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.
requiring the department of education to establish an auditing process relative to teacher preparation programs at the post-secondary educational level.
Senator Abbott introduces HB 1093, explaining that it addresses inconsistencies in how public charter schools are treated regarding land use and local property taxes across different districts. He supports the bill to clarify legislation and avoid litigation, noting he knows the prime sponsor well.
HB1093
Support00:03:36.129 - 9:17:22 AM
Jessica Waksman explains the bill's origin from issues faced by Birches Academy when purchasing and renovating their building in Salem, where the town did not fully recognize exemptions for public charter schools. She notes similar inconsistencies in other towns like Nashua. The bill aims to add chartered public schools to RSA 674:54 to affirm their status and rights, clarifying it does not affect building codes but focuses on permitting fees, zoning, and property taxes. She mentions a DOE training preventing other supporters from attending.
HB1093
Vote00:08:04.946 - 9:21:50 AM
The committee votes to pass HB 1093 and places it on consent calendar.
HB1155
Support00:09:09.133 - 9:22:55 AM
Senator Sullivan introduces HB 1155, which repeals the Education Advisory Council.
HB1155
Support00:11:59.787 - 9:25:45 AM
Doris testifies in support of HB 1155, explaining that the Home Education Advisory Council (HEAC), created in 1990, is no longer needed since 2012 changes eliminated its role in due process hearings and terminations. She argues that independent homeschooling parents can communicate directly with legislators, making the council redundant. During Q&A with Senator Prentice, she clarifies that the bill repeals all homeschooling rulemaking and that no ongoing relationship requiring the HEAC exists between parents and the Department of Education beyond notification acknowledgment.
HB1155
Oppose00:15:54.902 - 9:29:40 AM
Diane Nolan, a long-time home educator under RSA 193A for over 20 years, has held positions on service teams of home education organizations and is currently a board member for Catholics United for Home Education (CUHE) and a sitting member on the Home Education Advisory Council (HEAC). She emphasizes HEAC's value in conveying trends and issues for home educators and providing resolutions. CUHE supports retaining HEAC and opposes its elimination while rulemaking remains. HB 1155 does not eliminate rulemaking, and voting ITL avoids issues. She highlights HEAC's role in working with the state on rulemaking.
HB1155
Support00:19:18.271 - 9:33:04 AM
As the prime sponsor, Katie Petternel explains that the original bill aimed to restructure HEAC due to ongoing dysfunction, adversarial nature, and abuse of taxpayer resources observed during her time as an appointee. Meetings are contentious, requiring Department of Education staff oversight. Rulemaking is minimal now, with issues addressable via technical advisories or direct outreach to legislators or the department. Organizations like the New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition can handle advocacy. She provides examples of delays in approving reports and minutes, leading to extra meetings and her need to intervene. The council's structure includes six home educators, representatives from associations, and non-voting legislators. She clarifies the bill repeals the council and notification requirements but not rulemaking itself.
HB1155
Oppose00:28:51.850 - 9:42:37 AM
Heather Barker, in her second term on HEAC, agrees with recent contention starting with new members joining, disrupting previously peaceful operations and relationships with representatives, senators, and the Department of Education. HEAC historically aided rulemaking and legislative support. Contention arose around distinguishing home education pathways from EFA homeschooling and resolving conflicts with school districts. She supports restructuring rather than dissolving HEAC, suggesting commissioner involvement or a commission for oversight. Annual reports were unproblematic before last year. HEAC helps families navigate pathways, coexist peacefully, and engage with the department and legislators, especially with ongoing rulemaking. She urges reconsideration of repeal.
HB1256
Support00:34:29.432 - 9:48:15 AM
As prime sponsor, Mike Drago introduces HB 1256 to repeal the state librarian's authority to award scholarships to ALA-accredited schools. Reasons include: no current state librarian, making the law obsolete; ALA acts as a political action committee pushing a one-sided agenda, collecting data on challenged books and promoting 'banned books' during challenges, countering legislative efforts on school books; and no scholarships awarded in 26.5 years. The bill addresses funding a political agenda via state law.
HB1256
Support00:37:33.412 - 9:51:19 AM
Katie Petternel notes that scholarships are now distributed by the Library Trustees Association, not the state librarian, making the statute unnecessary and outdated, based on archival research.
HB1256
Support00:40:01.403 - 9:53:47 AM
Krista Noble explains that constituents approached her about eliminating the reading recovery training program due to research showing short-term improvements that are not sustained long-term, contributing to literacy issues. She notes states have restricted or banned the method. She consulted the Department of Education last summer, which confirmed the program hasn't been used in some time and won't be again, having shifted to LETRS training aligned with the science of reading, with about 4,500 teachers trained. She describes the three-cueing method used in reading recovery as ineffective for long-term gains.
HB1256
Support00:44:43.212 - 9:58:29 AM
Nate Wire strongly supports the bill based on his tutoring experience with underprivileged children, where reading difficulties hinder progress. He argues reading recovery is not just ineffective but harmful, using the three-cueing method that worsens reading issues for struggling students. He criticizes the program's faulty theory assuming exposure to words teaches reading like speaking, but studies show long-term negative effects. It's non-partisan, covered by NPR and Fox News. He notes three states (Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi) banned it and adopted science of reading (phonics), improving their rankings significantly, with Mississippi now ninth in fourth-grade reading.
HB1256
Support00:48:51.773 - 10:02:37 AM
Heather Barker supports repealing the program, having attended house hearings. She explains it's used for progress monitoring when gaps develop, but it's expensive for training and components, previously required by districts. It's not aligned with science of reading, and short-term gains from first to third grade disappear by end of third grade, yielding no lasting results.
HB1256
Information Only00:50:00.248 - 10:03:46 AM
Nate Green confirms the Department of Education has not supported the reading recovery program in over 10 years at the state level.
HB1529
Vote00:59:47.254 - 10:13:33 AM
The committee makes a motion to pass HB 1529, seconded, with no discussion. All in favor of ought to pass: 4-0. Motion for consent calendar, seconded, all in favor.
HB1256
Vote01:01:00.614 - 10:14:46 AM
The committee makes a motion for ought to pass on HB 1256, seconded, with no discussion. All in favor: aye (3), opposed (1), passing 3-1. Discussion on consent calendar, with one senator opposed to repealing but ultimately consent is approved.
HB112 1465
Information Only01:01:56.265 - 10:15:42 AM
Introduces House Bill 112 and mentions suggested changes reflected in amendment 1465X by Lauren Banker.
HB112 1465
Vote01:03:34.746 - 10:17:20 AM
Makes a motion for ought to pass on the underlying bill and discusses the amendment.
HB112 1465
Information Only01:04:32.365 - 10:18:18 AM
Explains the proposed changes to the amendment on line 10, deleting the part requiring a score of 70 or better and the rest of the sentence.
HB112 1465
Vote01:05:30.697 - 10:19:16 AM
Offers amendment 1465 with the discussed changes.
HB112 1465
Vote01:06:58.744 - 10:20:44 AM
Withdraws the motions and amendments for HB 112 to allow time to double-check and compare the amendment with the original bill.
HB1571
Information Only01:06:58.744 - 10:20:44 AM
Introduces HB 1571 and notes the requirement for review every 10 years beginning in June 2026, but highlights a date mismatch with the effective date of July 1.
HB1571
Information Only01:08:31.510 - 10:22:17 AM
Questions the dates on lines 3 and 4, suggesting a committee amendment to change to June or July 2027 or adjust the effective date to align properly.
HB1571
Information Only01:09:29.932 - 10:23:15 AM
Suggests rolling back the effective date or changing the review start to July 2027 for feasibility considering signing and budget timelines.
HB1571
Information Only01:10:15.626 - 10:24:01 AM
Explains that the effective date was changed to 2027 due to a significant fiscal note impacting the budget, and agrees that adjusting the review date to July 2027 would align with the budget cycle.
HB1571
Vote01:11:04.235 - 10:24:50 AM
Motions for a committee amendment to change line 4 to read 'beginning in July 2027'. The motion is seconded and adopted.
HB1571
Vote01:11:04.235 - 10:24:50 AM
Moves for ought to pass with the committee amendment, which is seconded.
HB1571
Information Only01:14:04.424 - 10:27:50 AM
Seeks clarification from Representative Noble on whether the work to review standards is done by the Department of Education or the State Board of Education.
HB1571
Information Only01:14:04.424 - 10:27:50 AM
Clarifies that the State Board approves the standards, but the Department of Education performs the extensive research and preparatory work, as confirmed earlier with Nate Green.
HB1571
Information Only01:14:04.424 - 10:27:50 AM
Supports assigning the legwork to the Department of Education while the Board handles approval, noting it seems appropriate to separate the tasks.
HB1571
Information Only01:17:03.500 - 10:30:49 AM
Continued discussion on the role of the State Board of Education versus the Department of Education in updating academic standards. Expressed concern about shifting authority from the Board to the Department, drawing from personal experiences and neutral testimony from Mr. Kline. Suggested maintaining the Board's higher authority and directing the Department to do the work.
HB1571
Information Only01:18:13.262 - 10:31:59 AM
Clarified that the intention was not to flip authority; the bill language was developed with the Department's help to initiate revisions. Noted that current law places the review with the General Court every ten years, but the bill shifts it to DOE and the Board.
HB1571
Support01:19:22.344 - 10:33:08 AM
Respected Mr. Kline's neutral testimony and suggested resolving differences through a vote, as not all issues can be solved in discussion.
HB1571
Information Only01:19:22.344 - 10:33:08 AM
Asked a question about the process: DOE initiates revision, but final approval requires legislative review and recommendation. Noted that DOE likely does most of the work anyway.
HB1571
Vote01:20:32.852 - 10:34:18 AM
Called for a motion on HB 1571 to pass as amended. Motion made by Senator Ward. Vote taken: all in favor - none (zero), motion fails. Held the line for now.
HB1774
Information Only01:21:36.264 - 10:35:22 AM
Discussed HB 1774, noting input from Jennifer Ramsey of DRA (Department of Revenue Administration) that DRA does not handle Pell Grant aspects but is responsible for choosing participation in federal programs. Suggested considering amendments based on written materials from DRA indicating technical flaws.
HB1774
Support01:25:55.979 - 10:39:41 AM
Agreed to work on amendments with colleagues, addressing potential conflicts between governor and department opting into programs, and questions about whether it should be under DOE. Noted discussion from hearing about these issues.
HB1774
Information Only01:25:04.622 - 10:38:50 AM
Mentioned holding off on the bill to work on amendments, including technical language fixes.
HB1827
Support01:26:41.681 - 10:40:27 AM
Made a motion for ought to pass on HB 1827. Noted that the Department of Education already conducts background checks and has added requirements over time.
HB1827
Information Only01:27:58.332 - 10:41:44 AM
Raised concerns about the $446,000 cost for implementation starting in 2028, questioning availability of funds and potential shift to school districts. Noted effective date July 1, 2027, and Senate Finance review.
HB1827
Support01:30:39.747 - 10:44:25 AM
Supported the policy to close loopholes in continuous background checks, as NH is not a wrap-back state. Expressed concerns about funding—who pays (state, locals, or individuals)—and suggested noting policy support while deferring financial decisions to Finance Committee. Clarified that existing checks are conducted, and costs might be offset by fees ($47 per check).
HB1827
Information Only01:32:28.757 - 10:46:14 AM
Confused about the fiscal note; noted that costs for staffing might be covered through existing fees, and the $446,000 anticipated expenditure could be offset by revenue from checks.
HB1827
Information Only01:33:19.327 - 10:47:05 AM
Discusses that more than half of the costs for the IT program and support, legal and hearing fees are covered by the Department of Safety. Notes that the Department can handle it with two staff. References Senator Sullivan on methodology, 3,000 checks annually with 1.5 staff, and under the bill 20,000 over five years or 4,000 annually. Suggests additional staffing covered by existing $100 fee, fiscal note revenue exceeds expense. Agrees it's good policy but questions need for another house, mentions history of financial bills being waived.
HB1827
Support01:34:34.477 - 10:48:20 AM
Questions why need another house, thanks for policy input. Expresses discomfort with passing given history of waivers, suggests changing effective date to July 1, 2028 to ensure funding.
HB1827
Information Only01:35:41.427 - 10:49:27 AM
Clarifies nothing precludes schools from doing background checks voluntarily, but this bill mandates it once resources are provided. Emphasizes it's a great idea but opposes unfunded mandates. Notes motion and second, calls for recess.
HB1828 1294
Information Only01:43:20.665 - 10:57:06 AM
Asks about bringing forward amendment for HB 1828. Motion for ought to pass with amendment.
HB1828 1294
Information Only01:45:41.726 - 10:59:27 AM
Describes amendment inserting language on auditing process for educator preparation programs, requiring metrics on effectiveness. Confirms motion for ought to pass.
HB1828 1294
Vote01:46:45.416 - 11:00:31 AM
Makes motion to ought to pass, seconded. Clarifies amendment replaces Roman numeral two, lines 15-18, and updates fiscal note as it uses existing information.
HB1828 1294
Support01:48:35.893 - 11:02:21 AM
Provides clarification on the amendment: it incorporates the audit into existing reviews rather than standalone, for efficiency and simplicity. Notes Steve Appleby from the department agreed.
HB1828 1294
Information Only01:49:13.126 - 11:02:59 AM
Thanks for clarification, proceeds to vote on amendment and then underlying bill as amended.
HB1828 1294
Oppose01:51:57.335 - 11:05:43 AM
The speaker addresses concerns about the bill's impact on the interstate compact for military children, emphasizing that military families already have priority placement and seamless transitions across states. They note a potential conflict with special education IEPs under the EFA program, as there is no mechanism for smooth transitions. The speaker clarifies they support military families but believes the bill could compromise special education services. They motion for inexpedient to legislate but later rescind it in favor of interim study after discussion.
HB1828 1294
Information Only01:54:22.939 - 11:08:08 AM
The chair facilitates discussion on alternative motions, including interim study, and confirms the rescinding of the previous motion.
UNSBECIFIED(REPORTSANDCOMPLIANCE)
Oppose01:56:11.963 - 11:09:57 AM
The speaker notes high compliance rates (96%+) for school reports and questions the need for the bill, citing that non-compliant districts eventually submit. They mention the prime sponsor's original intent and motion for inexpedient to legislate (ITL).
UNSBECIFIED(REPORTSANDCOMPLIANCE)
Information Only01:58:00.614 - 11:11:46 AM
The chair acknowledges testimony from the Department of Education about delays in providing guidance to schools, leading to late submissions. Only 16 schools remain non-compliant, and the aid is withheld until compliance.
UNSBECIFIED(REPORTSANDCOMPLIANCE)
Oppose01:58:48.228 - 11:12:34 AM
The speaker argues against penalizing schools for delays caused by slow guidance from the Department of Education. They highlight that 96% comply immediately, and the remaining schools are seeking help. The punishment of withholding state aid is seen as excessive, especially since the prime sponsor's underlying bill had issues.
UNSBECIFIED(REPORTSANDCOMPLIANCE)
Oppose02:01:25.848 - 11:15:11 AM
The senator agrees that legislation is unnecessary as the process for compliance is already underway. They support ITL and second the motion.
HB1573 2024-0444h
Oppose02:08:52.057 - 11:22:38 AM
The speaker expresses concern that the amendment overrides local school district decisions, potentially overstepping legislative bounds. They reference a specific situation where a district rejected an assignment, leaving a child in limbo, but argue that districts should resolve such issues locally. Superintendents have raised worries about reduced cooperation under current legislative trends.
HB1573 2024-0444h
Support02:10:06.451 - 11:23:52 AM
The senator supports the amendment, intending to address the specific situation.
HB1573 2024-0444h
Support02:10:06.451 - 11:23:52 AM
The member seconds the support for the amendment after discussion.
HB1573 2024-0444h
Information Only02:12:25.774 - 11:26:11 AM
Discussion on clarifying the definition of a civil event in the amendment, noting it needs to be placed in three different sections of the bill. Addresses whether it impacts letters of excusal signed by government officials for events.
HB1573 2024-0444h
Information Only02:14:15.951 - 11:28:01 AM
Seeks clarification on the amendment's requirements: the State Board of Education to develop rules for attending civic events, allowing two excused absences per academic year, and requiring enrollment in an Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) for more than two days.
HB1573 2024-0444h
Information Only02:15:09.954 - 11:28:55 AM
Raises concerns about potential conflicts between the original bill (line 6), amendment 1461S, and 1240. Suggests merging the amendments for clarity and having the Office of Legislative Services (OLS) type it up to create a side-by-side comparison.
HB1573 2024-0444h
Information Only02:16:09.150 - 11:29:55 AM
Agrees to submit the amendments for merging and typing up by OLS. Withdraws previous motions to allow for this revision. Makes a motion to come out of executive session.
HB1573 2024-0444h
Vote02:17:15.439 - 11:31:01 AM
Calls for a vote to come out of executive session, with ayes in favor. Then makes a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded and approved with ayes.