son's behavior issues, who is on the autism spectrum, and questioned the effectiveness of solely relying on the proposed pilot program. They asked for data from Maine to support the change. The response acknowledged the need for current methods in dangerous situations but emphasized the aim to minimize their use and explore preventive alternatives, suggesting to look at Maine's Department of Education website for more information.
HB653: Morris Information Only03:50:35.439 - 12:14:31 PM; Morris inquired about the specifics of the alternative methods mentioned in the bill. The response directed them to the Maine Department of Education's website for detailed information. Additionally, Morris pointed out a potential typo in the bill, noting the absence of section 'D' in the document's structure. The discussion confirmed the possible typo and suggested it might be an error in the bill's composition.
HB653: Unknown Information Only03:52:19.439 - 12:16:15 PM; The speaker asked about an updated fiscal note for the bill, mentioning they did not have it in their copy of the document. It was clarified that a revised fiscal note dated January 24th was available, and it had been mentioned by Senator MCU.
HB653: Senator MCU Information Only03:53:18.560 - 12:17:14 PM; Senator MCU provided background on the bill, noting it had been discussed in another committee previously. They intended to give a brief testimony but mentioned they might need more time due to the questions raised during the hearing.
HB653: Senator Tim McHugh, representing District 11 (Marlborough, Milford, Amherst, and Wilton) Support03:53:36.560 - 12:17:32 PM; Senator McHugh introduced the bill, which originated from concerns raised by constituents in Marlborough about the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. He was shocked to learn that many schools have padded rooms for restraining students, and the numbers of such incidents were high, reaching up to 1,500 in a reporting period. He discussed the initial proposal to record these practices to understand the reasons and safety issues involved, which led to extensive discussions on privacy concerns and ultimately resulted in the bill being revised. He emphasized the need to reduce the number of students being restrained and questioned the effectiveness of current practices, suggesting the pilot program should explore new methods like positive behavioral support and teaching replacement skills. He expressed support for the pilot but suggested potential revisions to the bill's language to be more specific or broad to allow educational institutions flexibility in using evidence-based programs.
HB653: Tracy Morris from Marlborough Support04:04:21.080 - 12:28:17 PM; Tracy Morris, a former educator and mother of a child with Prader-Willi syndrome, testified in support of the bill. She shared her experience as an educator and her work with the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). She highlighted the importance of proactive approaches to reduce restraints and seclusion, citing her success in reducing office referrals in an elementary school in Laconia. She discussed the use of life space crisis intervention as a deescalation tool and stressed the need for fidelity in implementing PBIS. Morris also advocated for cameras in rooms where nonverbal children are restrained to ensure accountability, emphasizing the need to reduce these practices, especially for children with disabilities.
HB653: Cassandra Sanchez, Child Advocate for the State of New Hampshire, and Attorney Lisa Masio, Associate Child Advocate and Legislative and Policy Director Support04:17:03.560 - 12:40:59 PM; Cassandra Sanchez and Attorney Lisa Masio from the Office of the Child Advocate testified in support of HB653. They described their agency's role in protecting the best interests of New Hampshire's children, noting their jurisdiction over residential facilities concerning restraint and seclusion but not schools. They have been receiving calls from parents concerned about restraints in schools and have observed that there has not been a significant reduction in these numbers. They supported the bill's pilot program to explore new, preventative approaches rather than relying solely on existing deescalation techniques, which they argued are often too late to prevent escalation. They highlighted the need for educators to have additional tools to manage classroom situations better and prevent the need for restraint and seclusion. They also addressed the fiscal note, emphasizing the need for a pilot program to test new approaches without expending significant state funds initially.
HB653: Kristen Noble, Bedford, Hillsborough District 2 Support04:29:53.399 - 12:53:49 PM; Kristen Noble testified in support of HB653, discussing the impact of mask mandates on students during the COVID-19 period. She highlighted how mask mandates negatively affected children's learning, speech, mental and emotional well-being, physical health, and social development. Noble shared her experiences as a parent and the broader community's frustration with school boards' handling of mask policies. She mentioned lawsuits against mask mandates that were often dismissed as frivolous. Noble emphasized the difficulties faced by students with conditions like autism, anxiety, asthma, or learning disabilities who were unable to get exemptions from the mandates. She praised Governor Sununu's eventual decision to end school district mask mandates and criticized the fluctuating local control policies. Noble concluded by stating that the bill would protect school boards from being put in similar situations in the future and stressed the importance of family decision-making.
HB653: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:33:37.639 - 12:57:33 PM; The representative inquired about the differences between the current bill and the one reviewed the previous year. Kristen Noble responded that the bill is exactly the same as the previous year.
HB653: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:33:57.799 - 12:57:53 PM; The representative asked if the bill allows any student or staff member to voluntarily wear a mask. Kristen Noble confirmed that it does.
HB653: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:34:44.199 - 12:58:40 PM; The representative asked how many districts in the state currently have mask mandates. Kristen Noble stated that there are none, but the bill aims to prevent future catastrophes.
HB653: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:35:04.561 - 12:59:00 PM; The representative asked if Kristen Noble's school board supports the bill. Noble mentioned a discussion with her superintendent who shared her thoughts and was going to consult the board, but she had not yet received feedback.
HB653: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:35:04.561 - 12:59:00 PM; The representative asked if the bill exempts students with IEPs or 504 plans from mask mandates if required as part of their plan. Kristen Noble confirmed that this was a new update from the previous year's bill.
HB653: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:35:41.919 - 12:59:37 PM; The speaker posed a question to the committee regarding whether the bill is both reactive and proactive. The response from another representative was affirmative, indicating agreement with the characterization of the bill.
HB653: Representative Bon Information Only04:35:53.919 - 12:59:49 PM; Representative Bon raised a concern about the lack of provisions for staff members with health issues in the bill. They questioned the possibility of mandating masks for students if a staff member is sick, suggesting that accommodations should also be made for adults in similar health situations. The response from another representative was that staff members are free to wear masks and that mandating masks on children for the sake of staff could negatively impact students' learning.
HB653: Representative Sarah DeVito, Rockingham District 8 Support04:38:21.359 - 1:02:17 PM; Representative Sarah DeVito, a co-sponsor of the bill, expressed strong support for HB653. She argued that the bill is crucial for preserving parental rights and individual freedom in health decisions, particularly against mandatory mask policies in schools. She emphasized that mask-wearing can negatively affect students' communication, social development, and learning, especially for young children and those with special needs. DeVito urged the committee to support the bill to keep health decisions in the hands of families.
HB653: Representative Morse Information Only04:39:57.360 - 1:03:53 PM; Representative Morse shared personal experiences related to the impact of mandatory mask policies on children's health. They discussed the unsanitary conditions of masks worn by their child during school and sports, which led to respiratory illnesses. They also highlighted the financial burden of constantly replacing masks, particularly for lower-income families, and questioned the practicality and hygiene of long-term mask use among children.
HB653: Representative Cluer Information Only04:41:22.200 - 1:05:18 PM; Representative Cluer raised a hypothetical scenario about an epidemic like measles and questioned how the bill would handle such situations without mandating masks. They suggested that common sense should prevail, with parents keeping sick children at home. The discussion evolved into a broader debate about the necessity of masks during any epidemic or flu season, emphasizing the importance of building immune systems and using common sense in managing health in schools.
HB653: Unknown Information Only04:43:37.638 - 1:07:33 PM; The speaker asked a question to clarify if the bill would prevent the governor or another state entity from implementing a mask mandate in situations such as an epidemic. They received confirmation that the bill does not prevent such actions.
HB653: Unknown Information Only04:44:00.560 - 1:07:56 PM; The speaker discussed the specifics of mask mandates enacted by the governor in schools, particularly focusing on the use of N95 masks versus homemade masks. They raised concerns about the efficacy of different types of masks and the financial implications of providing and maintaining N95 masks, referencing Rep. Morse's earlier comments about cost.
HB653: Arlene Corell, representing Atkinson Support04:46:01.360 - 1:09:57 PM; Arlene Corell, who previously represented Atkinson in the House and co-sponsored a similar bill (HB 1093) last term, supported HB653. She argued that local school boards should not have the authority to mandate mask-wearing, citing ethical concerns and recent scientific data. She referenced the veto of the previous bill by the former governor and mentioned the testimony of Anthony Fauci to underline the lack of clear scientific justification for mask mandates. As a current middle school teacher, she shared personal observations about the negative impacts of masks and lockdowns on students, urging the committee to vote OTP on HB653 to protect children.
HB653: Emily Phillips, representing Fremont Support04:50:12.718 - 1:14:08 PM; Emily Phillips, a former school board member from Fremont, supported the bill based on her experiences during the pandemic. She explained the challenges faced by local school boards in making mask policy decisions and the inconsistency across different towns. She shared personal anecdotes about her children's struggles, particularly her daughter's speech delay exacerbated by mask-wearing. Phillips argued that such health decisions should be made at the state level, not by local school boards, to avoid divisiveness and to focus on educational priorities. She emphasized the need for state-level decision-making for health ordinances, advocating for parental control as the ultimate local control.
HB653: Gary Orc, Hopkinton Support04:55:08.558 - 1:19:04 PM; Gary Orc from Hopkinton testified in support of the bill, arguing that masks do not work based on previous legislation and his own experiences. He referenced an industrial engineer's testimony from three years prior about the ineffectiveness of masks and mentioned Alan Steo's books which discuss the negative impact of masks on children. He emphasized that if masks are ineffective, the arguments for their use are merely political theater and urged the committee to pass the legislation.
HB653: Samantha Morse, Marac County Support04:57:34.000 - 1:21:30 PM; Samantha Morse, the newly elected Register of Deeds for Marac County, supported HB361, sharing personal experiences about her child's distress caused by school mask mandates. She described how her child faced physical discomfort and psychological trauma from wearing a mask, including difficulties breathing and wearing glasses. Morse argued that masks could lead to serious consequences, including potential fatalities due to restricted airflow, and stressed the importance of children being able to express discomfort to authority figures without fear of repercussions.
HB653: Moren Hardy, Londonderry Support05:00:27.280 - 1:24:23 PM; Moren Hardy from Londonderry, with extensive experience in clinical microbiology and epidemiology, supported the bill. She presented a risk-benefit analysis indicating that masks do not prevent the spread of respiratory viruses in children and can cause physical, psychological, and social harm. Hardy referenced numerous studies and provided a packet of evidence showing the negative impacts of masks on children's health and development, urging the committee to consider these findings and support the legislation.
HB653: Anarie Banfield, Parental Rights Advocate Support05:05:52.440 - 1:29:48 PM; Anarie Banfield, a parental rights advocate and kidney transplant recipient, supported the bill while sharing her personal experiences with mask-wearing due to her compromised immune system. She emphasized her reliance on handwashing over masks and expressed sympathy for parents who chose to mask their children. Banfield argued against mask mandates, highlighting the diverse needs of children, including those with neurodiversity or emotional issues, and supported parental choice in masking decisions.
HB653: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Support05:09:00.680 - 1:32:56 PM; Aubrey Friedman from Bridgewater supported the bill, stressing that decisions about masks should be left to parents rather than school bureaucrats. He recounted the divisive impact of mask mandates in SAU 4, which led to community conflict and wasted time that could have been spent on improving education. Friedman suggested that the issue underscored the need for school choice and urged the committee to prevent future mandates, keeping mask-wearing optional.
HB653: Nancy Beerman, New Boston Support05:12:06.680 - 1:36:02 PM; Nancy Beerman from New Boston, a member of the New Hampshire Rare Disease Advisory Council and a teacher, supported the bill. She shared her experiences with the spread of diseases in schools and the challenges her hearing-impaired daughter faced with masked teachers. Beerman emphasized the importance of seeing facial expressions for young learners and argued that teachers and parents are aware of the risks associated with diseases in school settings, supporting the bill's aim to prevent mask mandates.
HB361: Representative Penza, Strafford District 19, Rochester Support05:14:57.360 - 1:38:53 PM; Representative Penza expressed strong support for HB361, citing personal experiences with their daughter's struggles related to mask mandates in schools. They detailed how their daughter's anxiety was exacerbated by the school's strict mask policies, leading to a switch to private school, which also enforced similar policies. The representative argued that parents know their children best and should have the authority in such matters, not school boards. They urged the committee to vote in favor of the bill, emphasizing the need for change to prevent further harm to children.
HB361: Ranchester Support05:17:20.440 - 1:41:16 PM; Ranchester spoke in favor of HB361, highlighting the issue of discrimination against abused and neglected children. They emphasized that masking these children can be particularly traumatic and argued that school boards and the Department of Education should focus on academics, not on policies that could further harm vulnerable students. They strongly advocated for the bill, suggesting that such children need protection and understanding.
HB360: Representative Kristen Noble, Hillsboro District 2, Bedford Support05:21:09.718 - 1:45:05 PM; Representative Kristen Noble introduced HB360, which aims to prohibit public schools from performing diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, or prescribing pharmaceutical drugs. She shared her research on school-based health centers, which provide a range of medical services within schools. Noble expressed concerns over the potential for schools to become healthcare centers, which she believes is not their purpose. She discussed funding concerns, the possibility of medical errors, and the need for parental consent in medical decisions involving children. Noble also mentioned a testimony from Tiffany Crock from Health Freedom Maine, who highlighted issues with school-based health centers in Maine, including lack of parental knowledge and consent for medical procedures. Noble plans to draft amendments to clarify the bill's language to ensure it does not impact routine school nurse activities.
HB360: Tiffany Crock, Health Freedom Maine (via Representative Noble) Support05:24:42.360 - 1:48:38 PM; Tiffany Crock, represented by Representative Noble, supported HB360 by sharing experiences from Maine where school-based health centers operate without adequate parental knowledge or consent. She detailed instances where students received medical treatments, including birth control and mental health medication, without their parents' awareness. Crock emphasized the potential dangers and lack of accountability of these centers, advocating for the passage of HB360 to prevent similar issues in New Hampshire.
HB360: Representative Hall Information Only05:34:08.320 - 1:58:04 PM; Representative Hall inquired about the current status of school-based health centers in New Hampshire, specifically asking if the concerns raised in the bill were being experienced locally. Representative Noble mentioned that there are four centers in New Hampshire, but they were not aware of similar issues to those in Maine, indicating that the bill is more preventative in nature.
HB360: Representative Freeman Information Only05:34:49.320 - 1:58:45 PM; Representative Freeman asked about the administrative and consent processes at community school health centers, specifically if they follow similar protocols as regular medical visits. Representative Noble confirmed that parental consent is typically required but noted variations by state and service, indicating a need for further clarification in the bill.
HB360: Representative Paul Information Only05:36:23.520 - 2:00:19 PM; Representative Paul asked about the process of setting up health centers within schools, questioning how they are established and whether they involve school boards or town meetings. Representative Noble admitted uncertainty about the setup process, indicating a need for further investigation.
HB360: Representative Bony Information Only05:36:36.360 - 2:00:32 PM; Representative Bony inquired about the personnel working at community health centers within schools and whether they are school employees. Representative Noble clarified that these centers typically partner with external healthcare providers, not school personnel, and discussed the relevance of the bill's placement under School Health in the legal code.
HB360: Unnamed Representative Information Only05:38:13.240 - 2:02:09 PM; An unnamed representative asked about the impact of HB360 on community health organizations that provide services like dental care in schools. Representative Noble acknowledged the need to consider such scenarios in potential amendments, as they were not initially aware of these partnerships.
HB360: Unnamed Representative Information Only05:39:12.478 - 2:03:08 PM; The representative asked about a new school being built in Manchester and its function as a community health center. They mentioned a misunderstanding about a grant and clarified that the new elementary school would serve as a community health center.
HB360: Aubrey Friedman from Bridgewater Support05:40:48.320 - 2:04:44 PM; Aubrey Friedman from Bridgewater supports the bill, arguing that schools are increasingly becoming like hospitals, which distracts from their primary educational mission. They expressed concern over parents shirking responsibilities and the potential for medical errors and privacy issues in school settings, using examples of vaccinations and HIPAA laws.
HB360: Steven Scare from Nashua Support05:43:20.600 - 2:07:16 PM; Steven Scare from Nashua supports the bill, emphasizing the need to limit schools' roles in medically and socially transitioning children. He cited an example from a friend who was a whistleblower at a gender clinic in St. Louis, expressing concerns about the erosion of parental rights and oversight in school-based health centers, particularly regarding birth control and gender-affirming care.
HB360: Beth Scare from Nashua Support05:46:44.360 - 2:10:40 PM; Beth Scare from Nashua supports HB360, arguing that school clinics overstep their bounds by prescribing medications and performing surgeries. She cited examples from other states where students received medical interventions against their parents' wishes and urged the committee to pass the bill to protect New Hampshire kids.
HB360: Representative Kell Potenza from Strafford District 19 Support05:48:14.400 - 2:12:10 PM; Representative Kell Potenza from Strafford District 19 strongly supports the bill, expressing disbelief at the idea of medical procedures happening in schools without parental knowledge. They shared a personal experience during the pandemic where they witnessed vaccinations being administered in a school hallway and argued for a return to the basics of education, separating medical and educational roles.
HB360: Melissa Blasik from Rebuild NH Support05:51:24.160 - 2:15:20 PM; Melissa Blasik from Rebuild NH supports the bill and recommends amending it to distinguish between medical and nursing diagnoses. She discussed the newness of school-based health clinics in New Hampshire and the need for preventive measures based on other states' experiences. Blasik highlighted the lack of legal framework and the potential for full-scale diagnostic and surgical units, expressing concerns over parental consent and privacy.
HB360: Ann Marie Banfield Support05:55:45.878 - 2:19:41 PM; Amry Banfield supports the bill, likening it to a child going to urgent care without parental supervision. They reviewed the memorandum of understanding between Manchester and Amoskeag Health, pointing out issues with confidentiality, security breaches, and the sharing of student data without parental consent. Banfield expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential for medical errors.
HB360: Dr. Gary York from Hopkinton Support06:01:24.638 - 2:25:20 PM; Dr. Gary York from Hopkinton supports the bill, admitting ignorance about school-based medical clinics but expressing strong opposition to their concept. He argued for medical freedoms for adults but not for minors, expressing concerns about peer pressure in schools and the lack of oversight in such facilities. Dr. York advocated for proactive measures to prevent health clinics from infiltrating school systems.
HB360: Russ Anchester, Bedford Oppose06:04:20.520 - 2:28:16 PM; Russ Anchester shared a personal story about his stepdaughter, who was subjected to a pelvic exam and provided birth control in middle school without parental consent. He moved to a new school district to give her a fresh start and opted out of sex education due to her trauma history. However, she still participated, which led to her becoming depressed and anxious. The school counselor misinterpreted her condition as abuse from her parents, leading to the decision to put her on birth control without their knowledge. Anchester argues that child health clinics in schools are dangerous and should require parental rights to be in place.
HB50: Representative Peter Petrino, Milford Support06:17:06.798 - 2:41:02 PM; Representative Petrino, a former social studies teacher, argued for the repeal of the law titled 'the right to freedom from discrimination in the workplace and education.' He believes the law stifles meaningful education by making it difficult for teachers to examine the past in the context of current issues. He provided an example of a classroom activity where students made predictions about America's future using comparisons to the Roman Empire. He emphasized that education is about teaching and opening minds, not indoctrination, and shared concerns about teachers feeling constrained by the current law.
HB50: Arlene Corello, Teacher Oppose06:23:34.080 - 2:47:30 PM; Arlene Corello, a teacher, spoke against the bill, sharing her experience of leaving her seventh-grade class to attend the hearing. She discussed showing her students a documentary about Frederick Douglass and highlighted the importance of teaching history to inspire. She argued that the current law prevents teachers from making students feel guilty or ashamed of historical events not their fault. Corello emphasized the need to teach that people are inherently good and supported keeping the existing law.
HB50: Aubrey Fredman, Bridgewater Oppose06:27:31.280 - 2:51:27 PM; Aubrey Fredman opposed the bill, emphasizing that the current law allows for discussing historical topics without promoting them. He argued that teachers should leave their politics at the door and not push agendas in the classroom. He stressed that promoting racism, sexism, or victimhood is wrong and that teachers should focus on individual rights and raising academic standards to help students.
HB50: Ian Huitt, Cornerstone Oppose06:31:39.878 - 2:55:35 PM; Ian Huitt, representing Cornerstone, opposed the bill, arguing that teachers should be able to distinguish between discussing historical events and promoting discrimination. He criticized the arguments made in court versus those made before legislative committees, pointing out that the law's prohibition is clear and should not deter teaching about historical events. He offered to answer legal questions about the law's constitutionality.
HB50: Amy Bamfield, Parental Rights Advocate Oppose06:34:45.280 - 2:58:41 PM; Amy Bamfield opposed the bill, arguing that it addresses a worldview described as critical race theory or anti-racism. She mentioned a book purchased for middle school students in SAU6 and suggested that the state should include diverse viewpoints in social studies standards, similar to Florida's approach. She recommended working on standards to include various perspectives in schools.
HB50: Russ Anchester, Bedford Oppose06:37:53.680 - 3:01:49 PM; Russ Anchester, running for a school board in Bedford, discussed the importance of being an open-minded and informed school board member. He expressed concerns about the presence of specific flags in classrooms and their potential impact on children. He argued that artificial intelligence can clarify concepts like CRT, SEL, and DEI. He believes the current bill protects against discrimination and all children should be protected.
HB50: Vanessa Blae, New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities Information Only06:40:15.160 - 3:04:11 PM; Vanessa Blae, serving as the Director of Policy and Planning for the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities, read a letter on behalf of the executive director, Isidora Rodriguez Leandra. The letter supports HB50, stating that the bill would positively impact the disability community by preventing discrimination on various grounds including disability. The testimony emphasized the importance of recognizing disability as a natural part of human diversity and experience, and the need to challenge stereotypes and biases. It highlighted the daily barriers faced by people with disabilities and the role of public schools and workplaces in identifying and addressing ableist policies and practices. The letter also stressed the significance of teaching disability history to promote cultural competence and civic engagement.
HB50: Isidora Rodriguez Leandra, New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities Support06:40:36.840 - 3:04:32 PM; Isidora Rodriguez Leandra, the executive director of the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities, provided testimony in support of HB50. She discussed the positive impact of the bill on the disability community, emphasizing the need to prevent discrimination. She highlighted the importance of understanding disability history and its integration into all aspects of history, noting that one in four adults in the U.S. has a disability. The testimony also mentioned the composition of the Council, which is required by law to have at least 60% representation from individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, who volunteer to advocate for disability access and inclusion. The testimony concluded by offering support for any questions regarding the bill's impact on children and families with disabilities.
HB362: Chair Information Only06:44:28.680 - 3:08:24 PM; The Chair discussed HB362 and its comparison with HB440, mentioning a conversation with the Department of Education and Mr. Applebe, who supported the language in HB440. The Chair noted that no response had been received from Mr. Beard, but based on Mr. Applebe's agreement, the committee considered retaining HB362 as a precaution. The Chair proposed a motion to retain HB362, which was seconded by Representative Sel, and the motion passed with a unanimous vote of 12-0.

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)