Committee Summary for House Education Funding (02/03/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1776 00:09:36.800 - 9:04:57 AM	Public Hearing	requiring higher educational institutions to report the reception of foreign grants, donations, and contracts to the department of education and the general court.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1827 0255H 00:54:30.559 - 9:49:51 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a grant program to support school districts extraordinary needs and fiscal capacity disparities relative to providing an adequate education.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2025
HB1791 0255H 01:47:26.239 - 10:42:47 AM	Public Hearing	directing the department of education to establish a grant program at the post-secondary educational level for individuals with developmental disabilities, and making an appropriation therefor.	Burton, Wayne(D)[F]2025
HB1701 03:14:47.359 - 12:10:08 PM	Executive Session	reestablishing the New Hampshire college graduate retention incentive partnership program and making an appropriation therefor.	Manohar, Sanjeev(D)[D-]2025
HB1729 03:20:28.720 - 12:15:49 PM	Executive Session	relative to the creation of a centralized enterprise resource planning service, and making an appropriation therefor.	Luneau, David(D)[CT]2025
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein 03:22:47.439 - 12:18:08 PM	Executive Session	authorizing school districts to extend free and reduced lunch benefits for special education students.	Weinstein, Toni(D)[F]2025
HB1791 recent amendment 04:13:44.720 - 1:09:05 PM	Executive Session	directing the department of education to establish a grant program at the post-secondary educational level for individuals with developmental disabilities, and making an appropriation therefor.	Burton, Wayne(D)[F]2025

HB1776: Representative Jim Kofalt, Hillsborough County District 32 Support00:09:36.800 - 9:04:57 AM; Representative Kofalt introduced HB 1776 on behalf of Representative Sweeney. He emphasized that the bill promotes transparency in foreign funding to New Hampshire's post-secondary institutions without restricting speech, academic freedom, or international students. It requires quarterly reporting of foreign grants, donations, and contracts over $50,000 to the Department of Education, General Court, and governor. Concerns include undue influence from adversarial governments, as federal reporting is poorly enforced. The bill excludes tuition fees and targets willful non-compliance with penalties.
HB1776: Tom Rawlings, Policy Director, State Shield Support00:21:15.440 - 9:16:36 AM; Tom Rawlings from State Shield supported the bill, highlighting risks of foreign influence, especially from China, citing examples like Georgia Tech's failed campus in China. He clarified that the bill applies to funding over $50,000 (lower than federal $250,000 threshold) and excludes tuition. It aids state oversight where federal enforcement lags. He addressed questions on subsidiaries, enforcement (minimal so far in other states), and emphasized transparency without banning funds. State Shield provides education but not model legislation; funding comes from founder Joe Gebbia Sr.
HB1776: Patrick Binder, Manchester Support00:50:28.720 - 9:45:49 AM; Patrick Binder supported the bill as a consumer protection measure, wanting parents to know if colleges are funded by American or foreign sources like the Chinese Communist Party. He advocated for awareness of all foreign influence, quoting John Stark against foreign influence. He raised a minor concern about 'foreign' potentially including out-of-state sources and suggested applying requirements to private institutions receiving public funds.
HB1827 0255H: Representative Rick Lad, Haverhill Support00:54:30.559 - 9:49:51 AM; Representative Lad introduces a non-germane amendment to HB 1827, replacing the original grant program with a requirement for the Department of Education to conduct confidential criminal history record checks on all prospective educational personnel. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring student safety in schools, citing examples like staffing shortages in Warren leading to unvetted individuals from Plymouth State University. He defers detailed explanation to the Department of Education representative, noting the amendment originated from the department.
HB1827 0255H: Steve Applebee, Auburn, Division Director, Department of Education Support01:03:42.319 - 9:59:03 AM; Steve Applebee provides detailed rationale for the amendment, explaining current gaps in criminal background checks for non-credentialed school employees, such as substitutes and aides. He highlights that 85 of 105 misconduct reports last year involved non-credentialed staff, whom the department cannot investigate. The amendment would centralize checks every 5 years for employees in public schools, charters, academies, and non-public special education schools, closing loopholes like non-public providers' inability to access FBI checks. It aligns with 26 other states' practices, prevents mobility of problematic individuals, and integrates with a national registry. He clarifies it applies to paid employees, not volunteers, and addresses costs ($100 for 5 years, often district-paid) and process efficiency. Applebee responds to questions on scope, exceptions, integration with other bills like HB 1373, and potential expansions to other settings like EFA-funded programs.
HB1827 0255H: Representative Burton Support01:13:01.679 - 10:08:22 AM; Representative Burton expresses strong support for the amendment, drawing from his experience in Massachusetts where thorough background checks, including CORI checks, caught unsuitable individuals. He endorses the 5-year renewal and notes the process has become efficient.
HB1791 0255H: Representative Burton Support01:47:26.239 - 10:42:47 AM; Representative Burton, sponsoring the bill on behalf of a constituent, explained that the legislation aims to hold both parents liable for half the net cost of college expenses for their child up to age 22 or until the child completes college as a full-time student. He shared that the constituent, a mother, is unfairly bearing a larger share due to the father's non-contribution, limiting the child's school choices. Burton acknowledged the bill's simplicity and his non-legal background but emphasized the fairness in splitting costs after financial aid.
HB1791 0255H: Representative Damon Support01:48:44.880 - 10:44:05 AM; Representative Damon thanked Burton for the bill, dubbing it the 'Chloe bill' after a personal anecdote. He questioned the 'full-time student' language on line five, suggesting flexibility for part-time students like those in nursing school, and noted Burton's agreement to consider adjustments.
HB1791 0255H: Representative Colcom Information Only01:50:05.280 - 10:45:26 AM; Representative Colcom asked if Burton believes parents have an obligation to pay for college net of financial aid. Burton affirmed yes, specifying splitting the net cost, and shared experiences from his time as an assistant financial aid director at UNH, highlighting cases where one parent, often the mother, shoulders the burden when the other does not contribute.
HB1791 0255H: Representative Murray Information Only01:51:15.520 - 10:46:36 AM; Representative Murray inquired if the bill could reduce the student's burden, such as needing extra work. Burton agreed it could, noting it limited his constituent's daughter's school choice due to the father's non-payment, forcing her to attend a different institution despite acceptance and athletic interests.
HB1791 0255H: Representative Spilsbury Information Only01:52:22.719 - 10:47:43 AM; Representative Spilsbury sought clarification on section three regarding post-college expenses. Burton was unsure, possibly relating to student loans, and concurred the bill might benefit from review by the Children and Family Law Committee, though it landed here due to education ties. The chair explained jurisdictional rules placing it in Education Funding.
HB1791 0255H: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:54:11.679 - 10:49:32 AM; The unidentified representative asked about definitions of educational expenses in law, referencing 529 accounts and financial aid allowances. Burton noted it's in financial aid law, with prescribed allowances from his UNH experience and federal law.
HB1791 0255H: Representative Fellows Information Only01:55:15.360 - 10:50:36 AM; Representative Fellows questioned impacts on existing child support agreements, suggesting technical issues with retroactivity and negotiations. Burton clarified the bill extends support from 18 to 22, including college.
HB1791 0255H: Representative McGuire Information Only01:56:27.440 - 10:51:48 AM; Representative McGuire asked if parents have a legal obligation to pay for college. Burton doubted a strict legal one but emphasized expected parental contributions from his financial aid work, including welfare cases where fathers fled, leaving mothers to cover education.
HB1791 0255H: Representative Peoples Information Only01:57:45.840 - 10:53:06 AM; Representative Peoples raised concerns about modifying court-decreed divorce agreements, noting technical and unfunded mandate issues. Burton did not directly respond but the discussion continued on legal constraints.
HB1791 0255H: Representative Ricky Information Only01:58:56.239 - 10:54:17 AM; Representative Ricky asked about FAFSA requirements for non-custodial parents at age 18 and affordability. Burton explained non-custodial income is considered if claiming the student as dependent, but non-payment leads to student loans covering the gap, emphasizing parental responsibility without legal enforcement.
HB1791 0255H: Unidentified Representative Information Only02:00:17.599 - 10:55:38 AM; The unidentified representative speculated on lines 22-28 possibly referring to Parent PLUS loans. Burton admitted uncertainty, as the drafting lawyer prepared it late.
HB1791 0255H: Unidentified Representative Information Only02:02:57.599 - 10:58:18 AM; The unidentified representative suggested seeking legal expertise for the executive session due to statutory questions and time constraints, proposing options like ITL, OTP, or interim study.
HB1791 0255H: Representative Bricky Information Only02:05:06.080 - 11:00:27 AM; Representative Bricky noted child support goes to the parent, questioning enforcement and suggesting input from Health and Human Services, as the child is 18.
HB1701: Representative Brown Oppose03:14:47.359 - 12:10:08 PM; Representative Brown moved to find the bill Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), arguing it's well-intentioned but the $4,000 incentive over four years is insufficient, preferring the labor market to handle workforce attraction without state intervention.
HB1701: Representative Damon Support03:15:54.080 - 12:11:15 PM; Representative Damon opposed the ITL, urging consideration of amendment 0217 to address hearing concerns. He emphasized the program's value in providing credibility, visibility, and coordination to retain graduates amid workforce aging, beyond just monetary incentives which businesses can offer independently.
HB1701: Representative Fellows Support03:17:09.760 - 12:12:30 PM; Representative Fellows supported the program for state involvement ensuring employer follow-through on promises, enhancing credibility and exposure to encourage participation.
HB1729: Chairman (unnamed) Information Only03:20:28.720 - 12:15:49 PM; The chairman introduces HB 1729 and discusses communication from the Department of Education requesting to narrow the bill. He mentions examples from other states like Denver with centralized systems for Medicaid applications in special education. He relays hearsay that the department wants to postpone to Friday to propose an amendment for centralizing support.
HB1729: Representative Damon Support03:21:36.319 - 12:16:57 PM; Representative Damon supports allowing the Department of Education to contribute their amendment and bring it back for discussion on Friday.
HB1729: Chairman (unnamed) Information Only03:21:36.319 - 12:16:57 PM; The chairman calls for a show of hands in favor of letting the department work on the amendment and bring it back on Friday.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Chairman (unnamed) Information Only03:22:47.439 - 12:18:08 PM; The chairman introduces HB 1574, notes prior discussions, and mentions an amendment prepared by Representatives Papovich and Weinstein. He confirms everyone has a copy and opens discussion on simplifying the amendment to avoid adding bureaucracy, focusing on state funding for costs after federal eligibility ends at age 21, without needing new personnel.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Weinstein Information Only03:23:54.319 - 12:19:15 PM; Representative Weinstein agrees the amendment could be simpler but explains the provided language from the Department of Education is necessary due to federal restrictions. It establishes new criteria and a different application process since the USDA form cannot be used post-21, maintaining the same eligibility but requiring a new system.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Spillsbury Information Only03:25:08.880 - 12:20:29 PM; Representative Spillsbury questions the department's concerns about using federal resources post-21, noting it might require additional personnel. He references the fiscal note suggesting half a person at $80,000 and questions the need for reapplication given known eligibility for 118 students, proposing automatic continuance until age 22 or end of school year.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Weinstein Information Only03:27:29.279 - 12:22:50 PM; Representative Weinstein clarifies that students must reapply using a different system and form post-21, as they cannot continue under the federal program.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Bricky Information Only03:27:29.279 - 12:22:50 PM; Representative Bricky confirms the department's view that post-21 requires a full new application process, separate from the federal program.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Unnamed Representative Information Only03:28:33.200 - 12:23:54 PM; The representative questions why eligibility needs rechecking if students are already in the program, suggesting the state could just provide funding directly to districts without new processes, knowing the number of kids and costs. He opposes adding personnel at the Department of Education.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Fellows Support03:29:53.359 - 12:25:14 PM; Representative Fellows agrees with simplifying the language to automatically reimburse costs for students eligible prior to turning 21 until they turn 22, without requiring applications, to avoid bureaucracy.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Unnamed Representative (Earth?) Support03:31:04.960 - 12:26:25 PM; The representative supports a self-activating amendment covering students from their 21st to 22nd birthday and those reaching 22 mid-school year, condensing to one or two sentences referencing the original bill.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Brian (DOE representative) Information Only03:32:15.920 - 12:27:36 PM; Brian from the Department of Education asks for a recap and discusses supporting students post-21 under IEP until end of school year, shifting funding from federal to state for meals without creating a new program.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Damon Information Only03:33:26.319 - 12:28:47 PM; Representative Damon supplements that the bill adds coverage from age 21 to 22 and potentially beyond for mid-year birthdays, clarifying federal coverage stops at 21.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Unnamed Representative Information Only03:34:33.200 - 12:29:54 PM; The representative seeks to clarify that federal meals coverage ends on the 21st birthday, and the bill covers the year from 21 to 22 plus any remainder of the school year if turning 22 mid-year.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Unnamed Representative Information Only03:35:52.960 - 12:31:13 PM; The representative distinguishes IEP coverage until 22 or end of year from federal meals stopping at 21, confirming the bill bridges that gap for the year between 21 and 22, plus mid-year extensions.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Unnamed Representative Information Only03:36:46.080 - 12:32:07 PM; The representative questions if it's a full year plus partial, confirming federal stops at 21 and state would cover at least a year potentially more.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Director for Debt and Special Education (unnamed) Information Only03:38:57.600 - 12:34:18 PM; The director explains state law aligns with IDEA for services inclusive of age 21 (entire 21st year), with some districts extending to end of school year post-22 voluntarily, no federal or state requirement beyond 21.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Unnamed Representative Information Only03:40:00.960 - 12:35:21 PM; The representative suggests language referencing the IEP timeframe to anchor meals eligibility, aligning with academic needs.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Weinstein Information Only03:40:54.560 - 12:36:15 PM; Representative Weinstein notes the amendment already includes eligibility for those continuing IEP beyond 21, but additional language from DOE ensures no conflict with USDA; prefers simplifying to two sentences.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Murray Support03:42:05.040 - 12:37:26 PM; Representative Murray suggests directing the department to pay for services post-USDA eligibility, aligned with IEP duration, conceptually simple.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Unnamed Representative Information Only03:42:05.040 - 12:37:26 PM; The representative proposes rolling the bill to Friday due to ongoing discussion and absence of Rep. Papovich.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Fellows Support03:43:05.120 - 12:38:26 PM; Representative Fellows suggests adding a sentence in the state payment section for free and reduced meals, reimbursing districts at the federal rate for students age 21+ with IEP until IEP terminates.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Unnamed Representative Information Only03:44:17.040 - 12:39:38 PM; The representative discusses IEP renewal annually with evaluations every three years, end dates set by team at 22nd birthday or end of school year.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Unnamed Representative (opposed) Oppose03:45:19.359 - 12:40:40 PM; The representative opposes the bill, arguing the tiny cost (under $100,000) and administrative burden for few students (118 total) is not worth it in a $4 billion education system; schools can handle it locally.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Phillips Support03:45:19.359 - 12:40:40 PM; The task is assigned to Representative Phillips to draft an amendment reflecting the discussion, working with the department.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Representative Damon Support03:46:29.199 - 12:41:50 PM; Representative Damon counters that even small amounts matter to students and families for academic thriving, opposes pushing costs to underfunded districts, supports the simplified amendment to minimize burden.
HB1574 amendment by Rep. Papovich and Rep. Weinstein: Chairman (unnamed) Information Only03:47:38.319 - 12:42:59 PM; The chairman directs moving forward with the amendment for Friday, clarifies no pink cards in executive session, sets effective date for 2027-28 school year to allow budgeting, notes low cost under $10k to be included in next budget cycle.
HB1791 recent amendment: Chairman (unnamed) Information Only04:13:44.720 - 1:09:05 PM; After caucus, the chairman asks Representative Maguire to pull back the inexpedient to legislate motion. No action is taken today; members are to review the new amendment at home and prepare for discussion on Friday.
HB1791 recent amendment: Representative Maguire Information Only04:13:44.720 - 1:09:05 PM; Representative Maguire's motion is withdrawn as requested.
HB1791 recent amendment: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:14:42.880 - 1:10:03 PM; Requests the amendment be emailed as PDF; arrangement is made with staff (Jen) to distribute.
HB1791 recent amendment: Chairman (unnamed) Information Only04:14:42.880 - 1:10:03 PM; The chairman adjourns the meeting, noting action on noted bills and previously discussed ones on Friday and Tuesday.

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