Committee Summary for House Education Funding (01/28/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:09:30.959 - 9:05:47 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835 00:12:44.320 - 9:09:01 AM	General Working Session	Bills related to special education funding and formulas	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800 02:19:04.559 - 11:15:21 AM	General Working Session	relative to special education funding	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #

Unclear: Unknown Information Only00:09:30.959 - 9:05:47 AM; The speaker discusses the preliminary audit process for a school or district, noting that it begins in July and involves auditors. The audit is currently underway but not fully complete, with preliminary results available now.
Unclear: Superintendent Tracy Information Only00:10:20.320 - 9:06:37 AM; A brief exchange occurs where Superintendent Tracy is mentioned as subbing, and confirmation that a son will not be present. The discussion seems procedural and unrelated to the audit.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Chairperson Information Only00:12:44.320 - 9:09:01 AM; The chairperson opens the work session on three bills related to special education funding: HB 1557, HB 1563, and HB 1835. They mention a recent discussion with the commissioner and confirm the presence of department representatives for technical support, including the director of special education and Brian Eaton. The chairperson clarifies that the meeting is being streamed as required for standing committees. They explain the option to use an executive session for discussion without taking action, which is permissible under rules, allowing the committee to discuss bills like 1799 and SWEP without decisions. This approach involves the full committee in deliberations rather than small groups.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Luno Information Only00:16:51.360 - 9:13:08 AM; Representative Luno takes a moment of personal privilege to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, noting its significance especially in Concord due to Christa McAuliffe, a teacher from Concord High School who perished in the explosion. He mentions joining Mel Miller and Diane Miller at her gravesite to honor her, along with a retired Associated Press reporter and a Union Leader journalist who witnessed the launch. Luno shares that Mel Miller places an apple on her headstone annually and recounts Mel's firsthand experience at the launch with his son Jason. He reads the inscription from her gravesite: 'wife, mother, teacher, pioneer woman, crew member, the space shuttle challenger, and America's first ordinary citizen to ventured toward space.'
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Committee Chair Information Only00:20:09.520 - 9:16:26 AM; The chair opens the session by acknowledging the anniversary of Christa McAuliffe's tragedy and calls for a moment of silence. He then transitions to the docket, announcing that HB 1557, HB 1563, and HB 1835 will be discussed concurrently due to overlapping language. He highlights the financial burden on local districts, with 85% of costs borne locally versus 15% from state and federal sources, emphasizing the need to resolve escalating costs reaching a breaking point. He discusses proposals to lower the threshold for catastrophic special education aid from 3.5 times the average cost per pupil (around $70,000) to lower amounts like 2.5 times ($60,000) or 1.5 times, but notes the lack of data on cost implications. He mentions interactions with HHS for Medicaid support, proration issues at 80% last year leading to unbudgeted shortfalls for schools, and the suggestion to implement threshold changes gradually. He expresses concern for the approximately 890 students qualifying for aid out of 32,000-33,000 with IEPs, stressing the importance of sustaining services via differentiated aid at $2,100 per student. He invites discussion ahead of the February 12th deadline and welcomes input from technical support staff Rebecca and Brian.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Ames Information Only00:27:05.600 - 9:23:22 AM; Representative Ames raises a specific question about HB 1563, noting its provision for an absolute cap of $160,000 on state payment for a child's special education costs per pupil. He argues that this cap is inconsistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires payment of whatever costs are necessary to provide an adequate education for a child with special needs.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:28:42.799 - 9:24:59 AM; The speaker clarifies that the rewrite of HB 1563 removes the $160,000 cap on special education aid reimbursement, changing it to up to $200,000 with 90% state coverage above that. They explain this aligns with providing necessary funding without limits that could violate federal IDEA requirements. The speaker notes they will distribute printed copies of the revised bill.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Committee Chair Information Only00:29:55.440 - 9:26:12 AM; The chair facilitates the distribution of copies of the revised bill and directs someone to make 30 copies in the copy room.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only00:29:55.440 - 9:26:12 AM; The member asks about other states' limits on special education funding, referencing Arkansas as an example. They discuss how Arkansas has a cap but also a foundation formula with differentiated aid, which could increase base costs but might not benefit smaller districts enough compared to current programs.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Ames Information Only00:31:12.080 - 9:27:29 AM; Representative Ames responds to questions about Arkansas's cap, explaining it applies only to the state's portion, not total costs, and locals can cover differences. They note states have varying schemes, some based on property valuations like in Connecticut or Massachusetts.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Committee Member Information Only00:32:24.559 - 9:28:41 AM; The member summarizes the discussion, clarifying that while state caps on expenses might be allowed, absolute caps on total costs needed for adequate education violate federal IDEA. They emphasize the need for the state to protect local districts from unpredictable high costs, such as from residential placements or accidents, positioning the state to buffer these expenses.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Spillsbury Information Only00:33:25.600 - 9:29:42 AM; Representative Spillsbury expresses concern over the burden on districts and constituents' need for relief. They evaluate the three bills: support lowering the threshold in HB 1557 to as low as 1.5 times base cost with recalibrated low state shares like 10%, potentially in tiers; for HB 1563, agree no cap to avoid unlimited liability but favor backing off to 90% state coverage at the highest tier for local 'skin in the game'; discourage fixed dollar thresholds, preferring multipliers for automatic adjustment; for HB 1835, strongly support quarterly reimbursements over annual to ease district cash flow, noting mechanical transition issues. They conclude none of the bills is a complete workable package but elements from all could form an ideal one, pending funding sources.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Bill Sponsor (Representative) Information Only00:41:46.400 - 9:38:03 AM; The sponsor explains the revised HB 1563: changes threshold from 3.5 to exceed $50,000; sets proration at 80% first year, no less than 90% from 2029 onward; adds COLA adjustment; details state/district shares (district liable for $50,000 + 10% from $50-60k, 20% to $200k, 10% above; state covers the rest up to 90% above $200k); eradicates cap; defines ineligible costs (basic classroom, non-IEP transport); eligible expenses tied to IEP with documentation; requires maximizing other sources like Medicaid/insurance as offsets; mandates detailed documentation (schedules, payroll, invoices) or claims disqualified. They note policy implications for documentation and express concern about rewriting the entire process in time, suggesting alternatives if needed.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Luno Information Only00:47:28.400 - 9:43:45 AM; Representative Luno praises the proposal's clear steps on per-pupil costs and increasing state shares up to $200,000 but questions section two on page three, line 11.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:49:25.280 - 9:45:42 AM; The speaker questions whether limitations on eligible expenses are in current statute and suggests changing the funding formula while leaving expense eligibility as is to assess impacts. They express concern about the effects of proposed language in section two on school districts and the department.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Rebecca (DOE Representative) Information Only00:50:11.760 - 9:46:28 AM; Rebecca explains that current rules use inclusionary language specifying allowed expenses tied to the student's IEP. Expenses beyond the IEP are denied. She notes that rules, not statute, govern this, and they reference IEPs to determine eligibility for aid, court-ordered placements, and episodes of treatment. She clarifies that special education is supplemental, and listed ineligible costs are base education provided to all students.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:52:04.240 - 9:48:21 AM; The speaker asks if codifying eligibility in statute is necessary and inquires about definitions of ineligible costs, suggesting language like 'shall include but not necessarily limited to' for clarity.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:55:10.400 - 9:51:27 AM; The speaker questions how often claims are disallowed, such as for excess speech units, and proposes an audit-based approach to reduce administrative time, focusing on random or high-cost cases, especially with more bills expected from lowering thresholds.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Rebecca (DOE Representative) Information Only00:56:15.599 - 9:52:32 AM; Rebecca notes disallowances are not frequent but occur due to miscommunications or errors. She estimates she'd need numbers on disallowed amounts but affirms they review every invoice, catching various issues. She compares to IDA funds process, suggesting a similar pre-approval and post-audit method could work. She defines a speech unit as typically 30 minutes.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:58:21.680 - 9:54:38 AM; The speaker seeks specifics on disallowed amounts relative to total aid (e.g., $500k out of $50M) to assess if detailed reviews are warranted.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only00:59:21.119 - 9:55:38 AM; The speaker discusses capturing costs below $60k for better planning, noting the 10% state share on $10k between $50k-$60k might incentivize districts if staffed adequately, given many exceed caps.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Papovich Information Only01:00:28.720 - 9:56:45 AM; Papovich apologizes for lateness and addresses transition to current-year payments, warning of a one-year windfall then normalcy, suggesting smoothing via credits. He advocates starting data collection below $50k creatively, reducing administrative burden like medical claims, and emphasizes gathering data below 3.5% to inform policy.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Fellows Information Only01:04:32.079 - 10:00:49 AM; Fellows praises prior comments and asks about quarterly reimbursements' feasibility. He notes providers bill monthly but districts have 30 days to submit, DOE 60 to reimburse; some bill quarterly. Quarterly payments would require year-round staff and proration considerations to avoid exceeding 80% cap.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:07:40.240 - 10:03:57 AM; The speaker agrees quarterly has merits but highlights issues like unknown caps, billing delays, and added liability; suggests piloting after lowering thresholds to gain data, advocating 1.5x multiplier as sensible given averages.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:10:17.520 - 10:06:34 AM; The speaker notes current law's $250k emergency aid (plus $250k for small districts) is depleted, suggesting increasing it for unforeseen high-cost students, as small districts can't plan or reserve for sudden influxes.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Rebecca (DOE Representative) Information Only01:12:34.800 - 10:08:51 AM; Rebecca confirms no end-of-year funds remain; taking from beginning reduces total aid. Clarifies only two requests in six years were denied due to lack of funds.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:13:25.600 - 10:09:42 AM; The speaker is surprised emergency funds aren't reserved and suggests separate appropriation to avoid proration impacts.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Damon Information Only01:14:29.280 - 10:10:46 AM; Damon acknowledges the productive dialogue. On emergencies, confirms post-January 1st no funds available; pre-payment would prorate aid. Advocates multiplier over fixed dollars for inflation adjustment, precedent for unknown costs like EFA, and transitioning to 1.5x despite potential aid reduction.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Luno Information Only01:16:41.440 - 10:12:58 AM; Luno is flexible on thresholds (multipliers or dollars) with COLA; urges avoiding transition paralysis, prioritizing cash flow over FY timing. Suggests retaining DOE auditing, adding reporting on ineligible expenses post-implementation.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:21:23.520 - 10:17:40 AM; The speaker notes forward funding challenges in NH budgeting; suggests transitional steps, reporting, and avoiding current-year funding leap.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Fellows Information Only01:23:33.920 - 10:19:50 AM; Fellows prefers fixed dollars with inflation adjustment over state average cost per pupil, as latter escalates faster due to declining enrollment.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Bilsbury (Spillsbury) Information Only01:24:53.520 - 10:21:10 AM; Bilsbury calls it a model session; tables risk pooling failure (state as pool) and 100% state coverage for out-of-district beyond threshold due to unpredictability.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Papovich Information Only01:27:20.960 - 10:23:37 AM; Papovich notes pyramid distribution means more low-cost students; prefers multipliers over fixed dollars to avoid erosion; warns 100% state coverage incentivizes outplacements; questions average cost derivation via DOE-25, suggesting inflation-tied dollars like other states.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Fellows Information Only01:31:49.520 - 10:28:06 AM; Fellows clarifies fixed amounts should adjust for inflation annually.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative (Chair Lad?) Information Only01:32:50.159 - 10:29:07 AM; The chair suggests sequential thresholds (e.g., 50k, 60k) over years for data; asks about deriving $21k average from DOE-25 forms (expenditures minus tuition/transportation, divided by ADM).
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Brian (DOE) Information Only01:33:56.800 - 10:30:13 AM; Brian confirms average from DOE-25: expenditures backing out tuition/transportation, divided by ADM; discusses using average for IEP vs. non-IEP.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Phillips Information Only01:34:50.880 - 10:31:07 AM; Phillips notes average includes special ed but excludes out-district tuition; suggests comparing to non-special ed expenditures.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Damon Information Only01:36:14.080 - 10:32:31 AM; Damon disagrees state full coverage incentivizes outplacements; notes IDEA requires least restrictive environment, limited availability.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Ames Information Only01:37:28.960 - 10:33:45 AM; Ames cautions transportation exclusion impacts special ed; provides FY24/25 special ed average costs ($31k/$33k) from total expenditures/ADM, including transport.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Fellows Information Only01:39:30.320 - 10:35:47 AM; Fellows questions if regular classroom costs are included for special ed students; notes supplemental nature excludes them.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Damon Information Only01:40:28.480 - 10:36:45 AM; Damon questions excluding transportation from average cost per pupil, as it's essential, especially rural.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Fellows Information Only01:41:37.440 - 10:37:54 AM; Fellows explains exclusion for district comparability (urban vs. rural differences).
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Papovich Information Only01:42:48.719 - 10:39:05 AM; Papovich asks for reports including/excluding transportation retroactively for angles.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Brian (DOE) Information Only01:43:40.880 - 10:39:57 AM; Brian agrees to provide for committee (10+ years), notes public confusion risk but internal discussions support supplemental reports.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:44:37.199 - 10:40:54 AM; The speaker advocates public data sharing for informed voters.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:45:38.080 - 10:41:55 AM; The speaker notes unique district transportation (e.g., Manchester CTE); special ed transport is a major driver, separate from general.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:46:51.920 - 10:43:08 AM; The speaker seconds request for transport-inclusive reports.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Representative Phelis (Phillips?) Information Only01:48:05.840 - 10:44:22 AM; Phillips references annual state average cost per pupil report including transport line; baseline is accepted, focuses on state intervention point; examples tuition vs. average costs.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:50:40.560 - 10:46:57 AM; The speaker flags vague 'reasonable' on draft page 4 line 10; suggests defining/removing or tying to IEP documentation without 'unit of time' (e.g., rides for bus).
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:52:49.440 - 10:49:06 AM; The speaker suggests simplifying to IEP-tied services; notes offsets include Medicaid/private insurance.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:53:59.760 - 10:50:16 AM; The speaker questions if IDEA funds count as offsets; clarifies three pots (differentiated aid, IDEA, local, special ed aid); IDEA for staff/materials, not always IEP-specific.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:56:14.639 - 10:52:31 AM; The speaker proposes language: offsets applied by district for student benefit from other sources.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:56:14.639 - 10:52:31 AM; The speaker notes credentialing burdens for private insurance; suggests state-level process for submissions to insurance/Medicaid.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:57:27.119 - 10:53:44 AM; The speaker discusses the administrative challenges of coding and details for Medicaid reimbursement at the district level, suggesting exploration of efficient revenue methods with minimal cost, possibly avoiding the need for every district to buy programs. They reference testimony from Henry Lipman about Colorado's centralized approach and a bill by Representative Lunos on a centralized enterprise resource system. They propose narrowing focus to centralized support for Medicaid applications, training staff, and assisting small districts where labor costs exceed reimbursements. The speaker supports starting with this specific area rather than broader initiatives and references Colorado's model of a separate school district for assisting with Medicaid dollars. They suggest forming a statutory committee with experts like Henry Litman to develop this concept, noting it's beyond the current committee's scope due to time constraints.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Representative Spilsbury Information Only02:19:04.559 - 11:15:21 AM; Representative Spilsbury states that each of the three bills under discussion makes a constructive contribution to the committee's deliberations but none is sufficient, complete, or balanced on its own. She advocates for a comprehensive revisit of how the state assists districts with special education costs and expresses reluctance to proceed with half measures mid-budget year. She suggests the committee could pull something together in the next two weeks. She mentions her bill HB 1800, to be heard in Ways and Means next Wednesday at 10 AM, which deals with the adequacy aid formula, the sweep, and bringing funds into the state pool for redistribution by removing the special education element from differentiated aid. She begins to explain why and how this relates to the current discussion.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Representative (possibly Sper or Spilsbury) Information Only02:21:23.680 - 11:17:40 AM; The speaker criticizes the current special education funding mechanism as unconstructive and confusing, noting that the state does not receive credit for funds allocated to special ed, and districts are not obligated to use them specifically for that purpose. They describe it as merely part of the adequacy formula rather than a dedicated expenditure. They support HB 1557, which quadruples the sweep and addresses the cost of adequate education distinctly. They advocate for addressing unusual special education costs comprehensively in a single formula, suggesting lowering the state's participation threshold to 1.5 times, but question funding sources. They declined to co-sponsor Representative Walner's bill due to its $600 million cost without funding answers. They urge the committee to consider proposals in relation to Ways and Means discussions, noting that removing special ed from the adequacy formula frees $68 million. Combined with $28 million from excess sweep funds (from a bill passed but removed by Senate), this totals around $100 million, covering 10% of special ed spending, to reallocate and lower the threshold further.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Unnamed Representative Information Only02:25:03.520 - 11:21:20 AM; The speaker reflects on Representative Sper's earlier comment about the state as a risk pool, arguing against wealth redistribution as repugnant and emphasizing that wealth is a positive occurrence, unlike catastrophic costs like high special education needs, which should be shared collectively. They support redistributing costs rather than wealth. They note the huge shift proposed by Representative Spilsbury, deeming it unfeasible this year, involving $68 million in differentiated aid and $50 million in special ed aid combined into one pot. They mention the catastrophic aid is designed for high-cost children with significant jumps in expenses.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Unnamed Representative Information Only02:27:03.520 - 11:23:20 AM; The speaker discusses the challenges with funding for the vast majority of over 30,000 students with IEPs outside the high-cost 890 category, suggesting a reduction to 1.5 times coverage and using targeted funds instead of differentiated aid, estimated at $2,100 per student. They express concerns about quadrupling SWEP funding, noting it would drive up base costs to $10,000 per child without resolving issues long-term, and highlight administrative burdens on smaller districts, drawing parallels to past failed literacy programs where teachers became managers instead of instructors. They acknowledge the innovative thinking but deem a full formula overhaul as overreaching, advocating for a practical fix within time constraints.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Committee Member Information Only02:29:22.319 - 11:25:39 AM; The committee member acknowledges absorbing the previous speaker's reservations and clarifies that progress on this track does not rely on HB1800's proposal to quadruple SWEP, allowing movement forward independently.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Representative Ames Support02:30:14.080 - 11:26:31 AM; Representative Ames defends the differentiated aid allocation in the special education formula, emphasizing its origins in promoting integration of children with special needs into regular education as much as possible, rather than isolating them, and highlights the role of individual education plans.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Unknown Speaker Information Only02:31:04.240 - 11:27:21 AM; The speaker discusses the historical implementation of a program driven by the concept of least restrictive placement, which has emphasized enabling special education students to flourish as much as possible in regular education settings with support. They connect this to the idea of an additional allowance for special education, relating to the integration of these students with regular education peers. The testimony touches on the more expensive needs of certain students whose requirements are greater.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Unknown Speaker Information Only02:32:00.560 - 11:28:17 AM; The speaker argues that the current model of differentiated aid for special education funding is effective and should be maintained. They highlight the unfairness of local districts bearing the full cost of expensive students, which could disrupt programs and incentivize denials or legal fights. The state as payer of last resort would not resolve these issues, and the model relies on differentiated aid.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Unknown Speaker representing Ames Information Only02:32:30.000 - 11:28:47 AM; The speaker from Ames agrees with the model but emphasizes the need to accurately assess base costs for providing services in the least restrictive environment per IEP requirements. This involves services, labor, and equipment.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Representative (likely Lab or Chair) Information Only02:33:30.800 - 11:29:47 AM; The speaker discusses the need to incorporate costs for delivering services into the foundation formula, similar to Arkansas, but notes New Hampshire lacks this. They explain increasing differentiated aid for special education from $2,100 to $3,200 based on prior committee work, funded by swept revenue of about $28 million. They emphasize keeping differentiated aid in place and increasing state support for special education.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Committee Member (possibly Representative Ames) Information Only02:35:54.720 - 11:32:11 AM; Building on the previous discussion, the speaker agrees that differentiated aid should be kept but argues the current $2,200 per pupil is too low, as evidenced in the Rand case. They highlight the need for higher contributions to cover testing, eligibility determination, and classrooms for special needs students. They reference their bill HB 1799, which raises the base special education differentiated aid significantly, and note the consecutive numbering with HB 1800 as a drafting coincidence.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Chair Information Only02:37:15.439 - 11:33:32 AM; The chair suggests merging good points from the bills (HB 1557, HB 1563, HB 1835, HB 1800) into one to move forward. They propose walking through a draft to incorporate elements and merging with a costing bill. Acknowledging time constraints, they urge focusing now rather than delaying.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Committee Member Information Only02:38:35.359 - 11:34:52 AM; The member prefers to reflect on the discussion, do legwork, and return prepared rather than diving into the draft immediately. They note the tight timeline with sessions and executive deadlines in February.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Chair Information Only02:39:52.720 - 11:36:09 AM; The chair stresses the urgency due to the February 10 executive deadline and February 12 submission to the speaker. They advocate starting to narrow down options now to achieve closure, suggesting working during available afternoon sessions despite conflicts.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Committee Member Information Only02:41:06.399 - 11:37:23 AM; The member proposes picking one bill as a vehicle and ITL (inexpedient to legislate) the others to streamline, emphasizing the need to dispose of bills efficiently.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Representative Peoples Support02:42:11.680 - 11:38:28 AM; Representative Peoples supports selecting one bill as a vehicle and eliminating the others. They argue for changing the approach to adequately fund special education without detracting from regular programs, noting that underfunding special ed harms overall education.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Representative Damon Information Only02:43:12.880 - 11:39:29 AM; Representative Damon prefers further work soon, like today or next Tuesday, starting from Representative Ladd's bill (likely HB 1563) to collaboratively develop language. They are not comfortable voting on other bills without knowing the alternative, suggesting caucusing first.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Chair Information Only02:44:22.720 - 11:40:39 AM; The chair decides against motions to ITL or OTP any bills until resolution. They seek consensus to focus on HB 1557 and HB 1835 for parts to merge into HB 1563 as the vehicle, maintaining openness to committee input.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Committee Member Information Only02:45:46.960 - 11:42:03 AM; The member supports focusing on one bill but raises scheduling concerns due to a 1:00 work session in Ways and Means. They inquire about continuing focused work now or later, noting others' obligations.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Chair Information Only02:47:04.240 - 11:43:21 AM; The chair outlines Tuesday's schedule: hearing HB 1776 and two others in the morning, then exec on four early bills (1701, 1729, 1574, 1791) in the afternoon. They suggest resuming the work session after exec to ensure full committee presence.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Committee Member Information Only02:48:59.920 - 11:45:16 AM; The member suggests approaching the work by starting from the structure of HB 1563 draft and grafting in desired elements from other bills, rather than reviewing all bills exhaustively, to prepare for the next session.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Chair Information Only02:50:16.960 - 11:46:33 AM; The chair reviews Friday's exec schedule for seven early bills (1803, 1827, 1557, 1776, 1826, 1799, 1831), proposing a mid-week work session for merging 1826 and 1799 if needed. They note special ed bills target February 10 exec, urging progress now despite conflicts.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Representative Brown Information Only02:53:02.080 - 11:49:19 AM; Representative Brown asks Becky from resources about data on residential and out-of-district placements for high-cost students, specifically distinguishing medically necessary services from special ed services.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Becky (DOE Representative) Information Only02:54:06.960 - 11:50:23 AM; Becky explains that all IEP services are necessary for educational access. The 'medically necessary' button is only for Medicaid eligibility, not special ed determination. The system breaks down costs into special ed instruction, related services, aids, transportation, and personnel supports, but not academic vs. medical.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Representative Brown Information Only02:55:15.840 - 11:51:32 AM; Representative Brown follows up on how invoices for residential placements are verified for accuracy between Medicaid-eligible (medical) and academic services, especially with lodging and boarding.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Becky (DOE Representative) Information Only02:56:13.120 - 11:52:30 AM; Becky clarifies that DOE does not assess Medicaid eligibility; districts input invoices and documentation (e.g., logs, notes) into the Nessus system, which is compared to the IEP. If matching, it's approved for payment without separating medical vs. academic.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Committee Member Information Only02:57:26.080 - 11:53:43 AM; The member suggests the chair revise the draft based on morning discussions and circulate it by email for study, avoiding reply-all, and allowing caucus discussions.
HB1557,HB1563,HB1835,HB1800: Chair Information Only02:58:32.560 - 11:54:49 AM; The chair agrees to circulate the revised draft. They propose continuing the work session Tuesday afternoon after scheduled items as an executive session discussion without action, listing it under pending legislation. They note HB 1791 will be replaced by an amendment, to be sent to committee services.

Ladd, Rick(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Brown, Pam(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Spilsbury, Walter(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
McGuire, Dan(R)[A]2025	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2025	Burton, Wayne(D)[F]2025
Luneau, David(D)[CT]2025	Colcombe, Riché(R)[B+]2025	Chretien, Suzanne(D)[F]2025
Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2025	Kofalt, Jim(R)[A+]2025
Fellows, Sallie(D)[CT]2025	Erf, Keith(R)[A]2025	Bricchi, Tracy(D)[D-]2025
Weinstein, Toni(D)[F]2025	Peeples, Raymond(R)[B+]2025	Mehegan, Peter(R)[B+]2025