Committee Summary for Senate Education (04/08/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB319 00:02:18.239 - 8:16:10 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide transportation for pupils in kindergarten.	Ammon, Keith(R)[A+]2024
HB653 00:16:07.920 - 8:29:59 AM	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
HB763 00:31:37.440 - 8:45:29 AM	Public Hearing	relative to school emergency plans for sports related injuries.	Drye, Margaret(R)[A-]2024
HB753 00:50:52.640 - 9:04:44 AM	Public Hearing	relative to expedited due process hearings to enforce special education rights.	Murphy, Nancy(D)[CT]2024
HB752 01:03:23.760 - 9:17:15 AM	Executive Session	relative to procedures for the closing of a charter school.	Cordelli, Glenn(R)[A-]2024
HB76 01:10:27.920 - 9:24:19 AM	Executive Session	relative to tracking special education complaints.	Kuttab, Katelyn(R)[A-]2024
HB184 01:16:28.480 - 9:30:20 AM	Executive Session	establishing a committee to study changing school start times.	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D+]2024
HB193 01:18:00.080 - 9:31:52 AM	Executive Session	relative to the maximum number of credits per course eligible for the dual and concurrent enrollment program.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2024
HB22 01:19:56.960 - 9:33:48 AM	Executive Session	Unclear	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB231 01:31:19.760 - 9:45:11 AM	Executive Session	(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
HB440 01:40:01.360 - 9:53:53 AM	Executive Session	relative to educator licensing.	Cordelli, Glenn(R)[A-]2024

HB319: Keith Ammon, Representative from New Boston, Lyndeborough, and Mount Vernon Support00:02:18.239 - 8:16:10 AM; Representative Keith Ammon introduced House Bill 319, aimed at removing a state mandate requiring busing for half-day kindergarten students. He explained that the mandate results in underutilized buses and significant costs to the district, approximately $75,000 annually. Ammon highlighted that traditionally, caregivers managed midday pickups without issues, and this mandate places an unnecessary burden on the school district. He responded to questions about the bill's impact on other districts and clarified that the bill would allow local school boards to decide on busing policies for half-day kindergarten, turning a 'shall' into a 'may'.
HB653: Peter Petrino, Representative from Milford Support00:16:07.920 - 8:29:59 AM; Representative Peter Petrino presented House Bill 653, stemming from an interim study he chaired on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. The study was initiated after concerns raised by parents about the abuse and neglect of their children with IEPs. Petrino explained that the committee found current methods ineffective and potentially traumatizing, leading to the proposal of a pilot project to explore alternative, trauma-informed practices in schools. He thanked Senator McHugh and the Office of the Child Advocate for their assistance and was open to questions.
HB653: Lisa Massie, Associate Child Advocate for the State of New Hampshire Support00:19:12.240 - 8:33:04 AM; Lisa Massie, representing the Office of the Child Advocate, supported House Bill 653, emphasizing the need for alternatives to current restraint and seclusion practices in schools. She noted that while their mandate covers only children in state care, the issue affects all students. Massie shared statistics and a specific case involving a young child restrained multiple times in a day, underscoring the trauma involved for all parties. She advocated for the pilot project to explore evidence-based training options that could prevent escalation to restraint and seclusion, and urged the committee to pass the bill.
HB653: Lisa Massie, Associate Child Advocate for the State of New Hampshire Information Only00:19:12.240 - 8:33:04 AM; Lisa Massie discussed the confusion surrounding the restraint law passed around 2014, noting that schools have been struggling with policies that prohibit touching students even in dangerous situations, while also seeing instances of abuse. She mentioned that there have been amendments to the law since 2014, including updates to notification pieces and definitions, and the development of a centralized reporting form by New Hampshire Ed. Massie expressed hope that the pilot project associated with the bill would provide more data and experiential information on alternatives to restraint and seclusion, potentially leading to further statutory or voluntary changes in schools.
HB653: Ben Jones, Lives on the Balance Support00:24:40.400 - 8:38:32 AM; Ben Jones, representing Lives on the Balance, a nonprofit based in Maine, expressed support for the bill. He emphasized the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in addressing students' needs, particularly in preventing situations that lead to restraint and seclusion. Jones highlighted that their organization works across the country on similar issues and supports efforts to restrict restraint and seclusion. He stressed the need for training to equip teachers and support staff with tools to manage high-needs students without resorting to physical interventions. Jones also mentioned the disproportionate impact of restraint and seclusion on students with disabilities and noted a significant increase in seclusion incidents in New Hampshire from one school year to the next.
HB653: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:27:56.640 - 8:41:48 AM; An unnamed speaker asked about the California Evidence-Based Clearing House for Child Welfare mentioned in the bill, seeking clarification on its role. Ben Jones responded, explaining that it is referenced in New Hampshire law as a standardized source for evidence-based programs. He noted that it is one of several national third-party organizations that certify programs as evidence-based, which is a more rigorous standard than terms like 'evidence adjacent' or 'research-based.'
HB763: Representative Margaret Dry, Sullivan County District 7 (Plainfield, Cornish, Newport, Unity, and Charlestown) Support00:31:37.440 - 8:45:29 AM; Representative Margaret Dry, who also serves as an emergency medical technician and an instructor trainer for the American Heart Association, supported the bill. She recounted the story of Matt Keane from Berlin, New Hampshire, who suffered a cardiac arrest at Kimball Union Academy in Plainfield and was saved by an AED and trained personnel. Dry explained that the bill, which evolved from last year's version, now specifies its application to schools with grades 4 to 12 during student participation in sports. She discussed changes in the bill's language to ensure AEDs are accessible rather than necessarily at each venue, and referenced national guidelines for placement. Dry also addressed the fiscal note, arguing it overestimated costs and did not account for existing AEDs in schools. She suggested that the fiscal impact could be reduced and expressed openness to amendments that could facilitate donations to a fund for AEDs.
HB763: Senator Pantis Support00:37:05.040 - 8:50:57 AM; Senator Pantis expressed support for the bill and proposed an amendment to allow for gifts to a fund managed by fire and training, similar to a model used by Fish and Game. This would provide a centralized place for donations to support the acquisition of AEDs and training. Representative Dry agreed that this was a good idea and could encourage more donations.
HB763: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:38:35.200 - 8:52:27 AM; An unnamed speaker asked for clarification on the cost of AED and CPR training per person per year, as mentioned in the fiscal note. Representative Dry explained that the training is biennial, not annual, and that the cost of AEDs is significantly lower than stated in the fiscal note due to a state program offering discounts. She also noted that the number of schools needing AEDs might be lower than estimated, as many already have them, and the training is often done voluntarily in her area.
HB763: Nancy Vaughn, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association Support00:40:18.640 - 8:54:10 AM; Nancy Vaughn from the American Heart Association supported the bill, emphasizing the organization's priority to ensure safe environments for children and young adults participating in sports. She highlighted the risk of cardiac arrest in sports, particularly due to underlying conditions, and noted that about 40% of cardiac arrests in children under 18 are sports-related. Vaughn agreed with Representative Dry's points on the fiscal note, suggesting that the bill's appropriation could help underresourced schools address gaps in AED coverage and training. She stressed the importance of following guidelines for the maintenance and placement of AEDs to ensure quick access in emergencies.
HB763: Senator Sullivan Information Only00:42:54.079 - 8:56:46 AM; Senator Sullivan inquired about the number of schools in the state that already have AEDs, expressing uncertainty about the exact number. They mentioned that Senator Apprentice might have more detailed information on a registry accessible through the Department of Safety. Sullivan was informed that an initiative led by Matt Keane assessed public schools for AED availability and provided AEDs to those lacking them, with remaining resources used for charter and private schools. It was noted that all schools should have AEDs, though maintenance is not required but generally upheld.
HB763: Senator Apprentice Information Only00:43:41.760 - 8:57:33 AM; Senator Apprentice provided information regarding the AEDs in schools, stating that a registry through the Department of Safety could confirm the current status. They explained that an initiative ensured all public schools had AEDs, and any remaining devices were distributed to charter and private schools. Apprentice mentioned that while there is no requirement for maintaining the devices, schools typically do so, and the Department of Safety would have the final word on their status.
HB763: Emily Knight, Nurse at Wentworth-Douglas Hospital, American Heart Association Support00:44:27.280 - 8:58:19 AM; Emily Knight, a nurse at Wentworth-Douglas Hospital in Dover, NH, and involved with the American Heart Association, supported the bill. She highlighted her extensive experience in screening children for cardiac arrest risks and emphasized the necessity of AEDs in schools. Knight pointed out that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death on school campuses and shared statistics from recent screenings in New Hampshire. She advocated for CPR training, AED availability, and emergency response plans in schools, referencing the federal Hearts Act as a benchmark for such measures.
HB753: Senator Suprentice, State Senate District 5 Information Only00:50:52.640 - 9:04:44 AM; Senator Suprentice introduced HB753 on behalf of Representative Murphy, emphasizing the need to define and expedite due process for special education rights. They noted that the current timeline for expedited cases often exceeds that of regular due process, which the bill aims to address. Suprentice praised the detailed handout prepared by Representative Murphy and encouraged further testimony from the House and the special education community.
HB753: Bonnie Dunham Support00:52:52.800 - 9:06:44 AM; Bonnie Dunham supported HB753, explaining that the bill ensures an expedited due process hearing does not exceed the duration of a regular due process hearing. She detailed the timelines for regular and expedited hearings, highlighting the potential delays at the end of the school year. Dunham argued that the bill aligns with federal law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and is necessary to prevent undue delays that could affect a child's education.
HB753: Representative Glenn Cordelli, Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro, and Ossipee Support00:56:59.119 - 9:10:51 AM; Representative Cordelli supported HB753, noting its passage on the consent calendar in the House. He mentioned the federal statute allowing states to establish different procedural rules for expedited hearings and emphasized that the bill aims to ensure that expedited hearings are indeed expedited. Cordelli referenced a document he brought but left at home, which detailed the relevant federal statute.
HB752: Caitlyn Davis, Department of Education Information Only01:03:23.760 - 9:17:15 AM; Caitlyn Davis from the Department of Education spoke on HB752, which deals with procedures for charter school closures. She explained that the department supports the bill but seeks additional language to allow them to charge a fee for furnishing transcripts from closed schools. Davis provided a history of related bills in the House and discussed the department's current practices with transcripts from other closed institutions. She highlighted the need for this practice to help students whose schools have closed and noted that the department currently charges a fee for similar services for other types of closed schools.
HB76: Unspecified Committee Member Vote01:10:27.920 - 9:24:19 AM; An unspecified committee member made a motion to pass HB76, which requires the Department of Education to establish and maintain a tracking system for all state complaints related to special education services. The motion was seconded, and a discussion ensued.
HB76: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:11:02.640 - 9:24:54 AM; The speaker expressed concerns about the bill's impact on rural districts, noting that special education complaints can be identifiable in smaller districts, which could lead to unwanted community conversation about families. They mentioned not supporting the bill due to its lack of protection for families in rural areas.
HB76: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:11:48.239 - 9:25:40 AM; The speaker referenced testimony from Miss Fenton at the Department of Education (DOE), who explained that the DOE already tracks special education complaints internally. The bill would codify existing practices, suggesting it as a positive step forward.
HB76: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:12:34.400 - 9:26:26 AM; The speaker discussed concerns raised during the hearing about privacy issues in smaller districts, where identifying students or families could be problematic. They noted the DOE's acknowledgment of this issue during their testimony.
HB76: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:13:20.800 - 9:27:12 AM; The speaker, a co-sponsor of the bill, expressed support for tracking special education complaints to improve services but highlighted concerns about privacy, especially in smaller districts. They suggested amending the bill to add a protective layer, similar to practices in medicine where data is not reported if it could identify individuals in small towns.
HB76: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:14:06.880 - 9:27:58 AM; The speaker and Senator Al agreed to draft an amendment to address privacy concerns and planned to bring it back to the next executive session. They also noted potential issues with the bill's requirement for the DOE to summarize complaints, suggesting it might be burdensome.
HB76: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:15:41.679 - 9:29:33 AM; The speaker suggested connecting with Diane Fenton from the DOE to ensure the right language is included in the amendment to address the concerns raised.
HB184: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:16:28.480 - 9:30:20 AM; The speaker mentioned that HB184, which aimed to establish a committee to study changing school start times, had already passed the House. They expressed skepticism about the necessity of another study committee, noting that similar efforts had been made multiple times without significant progress, and suggested voting to find it inexpedient to legislate (ITL).
HB193: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:18:00.080 - 9:31:52 AM; The speaker noted that the bill relates to the established practice of dual and concurrent enrollment programs, specifically about the type of courses that qualify, including those for first responders. They suggested the bill was well-established and moved to pass it.
HB22: Senator Apprentice Information Only01:19:56.960 - 9:33:48 AM; Senator Apprentice discussed the bipartisan effort behind the bill and noted that the services it aims to regulate are already happening. They highlighted the testimony suggesting that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) required by the bill adds an unnecessary layer of work for school districts without enhancing service delivery. They supported moving away from this requirement.
HB22: Unspecified Committee Member Oppose01:21:47.199 - 9:35:39 AM; The speaker expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns from parents about the removal of a mechanism that allows the DOE to oversee special education in charter schools. They felt that the MOU provides a necessary guardrail for parents and special education services, and without it, there would be no recourse for parents.
HB22: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:22:36.199 - 9:36:28 AM; The speaker noted that the MOU requirement was new and had only been in place since 2022. They suggested it might be premature to repeal it without giving it more time to prove its effectiveness. They also mentioned that the DOE was willing to work on simplifying the MOU process.
HB22: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:23:21.239 - 9:37:13 AM; The speaker argued that the MOU provides the DOE with a tool to ensure that special education services are being provided appropriately. They noted that without the MOU, the DOE would have no way to check what's happening at the school level.
HB22: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:24:08.239 - 9:38:00 AM; The speaker suggested re-referring the bill to give more time to work on it, noting that the services are still being provided and that the IEP and 504 processes already facilitate communication between parents and schools.
HB22: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:25:40.800 - 9:39:32 AM; The speaker supported re-referring the bill, noting that the DOE did not speak in support of the legislation and only checks the MOUs every six years. They also mentioned that the DOE has no jurisdiction over special education in charter schools, making the MOU unnecessary.
HB22: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:26:28.639 - 9:40:20 AM; The speaker highlighted the inefficiencies of the MOU process, noting that it adds extra paperwork and that the DOE does not oversee special education in charter schools. They supported re-referring the bill to give it more time.
HB22: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:28:02.880 - 9:41:54 AM; The speaker expressed concerns about the effectiveness and necessity of the MOU, suggesting that the bill needs more time to be vetted properly. They supported re-referring the bill.
HB22: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:28:50.040 - 9:42:42 AM; The speaker noted that without the MOU, the DOE would have no oversight in charter schools, leaving parents without recourse. They highlighted that 56 MOUs were outstanding, indicating issues with special education services.
HB22: Senator Apprentice Information Only01:29:38.159 - 9:43:30 AM; Senator Apprentice withdrew their motion to not pass the bill and instead moved to re-refer it, suggesting that more time was needed to address the concerns raised during the discussion.
HB231: Senator Apprentice Information Only01:31:19.760 - 9:45:11 AM; Senator Apprentice initially moved to find the bill inexpedient to legislate (ITL) but expressed uncertainty about its necessity, suggesting that existing policies might already cover the issue. They considered re-referring the bill.
HB231: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:35:23.360 - 9:49:15 AM; The speaker argued that the bill might be looking for a problem that does not exist, as school districts already have policies in place. They questioned the need for the bill and its applicability to non-emergency situations.
HB231: Unspecified Committee Member Oppose01:34:27.600 - 9:48:19 AM; The speaker opposed the ITL motion and supported not passing the bill, arguing that there is no practical scenario where school personnel should transport students to medical appointments without parental consent, except in emergencies.
HB231: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:36:08.520 - 9:50:00 AM; The speaker suggested that the bill might not be necessary, as existing policies already require parental consent for students to leave school property. They questioned the appropriateness of the bill's placement within emergency protocols.
HB231: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:36:54.880 - 9:50:46 AM; The speaker noted that existing policies already require parental consent for students to leave school property and suggested that the bill might not be needed. They considered re-referring the bill to find the right approach.
HB440: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:40:01.360 - 9:53:53 AM; The speaker moved to pass the bill, noting that the DOE had changed terminology to 'license' and that it was reasonable for educators to pass professional assessments. They addressed concerns about charter schools, noting that some teachers there are not required to be licensed.
HB440: Senator Alcher Oppose01:41:32.080 - 9:55:24 AM; Senator Alcher opposed the bill, noting that New Hampshire does not have an educational specialist license. They also criticized the bill for applying only to public schools and not to charter or private schools, arguing for consistency in educational policy.
HB440: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:43:03.679 - 9:56:55 AM; The speaker clarified that charter schools have different criteria for teachers and that not all teachers in charter schools need to be licensed. They suggested that an amendment might be necessary to include charter schools.
HB440: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:44:36.000 - 9:58:28 AM; The speaker proposed including language to cover both public and charter schools in accordance with existing laws, ensuring that those required to be licensed pass professional exams.
HB440: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:45:22.320 - 9:59:14 AM; The speaker expressed the view that all educators, regardless of the type of school, should be qualified and pass professional exams. They noted that EMT instructors are licensed similarly across different settings.
HB440: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:46:08.719 - 10:00:00 AM; The speaker suggested holding off on the decision until an amendment could be drafted to include charter schools, emphasizing the importance of ensuring all educators are qualified.
HB440: Grant Bossi, Deputy Chief of Staff, New Hampshire Senate Information Only01:46:55.440 - 10:00:47 AM; Grant Bossi explained that HB440 adds an exam component to the educator credentialing process, which would apply to credentialed charter school teachers but not to those hired outside of the DOE credentialing process. He noted that a separate amendment would be needed to include non-credentialed charter school teachers.
HB440: Unspecified Committee Member Information Only01:48:27.679 - 10:02:19 AM; The speaker agreed to work on an amendment to include charter schools and suggested holding off on the decision until the next session to allow for this.

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