Committee Summary for Senate Education (05/13/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB10 1832H 00:03:55.200 - 8:17:46 AM	Executive Session	establishing the parental bill of rights.	Packard, Sherman(R)[Spkr]2024
HB50 00:10:20.640 - 8:24:11 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to intentional or knowing violation of the prohibition on teaching discrimination.	Petrigno, Peter(D)[CT]2024
HB115 00:11:48.640 - 8:25:39 AM	Executive Session	relative to universal eligibility for the education freedom account program.	McDonnell, Valerie(R)[B+]2024
HB10 2127 00:39:22.079 - 8:53:13 AM	Executive Session	establishing the parental bill of rights.	Packard, Sherman(R)[Spkr]2024
HB292 00:44:02.920 - 8:57:53 AM	Executive Session	establishing a commission to study school administrative unit consolidation.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2024
HB394 00:49:59.559 - 9:03:50 AM	Executive Session	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 00:54:33.400 - 9:08:24 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) establishing a commission to study the costs of special education.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2024
HB446 01:00:56.680 - 9:14:47 AM	Executive Session	relative to parental notice for non-academic surveys in public schools.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[A-]2022
HB484 01:18:41.080 - 9:32:32 AM	Executive Session	relative to reallocation or repurposing of career and technical education classroom space by local school districts.	Daniels, Gary(R)
HB532 2025-1915s 01:24:52.400 - 9:38:43 AM	Executive Session	relative to alternative dispute resolution and individualized education plan team meeting facilitation.	Ball, Lorie(R)[B+]2024
HB699 01:57:48.960 - 10:11:39 AM	Executive Session	relative to special education definitions.	Kuttab, Katelyn(R)[A-]2024
HB532 2025-1915s 02:07:42.159 - 10:21:33 AM	Executive Session	relative to alternative dispute resolution and individualized education plan team meeting facilitation.	Ball, Lorie(R)[B+]2024
HB752 2025-1582s 02:19:42.799 - 10:33:33 AM	Executive Session	relative to procedures for the closing of a charter school.	Cordelli, Glenn(R)[A-]2024
HB768 2025-2105h 02:25:05.720 - 10:38:56 AM	Executive Session	allowing public schools to contract with any approved private school.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2024

HB10 1832H: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:03:55.200 - 8:17:46 AM; The session began with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Alchilla. The committee then moved into an executive session to discuss House Bill 10. A motion was made and seconded to pass the bill. There was confusion about the amendment numbers; initially, amendment 1515 was mentioned, but it was clarified that amendment 1832H was the correct one to be considered. There was discussion about the differences between amendment 1515 and SB72, particularly regarding the definition of 'parent.' Copies of amendment 1515 were requested for review.
HB10 1832H: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:03:55.200 - 8:17:46 AM; The speaker was finishing a discussion related to HB10 and amendment 1832H.
HB50: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:10:20.640 - 8:24:11 AM; The speaker initiated a motion to find HB50 inexpedient to legislate (ITL). There was a second to the motion, and a discussion ensued about a similar bill in the Senate. The motion was initially considered for consent but was taken off consent by Senator Alill due to remaining questions.
HB115: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:11:48.640 - 8:25:39 AM; The speaker moved a motion to find HB115 inexpedient to legislate (ITL). The motion was seconded by Senator Alill. Senator Prentice opposed the ITL motion, citing concerns about education freedom accounts (EFA) and the need to prioritize public education funding. Senator Sullivan opposed the ITL, arguing for equal educational opportunities and historical context. Senator Oell supported the ITL motion, emphasizing the need to fully fund public schools and the shifting purpose of the EFA program. The ITL motion was voted on, with two in favor and two opposed.
HB115: Senator Prentice Oppose00:13:04.040 - 8:26:55 AM; Senator Prentice opposed the ITL motion for HB115, arguing against universal eligibility for the EFA program. They emphasized the need to prioritize public education and expressed concerns about the fiscal impact of expanding EFA eligibility.
HB115: Senator Sullivan Oppose00:15:18.000 - 8:29:09 AM; Senator Sullivan opposed the ITL motion for HB115, advocating for equal educational opportunities for all New Hampshire children. They discussed historical context of public education and argued against perceived discrimination in education.
HB115: Senator Oell Support00:16:20.880 - 8:30:11 AM; Senator Oell supported the ITL motion for HB115, emphasizing the need to fully fund public education as mandated by court decisions. They argued against the shifting purpose of the EFA program and the impact on public school funding.
HB115: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:20:38.559 - 8:34:29 AM; The speaker introduced an amendment (2044s) to HB115, which would cap the EFA program and prioritize eligibility. The amendment was discussed, with Senator Prentice expressing opposition due to concerns about prioritizing families without means testing. Senator Sullivan supported the amendment, arguing for equal opportunities and refuting claims of wealth discrimination. Senator Alchilla opposed the amendment, citing issues with discrimination by private schools and the lack of a true cap in the amendment.
HB115: Senator Prentice Oppose00:21:33.039 - 8:35:24 AM; Senator Prentice opposed amendment 2044s to HB115, arguing that it would prioritize families without means testing and undermine the original intent of the EFA program to help lower-income families.
HB115: Senator Sullivan Support00:24:57.279 - 8:38:48 AM; Senator Sullivan supported amendment 2044s to HB115, arguing for equal educational opportunities for all families and refuting claims of wealth discrimination. They emphasized the need for choice in education to improve public schools.
HB115: Senator Alchilla Oppose00:27:02.320 - 8:40:53 AM; Senator Alchilla opposed amendment 2044s to HB115, citing concerns about discrimination by private schools and the lack of a true cap in the amendment. They emphasized the importance of public schools taking all students and the challenges faced by students returning from EFA-funded schools.
HB115: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:36:45.520 - 8:50:36 AM; The speaker facilitated a vote on amendment 2044s to HB115, which passed with a vote of 2-3. The underlying bill with the amendment was then voted on, passing with a vote of 3-2. The bill was taken off consent by Senator Abbas.
HB10 2127: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:39:22.079 - 8:53:13 AM; The speaker introduced amendment 2127 to HB10, which was a replace-all amendment. The amendment was discussed, with Senator Prentice expressing concerns about the healthcare section and its potential impact on STD testing and substance use disorder treatment. The amendment passed with a vote of 3-2, and the underlying bill with the amendment also passed with a vote of 3-2. The bill was taken off consent by Senator Sullivan.
HB10 2127: Senator Prentice Oppose00:40:34.599 - 8:54:25 AM; Senator Prentice opposed amendment 2127 to HB10, expressing concerns about the healthcare section and its potential impact on STD testing and substance use disorder treatment. They argued that the amendment largely recodified existing law and questioned its necessity.
HB292: Senator Prentice Information Only00:44:02.920 - 8:57:53 AM; Senator Prentice moved a motion to find HB292 inexpedient to legislate (ITL) and then withdrew it to offer a re-refer motion. They argued that a similar bill, Senate Bill 57, had already been worked on and was the better version to focus on due to logistical limitations.
HB292: Senator Alchiller Information Only00:45:23.599 - 8:59:14 AM; Senator Alchiller supported the re-refer motion for HB292, citing the work done on Senate Bill 57 as the better approach. They emphasized the logistical challenges of forming a new commission.
HB292: Senator Abbas Information Only00:46:29.119 - 9:00:20 AM; Senator Abbas supported the re-refer motion for HB292, highlighting the logistical challenges of forming a new commission and the need to prioritize studies given the summer conditions in Concord.
HB292: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:48:38.400 - 9:02:29 AM; The speaker facilitated a vote on the re-refer motion for HB292, which passed with a vote of 5-0. The bill was placed on consent and taken off consent by Senator Alchiller.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:49:59.559 - 9:03:50 AM; The speaker moved a motion to find HB394 ought to pass (OTP), which was seconded. The bill aims to change the role of a school board-appointed member on a cooperative school district budget committee to a non-voting ex officio role. A discussion ensued about the rationale behind the change, with questions raised about the necessity of the bill.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:50:46.559 - 9:04:37 AM; The speaker expressed concerns about the conflict of interest when a school board member also serves on the budget committee. They questioned the necessity of the bill, suggesting that the budget committee's role is advisory rather than decisional, and highlighted that the school board member already had a chance to vote on the budget, which could be seen as a conflict of interest.
HB394: Senator Abbas Information Only00:51:53.200 - 9:05:44 AM; Senator Abbas discussed the role of the budget committee, noting that it only makes recommendations and does not bind the outcome. They mentioned that in their district's towns like Salem and Pelham, the school board effectively promoted their budget, suggesting the bill might not be necessary.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:52:51.359 - 9:06:42 AM; The speaker further elaborated on the budget committee's advisory role and expressed support for the concept of the bill, stating that the committee's recommendations do not necessarily change the budget but are part of the process.
HB394: Senator Ward Information Only00:53:42.160 - 9:07:33 AM; Senator Ward discussed the voting process on the bill, mentioning an OTP (Ought to Pass) motion and subsequent voting, resulting in a decision to pass the bill. They also mentioned taking the bill out of consent.
HB431: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:54:33.400 - 9:08:24 AM; The speaker questioned the necessity of establishing a commission to study the cost of special education, citing logistical challenges and the bipartisan support for the issue despite the committee's vote not being overwhelming.
HB431: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:55:35.680 - 9:09:26 AM; The speaker emphasized the importance of studying the cost of special education due to its significant impact on local education costs and the need to address potential changes at the federal level.
HB431: Senator Al Schiller Oppose00:56:36.799 - 9:10:27 AM; Senator Al Schiller opposed the amendment to the bill, arguing that it was non-germane and introduced issues without clear definitions. They highlighted concerns about the broad categorization of students and the lack of involvement from special education advocates.
HB431: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:58:08.960 - 9:11:59 AM; The speaker criticized the amendment for not acknowledging existing efforts in New Hampshire schools, such as MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), and questioned the wide scope of the amendment. They suggested that a new piece of legislation should be introduced to properly address the costs of special education.
HB431: Senator Ward Information Only00:59:30.799 - 9:13:21 AM; Senator Ward facilitated a motion to re-refer the bill, which was seconded and passed, leading to a decision to put it on consent and subsequently take it out.
HB446: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:00:56.680 - 9:14:47 AM; The speaker introduced a motion of ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) on the bill, discussing the importance of the youth risk behavior survey in shaping public policy and prevention strategies. They mentioned testimony from a police officer from Dover about using survey data for interventions.
HB446: Unnamed Speaker Oppose01:03:16.799 - 9:17:07 AM; The speaker opposed the survey, stating that parents were appalled by the questions and felt it was inappropriate for schools to conduct such surveys. They argued that the survey was focused on sexuality and could be a reason for parents to demand Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs).
HB446: Senator Abbas Oppose01:05:10.640 - 9:19:01 AM; Senator Abbas expressed concerns about the survey's opt-in versus opt-out mechanism, suggesting that an opt-in approach would lead to fewer students participating. They argued that if parents had to opt in, they would be more likely to review the survey, questioning its content.
HB446: Senator Al Schiller Support01:07:32.559 - 9:21:23 AM; Senator Al Schiller supported the survey, emphasizing its importance in providing credible data for various prevention programs, including suicide prevention and opioid response. They argued that the survey's data is essential for securing grant funding for these programs.
HB446: Senator Abbas Oppose01:11:15.960 - 9:25:06 AM; Senator Abbas questioned the necessity of the survey for providing services, suggesting that these services should be offered regardless of survey data. They expressed skepticism about the survey's impact on funding and service provision.
HB446: Senator Al Schiller Support01:12:27.760 - 9:26:18 AM; Senator Al Schiller responded to Senator Abbas, explaining that grant funding for prevention programs is contingent on demonstrating need through data. They highlighted the importance of the survey in maintaining the statistical significance needed for funding applications.
HB446: Unnamed Speaker Support01:14:34.400 - 9:28:25 AM; The speaker further defended the survey, stressing its role in preventing youth suicide and supporting programs like Getting to Y, which uses the survey data for peer-to-peer prevention strategies. They argued against the ITL motion, emphasizing the survey's importance in securing funding for prevention.
HB446: Senator Ward Information Only01:17:41.840 - 9:31:32 AM; Senator Ward facilitated the voting process on the ITL motion, which resulted in a decision to pass the motion, with the bill being taken out of consent.
HB484: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:18:41.080 - 9:32:32 AM; The speaker introduced a motion to pass the bill, which allows school districts to repurpose CTE (Career and Technical Education) space after 20 years of exclusive use. They clarified that the bill does not affect existing space used for other purposes.
HB484: Senator Shelby Information Only01:19:49.880 - 9:33:40 AM; Senator Shelby questioned whether the bill could impact spaces currently used for childcare, expressing concern that it might allow for changes in programming without board participation. They were reassured that the bill only pertains to the repurposing of space and not the underlying CTE program.
HB484: Grant Fosy, Deputy Chief of Staff, New Hampshire Senate Information Only01:20:52.560 - 9:34:43 AM; Grant Fosy clarified that the bill does not commandeer existing spaces for CTE use but allows schools to repurpose CTE spaces after 20 years if they are no longer needed for that purpose. He emphasized that any changes to CTE programming would still require the standard approval process.
HB484: Senator Ward Information Only01:23:10.159 - 9:37:01 AM; Senator Ward facilitated the voting process on the OTP (Ought to Pass) motion for the bill, which passed and was put on consent.
HB532 2025-1915s: Senator Sullivan Information Only01:24:52.400 - 9:38:43 AM; Senator Sullivan introduced an amendment to the bill, which they worked on with the department to clean up the language and reordering sections. They confirmed that the amendment did not change the content but only the structure of the bill.
HB532 2025-1915s: Senator Al Schiller Information Only01:28:41.480 - 9:42:32 AM; Senator Al Schiller questioned the amendment, particularly about the removal of a 30-day timeline for IEP team meeting facilitation that was in the original bill. They sought clarification on whether the timeline remained in place under the amended sections.
HB532 2025-1915s: Senator Sullivan Information Only01:29:34.880 - 9:43:25 AM; Senator Sullivan discusses the amendment 2025-1915s to HB532, focusing on the addition of a 30-day period for mediation or neutral conference as outlined in the House-amended version of the bill. This amendment seeks to provide a timeline for parents and schools engaging in mediation, with the possibility of continuance if agreed upon by all parties. The discussion involves the placement of the 30-day period within the amendment and the potential impact of school vacations and holidays on this timeline.
HB532 2025-1915s: Senator Ward Information Only01:32:25.840 - 9:46:16 AM; Senator Ward expresses concern about the definition of the 30-day period, questioning whether it should be school days, calendar days, or account for holidays and vacations. The senator emphasizes the importance of having a clear timeline for parents and schools to ensure accountability and efficiency in resolving educational disputes.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:33:12.920 - 9:47:03 AM; The speaker discusses the need to clarify the 30-day period in the context of education, particularly considering school breaks and summer periods. They suggest that while a hard deadline is necessary, flexibility for extensions due to illness or vacations should be included in the law to prevent undue delays in mediation or neutral conference processes.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:34:23.040 - 9:48:14 AM; The speaker agrees with the need for a 30-day timeline but emphasizes the importance of defining what constitutes these 30 days, especially in the educational context. They discuss the possibility of adding the 30-day period from the original bill into the amendment without removing any existing language, aiming to balance structure with flexibility.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:42:26.880 - 9:56:17 AM; The speaker clarifies the intention to insert lines 16 through 27 from the original bill into the amendment between lines 12 and 13, creating a subsection A. This addition aims to set a clear 30-day deadline for mediation or neutral conference, with an option for both parties to agree on an extension if necessary.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:43:14.880 - 9:57:05 AM; The speaker confirms the committee's decision to amend Senator Sullivan's amendment by adding the 30-day timeline from the original bill. They discuss the need for a motion to pass the amendment as amended and subsequently vote on the underlying bill HB532 with the amended amendment.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Vote01:44:38.719 - 9:58:29 AM; The speaker calls for a vote on the amendment 2025-1915s as amended, which passes with a majority. Subsequently, a vote is taken on the underlying bill HB532 with the amended amendment, which also passes and is moved to the consent calendar.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:46:12.560 - 10:00:03 AM; The speaker suggested referring the bill back to the committee for further work, citing the need for changes to the parent education service provider advisory commission and the establishment of education freedom accounts. They discussed the impact on parent satisfaction surveys and the necessity for an amendment to address how surveys are conducted, as the current setup does not allow the Department of Education to collect necessary parent information.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:47:06.920 - 10:00:57 AM; The speaker discussed an amendment proposed by Representative Cordelli, which aimed to have the scholarship organization conduct parent satisfaction surveys rather than the Department of Education, due to the department's inability to collect parent information directly. They noted that without this amendment, the current bill cannot be implemented effectively and suggested a re-referral or a vote of Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:48:12.560 - 10:02:03 AM; The speaker reiterated the Department of Education's position that they cannot conduct the required parent surveys as written in the bill without expanding data collection efforts, which would be substantial. They mentioned Representative Cordelli's amendment to shift the survey responsibility to the scholarship organization, but noted that no such amendment was available, leading to further discussion on re-referral or ITL.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:49:13.040 - 10:03:04 AM; The speaker emphasized the need for re-referral due to the lack of a tangible amendment from the prime sponsor to address the issue of survey responsibility. They discussed the difference between the entities involved and the necessity for more thoughtful work on the bill, leading to a motion for re-referral, which passed with a vote of 3 to 2.
HB699: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:57:48.960 - 10:11:39 AM; The speaker discussed HB699, which refines and adds new definitions related to special education. They noted that this bill was requested by the Department of Education and mentioned that there is an ongoing audit by the Legislative Budget Assistant (LBA), but the department feels confident in moving forward despite the audit's pending results.
HB699: Unidentified Speaker Oppose01:58:46.840 - 10:12:37 AM; The speaker opposed HB699, arguing that the bill is using information from an audit that does not yet exist. They expressed concern about the bill's timing, as it could take effect before the audit is finalized, suggesting that the bill might be premature and should be considered the following year when the audit results are available.
HB699: Unidentified Speaker Support02:00:50.800 - 10:14:41 AM; The speaker supported HB699, noting that the Department of Education has seen preliminary summaries from the audit and believes the bill addresses a critical situation. They argued that the bill should be addressed now, with the understanding that the committee would revisit the issue once the audit is complete.
HB699: Unidentified Speaker Oppose02:01:38.560 - 10:15:29 AM; The speaker opposed HB699, expressing concern about the potential for the bill to require a change in direction once the audit is complete, which they described as legislative 'whiplash.' They also highlighted testimony suggesting that the bill's standards go beyond federal requirements, potentially affecting student inclusion and education.
HB699: Unidentified Speaker Oppose02:04:24.360 - 10:18:15 AM; The speaker opposed HB699, focusing on the definition of specially designed instruction and its potential to lead to segregation of students. They argued that the bill's language could hinder full integration of students into general education classrooms and suggested amending the bill to align with the full IDEA definition.
HB699: Unidentified Speaker Support02:05:41.800 - 10:19:32 AM; The speaker supported HB699, addressing concerns about the definition of specially designed instruction by pointing out that the bill's language allows for such instruction in any educational environment in accordance with a child's IEP and least restrictive environment, suggesting that the concerns about segregation are addressed within the bill.
HB699: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:06:30.040 - 10:20:21 AM; The speaker discussed the vote on HB699, noting that a motion for Ought to Pass (OTP) was made and seconded. The vote resulted in 3 to 2 in favor of OTP, with the bill not being placed on consent.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:07:42.159 - 10:21:33 AM; The speaker discussed the amendment to HB532, noting that the language proposed to be struck is already found in another section of the statute, RSA 186 C7. They explained that the department had implemented the 30-day notification process as required by the statute and discussed the intent behind the legislative addition from the previous session.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:10:46.239 - 10:24:37 AM; The speaker discussed the need for maintaining the 30-day scheduling language in the amendment to HB532, specifically for neutral conferences and mediation. They noted that while the language is already in the statute, it does not apply to the newly introduced dispute resolution methods without specific reference, leading to a suggestion for clarity in the amendment.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:16:28.000 - 10:30:19 AM; The speaker clarified the applicability of the 30-day provision to neutral conferences and mediation in the amendment to HB532. They noted that while the statute has the 30-day provision for mediation, it does not explicitly include neutral conferences, suggesting the need for specific enumeration in the amendment for clarity.
HB532 2025-1915s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:18:22.359 - 10:32:13 AM; The speaker discussed the final decision on the amendment to HB532, noting that lines 16 through 27 were added to the amendment for clarity on the 30-day scheduling provision. They confirmed that the amendment passed, and the session on HB532 was concluded.
HB752 2025-1582s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:19:42.799 - 10:33:33 AM; The speaker discussed HB752, which deals with the process for closing charter schools. They mentioned an amendment that addresses how fees collected by the department after a school's closure are handled, proposing the establishment of a non-lapsing fund. They noted that the amendment was in collaboration with the Department of Administrative Services (DOA) and moved for its adoption, which was seconded and passed without further discussion.
HB752 2025-1582s: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:21:37.160 - 10:35:28 AM; The speaker discussed the current process and funding for handling transcripts from closed schools, specifically mentioning that the Department of Education uses fees from closed career schools to fund a position that prepares transcripts. They noted that these funds are sufficient for the current workload, which includes career schools and higher education institutions. However, they mentioned that it would not be appropriate for these fees to cover the additional work related to charter school closures. The speaker explained that the fees cover mailing costs and special paper for producing transcripts, and the individual responsible for this task at the Department of Education helps people who need transcripts from closed schools for various purposes such as employment or military service.
HB768 2025-2105h: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:25:05.720 - 10:38:56 AM; The speaker introduced HB768, which allows public schools to end rental contracts, and mentioned that there was an amendment (2025-2105h) presented that morning. The amendment changes the terminology from 'non-sectarian and private' to 'non-public' to align with existing legal language. The speaker moved to pass the bill with the amendment.
HB768 2025-2105h: Senator Apprentice Information Only02:27:04.479 - 10:40:55 AM; Senator Apprentice clarified that the discussion was focused on the amendment, which changes the terminology in the bill to align with existing legal language.
HB768 2025-2105h: Senator Shel Oppose02:28:19.600 - 10:42:10 AM; Senator Shel expressed opposition to the bill with the amendment, arguing that it further erodes public education by allowing non-public schools, which do not have to accept all students, to benefit from changes in terminology. They view this as another cut in the 'death by a thousand cuts' to public education.
HB768 2025-2105h: Senator Sullivan Support02:29:39.840 - 10:43:30 AM; Senator Sullivan supported the amendment, stating that it merely changes the word from 'non-sectarian' to 'non-public' and does not erode any existing law, as it aligns with current legal terminology.

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