Rep. Glen Cordelli

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes updating the requirements for school nurses in New Hampshire by adding a mandate that they must be certified by the state board of education in addition to holding a current nursing license. The legislation would allow school superintendents to nominate and school boards to appoint these nurses to manage school health programs while ensuring they have the necessary facilities and equipment. If passed, the changes would take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law. However, the bill was recently referred for an interim study, meaning it has not yet been approved for future legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 1691 updates the legal definition of an adequate public education by establishing specific subject areas that schools must cover to meet state standards. The bill requires instruction in core subjects like English, math, and science, while also mandating attention to arts, world languages, health, technology, and personal finance. It further directs teachers to integrate essential skills such as digital literacy and logic into their curriculum. Although the bill was referred for an interim study in 2024, the committee ultimately decided not to recommend it for future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new article to the state constitution that grants parents a fundamental right and responsibility to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children. It establishes that the state or local governments cannot interfere with these parental rights unless they prove a compelling interest of the highest order that cannot be served any other way. The measure includes a specific exception stating that this right does not apply to parental actions that would end a child's life or cause physical harm to them. Rather than passing into law directly, the bill sets up a process to put this constitutional amendment to a vote of the qualified voters in November 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes school districts and the Department of Education to hire transportation network companies to provide student transportation services using private passenger vehicles. To ensure safety, the legislation establishes strict requirements for drivers, including mandatory criminal background checks, medical examinations, and specialized certification. The law also mandates that these vehicles undergo regular inspections and requires providers to maintain detailed qualification files for every driver. Additionally, the bill clarifies that students with disabilities may ride in these vehicles unless their individualized education plans explicitly prohibit it.

Maddy summarySB 340 updates New Hampshire special education laws to improve communication and oversight between parents, schools, and the state. The bill allows school districts to send Individualized Education Program (IEP) notices via email unless a parent prefers mail, and it requires districts to report rejected IEPs or placements within five days so the state can promptly inform parents of available dispute resolution options. Additionally, the Office of the Advocate for Special Education gains expanded authority to review student records and complaints without public disclosure, while the Department of Education must publish an annual report detailing disability statistics, funding, and progress on compliance plans. The legislation also encourages local school districts to create and share their own alternative dispute resolution programs to help families resolve conflicts more efficiently.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Hampshire's safe haven laws to allow parents to anonymously surrender infants up to 61 days old, matching the age limits of other New England states. It expands the definition of safe haven devices to include containers installed in hospitals, police stations, and fire departments, provided they are staffed around the clock and have alarms. The legislation also clarifies that parents who surrender a baby cannot be prosecuted solely based on evidence found during that surrender, while still permitting investigations into other crimes not directly linked to the act of surrendering the child.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new state laws to protect freedom of speech and association at public colleges and universities in New Hampshire. It designates outdoor campus areas as public forums where students and staff can engage in peaceful expression without being forced into designated "free speech zones." The legislation prohibits institutions from discriminating against student groups based on their religious, political, or ideological views and defines specific limits on when speech can be restricted, such as during unlawful fights or harassment. Additionally, the bill creates a legal remedy allowing individuals or groups to sue schools for violations, with a monetary cap on damages adjusted annually for inflation.