Committee Summary for Senate Education (04/02/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB667 2024-0615h 00:03:59.319 - 12:02:06 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to health education and requiring the viewing of certain videos demonstrating gestational development from embryo to fetus through birth by public school students.	Sellers, John(R)[A-]2024
HB231 01:09:16.319 - 1:07:23 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) prohibiting school district personnel from transporting students to medical or mental health appointments, visits, or procedures without parental consent.	Perez, Kristine(R)[A]2024
HB571 01:21:22.000 - 1:19:29 PM	Public Hearing	including Constitution Day in patriotic exercises required of public schools.	Perez, Kristine(R)[A]2024
HB484 01:33:57.480 - 1:32:04 PM	Public Hearing	relative to reallocation or repurposing of career and technical education classroom space by local school districts.	Daniels, Gary(R)

HB667 2024-0615h: Glenn Cordelli, Tuftonboro Support00:03:59.319 - 12:02:06 PM; Glenn Cordelli, representing Tuftonboro in the Lakes Region, spoke in support of House Bill 667 as amended by amendment 2024-0615h. He explained that the amendment simplifies the original bill by focusing on ensuring that the health education curriculum is age-appropriate and medically accurate, specifically in the areas of sex education. Cordelli highlighted that the amended bill largely reiterates existing statutes and administrative rules, including concepts such as abstinence and healthy relationships. He also emphasized the inclusion of human growth and development in the curriculum, sharing a personal story about his grandson's health challenges to illustrate the importance of understanding human development.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 1 Information Only00:08:30.560 - 12:06:37 PM; The speaker discussed RSA 18:189:10 and highlighted that the amendment does not cover several important topics such as hygiene, sexual violence prevention, child abuse, HIV and AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, and personal finance literacy instruction. They expressed curiosity about why the House decided to exclude evidence-based information from the amendment.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 2 Information Only00:09:17.279 - 12:07:24 PM; The speaker questioned the narrow focus of the amendment, specifically mentioning the exclusion of topics like menstruation, masturbation, and the use of biologically correct terms. They sought clarification on why the amendment focused so narrowly on sexual health without addressing a broader range of topics.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 3 Information Only00:10:03.200 - 12:08:10 PM; The speaker inquired about the mention of abstinence in the rules and requested a copy of the rule, specifically mentioning section 306:40, 2E. They also asked why it was necessary to include abstinence in the statute if it was already mentioned in the rules, suggesting that rules should have a basis in standards.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 4 Information Only00:11:19.920 - 12:09:26 PM; The speaker expressed concerns about the narrow focus of the amendment on abstinence and adoption, advocating for a broader discussion on preventing teen pregnancy. They referenced their experience in Catholic school where health education included reproductive care and birth control, suggesting that all options should be presented to students realistically.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 5 Information Only00:12:26.120 - 12:10:33 PM; The speaker mentioned that the state health education standards cover a broad range of topics including tobacco, sexual education, healthy relationships, and mental health. They offered to send the committee the state standards for health education, suggesting that these might address some of the concerns raised about the amendment's scope.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 6 Information Only00:13:11.519 - 12:11:18 PM; The speaker reiterated concerns about the amendment's specificity on abstinence without addressing other forms of birth control. They emphasized the importance of being realistic with students about all options available for preventing teen pregnancy and requested to review the health education standards that were mentioned.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 7 Information Only00:14:09.759 - 12:12:16 PM; The speaker asked about the source of the high-quality computer-generated animation or ultrasound video mentioned in lines five and six of the amendment, questioning who would produce it or where it would be sourced from.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 8 Information Only00:14:59.839 - 12:13:06 PM; The speaker discusses the availability of educational videos on the internet and inquires about the decision-making process for choosing educational content. They ask if it is up to the Department of Education or the local school boards to decide on the curriculum implementation and whether there would be a list of approved vendors provided by the Department of Education.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 9 Information Only00:16:35.759 - 12:14:42 PM; The speaker addresses the absence of birth control in the amendment, questioning why it was not included alongside topics like abstinence and adoption. They reference existing health standards, suggesting that some aspects of birth control might be covered elsewhere in the curriculum.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 10 Information Only00:17:41.200 - 12:15:48 PM; The speaker references the use of supplemental educational materials like YouTube by schools and teachers since the implementation of Common Core, suggesting a common practice of using external resources to enhance curriculum. They discuss the amendment's focus on certain topics while omitting others like birth control.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 11 Support00:20:52.240 - 12:18:59 PM; The speaker supports the inclusion of all forms of birth control in sexual education, emphasizing the importance of age-appropriate education at the high school level. They believe that information about contraception, in addition to abstinence, should be part of the curriculum.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 12 Oppose00:21:38.480 - 12:19:45 PM; The speaker criticizes the amendment for not including critical topics like abortion and sexually transmitted disease prevention in the definition of 'accurate sexuality education'. They argue that the omission of these topics leaves students at risk and suggests that the amendment provides a narrow and uninformed approach to sexual education, applicable only to public school students.
HB667 2024-0615h: Unknown Speaker 12 Oppose00:21:38.480 - 12:19:45 PM; The speaker expressed concerns about the bill's focus on gestational development, suggesting it lacks a comprehensive approach to sexual education. They mentioned the need for a broader discussion on sexual health, including sexually transmitted diseases and contraception, which they feel are missing from the bill. They questioned the development and implementation of the curriculum proposed in the bill.
HB667 2024-0615h: Senator Sol Information Only00:24:30.559 - 12:22:37 PM; Senator Sol clarified that the bill's scope is specifically about gestational development and questioned why contraception was only brought up during the hearing, suggesting it might be outside the bill's intended focus.
HB667 2024-0615h: Senator Ward Oppose00:25:39.279 - 12:23:46 PM; Senator Ward emphasized the importance of discussing gestational age but also highlighted the bill's prescriptive nature, adding elements to the statute that were not previously included. They argued for a more comprehensive health curriculum that includes all aspects of sexual health, including birth control, to provide students with all necessary options for informed decision-making.
HB667 2024-0615h: Senator Sullivan Information Only00:26:41.159 - 12:24:48 PM; Senator Sullivan apologized for the committee's lack of preparation and acknowledged the need for more background information on the bill. They mentioned existing laws and Department of Education rules that already cover some of the topics raised during the hearing, such as sexually transmitted diseases and birth control, indicating that the bill would add to, rather than replace, these existing regulations.
HB667 2024-0615h: Representative Cordelli Information Only00:29:26.640 - 12:27:33 PM; Representative Cordelli provided clarification on existing laws under RSA 189:10, which address some of the concerns raised, such as sexually transmitted diseases and child abuse prevention. They noted that while contraception is not directly mentioned in the bill, it is covered in administrative rules, and the bill aims to add to these existing laws rather than replace them.
HB667 2024-0615h: Jerry Kerk, Representative in the New Hampshire House of Representatives Support00:32:48.279 - 12:30:55 PM; Representative Jerry Kerk, a retired orthopedic spine surgeon, spoke in support of HB667 but emphasized the need for amendments to ensure the bill provides comprehensive and medically accurate sexual education. He stressed the importance of educating students about all aspects of sexuality, including all options for contraception, pregnancy management, and fetal development through to labor and delivery. Kerk criticized the current version of the bill for potentially allowing schools to teach only limited options while still meeting statutory requirements. He suggested amending the bill to either remove specific language to allow for broader education or to include all relevant options and information. He likened the need for comprehensive education to his medical practice, where he provided patients with all possible options and outcomes to enable informed decision-making.
HB667 2024-0615h: Hope Damon, State Representative, Sullivan County Oppose00:58:03.359 - 12:56:10 PM; Representative Hope Damon from Sullivan County, representing nine towns and five school districts, spoke against HB667. She argued that the bill violates the principle of local control over curriculum, a principle she emphasized as fundamental during her time on the House Education Funding and Full House Education committees. Damon criticized the bill for being overly specific in dictating what school districts should teach, particularly in areas like abstinence, adoption, and healthy relationships, which she believes should not be mandated alongside gestational development if the bill's sole purpose is the latter. She also expressed concerns about the mandatory audits required by the bill, noting that no other curriculum area faces such scrutiny, and questioned the fiscal responsibility of the bill given the state's budget constraints. Damon further questioned the definition and quality of the required computer-generated videos, urging the committee to consider these aspects. She concluded by urging the defeat of the bill, citing its potential harm and unnecessary nature.
HB667 2024-0615h: Senator Aler Information Only01:01:48.920 - 12:59:55 PM; Senator Aler asked Representative Damon about her understanding of audits and whether the Department of Education currently audits other curriculum standards for compliance. Damon confirmed that no other curriculum areas are audited in this manner, emphasizing that school districts manage their teaching methods based on professional educators' judgments without routine audits.
HB667 2024-0615h: Senator Alula Information Only01:03:18.200 - 1:01:25 PM; Senator Alula inquired about the Department of Education's involvement with fourth-grade visits to the capital as part of the state curriculum and sought clarification on the difference between an audit and a survey. Damon responded that she enjoys the visits by fourth graders but is not aware of any formal surveys by the Department on this activity. She also noted that while she could not provide a precise definition, she perceived an audit as being more thorough than a survey.
HB667 2024-0615h: Senator Iller Information Only01:05:13.760 - 1:03:20 PM; Senator Iller clarified that the discussion about surveys and audits stemmed from a previous speaker's testimony and was not directly related to the bill under discussion. This clarification was in response to a potential misunderstanding about the relevance of audits and surveys to the bill.
HB667 2024-0615h: Representative Tracy Bicky, Penacook (a ward of Concord) Oppose01:05:59.799 - 1:04:06 PM; Representative Tracy Bicky expressed opposition to HB667, highlighting a discrepancy between the bill's title and its content. She noted that the bill's title references 'gestational development from embryo to fetus through birth,' while the amendment refers to 'early fetal development.' Bicky also raised concerns about the bill's content, suggesting the removal of topics like abstinence and adoption if the focus is strictly on embryo to birth. She argued that these topics are not relevant to the bill's focus on gestational development.
HB231: Representative Christine Perez, Londonderry Support01:09:16.319 - 1:07:23 PM; Representative Christine Perez introduced HB231, which prohibits school district personnel from transporting students to medical or mental health appointments without parental consent. She emphasized that the bill aims to protect both students and school personnel by ensuring clear policies are in place for emergency and non-emergency situations. Perez mentioned that many school districts lack updated emergency protocols, and this bill would clarify responsibilities and protect staff legally. She responded to questions about the bill's origin, stating it was motivated by her experience in emergency medical services and her desire to ensure student and staff safety.
HB571: Representative Christine Perez, Londonderry Support01:21:22.000 - 1:19:29 PM; Representative Christine Perez introduced HB571, which aims to include Constitution Day in the list of patriotic exercises required in public schools. She provided a history of Constitution Day, noting its evolution from 'I am an American Day' to 'Citizenship Day' and finally to 'Constitution Day' on September 17th. Perez stressed the importance of educating students about the Federal and New Hampshire Constitutions, their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and the failures of the Articles of Confederation that led to the need for the Federal Constitution. She mentioned that the bill had passed in the House and was open to questions about its content and amendments.
HB571: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:28:32.800 - 1:26:39 PM; The speaker sought clarification on whether events celebrating the Federal Constitution could also include elements related to the New Hampshire Constitution. They confirmed that such events, referred to as 'exercises,' could indeed incorporate aspects of the New Hampshire Constitution alongside federal celebrations.
HB571: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:29:35.280 - 1:27:42 PM; The speaker discussed the funding aspect of Constitution Day, mentioning that the U.S. Department of Education provides federal funds for such programming. They were unaware of the specifics of how these funds are distributed or the exact amount allocated. They also suggested that celebrating Constitution Day could be cost-effective, using examples of volunteers and speakers at other events like Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
HB571: Representative Christine Perez, Londonderry Support01:30:44.480 - 1:28:51 PM; Representative Perez expressed support for incorporating Constitution Day into school curriculums across all grades. She shared an anecdote about a grandparent whose grandchild participated in a similar event at a Catholic school in Massachusetts, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Constitution Day similarly to Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
HB484: Representative Gary Daniels, Milford Support01:33:57.480 - 1:32:04 PM; Representative Daniels, the prime sponsor of HB484, explained that the bill aims to allow school districts to repurpose Career and Technical Education (CTE) classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use without needing to reimburse the state. He argued that the current law limits students' opportunities by requiring reimbursement for vacated space, using an example from his hometown where expansion would necessitate tearing down newer parts of a building. The amendment seeks to provide flexibility and align with building aid statutory requirements.
HB484: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:36:52.760 - 1:34:59 PM; The speaker questioned the choice of the 20-year period in the bill, to which Representative Daniels responded that it was initially chosen arbitrarily but later found to align with building aid requirements. This alignment was seen as beneficial for consistency and fairness in the application of the law.
HB484: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:39:27.320 - 1:37:34 PM; The speaker discussed amendments to the charter school regulations, specifically mentioning additions H and I, which allow for the revocation of a charter if the school fails to remedy issues leading to probation or if it is no longer in good standing with the charitable trust unit. They also noted that Roman numerals 2, 3, and 4 in the document are part of current law, but a new section starting on line 27 gives the board authority to impose conditions on the charter to address specific concerns. Additionally, the Department of Education can require an escrow account if a school is in danger of failing, to cover closure costs. The speaker also mentioned a new section redefining the handling of records from closed charter schools, with the Department assuming control and setting up a process for former students to access their records. This amendment aims to enhance the Department's monitoring and stability efforts for charter schools.
HB484: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:40:18.280 - 1:38:25 PM; The speaker continued to elaborate on the amendments, emphasizing the Department's ability to impose conditions and require an escrow account as measures to manage potential school failures effectively.
HB484: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:41:06.560 - 1:39:13 PM; Further details were provided on the escrow account's purpose to cover closure costs and the new process for handling records from closed charter schools, aiming to prevent issues previously encountered when schools closed.
HB484: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:41:54.440 - 1:40:01 PM; The speaker concluded their remarks by stressing the amendments' goal to enhance the Department of Education's oversight and prevent unexpected closures of charter schools.
HB484: Senator of Sullivan Information Only01:42:39.639 - 1:40:46 PM; The Senator asked about the intention behind the amendments, specifically if they are meant to provide charter schools with a chance to rectify issues before reaching a point of no return. The response confirmed that a remedial plan monitored by the department would be required.
HB484: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:43:53.599 - 1:42:00 PM; The speaker explained how the Department of Education learns about problems at charter schools, mentioning annual checks and potential self-reporting by the schools. The amendments aim to prevent unexpected issues.

Ward, Ruth(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Sullivan, Victoria(V Chairman)(R)	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2024
Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2024	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024