Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (04/23/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB102 00:02:09.679 - 8:31:10 AM	Public Hearing	making informational materials regarding type 1 diabetes available on the department of education website.	Ward, Ruth(R)[C+]2024
SB211 00:33:08.320 - 9:02:09 AM	Public Hearing	relative to biological sex in student athletics.	Avard, Kevin(R)[C+]2024
SB33 01:31:41.280 - 10:00:42 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the regulation of public school materials.	Avard, Kevin(R)[C+]2024
SB210 03:35:11.239 - 12:04:12 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a study committee to study the issue of school bullying.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2024

SB102: Senator Ward Support00:02:09.679 - 8:31:10 AM; Senator Ward, the prime sponsor of SB102, introduced the bill focused on providing information about type 1 diabetes. He emphasized the importance of early recognition of symptoms to prevent emergency room visits, highlighting that type 1 diabetes primarily affects young children but can also occur in adults following severe infections. He mentioned the support of the School Nurses Association and various diabetes organizations. Ward explained the new blood test that can detect the possibility of developing type 1 diabetes early, and stressed the need for parents and teachers to be aware of symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
SB102: Kuryak Papasavos, Dartmouth Diabetes Link, Diabetes Leadership Council Support00:10:09.680 - 8:39:10 AM; Kuryak Papasavos, representing the Dartmouth Diabetes Link and the Diabetes Leadership Council, supported SB102. He explained that type 1 diabetes is the second most common autoimmune disease in young people and cannot be prevented by lifestyle changes. He shared his personal experience of early diagnosis due to his father's medical knowledge and stressed the importance of early detection to prevent life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis. He noted that early diagnosis also allows participation in clinical trials for new treatments.
SB102: Victoria Cosmo, Dartmouth College, Diabetes Link Organization Support00:12:40.360 - 8:41:41 AM; Victoria Cosmo, a freshman at Dartmouth College and a member of the Diabetes Link Organization, supported SB102. She shared her personal experience of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 14, after her symptoms were initially dismissed as results of athletic training. She described suffering from severe symptoms like headaches, thirst, weight loss, and fainting, which led to a late-stage diagnosis of ketoacidosis. She emphasized the need for greater awareness to prevent similar experiences for others.
SB102: Cen Autry, Dartmouth College, Dartmouth Diabetes Link, Diabetes Leadership Council Support00:19:50.440 - 8:48:51 AM; Cen Autry, a freshman at Dartmouth College and co-president of the Dartmouth Diabetes Link, supported SB102. She recounted her personal experience of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in eighth grade after experiencing severe symptoms like extreme thirst, weight loss, and fatigue, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis. She stressed the importance of the bill in empowering families to recognize diabetes symptoms early, potentially saving lives and reducing the emotional and physical toll of the disease.
SB102: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Support00:26:29.520 - 8:55:30 AM; Representative Hope Damon from Sullivan District 8, a retired dietitian and diabetes educator, expressed strong support for SB102 as a co-sponsor. She offered her expertise on diabetes for any questions and highlighted the importance of the bill without going into details due to her late arrival to the hearing.
SB211: Senator Kevin Avard, Prime Sponsor Support00:33:08.320 - 9:02:09 AM; Senator Avard, the prime sponsor of SB211, explained that the bill aims to ensure fairness in school sports by mandating that teams be designated as male, female, or co-ed. He emphasized that it prohibits biological males from participating in female sports or using female locker rooms and provides a cause of action for athletes harmed by violations. He responded to questions about the bill's provisions and its implications for transgender athletes, asserting that biological males have a physical advantage even with hormone blockers.
SB211: Michael Haley, Derry, GBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders Oppose00:38:01.200 - 9:07:02 AM; Michael Haley from Derry and representing GBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders opposed the bill, citing that a similar law passed last year was challenged and found likely unconstitutional. He argued that passing this bill would lead to the same legal challenges and outcomes, suggesting it is a waste of time. He recommended marking the bill as inexpedient to legislate and discussed potential middle-ground solutions to ensure safety and fairness in sports without banning transgender participation.
SB211: Jennifer Smith, Physician and Public Health Expert Oppose00:43:02.560 - 9:12:03 AM; Jennifer Smith, a physician and public health expert who identifies as transgender, opposed the bill. She highlighted the misinformation surrounding transgender athletes and stressed that trans girls on puberty blockers do not have a testosterone advantage. She shared personal experiences and discussed the broader implications of such legislation on transgender youth, including mental health risks, and criticized the bill for targeting transgender girls.
SB211: David Trumbull, Town of Alton Oppose00:50:31.839 - 9:19:32 AM; David Trumbull from Alton opposed the bill, emphasizing the value of inclusion in sports and its broader societal benefits. He referenced the International Olympic Committee's guidelines on transgender athlete participation, arguing for a more nuanced approach that considers access, competition fairness, and safety. He suggested an exception for transgender girls who transition before puberty and are on medication, and criticized the bill as part of a broader movement against transgender rights.
SB211: Mary Wilkey, Community Member Oppose00:55:02.559 - 9:24:03 AM; Mary Wilkey, a community member, opposed the bill, arguing that there must be better ways to protect athletes' safety without banning transgender girls from sports. She highlighted the irony in lawmakers supporting individualized education but proposing a blanket rule for transgender athletes. She questioned the focus on transgender athletes when other child safety issues exist and urged the committee to vote the bill as inexpedient to legislate.
SB211: Representative Morris Support00:57:55.680 - 9:26:56 AM; Representative Morris supported the bill, emphasizing the historical fight for women's rights in sports and private spaces. She argued that biological men competing in women's sports and using their facilities undermines these rights. She endorsed the bill's co-ed option but stressed the need to keep women's sports free from biological males, expressing concern about the message sent to young girls about competition and privacy.
SB211: Betsy Harrington, Derry Support01:01:51.680 - 9:30:52 AM; Betsy Harrington from Derry supported the bill, sharing her experience as a female hockey player who played on boys' teams due to lack of girls' teams. She recounted facing abuse and argued for the importance of girls' teams for safety and fairness. She supported the idea of co-ed teams for transgender athletes but believed allowing them on girls' teams disadvantages female athletes.
SB211: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Oppose01:03:43.920 - 9:32:44 AM; Representative Hope Damon from Sullivan District 8 opposed the bill, citing its potential to increase suicide risk among transgender youth. She quoted Utah Governor Spencer Cox's veto of a similar bill, emphasizing the small number of transgender athletes and the need for compassion and understanding. She urged the committee to consider the broader societal implications and the importance of showing kindness and acceptance to transgender individuals.
SB33: Senator Avar Support01:31:41.280 - 10:00:42 AM; Senator Avar, the sponsor of SB33, emphasized the bill's aim to mandate local school districts to adopt and publicly post policies regarding materials authorized for student use. The bill outlines procedures for parents to address complaints about materials deemed harmful or age-inappropriate. Senator Avar stressed the importance of democratic responsibility and accountability, allowing parents to appeal decisions to the school board if they disagree with the principal's assessment. The senator highlighted cases of offensive materials in schools and the need for parents to have a voice without being dismissed.
SB33: Nancy Beerman, New Boston Support01:50:07.119 - 10:19:08 AM; Nancy Beerman from New Boston shared her experience attempting to challenge inappropriate materials in her school district under RSA 571B. She detailed the process of her complaint, which involved the principal, a review committee, and the superintendent, but ultimately felt the law did not adequately protect her children. Beerman argued for the necessity of guidelines and restrictions as proposed in SB33, which could streamline the complaint process and ensure more accountability from school boards and administrators.
SB33: Betsy Harrington, Daring Support02:04:09.520 - 10:33:10 AM; Betsy Harrington from Daring recounted her experience with inappropriate books accessible through the school library's Sora app. She described how her son was exposed to content she deemed pornographic and the subsequent challenges she faced when trying to address the issue with the school. Harrington highlighted the lack of a challenge policy in her district at the time and expressed concern over the potential for sex trafficking through school library materials. She supported SB33 for providing a structured process for parents to challenge materials.
SB33: Dave Luno, Hopkinton and Bow Oppose02:14:58.800 - 10:43:59 AM; Dave Luno from Hopkinton and Bow opposed SB33, arguing that it undermines the role of locally elected school boards and the professional discretion of librarians. He emphasized the importance of representative democracy and the existing processes for addressing concerns, including public comment sections at school board meetings. Luno expressed concerns that the bill prioritizes individual voices over community needs and could lead to unnecessary inventories of library materials, which he believes are already managed responsibly by professionals.
SB210: Representative Matt Schwaner, Seabrook Support03:35:11.239 - 12:04:12 PM; Representative Matt Schwaner from Seabrook spoke in support of SB210, highlighting the severe issue of bullying and violence in middle schools, specifically citing 54 incidents at Seabrook Middle School. He stressed the need for consistent statewide standards, clear protocols, and accountability to address bullying effectively. Schwaner mentioned a petition for the resignation of the SAU 21 superintendent, reflecting a lack of trust in the current system. He urged for legislative action beyond just studying the issue, aiming to restore safety and dignity in schools.
SB210: Sarah Krugus, Co-Director and Co-Founder, Synergy Academy Public Charter School, Concord Support03:38:47.000 - 12:07:48 PM; Sarah Krugus, co-director and co-founder of Synergy Academy Public Charter School in Concord, testified in support of Senate Bill 210. She highlighted the severe issue of bullying in New Hampshire schools, noting that 80% of her students have been bullied, with some experiencing extremely severe forms including death threats and physical assaults. Krugus shared personal examples of bullying, including students receiving detailed instructions on how to commit suicide and being physically assaulted. She emphasized the need for a study committee to gather critical data, identify best practices, and engage stakeholders to address bullying. Krugus also described her school's zero-tolerance bullying policy and the measures taken to instill an anti-bullying culture. She invited the committee to visit her school to see their approach to bullying prevention.
SB210: Leah Brown, Parent, Seabrook Support03:55:23.279 - 12:24:24 PM; Leah Brown spoke in support of Senate Bill 210, sharing a distressing experience of her daughter being bullied and sexually assaulted at Seabrook Middle School. She detailed how the school failed to protect her daughter despite reports of harassment, including by a staff member. Brown criticized the school's response, noting the lack of consequences for the perpetrators and the dismissive attitude towards her daughter's trauma. She mentioned her daughter's significant absences due to fear and the decision to transfer her to a new school where she is now thriving. Brown urged the committee to investigate the failures at Seabrook Middle School and to enact change to protect all children.
SB210: Kevin Clifford, Parent, Conway Support04:00:52.000 - 12:29:53 PM; Kevin Clifford supported Senate Bill 210, recounting the bullying and sexual harassment his son faced at Kennett High School and in the school's hockey program. He described the school's failure to address the issues and the retaliatory actions against his family, including false criminal charges and a cover-up by the school administration. Clifford highlighted the legal battles his family endured due to the school's inaction and the biased investigation conducted by the school's legal team. He stressed the need for an unbiased committee to investigate bullying and abuse in New Hampshire schools, offering his assistance in this effort.
SB210: Denil Clifford, Former Student, Kennett High School, Conway Support04:08:32.680 - 12:37:33 PM; Denil Clifford, a former student at Kennett High School, supported Senate Bill 210, sharing his personal experiences of being bullied and sexually harassed in the school's hockey program. He described the abusive culture within the program, including physical assaults, sexual harassment, and retaliation for speaking out. Clifford recounted being isolated from the team and the school, and the severe emotional toll it took on him. He emphasized the need for a study committee to address bullying and protect students who report abuse, criticizing the school's administration for protecting the abusers.
SB210: Elena Clifford, Former Student, Kennett High School, Conway Support04:15:41.760 - 12:44:42 PM; Elena Clifford highlighted the serious issue of bullying in schools, emphasizing the lack of accountability and the role of the administration and school board in allowing bullying to persist unchecked. She criticized the school district for using taxpayer money to protect the abusers rather than the victims. She also mentioned the Department of Education's ineffectiveness in addressing these issues, although it is not part of the current legislation. She supported the bill for its potential to establish an independent investigative committee to keep public schools accountable.
SB210: Amy Fa, Parent, SAU 21 Support04:17:58.319 - 12:46:59 PM; Amy Fa spoke in support of the bill, sharing her experiences with bullying within SAU 21, particularly at Northampton School. She discussed the relentless and repeated bullying her son faced, including sexual and physical harassment, and the subsequent retaliation and blacklisting her family endured. She emphasized the need for an outside entity to investigate school bullying, pointing out the lack of protection for both students and parents. She noted a decline in school enrollment and a cultural shift that has negatively affected her children and others, suggesting the problem is escalating due to a lack of accountability and transparency.
SB210: Amarie Banfield, Parental Rights Advocate Support04:23:12.640 - 12:52:13 PM; Amarie Banfield supported the bill to establish a study committee on bullying, stressing the importance of engaging parents who have experienced the issue. She criticized the current system for moving away from accountability and failing to adequately address bullying, sharing examples from Seabrook and Manchester. She suggested that schools often treat bullies with therapeutic measures rather than consequences and proposed a trust fund to help families seek justice. She emphasized the need for the committee to tackle the problem seriously to provide relief to affected families.
SB210: Betty Gay, Former Educator Support04:29:29.680 - 12:58:30 PM; Betty Gay supported the bill, viewing it as addressing juvenile crime and the failure of those responsible to react appropriately due to social pressures. She shared an example of racial bullying in schools, highlighting the need for clear consequences and policies like those at Synergy School, which has a zero-tolerance approach. She advocated for new laws to ensure respect and accountability within the school system, emphasizing the need for SAU leadership to enforce rules of safety and respect.
SB210: Moira Ryan, Education Advocate Support04:35:54.359 - 1:04:55 PM; Moira Ryan supported the bill but suggested it should include parents, students, and teachers affected by bullying. She clarified that bullying is about power rather than low self-esteem and mentioned the higher incidence of bullying among students with disabilities. She criticized the use of restorative justice for potentially teaching students there are no consequences, referencing issues in Texas. She recommended reading 'Queen Pin Moms and Kingpin Dads' to understand parental bullying and supported the bill with the proposed additions.
SB210: Addie Kieran, Student, Synergy Academy, formerly Marramac Valley High School Support04:38:19.599 - 1:07:20 PM; Addie Kieran shared her traumatic experiences with bullying at Marramac Valley High School, including death threats, sexual harassment, and false accusations. She praised Synergy Academy for handling bullying effectively and urged all schools to adopt similar strict policies. She believed that the rules at Synergy saved her life and emphasized the need for all schools to be held accountable for addressing bullying.

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)