Warning: Bill numbers and names are based on text-to-speech transcript which may have errors due to transcription issues or ad hoc/incomplete language use by committee.
(New Title) requiring students in the university and community college systems of New Hampshire to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test, take a course that covers fundamental American documents as part of the general education curriculum, or pass a civics course competency test.
relative to creation and distribution of school district compliance and financial reports
HB112
Support00:02:22.029 - 9:16:03 AM
Representative Moffitt, the prime sponsor, introduced HB 112 as a companion to HB 320, which requires high school graduates to pass the 128-question naturalization civics exam. This bill extends the requirement to public college graduates, exempting those who already passed it in high school to ensure all graduates have basic civics knowledge. He highlighted the crisis of civics ignorance among college graduates based on his 32 years in post-secondary education and research. Moffitt argued the test is a modest, online assessment that adds value to New Hampshire degrees, similar to requirements in other states and at Purdue University. He addressed past opposition, including misinformation, a veto by Governor Sununu due to scheduling issues, and refuted claims of high costs in the fiscal note, noting high schools administer it without extra hires. He emphasized legislative authority over education policy and the need for fundamentals in civics beyond classroom instruction.
HB112
Oppose00:29:03.646 - 9:42:44 AM
Chancellor Provencher appreciated the intent to promote civic engagement but opposed HB 112 for two reasons: it adds administrative costs and sets a precedent for legislative mandates on graduation requirements, conflicting with the university system's autonomy under RSA 187-A. She noted the fiscal note's indeterminable cost (estimated $100,000-$500,000) for tracking compliance, technology, and training advisors and registrars to avoid degree conferral issues. Exemptions for certain students (e.g., NH high school graduates, foreign nationals, veterans) require additional tracking. The system is already reducing costs amid declining enrollment and state support, and this bill imposes a regulatory burden without funding.
HB112
Support00:33:28.614 - 9:47:09 AM
Mark Rubenstein, with Shannon Reed from the Community College System, signed in as neutral but clarified full support for Representative Moffitt's goals in promoting civics knowledge among graduates. The testimony was cut off, but he affirmed alignment with the bill's objectives.
HB112
Information Only00:35:03.748 - 9:48:44 AM
The speaker endorses the goal of ensuring a well-educated citizenry but expresses concerns about the implementation challenges for the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). They note that recent high school graduates will already meet the requirement, but tracking compliance for diverse students, including those who enter, exit, and return, will be complicated and costly. Additional responsibilities would layer onto existing priorities like workforce Pell implementation, financial aid fraud prevention, Web Accessibility compliance, and other initiatives. They seek assistance in implementation, such as more time and latitude, and defer to a colleague for amendment details.
HB112
Oppose00:37:03.791 - 9:50:44 AM
The speaker supports the bill's intent but opposes its current form due to implementation burdens. They suggest amendments: 1) Limit to degree-seeking students by adding 'with an associate degree' on line 20; 2) Exempt New Hampshire high school graduates from January 1, 2026, onward, assuming they passed the test for graduation, allowing bulk coding instead of individual tracking. They discuss handling exemptions for veterans, military, etc., and potential self-certification. Draft language for a new Roman numeral III is offered. They explain the civics test's in-person nature and the need to adapt it for online use, citing Department of Education's $500,000 initial cost and $800,000 five-year contract. CCSNH has the online format but needs integration with their systems. Alternative assessments like a civics course may not be feasible for all programs. They compare to Purdue's resources and outline concerns to inform the committee.
HB1571
Support00:44:59.924 - 9:58:40 AM
The prime sponsor introduces HB 1571, which directs the Department of Education to revise math, English, and science standards starting in June 2027, with reviews every 10 years thereafter. It requires a new state assessment aligned to the standards and a recommended list of high-quality instructional materials for districts to optionally use. The bill has a significant fiscal note, delaying implementation to the next biennium due to costs. The sponsor aims to eliminate Common Core-aligned math standards to improve student success.
HB1571
Support00:46:23.221 - 10:00:04 AM
Banfield supports HB 1571, arguing that 15-year-old Common Core standards have led to stagnant or declining student achievement nationwide, including in New Hampshire. She cites Massachusetts' pre-Common Core success with rigorous standards and notes Common Core's failures: delaying advanced math, mandating confusing strategies for basic operations, overemphasizing communication over computation (harming English learners and disabled students), lacking automaticity in foundational skills, and not preparing students for elite STEM programs, as admitted by lead author Jason Zimba. She references critiques from experts like Stephen Wilson and James Milgram, and Sandra Stotsky on English standards. Next Generation Science Standards are weaker. Updating standards is essential for equity and quality, using proven benchmarks. New Hampshire's math scores have declined since 2010 adoption. She urges passage and offers written testimony with links.
HB1571
Information Only01:01:29.994 - 10:15:10 AM
Kline provides perspective on HB 1571, noting the State Board's role in adopting standards and seeking clarity on whether the Department or Board initiates revisions. He supports emphasizing rigor, clarity, and relevance but suggests defining 'high quality' based on research and outcomes. He agrees Common Core underperformed and recommends the instructional materials list be based on proven curricula, citing Mississippi's successful review process. He cautions against a mandatory 10-year review cycle, as it could lead to fad-driven changes, preferring to retain strong standards longer. The bill's flexibility in reviewing for possible revision is positive, but evidence-based approaches are key.
HB1827
Support01:08:58.453 - 10:22:39 AM
Noble introduces HB 1827 for Representative Labb, requiring the Department of Education to conduct confidential criminal history record checks on all prospective educational personnel in public, charter, and non-public special education schools.
HB1827
Information Only01:10:17.403 - 10:23:58 AM
Appleby explains that the bill expands existing background check processes (currently for bus drivers, new license applicants, and educator preparation students) to all educational personnel. Checks occur on a five-year cycle or upon application/enrollment to reduce individual checks and ensure no convictions on the section five list or out-of-state license revocations via the NASDTEC database. This adds protection for students, as schools lack database access. All checks are confidential, with records destroyed after 60 days per FBI rules. It is not a full FBI check.
HB1573
Support01:13:05.057 - 10:26:46 AM
Thiebaud introduces HB 1573, granting two excused absences per year for civic or CTE events, defining civic narrowly as government-hosted (not campaigns or protests). He supports an amendment to include events by patriotic organizations like American Legion and VFW. Examples include testifying on bills, youth advisory councils, fairs, ride-alongs, and programs like Senate Youth or Oratorical contests, which offer scholarships but risk unexcused absences penalizing grades. Additional excuses for council meetings and multi-day CTE/civic events. Schools set proof policies and can exceed the minimum. Similar bills succeeded in other states. The bill supports local control while guaranteeing state support for experiential learning. He offers amendments and testimony from Rep. Drey.
HB1573
Oppose01:27:02.870 - 10:40:43 AM
Becky Wilson expresses appreciation for the bill's intent but opposes it due to concerns over defining and handling unexcused absences. She notes that many discussed activities, such as attending events like the Big E, meeting with officials, or participating in CTE programs and national conferences, are already considered excused as part of school curriculum or events. With the shift to competency-based education, attendance focuses on participation in curriculum rather than seat time. Limiting to two days could hinder job shadowing or other integrated experiences. Extended learning opportunities allow credit for outside activities without absence penalties. Schools emphasize project-based learning, making replication difficult, and attendance policies like JH handle family vacations with makeup work. Determining partisan nature of civic events creates discomfort for administrators and teachers, and the broad definition raises validity issues.
HB1573
Support01:31:43.179 - 10:45:24 AM
Casey Peters, a senior from Raymond, supports HB 1573, emphasizing it allows excused absences for civic and career events, enabling learning, leadership, and contribution beyond the classroom. He stresses the bill is non-partisan, focused on supporting students and future leaders. Personally, involvement in activities like testifying, government meetings, FBLA, or DECA risked attendance penalties, but the bill removes barriers, affirming students' voices matter. Such participation builds critical thinking, communication, leadership, and confidence, showing students can impact New Hampshire. He urges support to value youth and empower the next generation.
HB1573
Support01:33:35.099 - 10:47:16 AM
Andrew King, a junior from Concord and leader in school roles like class president and Ethics and Philosophy Club, supports HB 1573. Passionate about civics, he faces restrictions from events during school hours, such as governor and council meetings, Senate Youth Program interviews, house paging, Legislative Youth Advisory Council meetings, and American Legion oratorical finals. These provide valuable government exposure and real-world growth beyond classroom learning. He values attendance, having missed only two full days in six years, and notes excused vs. unexcused matters. The bill extends New Hampshire's accessible government tradition to students, making civic participation easier.
HB1573
Support01:36:30.000 - 10:50:11 AM
Senator Lange, prime sponsor, supports the amendment to clarify RSA 193:3, ensuring receiving school districts must accept students reassigned by the State Board of Education due to manifest hardship, such as bullying. He references a recent Seabrook case where a seventh grader's transfer to Hampton Falls was denied despite State Board approval, leaving the student in limbo. The amendment makes it clear that reassignment is mandatory, treating the student as a resident of the receiving district. This resolves ambiguity to protect students from hardship situations.
HB1573
Support01:38:28.247 - 10:52:09 AM
Drew Klein provides background on RSA 193:3, focusing on manifest educational hardship where parents prove extreme difficulty in education due to assignment, often from bullying. After local denial, appeal to State Board can result in reassignment, with the resident district paying tuition. He explains a recent interpretation dispute where Hampton Falls rejected a Seabrook student's reassignment, claiming no authority, despite the statute's reassignment framework. The amendment clarifies the Board's power to grant parents' reassignment requests to specific schools, preventing limbo. He notes increasing cases post-COVID, including bullying and homelessness, and existing limits on reassignments (1-5% of membership). Without clarity, more districts may refuse, undermining the statute. In the case, the principal agreed but the board denied without reason; the Board exempted the student from compulsory attendance as a last resort. The high bar for hardship remains unchanged; this ensures effective relief.
HB1573
Information Only01:59:25.271 - 11:13:06 AM
Drew Klein continues his testimony and answers questions about manifest hardship cases. He explains that the process is designed to remedy situations where districts resist reassigning students, leading to ongoing legal costs for districts. He notes that reassigned students' tuition is paid by the sending district, and they continue to receive state aid. He speculates that legal bills in prolonged cases exceed tuition costs. Regarding long-term solutions, he acknowledges that Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) and open enrollment could help reduce such cases but not eliminate them entirely, citing examples where families pursue remedies even after students graduate. He clarifies that cost should not be a reason for rejection under statute, but receiving schools can reject based on non-residency qualifications like capacity or student needs.
HB1573
Support02:04:40.326 - 11:18:21 AM
As the prime sponsor of the underlying bill, James Teboe supports the non-germane amendment. He emphasizes that it addresses a critical concern for students, noting the taxing nature of the best interest hearing process, similar to manifest educational hardship. He argues that families should not face additional complications from districts refusing to accept reassigned students. He encourages adoption of the amendment and declines questions, as previous speakers covered the content.
HB1573
Information Only02:05:46.390 - 11:19:27 AM
Becky Wilson provides clarification on current law, stating that the State Board lacks authority to place students in specific schools during manifest educational hardship appeals; it only determines if hardship is granted. She outlines criteria for reassignment, including school capacity, best interest aspects, and the student's academic, physical, personal, and social needs. While acknowledging the challenges for families, she notes that local school boards are not obligated to accept students without specific reasons provided, and families have other options for placement once hardship is granted.
HB131
Information Only02:29:44.218 - 11:43:25 AM
The committee discusses wording in HB 131, focusing on page four, line 17, following an email from Elizabeth Brown at the DOE questioning 'negligence' versus 'scope.' They consider removing a sentence starting with 'for the purpose of this chapter.' Further discussion on line 14 addresses 'any person aggrieved as a result of gross negligent or willful misconduct' in violation of provisions. Debate ensues on whether to include 'willful' or 'negligence,' noting the intent covers aggravation from policy violations. Suggestions include simplifying to 'any person aggrieved by a violation' without specifying mens rea, as both willful and negligent acts qualify for remedy under RSA 193-40. Clarification is made between 'aggrieved' and 'aggravated.'
HB131
Information Only02:32:12.876 - 11:45:53 AM
The speaker expresses frustration with the proposed changes, describing it as an old excuse and suggesting that 'aggravated' is appropriate. They question whether the provision defining negligence is necessary and recommend either keeping gross negligence or deleting the change entirely.
HB131
Oppose02:33:09.546 - 11:46:50 AM
The speaker thanks the chair and explains that the bill redefines gross negligence to simple negligence for the purposes of this chapter, which significantly lowers the threshold for private rights of action. They propose voting the bill inexpedient to legislate (ITL) and advise against changing 193-F:9 to remove 'gross' negligence.
HB131
Support02:34:10.692 - 11:47:51 AM
In response to the chair's question, Senator Branches recommends keeping the line in for the private right of action and restoring the 'gross' negligence language, defining it as deliberate indifference. They agree to strike certain redefinitions to revert to the existing language in 193-F:9.
HB131
Information Only02:36:05.094 - 11:49:46 AM
The speaker clarifies the amendment details, confirming that gross negligence means deliberate indifference, removing the bolded section on failure to behave with care to revert to the original text of 193-F:9. They note that this will be incorporated as a committee amendment and discuss additional changes needed based on Representative Ladd's prior testimony.
HB131
Information Only02:37:25.864 - 11:51:06 AM
The speaker reviews Representative Ladd's neutral testimony, suggesting amendments to include public academies on page 1 line 10, change to school principal or designee on page 2, and address out-of-state bullying reporting on page 4. They note these have not been fully addressed and emphasize considering Ladd's specific points.
HB131
Information Only02:39:12.343 - 11:52:53 AM
The speaker discusses the out-of-state bullying language on line 6, lacking an immediate solution but planning a floor amendment. They stress ensuring Representative Ladd's comments are considered, reference a recent law on out-of-state bullying investigations, confirm addressing other issues like public academies, and apologize to Senator Sullivan for interrupting.
HB131
Information Only02:42:15.968 - 11:55:56 AM
Senator Ward specifies inserting public academies into Roman numeral II regarding school boards and trustees. They confirm that harassment, bullying, and intimidation are already covered in the bill, and reiterate the amendment for school principal or designee on page 2 line 2, as well as restoring gross negligence as deliberate indifference.
HB131
Vote02:43:18.517 - 11:56:59 AM
The chair confirms the changes, including removing the bolded section and addressing other amendments, asks if the committee agrees, and makes a motion for ought to pass (OTP) on House Bill 131 with recommended committee changes on lines 1, 2, and 4. They outline the procedure requiring a separate motion for the amendments before the OTP vote.
HB131
Vote02:44:08.058 - 11:57:49 AM
Calls for vote on the committee amendment to HB 131. Motion to adopt the recommended changes, seconded, and vote results in 5-0 in favor. Then returns to motion for Ought to Pass on the bill.
HB131
Oppose02:44:56.742 - 11:58:37 AM
Expresses agreement on addressing bullying but opposes the bill for placing responsibility on schools for off-campus cyberbullying without holding parents accountable for providing tools like cell phones. Argues it's an overreach, endangering teacher certifications while excluding non-certified staff, and questions why parents aren't involved in solutions. Notes the bill targets certified teachers for incidents outside school control that affect the classroom.
HB131
Oppose02:52:10.032 - 12:05:51 PM
Recommends using SB 575 as a study vehicle for all bullying-related bills due to the complexity of the issue and lack of compliance with existing laws. Supports studying to address reluctance in reporting and escalation, rather than passing HB 131, to avoid spinning wheels.
HB131
Support02:54:35.859 - 12:08:16 PM
Defends parents, noting challenges with cell phone enforcement and school-issued devices. Supports the bill for adding teeth to bullying laws, as current ones are not enforced. Highlights ongoing issues with bullying and IEPs in schools and the need for legislation to address unmet needs.
HB1635
Oppose02:58:10.535 - 12:11:51 PM
Recommends Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) for HB 1635, as consultations indicate preference to maintain current frequency of training, emphasizing its importance.
HB1635
Vote02:58:10.535 - 12:11:51 PM
Seconds the motion for ITL, calls for vote by consent, all in favor.
HB1099 1248s
Information Only02:59:31.571 - 12:13:12 PM
Notes discussion with Representative Ladd indicating the issue is complex involving multiple agencies, suggesting the amendment is appropriate for study.
HB1099 1248s
Support03:00:27.299 - 12:14:08 PM
Moves for Ought to Pass on HB 1099 with amendment 1248s replacing all, after procedural clarification.
HB1099 1248s
Vote03:01:23.399 - 12:15:04 PM
Calls for vote on the amendment and Ought to Pass, results in approval.
HB1267
Vote03:03:12.572 - 12:16:53 PM
Introduces HB 1267 and makes a motion to pass the bill with a second, asking for any discussion.
HB1267
Oppose03:04:28.735 - 12:18:09 PM
Expresses discomfort with the bill requiring the department to develop best practices for procedures already in place, notes no specific incident occurred and the concerns are hypothetical and speculative. Emphasizes the importance of allowing DCYF and law enforcement to perform their duties in cases of reported abuse and neglect without this restriction.
HB1267
Support03:05:15.377 - 12:18:56 PM
Addresses concerns by noting protections in line 18 of the bill that exempt child welfare cases involving injury or abuse from requiring parental consent, thus protecting the child. References the bill sponsor from the Milford area who cited one specific situation involving a teacher conduct issue, not criminal. Expresses surprise that such protections are not already in place and concern over children being questioned without parental consent by law enforcement or school officials. Views the bill as a reasonable protection and states intent to support it.
Unclear
Vote03:09:30.751 - 12:23:11 PM
Makes a motion to pass the bill.
Unclear
Information Only03:10:42.005 - 12:24:23 PM
Notes amendments including on line 11 to have the Department of Revenue Administration annually create and send a school district audit, replacing 'all' with 'school compliance and financial reports' to every elected school board official. Discusses limiting distribution to relevant school board members of the specific district rather than all districts to avoid sharing irrelevant information, such as Tilton's reports to Hampton.
Unclear
Information Only03:12:22.590 - 12:26:03 PM
Notes that delivery does not need to be postal mail and can be digital. Suggests adding language on line 5 after 'administrator' and before 'department' stating 'electronic communication shall be acceptable'. Reports that DOE, Department of Revenue Administration, and Municipal Property Division support the bill with these changes.
Unclear
Information Only03:13:36.841 - 12:27:17 PM
Identifies spot for 'create and send' amendment on line 11 before the word 'send'.
Unclear
Information Only03:14:56.277 - 12:28:37 PM
Recommends changing 'compliance and financial report' on line 4 to 'monitoring and financial report' for clarity, and adding a definition of 'monitoring report' as a formal report authored by the Department of Education that identifies a compliance concern or deviation from industry standards and recommends the local education agency take corrective action. Suggests placing the definition after the compliance reference with 'for the purposes of this section'.
Unclear
Information Only03:16:25.217 - 12:30:06 PM
Discusses whether there is a definition section in RSA 21-N and notes the absence of one, suggesting additions for compliance support and monitoring definitions. Asks if the group wants to read back the proposed changes before voting.
Unclear
Information Only03:17:42.431 - 12:31:23 PM
Proposes changes to the bill: on line four, strike 'compliance' and replace with 'monitoring' so the Department of Education shall annually send all school monitoring and financial reports to every elected school board official, school superintendent, and school business administrator, with electronic communication acceptable. Ensures 'relevant' is added on line 11 as well.
Unclear
Information Only03:18:29.840 - 12:32:10 PM
Emphasizes the need to include 'relevant' in both places on lines 10 and 11, noting that not every financial monitoring report goes to every single school.
Unclear
Information Only03:20:39.430 - 12:34:20 PM
Reads the proposed amendment starting at line 10: The Department of Revenue Administration shall annually by July 10 create and send a school district audit compliance report (striking 'and financial') to the Department of Education for distribution to every relevant elected school board official. Strikes the last sentence to ensure members receive it once. Confirms this is for July.
Unclear
Vote03:23:03.726 - 12:36:44 PM
Confirms agreement with the original changes from Elizabeth Brown and adds Senator Altshuler's point about electronic communication. Calls for a motion to approve the committee amendment and votes to pass the bill as amended on consent, resulting in a 5-0 aye vote. Moves to come out of executive session.