Education

died · New Hampshire · Senate Aug 20, 2026

SB 431: relative to violations of the prohibition on teaching discrimination.

SB 431 amends New Hampshire law to require that a public school teacher must have intentionally or knowingly taught discriminatory content for it to violate the prohibition on teaching discrimination. This change adds a mental state requirement, meaning accidental or unintentional teaching of discriminatory material would not be considered a violation. The bill applies to all public schools in New Hampshire and directly affects teachers and students by clarifying when the prohibition triggers. The key mechanism is modifying the existing law to specify that the teaching must be done with intent or knowledge of its discriminatory nature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationClarifies teacher liability by requiring intent, protecting educators from unintentional violations of anti-discrimination rules in schools.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

Track

failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 1453: relative to student school board members.

HB 1453 allows high school students to directly elect one or more student members to serve on their local school board. It requires schools to hold direct student elections (using paper ballots during second class) 30 days after the school year starts, with eligible students in good academic/behavioral standing who won't graduate during the term. Student members serve one academic year (non-voting but can speak, propose agenda items, and report student concerns), while school staff face penalties for interfering with elections or suppressing student rights. The bill directly affects public high school students and ensures their voices are formally included in school board discussions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enables student representation on school boards, enhancing student voice in educational decision-making and governance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health

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signed · New Hampshire · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 1373: relative to background check disqualifications for applicants seeking educator credentials.

HB 1373 expands background checks for individuals seeking teaching credentials in New Hampshire by adding specific crimes to the list that would disqualify applicants. It disqualifies applicants convicted of certain drug trafficking offenses (like RSA 318-B:2), sex offenses involving children (including RSA 650:2), or other serious violations listed in the bill within the last 10 years. This directly affects people applying for educator credentials who have these specific criminal histories. The bill modifies existing law (RSA 189:13-c) to include these additional disqualifying offenses, effective upon passage.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands disqualifying crimes for educators, restricting employment opportunities for those with certain criminal histories, opposing reform efforts that reduce barriers.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educator background checks to disqualify those with child sex offenses/drug trafficking, directly protecting student safety. Aligns with 'protect' under support for education topic.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Teachers

signed · New Hampshire · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 1574: relative to the extension of the free and reduced price breakfast and lunch programs and supporting administrative costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and making appropriations therefor.

HB 1574 allows New Hampshire school districts to extend free and reduced-price lunch benefits to special education students who are 21 years old but continue their education through age 22, as required by their individualized education plan (IEP). The bill authorizes school boards to maintain eligibility for these students until their IEP is completed or they turn 22, whichever comes first. The state will reimburse school districts for these meals through the general fund at the same rate as federal USDA meal programs. This change directly affects students with IEPs who remain in school beyond age 21, removing a barrier to nutritional support during their extended education. The policy takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes state reimbursement via general fund for extended meal benefits, increasing public service funding for special education students.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends free/reduced lunch benefits to special education students (up to age 22) under IEP requirements, expanding educational access and nutrition support for vulnerable students.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Special Education Student Health

failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 1645: adding a definition for rules relative to innovation schools.

HB 1645 defines "Rules" for innovation schools as administrative rules and related state laws, specifically excluding RSA 194-E:8. It requires that safety-related rules and laws under this chapter (covering student and school safety) cannot be waived. This bill directly affects innovation schools in New Hampshire by clarifying terminology and preventing exemptions for safety regulations. The key change is prohibiting waivers for safety rules, ensuring consistent application of safety standards. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPrevents waivers of safety rules in innovation schools, reinforcing safety standards without altering funding or curriculum.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety

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failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1596: relative to the collection of certain health care program premiums; funding for the university system of New Hampshire; and raising the tobacco tax.

HB 1596 raises New Hampshire's cigarette and little cigar tax from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack of 20, increasing revenue for state funds. It appropriates $18 million annually to New Hampshire's university system to restore higher education funding to 2024 levels. The bill also stops collecting premiums for two health programs: the Children's Health Insurance Program and the NH Granite Advantage health care program. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, with tobacco tax revenue funding the university appropriation and education trust fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRaises tobacco tax to fund university system ($18M/year), increasing state revenue while restoring education funding.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates $18M annually to restore university system funding, directly advancing higher education support per bill summary.95% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareDefunds two health programs (CHIP and Granite Advantage) while redirecting tobacco tax revenue to universities, directly reducing healthcare coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Revenue Higher Education Children's Health Insurance

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failed · New Hampshire · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 432: authorizing the application of sunscreen in schools and camps without a licensed health care provider's note or prescription and establishing a skin cancer prevention education program.

This bill allows students in New Hampshire public schools and camps to use over-the-counter sunscreen without a doctor's note or prescription. School and camp staff may assist with application upon parental permission, and the law requires schools to implement age-appropriate skin cancer prevention education covering UV risks and protective measures like sunscreen and sun-protective clothing (e.g., hats). It also protects staff from liability when following these guidelines, addressing current barriers where some schools prohibited sunscreen due to "medication bans."

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates skin cancer prevention education in schools, enhancing health curriculum and student safety programs within K-12 settings.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates skin cancer prevention education and sunscreen access in schools, advancing public health initiatives to protect students' health through preventive care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1055: granting the state board of education rulemaking authority relative to student use of cell phones and personal communication devices in schools.

HB 1055 requires school boards and charter school boards to create annual policies prohibiting student cell phone and personal communication device use during instructional time (from the first bell to dismissal), with exceptions for medical devices, disabilities (as defined in IEPs or 504 plans), or language support needs. The bill grants the state board of education authority to establish rules governing these school policies under RSA 541-A. It directly affects all public and charter schools, students, and school administrators by mandating specific device-use restrictions and requiring collaboration with parents and teachers in policy development. The law aims to standardize device policies while ensuring accommodations for students with documented medical, disability, or language learning needs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates policies to restrict cell phone use during instruction, aiming to reduce distractions and support focused learning environments in schools.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice School Safety

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failed · New Hampshire · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 1635: modifying the requirements of suicide prevention education policies in schools.

HB 1635 modifies New Hampshire school suicide prevention training requirements by requiring all school faculty, staff, and contracted personnel to complete suicide awareness training within 30 days of hire and every two years thereafter (replacing the prior annual requirement). The training must cover youth suicide risk factors, warning signs, response procedures, referrals, and community resources, and may use existing professional development programs or self-training materials. School districts determine how to administer the training, including whether it applies to volunteers per district policy. The bill takes effect September 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates staff suicide awareness training to enhance student safety, aligning with protective education policies in K-12 schools.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates suicide prevention training for school staff, enhancing mental health support in schools through risk factor education and referral protocols.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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signed · New Hampshire · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 1827: requiring the department of education to conduct a confidential criminal history record check on all prospective educational personnel.

HB 1827 establishes a grant program to address funding gaps in New Hampshire school districts that lack sufficient fiscal capacity to provide an adequate education. The bill requires eligible districts to submit annual accountability plans detailing how grant funds will support academic growth in K-12, with progress reports due by January 15 each even year. It applies to all public school districts, including cooperative districts and those with tuition agreements, mandating that districts demonstrate how funds improve student achievement through standardized assessments. Crucially, the bill does not provide new state funding or authorize new positions - only creating a framework for existing Education Trust Fund resources to be allocated based on need. The program will take effect July 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes state grant program to address school funding gaps, increasing public education appropriations and fiscal capacity for districts.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes grant program to address school funding gaps for adequate education, requiring accountability plans for K-12 academic growth.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education School Funding