Committee Summary for Senate Education (04/29/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB394 00:02:50.360 - 8:16:31 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the powers and duties of cooperative school district budget committees and the role of cooperative school district board member representatives on such committees.	Spilsbury, Walter(R)[B+]2024
HB431 00:15:49.360 - 8:29:30 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) establishing a commission to study the costs of special education.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2024
HB699 00:34:57.520 - 8:48:38 AM	Public Hearing	relative to special education definitions.	Kuttab, Katelyn(R)[A-]2024
HB361 00:46:45.359 - 9:00:26 AM	Public Hearing	prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2024
HB50 01:47:58.440 - 10:01:39 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to intentional or knowing violation of the prohibition on teaching discrimination.	Petrigno, Peter(D)[CT]2024

HB394: Glenn Cordelli, representing Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro, and Ossipee Support00:02:50.360 - 8:16:31 AM; Representative Glenn Cordelli introduced HB 394, which he described as a simple bill that passed the House on the consent calendar. The bill makes two changes to the cooperative school district's budget committee. First, it changes the status of a school board chair's appointee to the budget committee from voting to non-voting, under the rationale that the appointee already has a vote on the budget as a school board member. Second, the bill requires the budget committee to review and make recommendations on any appropriation or warrant article outside of the budget before public discussion, and mandates that the committee's recommendation be printed on the warrant article for public awareness.
HB394: Representative Argot Support00:05:08.639 - 8:18:49 AM; Representative Argot was present in the audience to show support for the bill but did not wish to speak.
HB431: Representative Glenn Cordelli, Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro, and Alton Support00:15:49.360 - 8:29:30 AM; Representative Cordelli introduced the amended House Bill 431, which aims to establish a commission to study the costs and various issues related to special education. He highlighted the need for the commission to address three main areas: the costs of special education in relation to the budget, the increasing percentage of students identified as special needs despite steady overall numbers, and potential issues with processes related to special education. He mentioned specific concerns about the Medicaid to schools program and the varying practices of billing for services across schools. Cordelli also discussed the different categories of disabilities, noting that New Hampshire has higher rates than the national average in some categories. The commission is expected to issue an interim report in November and a final report by July 2026, after which the legislation would be repealed.
HB431: Senator Aliller Information Only00:21:01.760 - 8:34:42 AM; Senator Aliller asked Representative Cordelli about the specifics of the amended bill, particularly regarding the commission's task to study who uses service reimbursement funds and the use of insurance by local districts for legal services in special education. Cordelli clarified that the commission aims to look into how much reimbursement is going to school districts versus third parties providing services, and the costs associated with legal services at IEP and due process meetings. Aliller also inquired about the confidentiality of data and how the commission would access it without breaching family privacy, to which Cordelli responded with the need for further definition of disability categories.
HB431: Representative Podelli Information Only00:27:50.799 - 8:41:31 AM; Representative Podelli responded to a question about interventions before special education referrals, stating that while MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) was not specifically mentioned in the bill, the commission would look into various interventions in subjects like literacy and math before referring a child to special education.
HB431: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Oppose00:29:58.080 - 8:43:39 AM; Representative Damon clarified that the original version of House Bill 431 was replaced entirely by Representative Cordelli's amendment, which she does not support. She mentioned that the original bill was intended to look at the redrafting process of the minimum standards for public education, not the costs of special education. Damon noted that some aspects of the amended bill are already being addressed by other legislative work, particularly in the area of special education funding. She expressed concern about the process of bills being completely amended and losing their original intent, and emphasized the need to respect family privacy in any data collection by the proposed commission.
HB699: Representative Margaret Dry, Sullivan District 7 Support00:34:57.520 - 8:48:38 AM; Representative Dry, a co-sponsor of the bill, explained that HB699 aims to expand and clarify definitions related to special education in response to an audit by the Legislative Budget Assistant. The bill seeks to align state definitions with federal statutes, particularly for terms like 're-acquired brain injury' and 'approved educational environment'. She addressed concerns about the misunderstanding of striking out old definitions, clarifying that the intent was to improve definitions, not eliminate services. She noted that the bill passed the house with a vote of 200 to 186, suggesting it as a partial but important step towards clearer definitions, pending a larger discussion with stakeholders.
HB699: Representative Glenn Cordelli, Tuftonboro Support00:41:43.280 - 8:55:24 AM; Representative Cordelli supported the bill and explained the amendment process, which was developed in response to concerns raised during earlier hearings. He highlighted that misunderstandings about related services led to the amendment, which now includes references to federal statutes to clarify definitions. The amendment was crafted after consultations with the Director of Special Education from the Department of Education and other stakeholders to address the concerns raised.
HB361: Representative Kristen Noble, Hillsborough District 2, Bedford Support00:46:45.359 - 9:00:26 AM; Representative Noble introduced HB361, which aims to prevent school districts from mandating masks in schools except during a state of emergency declared by the governor. She argued that masking decisions should be left to the Department of Health and Human Services during pandemics, relieving school boards of the burden and potential backlash from such decisions. She emphasized that the bill does not prevent individuals from choosing to wear masks and highlighted a letter from the Division of Public Health supporting individual choice over universal mandates.
HB361: Julie Smith Support00:58:11.520 - 9:11:52 AM; Julie Smith expressed support for HB361, referencing previous bills related to similar issues. She criticized the handling of mask mandates in Nashua during the COVID-19 crisis and suggested that the bill aligns with the state's stance on local control, though she pointed out the inconsistency in how local control is applied in different contexts. She recommended an amendment that would make it more difficult for school boards to impose mask mandates, thereby discouraging the new governor from vetoing the bill on the basis of local control.
HB361: Representative Timothy Han, Strafford County District 10, Durham Oppose01:01:44.319 - 9:15:25 AM; Representative Han opposed the bill, arguing that school boards, with access to trained public health professionals, should have the authority to mandate masks in schools during health emergencies. He cited the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effectiveness of masks in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, despite their imperfections. Han also mentioned the ongoing nature of the virus and potential future pandemics, emphasizing the importance of being prepared.
HB361: Paula Johnson, former member of the board of education, alderman at large, and state rep, NSHA Support01:06:20.480 - 9:20:01 AM; Paula Johnson supported the bill, recounting her experience on the board of education during the COVID-19 period. She argued that masks were unnecessary for children based on her research, which suggested children were less likely to contract the virus. Johnson also highlighted the psychological impact of masks on children, including social and emotional trauma, and emphasized that such mandates should require parental consent.
HB361: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Support01:13:47.760 - 9:27:28 AM; Aubrey Friedman supported the bill, focusing on the ineffectiveness of masks in his school district despite mandates. He noted that despite consistent mask-wearing, the number of cases increased, suggesting that masks did not prevent the spread of the virus. Friedman expressed hope that such mandates would not be repeated in the future.
HB361: State Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Oppose01:14:54.800 - 9:28:35 AM; Representative Damon opposed the bill, emphasizing the importance of local control in school mask policies. As a retired healthcare professional, she argued that scientific studies supporting the effectiveness of masks are robust and that school districts should retain the flexibility to respond to local health emergencies. Damon also addressed the evolving nature of scientific understanding and the need for schools to adapt based on current evidence.
HB361: Leah Walko, Manchester Support01:30:08.880 - 9:43:49 AM; Leah Walko supported the bill, sharing personal experiences as a teacher during the pandemic. She described the negative psychological impact of masks on students, including fear, isolation, and increased anxiety. Walko argued that masks, as a medical intervention, should be uniformly applied across the state rather than being decided locally, due to their potential health risks and the inability of schools to manage such decisions effectively.
HB361: Laura Chzn, parent Support01:43:27.520 - 9:57:08 AM; Laura Chzn supported the bill, highlighting its impact on education, particularly on children with reading disabilities. She discussed the state's investment in literacy programs following the pandemic and argued that mandating masks would hinder the effectiveness of these programs, which rely on visible speech for teaching phonological awareness. Chzn emphasized the need for optional mask-wearing to support literacy recovery efforts.
HB50: State Representative Peter Petrino, Milford Support01:47:58.440 - 10:01:39 AM; Representative Petrino supported the original version of HB50, which aimed to repeal the divisive concepts law. He criticized the amended version, which retains the law but allows civil actions against violations. Petrino argued that the law is unconstitutional and detrimental to education, particularly citing the provision that prohibits teaching that individuals or groups are inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive.
HB50: Representative Glenn Cordelli, Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro, and Ossipee Support01:51:26.560 - 10:05:07 AM; Representative Cordelli supported the amended version of HB50. He discussed the ongoing federal court case and the amendments made to address issues of vagueness and scienter. Cordelli highlighted the addition of 'intentional or knowing' to clarify the law's application and ensure legal responsibility for violations.
HB50: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:53:02.760 - 10:06:43 AM; The speaker addressed concerns about the vagueness of the language in the bill, referencing a judge's decision and offering to provide it. They discussed the current law's language regarding the inherent superiority of certain groups based on various characteristics and how the amended bill attempts to address these concerns, specifically mentioning prohibitions on instruction related to racial groups and the historical context of ideas like slavery and the Civil War.
HB50: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:53:54.480 - 10:07:35 AM; The speaker continued discussing the amended bill, pointing out that it aims to clarify the prohibition of teaching that one race or group is inherently superior to another. They mentioned the judge's decision and the intent of the bill to protect all New Hampshire citizens from discrimination.
HB50: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:55:20.880 - 10:09:01 AM; The speaker further elaborated on the amended bill, highlighting its intent to respond to the judge's ruling and reaffirm what is in the current law regarding discrimination based on race, sex, etc. They also thanked the committee for their time.
HB50: Senator Francis Information Only01:57:42.159 - 10:11:23 AM; Senator Francis questioned Representative Cordelli about the replace all amendment to HB50, asking if it was tailored based on the court's decision. They discussed the potential penalties for educators, including the loss of license or job, and linked these concerns to a study committee's findings on the shortage of educators in New Hampshire. They expressed worry about the stress on teachers due to the culture change in schools and the extreme remedy of job loss for violating the code of conduct.
HB50: Representative Cordelli Support01:59:05.599 - 10:12:46 AM; Representative Cordelli responded to Senator Francis, explaining that the original bill aimed to repeal much of the language he disagrees with, and emphasized the necessity of the bill. He mentioned recent events in Manchester involving the 'wheel of power and privilege' and stressed the importance of outlining what is considered proper in terms of discrimination. He argued that the culture has changed in society, not for the better, and the bill is an attempt to address these issues.
HB50: Roman Support02:03:28.480 - 10:17:09 AM; Roman supports the amended bill, emphasizing that everyone should be treated equally. He believes that the school culture has been affected by the bill's introduction, which he thinks was intended to raise concerns among staff. Roman argues for an honest representation of history, particularly in discussions about race and sex in classrooms.
HB50: Sullivan Oppose02:04:13.920 - 10:17:54 AM; Sullivan, from Manchester, opposes the bill due to an incident where eighth-grade students were given a 'wheel of power and privilege,' which upset parents across the spectrum. He is concerned about the bill's implications, particularly the potential for legal action against schools and the impact on multicultural communities. He also references a related Senate bill that was passed and suggests potential further amendments.
HB50: Senator Alchill Information Only02:05:34.880 - 10:19:15 AM; Senator Alchill discusses the bill's language, particularly lines six and 15, and the potential for legal action against teachers for teaching factual American history. He raises concerns about the chilling effect this could have on educators and the unnecessary strife within schools.
HB50: Unnamed Speaker Oppose02:07:04.000 - 10:20:45 AM; The speaker opposes the bill, highlighting the potential for legal action against teachers for teaching history. They believe this could lead to unnecessary legal battles and disrupt school communities, bypassing opportunities for dialogue and community building.
HB50: Unnamed Speaker Oppose02:07:52.880 - 10:21:33 AM; The speaker continues to oppose the bill, arguing that it could lead to immediate legal action rather than fostering community dialogue. They cite instances where parents have approached schools for clarification and express disappointment in the current societal climate.
HB50: Representative Oregon from Stratford County District 10, Durham Oppose02:11:16.880 - 10:24:57 AM; Representative Oregon, from Durham, opposes the amended bill, arguing that it contradicts the original intent of the bill's sponsors. He believes the amendment passed by the education policy committee reverses the bill's purpose. Oregon, identifying as white, discusses his family's history and the importance of teaching the full truth about America's history, including its racial past. He suggests either reverting to the original bill or killing it, citing concerns about the political climate and the impact on the Human Rights Commission.
HB50: Tiffany Campbell from [Unknown Town] Oppose02:17:35.040 - 10:31:16 AM; Tiffany Campbell, a PhD holder in philosophy with a focus on bioethics and disability, opposes the amended HB50. She argues that the bill's provisions for intentional or knowing violations and civil suits create a chilling effect on educators, deterring them from teaching sensitive historical subjects like the Tuskegee experiments or disability sterilization programs. Campbell emphasizes the importance of teaching histories of systemic injustice to future healthcare professionals and criticizes the bill for omitting protections for other groups like those with disabilities. She suggests refining the bill to remove penalties and broaden protections.
HB50: Michelle Vezy, Advocacy Director for New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility Oppose02:22:25.920 - 10:36:06 AM; Michelle Vezy, representing New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, opposes the amended bill, stating it shortchanges students by discouraging teachers from presenting a full understanding of history. She emphasizes the need for a workforce capable of critical thinking and addressing systemic challenges. Vezy also mentions a program developed to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in businesses and shares a personal anecdote about a teacher who moved due to threats related to teaching history. She supports the original bill and highlights significant business opposition to similar legislation.
HB50: Michelle Vezy, Advocacy Director for New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility Support02:26:56.600 - 10:40:37 AM; Michelle Vezy discussed the importance of understanding historical contexts and equity in the workplace. She emphasized that not understanding these aspects can hinder productivity and cohesion within businesses. She shared her personal experience of coming from a privileged background that enabled her to pursue higher education, contrasting this with the lack of similar opportunities for others. Vezy argued that a lack of understanding of historical inequities and differences among employees can negatively impact business environments, stressing the need for education on these topics to foster a collaborative and innovative workplace.

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