Education

failed · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 208: requiring local school boards and public libraries to adopt curation policies.

This bill requires all New Hampshire public school boards and public library boards to adopt policies for curating library materials by July 1, 2026. The policies must prohibit censorship based on disagreement with viewpoints or content being offensive (while allowing age-appropriate restrictions), and ensure diverse perspectives in collections. It establishes a formal review process for challenged materials, requiring libraries to maintain access to materials during review and creating committees with specific membership requirements to evaluate removal requests. The bill also provides legal protections for librarians and staff who follow these policies, including immunity from liability and the ability to seek damages for harassment. The bill has no fiscal impact as it's expected to be implemented within existing staffing resources.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires diverse perspectives in school/library materials, prohibits viewpoint-based censorship, and maintains access during reviews - protects educational access and curriculum integrity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 362: granting the department of education rulemaking authority to require candidates to obtain passing scores on professional education assessments.

HB 362 requires all candidates seeking New Hampshire teaching, administrator, or specialist licenses to achieve passing scores on professional education assessments. This applies to educators seeking certification in public schools, with a specific exception allowing local school boards to request waivers for Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. The bill grants the Department of Education rulemaking authority to establish these assessment requirements and processes. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates professional assessments for teacher certification, strengthening educator qualifications and standards per bill's requirement for passing scores on assessments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Teachers Testing & Assessment

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 665: relative to eligibility for free school meals.

HB 665 expands eligibility for free school meals in New Hampshire to students from households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (approximately $93,600 annually for a family of four), raising the current threshold. This change directly affects all public school students in qualifying households, including those previously eligible only for reduced-price meals. The bill requires school districts to provide at least one free meal daily to these students, funded entirely through the Education Trust Fund without new state positions. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and aligns New Hampshire’s program with broader federal income guidelines for school nutrition assistance.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands free meal eligibility to 300% poverty level, increasing access for K-12 students and fully funding through Education budget, directly advancing educational access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 716: making an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program.

HB 716 appropriates $3 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and $3 million for 2026-2027 from the General Fund to New Hampshire's community college system. The funds specifically support scholarships and program operations for the state's dual and concurrent enrollment program, which allows high school students to earn college credits. This appropriation is non-lapsing, meaning unspent funds carry forward to subsequent years. The bill directly affects community colleges and eligible high school students participating in this dual-enrollment program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $6M total from General Fund for dual enrollment program scholarships and operations, directly increasing public education funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates $6M total for dual enrollment scholarships and operations, directly expanding K-12 college credit access and funding higher education pathways.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Higher Education K-12 Education

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passed · New Hampshire · House May 7, 2026

HB 121: relative to school district financial requirements and district probation processes.

This bill requires every New Hampshire school district to establish a special education parent advisory council (DSEPAC) composed of up to 11 parents, with at least one representative from each town in the district. Council members serve two-year terms and must meet quarterly with school administrators to advise on special education programs, policies, and student safety, while facilitating communication between parents and school leaders. Districts must provide resources for the council, host an annual workshop for parents on special education rights, and require the council to submit a public annual report to the school board. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting school districts and parents of students with disabilities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires school districts to establish special education parent advisory councils (DSEPAC) to advise on programs, policies, and safety, enhancing parent involvement and communication in special education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 671: establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program.

HB 671 establishes a statewide kindergarten literacy readiness program for children aged 4-5 who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. The program uses evidence-based educational technology (delivered via home or center-based settings) to develop early reading, math, and science skills, with mandatory family engagement. It requires the New Hampshire Department of Education to provide the program (subject to funding) and the Department of Health and Human Services to notify eligible families participating in FANF or WIC programs about the initiative. The bill mandates annual reports tracking participation, equipment access, program usage, and comparisons of kindergarten readiness outcomes between participants and non-participants.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes statewide literacy program for early learners, requiring evidence-based skill development and family engagement, advancing educational access and K-12 readiness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood K-12 Education

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in committee · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 772: establishing a foundation opportunity budget program for funding public education.

This bill establishes a new system for funding New Hampshire public schools that calculates each district's "foundation opportunity budget" based on student needs rather than property values. The budget accounts for factors like students eligible for free/reduced lunch (multiplied by 1.49), English language learners (multiplied by 2.20), and students with special needs (multiplied by 4.29). The state will provide "foundation opportunity grants" to cover the difference between the calculated budget and what local governments are required to contribute, with a gradual transition period from the current system over several years. The bill requires school districts to report detailed performance data to help target resources and address achievement gaps for different student groups.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates state-funded grants to cover foundation opportunity budgets for public education based on student needs, increasing state appropriations for schools.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes need-based school funding formula with multipliers for underserved students, increasing equitable resource allocation to K-12 public schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Funding

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 208: relative to certification requirements for school nurses.

HB 208 updates certification rules for school nurses in New Hampshire by requiring 3 years of current experience in acute/chronic pediatric care (replacing broader "related nursing areas" language) and adding leadership skills in professional nursing practice as a competency requirement. It directly affects school nurses seeking or renewing certification in the state. The bill amends RSA 200:29 to tighten clinical experience standards and emphasizes pediatric-focused skills. The Legislative Budget Assistant estimates minimal fiscal impact ($10,000 or less annually through 2028). The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationTightens certification standards for school nurses, requiring pediatric expertise and leadership skills to strengthen student health services in K-12 schools.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareTightens certification standards for school nurses, requiring pediatric experience and leadership skills, strengthening healthcare workforce qualifications in school settings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Children's Health

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failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 6, 2026

HB 709: allowing parents or guardians to admit their children into any school district where they pay any property or school district taxes.

HB 709 would allow parents or guardians to enroll their children in any New Hampshire public school district where they (the parents/guardians) pay property or school district taxes, regardless of the child's residence. This changes current rules by basing school attendance eligibility on where the parent pays taxes, rather than the child's or parent's physical address. The bill does not require school districts to provide transportation for students attending a district outside their usual attendance area. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to all school districts statewide.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by allowing parents to enroll children in any district where they pay taxes, removing geographic barriers to school choice in K-12 education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Choice

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 651: modifying the base cost and differential aid costs of an adequate education.

HB 651 increases the base cost of an adequate education per student from $4,100 to $7,356.01 and raises differential aid amounts for specific student groups: free or reduced-price meal eligible students by $1,733.28 (to $4,126.20), English language learners by $602.88 (to $1,435.20), and students with special education needs by $1,582.56 (to $3,767.40). The bill also expands the definition of an adequate education to include additional resource elements like teacher benefits, technology, and facility maintenance. This change, effective July 1, 2025, will require higher state funding for school districts, charter schools, and education freedom accounts, with an estimated $576 million increase for school districts in fiscal year 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state education funding per student and differential aid for vulnerable groups, directly advancing public service budget allocation and fiscal support for essential programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill increases base education cost per student and differential aid for specific groups, expanding adequate education definition to include teacher benefits, technology, and facilities.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly expands 'adequate education' definition to include 'technology' as a required resource element, mandating funding for tech infrastructure in schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Choice School Funding Student Health

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