Committee Summary for House Education Funding (02/06/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:03:26.400 - 9:00:17 AM	Executive Session	Early Bill Review and Executive Actions
HB1803 02:09:31.280 - 11:06:22 AM	Executive Session	rendering a recipient of an education tax credit scholarship ineligible to receive education freedom account funds in the same program year.	Fellows, Sallie(D)[CT]2025
HB1557 02:20:56.399 - 11:17:47 AM	Executive Session	modifying the state average expenditure per pupil relative to students in special education.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025
HB1776 02:29:02.560 - 11:25:53 AM	General Working Session	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
HB1826 02:32:30.640 - 11:29:21 AM	Executive Session	relative to the cost of an opportunity for an adequate education.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2025
HB1729 02:43:41.520 - 11:40:32 AM	Executive Session	relative to the creation of a centralized enterprise resource planning service, and making an appropriation therefor.	Luneau, David(D)[CT]2025
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment 03:35:58.960 - 12:32:49 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
HB1827 0573h 04:20:58.080 - 1:17:49 PM	Executive Session	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
Unclear 04:31:28.880 - 1:28:19 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Chair (Unnamed) Information Only00:03:26.400 - 9:00:17 AM; The chair opens the education funding committee executive session, explains a works worksheet listing early bills from HB1557 to HB1835 with brief titles, executive session dates, and amendment statuses. Discusses bills like HB1557 on special education funding adjustments, HB1574 on extending free/reduced meals eligibility to age 22 with amendment 0459H, bills marked 'done' as ITL, HB1729 for interim study on centralizing resources, HB1799 on SWAP and basic costs needing amendment refinement, HB1803, HB1826, HB1827 with amendments, HB1831 on capping funds, and HB1835 on special education. Notes flexibility to discuss heard bills, urges timely completion, introduces substitutes Representatives Cambriss and Maguire, and announces caucuses.
Unclear: Chair (Unnamed) Information Only02:02:17.760 - 10:59:08 AM; After caucus, the chair resumes by starting actions on docketed bills, beginning with HB1803, and passes to Representative Spillsbury to recognize Representative Lad for a motion.
Unclear: Representative Lad Oppose02:03:25.040 - 11:00:16 AM; Moves for ITL on HB1803, which would make recipients of education tax credit scholarships ineligible for Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds in the same year. Explains the tax credit program from 2012 aids low-income families (up to 300% federal poverty level), capped at $5.1 million using 85% of BPT/BET taxes. Argues combining funds helps low-income students access educational choices without subtracting revenue that hurts children.
Unclear: Representative Fellows Support02:06:06.480 - 11:02:57 AM; Supports the bill to free up funds for more students. Notes fiscal note indicates 95% of tax credit students also in EFA; limiting to one program could free ~$1 million. Points out dual enrollment yields up to $9,000 per student ($5,000+ tax credit + $4,500 EFA base, plus extras for low-income/special ed), allowing more students access to support.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Oppose02:06:06.480 - 11:02:57 AM; Argues both programs are capped (by participants or funds), and allowing dual eligibility ensures even the poorest get optimal education options.
Unclear: Representative Luno Information Only02:07:34.159 - 11:04:25 AM; Questions how outcomes are measured for 'best education possible' in these programs, similar to public schools, noting the question arose yesterday.
Unclear: Representative Felis Information Only02:07:34.159 - 11:04:25 AM; Responds that satisfaction is known by parents not choosing alternatives, applicable to any education.
Unclear: Representative Phillips Support02:07:34.159 - 11:04:25 AM; Notes dual-enrolled students count toward both caps; limiting to one program aids more students. DOE assumes most would stay in higher-reward EFA, leaving 5% in tax credit, allowing additional participants in tax credit program.
HB1803: Representative Luno Oppose02:09:31.280 - 11:06:22 AM; Emphasized the importance of combining endowments from EFA and education tax credit programs for low-income and special education students to access needed education. Argued that reducing funding would disrupt successful programs and prevent students from attending suitable schools.
HB1803: Representative Damon Oppose02:10:23.360 - 11:07:14 AM; Noted that non-public schools in her district require students to apply for EFA and ETC before determining financial aid, indicating changes in financial aid practices due to these programs.
HB1803: Representative Luno Oppose02:11:33.840 - 11:08:24 AM; Highlighted that EFA and education tax credit funds can support public, private, or homeschooling, focusing on aiding low-income and special education students. Cited FY26 scholarship caps and averages, arguing that halving funding would harm disabled students' access to education and services.
HB1803: Representative Pricky Information Only02:12:44.239 - 11:09:35 AM; Questioned if fewer students are receiving EFAs this year compared to past years, leading to discussion on the merits of the EFA program.
HB1803: Representative Flow Oppose02:13:33.679 - 11:10:24 AM; Addressed concerns about students seeking specific education, noting much testimony relates to religious education funded by EFA at private religious schools, which public schools do not provide.
HB1803: Representative Kulkin Information Only02:14:40.159 - 11:11:31 AM; Asked if religious schools provide mainstream subjects like math, reading, and science alongside religious education.
HB1803: Representative Luna Oppose02:15:52.639 - 11:12:43 AM; Responded that religious schools likely provide core subjects but differ in areas like biology, wellness, and history. Urged focus on whether the programs involve double-dipping or are independent.
HB1803: Representative (Unnamed) Support02:16:57.760 - 11:13:48 AM; Recalled personal testimony from a religious family who chose alternative education due to lack of music programs in public schools, emphasizing educational needs beyond religion.
HB1803: Clerk (Vote Caller) Vote02:17:43.840 - 11:14:34 AM; Called the vote on the motion to Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), resulting in 10 yes, 8 no, motion passes. Majority report by Representative Wag, minority by Representative Fellows.
HB1557: Representative McGuire Oppose02:20:56.399 - 11:17:47 AM; Moved ITL, explaining the bill reduces catastrophic aid multiplier from 3.5 to 1.5 times statewide average and removes proportional reductions. Noted high costs, unknown increases, and need for over 200 new staff per fiscal note. Preferred other bills on the topic.
HB1557: Representative Damon Support02:22:04.720 - 11:18:55 AM; Opposed ITL, arguing inadequate state funding for special education burdens districts and detracts from other students' education. Stressed the need to address funding effectively.
HB1557: Representative Luno Support02:23:22.319 - 11:20:13 AM; Opposed ITL, stating the bill addresses state-mandated special education costs currently borne by local property taxpayers (over $1 billion annually). Urged the state to fulfill its obligations.
HB1557: Representative McGuire Oppose02:24:34.160 - 11:21:25 AM; Clarified ITL due to other vehicles for similar changes, avoiding multiple bills on the same subject. Noted technical point on substitute's role in motion.
HB1557: Representative Colcom Oppose02:25:35.840 - 11:22:26 AM; Opposed the bill due to massive bureaucratic increase in Concord, arguing local spending benefits students without added overhead.
HB1557: Representative Damon Support02:26:49.200 - 11:23:40 AM; Agreed on avoiding bureaucracy but questioned fiscal note's staffing estimate as unfathomable. Recalled suggestion for audit sampling of special ed invoices like IRS tax audits.
HB1557: Representative Kok Information Only02:27:51.439 - 11:24:42 AM; Urged pressuring federal government for more special education funding or cutting attached strings, noting federal billions could help.
HB1557: Clerk (Vote Caller) Vote02:29:02.560 - 11:25:53 AM; Called the vote on ITL, resulting in 10 yes, 8 no, motion passes. Majority report by Representative McGuire, minority by Representative Damon.
HB1776: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:29:02.560 - 11:25:53 AM; Allowed brief discussion, noting support from one side. Inquired about appetite for amendments to reduce quarterly to semiannual reporting (less burdensome) and raise threshold from $50,000 to $250,000 like federal statute.
HB1776: Representative Peoples Support02:30:12.640 - 11:27:03 AM; Supported semiannual reporting but opposed raising threshold to federal level, as state deals with smaller amounts and lower capture is more productive.
HB1776: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only02:31:22.800 - 11:28:13 AM; Suggested postponing action until amendment on reporting frequency is drafted, to address later afternoon or Tuesday. Also suggested removing vague phrase 'or expressed intention' on page 1, line 19.
HB1776: Committee Consensus Information Only02:32:30.640 - 11:29:21 AM; Agreed to draft amendments for reporting changes and vagueness removal, to review on Tuesday.
HB1826: Representative Spilsbury Oppose02:32:30.640 - 11:29:21 AM; Moved ITL, noting adequacy figures need periodic adjustment but this is mid-cycle and not timely. Legislature can consider next winter; tabled discussion on special ed in formula.
HB1826: Representative Leno Support02:33:43.520 - 11:30:34 AM; Opposed ITL, arguing addressing adequacy is always necessary amid court orders. Highlighted ~$1,100 increase to special ed aid, providing tax relief; fiscal note ~$25 million, predictable and meaningful.
HB1826: Representative Bricky Support02:35:46.800 - 11:32:37 AM; Emphasized committee's role in policy, not funding sources; bills should advance if needed for students, leaving finance to handle.
HB1826: Representative Maguire Oppose02:36:57.520 - 11:33:48 AM; Warned passing multiple similar bills burdens finance, leading to cheapest option only; encouraged considering bill interactions.
HB1826: Representative (Unnamed) Oppose02:37:56.960 - 11:34:47 AM; Noted HB 1799 amends same statute with different numbers; encouraged ITL to debate the best bill on floor.
HB1826: Representative (Sponsor of 1799) Support02:39:21.120 - 11:36:12 AM; As sponsor of 1799, saw 1826 as small increment over current law but preferred comprehensive 1799 addressing constitutional and monetary issues; could not support small steps.
HB1826: Representative Damon Support02:40:36.160 - 11:37:27 AM; Supported despite small increment, advocating progress over putting all eggs in one basket given uncertain outcomes on other bills like 1799.
HB1826: Representative Lenovo Support02:41:35.680 - 11:38:26 AM; Agreed, noting split vote shows merits; $25 million moves in right direction for schools and taxpayers; provides tools for floor debate alongside other bills.
HB1826: Clerk (Vote Caller) Vote02:42:50.000 - 11:39:41 AM; Called the vote on ITL, resulting in 10 yes, 8 no, motion passes. Majority report by Representative Spilsbury, minority by Representative Luno.
HB1729: Representative (Unnamed) Support02:43:41.520 - 11:40:32 AM; Moved interim study, recognizing need for centralizing services as cost-saver for districts. No amendments.
HB1729: Committee Consensus Support02:45:04.319 - 11:41:55 AM; Unanimous support for interim study to further develop centralization.
HB1729: Clerk (Vote Caller) Vote02:46:13.760 - 11:43:04 AM; Called the vote on interim study, unanimous yes (18-0). Report by Representative (Unnamed).
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Representative McGuire Oppose03:35:58.960 - 12:32:49 PM; Moved Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), arguing new program unaffordable amid cuts to existing ones. Colleges already accommodate under ADA; no funds for extra encouragement.
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Representative Burton Support03:38:02.880 - 12:34:53 PM; Shared genesis from conversation with Governor Ayotte, who endorsed idea. Noted ADA insufficient; personal experience with programs helping students with IEPs blossom, especially in honor societies. Read from supportive letter (incomplete).
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Mark Rubenstein, Chancellor of the Community College System Support03:39:55.600 - 12:36:46 PM; Mark Rubenstein emphasizes the potential impact of HB 1791 as a pilot program to provide resources for community colleges to support students with disabilities, particularly autism, beyond what ADA accommodations offer. He notes that over 400 such students attend but often disappear without proper support. He shares a personal story from 1985 about a student at Laconia school who wanted to attend a real school, highlighting the need for better opportunities. He urges the committee to vote for the bill, mentioning his work on similar federal programs like TIPS and hopes New Hampshire will fulfill students' futures.
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Representative (Unnamed, possibly McGuire) Support03:42:31.200 - 12:39:22 PM; The representative thanks Representative Burton for preparing the bill, noting collaboration across the aisle and with community college leadership. Highlights the bill's limitation to a pilot in the community college system with $100,000 non-lapsing funding, calling it a good investment compared to larger education spends. Mentions 32,000 students with IEPs in NH seeking higher education and argues against ITL, suggesting instead to pass as amended.
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Representative V (possibly Viens) Oppose03:46:29.359 - 12:43:20 PM; The representative agrees the program is good but suggests CCSNH should prioritize it in their next budget cycle rather than through this bill. Notes that the budget already had many requests and not all were funded, advocating for a holistic budget process where CCSNH presents priorities.
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Representative (Unnamed, chair or another) Information Only03:47:26.239 - 12:44:17 PM; Responds to a request to make previous remarks part of the record, confirming the session is recorded. Thanks the previous speaker and notes appreciation from community colleges and advocates. Expresses concern about prioritization of funding requests across departments and agencies.
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only03:49:37.279 - 12:46:28 PM; Argues that without a fleshed-out plan, departments can't easily budget for new programs. Suggests the legislature pass the program without appropriation, allowing the finance committee or governor to decide funding later, which would encourage development.
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Representative McGuire Support03:50:47.439 - 12:47:38 PM; Disagrees with budgeting approach for colleges, noting they receive a lump sum grant without micromanagement. States colleges can fund internally if desired but specific appropriations like for math learning communities have been made. Emphasizes that CCSNH requests specific funding items, which the committee reviews and prioritizes.
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only03:53:03.520 - 12:49:54 PM; Acknowledges CCSNH comes forward with specific funding requests and priorities, which the finance committee evaluates. Notes this is not unusual and the policy committee doesn't need to get involved; formal requests come to finance.
HB1791 Unnamed Amendment: Representative Burton Support03:54:02.399 - 12:50:53 PM; Clarifies the bill creates a specific non-lapsing line item of $100,000 in the community college budget for the pilot. Mentions his experience with federal TIPS program and potential for federal commitment. Seeks encouragement to advocate for the program, noting challenges in serving students with various disabilities at Manchester Community College.
HB1827 0573h: Representative Vlad Support04:20:58.080 - 1:17:49 PM; Moves for OTP on HB 1827 and offers amendment 0573h, which replaces the bill entirely. Explains the amendment adds section D to RSA 189:13 requiring confidential criminal history checks by the Department of Education for prospective educational personnel not requiring credentials, such as aides. Details that checks involve state, NASDTEC, and FBI levels, valid for 5 years, monitored by DOE with notifications for renewal. Shares personal experience as a former principal where local checks were insufficient, emphasizing child safety.
HB1827 0573h: Representative Damon Support04:24:44.640 - 1:21:35 PM; Seconds the motion and states the amendment fills a gap in the law to ensure child safety.
HB1827 0573h: Representative Luna Information Only04:25:56.080 - 1:22:47 PM; Seeks clarification: confirms the amendment applies to non-credentialed employees like aides, not volunteers, and that costs can be charged to the individual. Asks about effective date, confirming July 1, 2027, from the underlying bill.
HB1827 0573h: Representative McGuire Information Only04:28:18.720 - 1:25:09 PM; Notes the new section 189:13D is similar to existing section C for credentialed employees.
HB1827 0573h: Committee Clerk Information Only04:30:26.159 - 1:27:17 PM; The clerk calls the roll for the committee members on HB 1827.
Unclear: Chairman Information Only04:31:28.880 - 1:28:19 PM; The executive session on HB 1827 is closed after passing on consent. The committee moves to discuss other bills, including one dealing with meals and an amendment, but decides to wait as the sponsor is unsure about introducing it. The chairman confirms the bottom of the docket for the day.
Unclear: Representative Bricky Information Only04:32:46.720 - 1:29:37 PM; Representative Bricky seeks confirmation on the actions taken on various bills during the session: HB 1803 ITL, HB 1827 credentialing non-German amendment OTPA, HB 1557 ITL, HB 1826 ITL, HB 1827 OTP, HB 1729 interim study, and HB 1791 ITL. She notes that none of the actions taken today helped students in New Hampshire, except for background checks.
Unclear: Chairman Information Only04:33:43.199 - 1:30:34 PM; The chairman instructs to send minority reports to the chair by Tuesday morning and asks if there is anything else for the good of the order before adjourning the meeting for the afternoon.

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