Committee Summary for House Education Funding (04/15/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB292 00:04:39.520 - 8:33:22 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to aid to school districts for the cost of special education.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB98 00:29:17.600 - 8:58:00 AM	Public Hearing	extending the donations to regional career and technical education center programs.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB99 00:49:43.359 - 9:18:26 AM	Public Hearing	relative to regional career and technical education agreements.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB195 01:40:02.719 - 10:08:45 AM	Public Hearing	(New TItle) relative to the composition and duties of the New Hampshire advisory council on career and technical education.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB209 02:06:06.320 - 10:34:49 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to owner's project managers for projects funded by school building aid and relative to reporting requirements for persons or entities financing lawsuits.	Abbas, Daryl(R)[B-]2025
SB204 03:37:18.479 - 12:06:01 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide meals to students during school hours, reimbursing schools for meals provided to students at no cost, and making an appropriation therefor.	Fenton, Donovan(D)[F]2025
SB295 04:22:52.080 - 12:51:35 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to education freedom accounts.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025

SB292: Senator Lang Support00:04:39.520 - 8:33:22 AM; Senator Lang introduced Senate Bill 292, which aims to prevent future shortfalls in special education funding that could lead to increased local property taxes. He explained that the previous budget cycle experienced a $15 million shortfall in special education funding, which resulted in schools receiving prorated funding and local school boards having to cover the difference. The bill proposes that if there is a shortfall, the Governor can draw from the education trust fund to make up the difference and prevent the costs from being shifted back to local taxpayers. If the education trust fund is depleted, funds could be drawn from the general fund. Senator Lang emphasized the importance of this bill in avoiding unplanned expenses for school districts and maintaining local property tax levels.
SB292: Representative Luno Information Only00:09:36.080 - 8:38:19 AM; Representative Luno discussed the similarities between Senate Bill 292 and House Bill 742, which deals with the same issue but modifies different sections of the law. He pointed out that while Senate Bill 292 uses a governor's warrant to cover costs, House Bill 742 also addresses the source of funds and suggests a potential merge of the two bills to enhance control mechanisms.
SB292: Representative Spillsbury Information Only00:14:54.240 - 8:43:37 AM; Representative Spillsbury mentioned ongoing discussions about special education funding, including House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, which sets an 80% funding floor. He asked Senator Lang about the choice between 100% and 80% funding, to which Senator Lang responded that the goal is to prevent surprise billing and shifting costs to local taxpayers.
SB292: Representative Papovich Information Only00:17:57.840 - 8:46:40 AM; Representative Papovich questioned the appropriateness of drawing from the education trust fund to cover a 100% shortfall, especially given the general fund deficit. Senator Lang affirmed that the state should not sit on surplus funds while shifting costs to local taxpayers.
SB292: Representative McGuire Information Only00:17:57.840 - 8:46:40 AM; Representative McGuire raised concerns about the state's financial situation, pointing out that both the governor's and house budgets were dipping into the rainy day fund. Senator Lang acknowledged the budget situation but maintained the importance of using available surplus funds.
SB292: Representative Damon Information Only00:19:10.240 - 8:47:53 AM; Representative Damon expressed support for the first half of the bill but sought clarification on new language in the bill starting from line 18. Senator Lang explained that the new language was added to the existing law a few years ago.
SB292: Representative Ames Information Only00:20:10.240 - 8:48:53 AM; Representative Ames confirmed that the bill aims to fulfill the state's promise to cover high-cost special education services when they exceed 3.5 times the estimated state average expenditure per pupil. Senator Lang agreed, emphasizing the need for the state to meet its commitments.
SB292: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:21:58.960 - 8:50:41 AM; An unnamed committee member asked if there was a need to review the full formula for catastrophic aid, including eligible and ineligible costs. Senator Lang suggested the possibility of adding a study committee to the bill to look into these costs.
SB98: Senator Waters Support00:29:17.600 - 8:58:00 AM; Senator Waters introduced Senate Bill 98, which seeks to extend for another five years the tax credit program for donations to career and technical education (CTE) centers. He highlighted the success of the program in fostering partnerships between CTEs and industries, allowing for equipment donations that benefit student training and align with industry needs. He mentioned specific examples like the marine trades program in Wolfeboro and the automotive industry's involvement with CTE centers.
SB98: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:31:37.760 - 9:00:20 AM; An unnamed committee member asked if the tax credit could be applied to equipment donations, such as a lift from the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association. Senator Waters confirmed that the tax credit primarily applies to equipment donations and cited examples of automotive industry involvement in CTE programs.
SB98: Representative McGuire Information Only00:34:41.119 - 9:03:24 AM; Representative McGuire inquired about the percentage of the tax credit for donations, comparing it to the interest and dividends tax scholarship program. Senator Waters explained that the underlying bill includes a percentage, typically 50%, but suggested looking up the exact figure in the RSA.
SB98: Representative Papovich Information Only00:36:54.400 - 9:05:37 AM; Representative Papovich expressed concern about the tax credit percentage, noting that if it were 100%, it could essentially become a state subsidy. Senator Waters acknowledged the need to clarify the percentage and committed to providing the necessary information.
SB98: Representative Fellows Information Only00:38:02.079 - 9:06:45 AM; Representative Fellows raised questions about the tax credit's application to businesses, including whether they could claim charitable deductions and business profits tax credits simultaneously. Senator Waters agreed to provide further details on the program's structure and tax implications.
SB98: Representative Fellows Information Only00:38:02.079 - 9:06:45 AM; Representative Fellows finished speaking about the details of the bill, focusing on the aggregate donations and the credits claimed by donors. He mentioned that if the total donations exceed $500,000, credits are prorated based on the donor's proportional share of the maximum aggregate credit amount. He noted that the donations tend to be less than $500,000, but the program has hit the limit more recently, leading to proration as seen in other tax credit programs.
SB98: Senator Waters Information Only00:39:32.520 - 9:08:15 AM; Senator Waters discussed the history and purpose of the bill related to education funding. He mentioned that the bill was initially designed to be revisited every five years to ensure that Career and Technical Education (CTE) directors were effectively using the incentives provided. He emphasized the importance of CTE programs in workforce development, citing examples of successful programs and partnerships that have been established due to the incentive program.
SB98: Representative Kok Information Only00:43:02.160 - 9:11:45 AM; Representative Kok raised a question about potential 'double dipping' on donations, where a donation could be claimed both as a tax deduction and as a credit under this program. Senator Waters responded that he was not aware of any double dipping and explained that the state controls what it can regarding tax policy and incentives for business donations.
SB98: Representative Waters Information Only00:40:56.640 - 9:09:39 AM; Representative Waters inquired about the Senate's consideration of making the program permanent. Senator Waters explained the importance of regular reviews to ensure the program's effectiveness and alignment with CTE goals. He also mentioned the success stories of CTE centers and the need for continued incentives.
SB98: Representative Luno Information Only00:45:15.280 - 9:13:58 AM; Representative Luno asked about the annual report required by the Department of Education on the program's performance. He suggested including the chairs of the education committees in the report distribution. Senator Waters agreed, emphasizing the need for transparency and comprehensive reporting.
SB98: Representative Damon Information Only00:46:15.119 - 9:14:58 AM; Representative Damon noted that the fiscal note for the program year 2425 showed total donations amounting to $618,420, indicating that the program had exceeded the $500,000 threshold in that year.
SB98: Representative Phillips Information Only00:46:15.119 - 9:14:58 AM; Representative Phillips asked if the bill would go to Ways and Means as a second committee. Senator Waters clarified that it would not, and any decisions would be made in the current committee.
SB98: Representative Ames Information Only00:47:32.160 - 9:16:15 AM; Representative Ames mentioned that the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) issues an annual tax expenditure report, which includes this tax credit. He suggested that this report could provide detailed information about the program's use and effectiveness.
SB99: Senator Waters Support00:49:43.359 - 9:18:26 AM; Senator Waters introduced SB99, which aims to increase access to CTE centers. He explained that under the current system, students from schools without CTE programs are sent to other schools with agreements in place. The bill would allow students to choose where they attend CTE courses, addressing transportation and scheduling issues. He detailed how students could be part-time or full-time at receiving schools, and emphasized the importance of CTE for all students, including those from non-public and charter schools.
SB99: Representative Luno Support00:56:37.040 - 9:25:20 AM; Representative Luno discussed the low participation rate of students in CTE programs in New Hampshire compared to other states, attributing it to transportation and scheduling issues. He asked if SB99 could help increase enrollment in trade schools. Senator Waters responded affirmatively, highlighting the importance of the bill in addressing these challenges.
SB99: Representative Papovich Support01:06:20.520 - 9:35:03 AM; Representative Papovich expressed strong support for SB99, emphasizing the need to reduce transportation times for students. He acknowledged potential concerns about tuition costs but viewed them as minor tweaks to be addressed, appreciating the bill's focus on increasing flexibility in the existing program.
SB99: Representative Ames Information Only01:08:20.238 - 9:37:03 AM; Representative Ames inquired about the participation of non-public students in CTE programs and how costs are managed. Senator Waters clarified that these students have a right to CTE education and that costs are covered by their home district, similar to public school students.
SB99: Representative Fellows Information Only01:10:45.679 - 9:39:28 AM; Representative Fellows sought clarification on current tuition arrangements and whether the state or sending districts cover costs for non-public school students. Senator Waters explained that the home district is responsible for these costs, consistent with current practices.
SB99: Representative Wolf Information Only01:27:12.639 - 9:55:55 AM; Representative Wolf, from the Contoocook School District, provided insights into the Contoocook Regional Technical Center's operations. She mentioned that the center accommodates students from public, private, and charter schools and discussed the current tuition and transportation funding model, highlighting the challenges faced by sending districts due to state proration of funds.
SB195: Senator Waters Support01:40:02.719 - 10:08:45 AM; Senator Waters introduced SB195, which proposes revisions to the New Hampshire Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education. He highlighted the council's role in improving CTE statewide and the need to update its duties and focus areas to reflect current and future needs. The bill addresses funding cycles, potential partnerships with the community college system, and data collection for better decision-making.
SB195: Representative Papovich Information Only01:47:01.920 - 10:15:44 AM; Representative Papovich expressed concerns about the inclusion of New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility on the council, questioning their alignment with CTE goals. Senator Waters suggested that the committee could modify the representation if it felt more comfortable with a different business group.
SB195: Representative Luno Information Only01:51:15.600 - 10:19:58 AM; Representative Luno discussed the membership of New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, noting that it includes a wide range of businesses across the state, many of which engage with CTE students. Senator Waters acknowledged the concern but emphasized the importance of business representation on the council.
SB195: Representative Phillips Information Only01:53:24.360 - 10:22:07 AM; Representative Phillips expressed concern about the lack of focus on specific career areas in the council's composition. He suggested that representation should include sectors with high job demand. Senator Waters explained that the council's flexibility allows for adjustments based on industry needs and that recommendations for appointments come from CTE directors and state officials.
SB195: Senator Deborah Uler, District 24 (Exeter, Greenland, Rye, Stratham, Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton) Support01:59:09.480 - 10:27:52 AM; Senator Deborah Uler testified in support of Senate Bill 294, which aims to cover lab fees for students in career and technical education (CTE) courses. She mentioned that the bill was inspired by a constituent who formed a group of local business owners to help cover these fees, which range from $25 to $110 across the state. Uler emphasized the importance of removing financial barriers for students interested in pursuing CTE programs such as veterinary, automotive, electrical engineering, and advanced manufacturing. She argued that lab fees should be covered under education funding, similar to how they are in traditional high school courses.
SB209: Senator Daryl Abbas, District 22 (Salem, Atkinson, Plaistow) Support02:06:06.320 - 10:34:49 AM; Senator Daryl Abbas, the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 209, argued in favor of requiring schools to engage an owner's project manager at the time of application for building aid. He shared his experience from Salem, where the involvement of a project manager from the start led to successful and budget-friendly school renovations. Abbas highlighted the importance of having a project manager to ensure accurate cost estimates and responsible use of state grant money, especially for projects exceeding one million dollars.
SB209: Alex Katrus, Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire Oppose02:31:06.319 - 10:59:49 AM; Alex Katrus, representing the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, opposed Senate Bill 209. He argued that the bill would impose an unnecessary financial and administrative burden on school districts by requiring them to engage an owner's project manager before securing funding. Katrus emphasized that this could limit flexibility and delay infrastructure projects. He suggested that if the bill were to pass, the threshold for requiring a project manager should be raised to $5 or $6 million.
SB209: Caitlyn Bernier, Merrimack Oppose02:38:24.960 - 11:07:07 AM; Caitlyn Bernier, a member of the Merrimack district planning and building committee, opposed Senate Bill 209. She argued that the bill would negatively impact school districts financially by requiring them to retain an owner's project manager, costing between $10,000 to $50,000, without a guarantee of receiving state building aid. Bernier suggested that the project manager should be retained after the aid is awarded, not just for the application process.
SB204: Senator Donovan Fenton, District 10 Support03:37:18.479 - 12:06:01 PM; Senator Donovan Fenton introduced Senate Bill 204, which aims to increase the eligibility threshold for free and reduced-price school meals to 200% of the federal poverty level. He argued that this would help reduce food insecurity among students, improve classroom performance, and ease the financial burden on schools and taxpayers due to unpaid meal debt. Fenton emphasized that the bill is an opt-in program, allowing communities to choose what is best for their students while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
SB204: Riona Core, New Hampshire Hunger Solutions Support03:54:42.279 - 12:23:25 PM; Riona Core from New Hampshire Hunger Solutions supported Senate Bill 204, highlighting the need to address childhood hunger in schools. She provided evidence of hungry students visiting school nurses and emphasized the importance of increasing the federal poverty level to 200% to ensure more students receive nutritious meals. Core also discussed her personal experience with federal nutrition programs and the need for a systemic change to support and sustain children throughout the school year.
SB204: David Trumbull, Town of Alton Support04:03:33.359 - 12:32:16 PM; David Trumbull from Alton supports SB204, emphasizing the severe food insecurity crisis among New Hampshire children. He cites a New Hampshire Food Bank study indicating a 58% increase in child food insecurity, with specific counties like Belknap, Sullivan, Carroll, and Coos showing high rates. Trumbull argues that raising income guidelines for school meals would help more children qualify for free or reduced-price meals, crucial especially with the anticipated reduction in SNAP benefits. He also highlights the educational benefits of school meals, citing studies showing reduced out-of-school suspensions and improved math and reading scores in areas with high food insecurity. Trumbull concludes that feeding children not only addresses humanitarian concerns but also leads to educational and financial benefits for the state.
SB204: Caitlyn Bernier, Town of Merrimack Support04:08:13.120 - 12:36:56 PM; Caitlyn Bernier from Merrimack supports SB204, sharing the success of a breakfast program piloted in their middle school. She notes increased student engagement and improved test scores, leading to plans for expansion to upper elementary and elementary levels. Bernier emphasizes the importance of providing nutritious meals to students who may not have access to them at home, highlighting the educational equity this bill could promote.
SB204: Timothy Han, Representative from Strafford County District 10, Town of Durham Support04:11:42.880 - 12:40:25 PM; Representative Timothy Han from Durham supports SB204, acknowledging that even in prosperous school districts like Oyster River, children come to school hungry. He advocates for increasing the number of students eligible for free school meals, suggesting that all children should have access to free breakfast and lunch. Han addresses the issue of federal funding reliability and suggests that the state may need to increase its financial commitment to ensure children are fed. He also discusses the nutritional value of school meals and the importance of providing food that children will eat.
SB204: Louise Spencer, Kearsarge Coalition Support04:17:48.439 - 12:46:31 PM; Louise Spencer from the Kearsarge Coalition supports SB204, emphasizing the plight of loving parents unable to afford to feed their children due to high housing and grocery costs. She argues that no loving parent would willingly send their child to school hungry, and stresses the responsibility of the state to help these children. Spencer urges the committee to support the bill, highlighting its simplicity and the dire need it addresses.
SB295: Senator Victoria Sullivan, Senate District 18, Manchester and Litchfield Support04:22:52.080 - 12:51:35 PM; Senator Sullivan introduced Senate Bill 295, which aims to remove the income cap on Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). She clarified the distinction between vouchers and EFAs, stating that EFAs are funds placed in an account monitored and controlled by an organization. She emphasized the success of the current EFA program and argued that families using EFAs deserve stability and confidence. She addressed concerns about wealthy families using the funds, noting that only the state portion of the funds would follow the child, potentially reducing taxpayer costs. She also mentioned that EFAs can be used for various educational opportunities beyond private schools, including tutoring. Sullivan highlighted historical discrimination against Catholic schools and argued that this bill could help end such discrimination. She referenced polling data and the election of Governor Kelly Ayotte as evidence of public support for universal education freedom.
SB295: Representative Timothy Han, Straford County District 10, Durham Oppose04:30:37.640 - 12:59:20 PM; Representative Han expressed opposition to the bill, arguing that it is essentially a voucher program and not a savings account. He criticized the program's design and administration, noting it was given to a small nonprofit based in New York City. He believed the program was poorly administered and lacked proper auditing. Han also argued that the program was unconstitutional under the state constitution, specifically citing the prohibition on funding religious schools with tax dollars. He suggested that religious schools should be excluded from the program and that the program needed structural reforms. He questioned the value of expanding the program during a budget crisis and suggested that private education should rely on private funds.
SB295: Mary Wilkey, Contoocook, Retired Public School Teacher Oppose04:45:36.878 - 1:14:19 PM; Mary Wilkey opposed the bill, expressing concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in the current EFA program. She criticized the scholarship organization for withholding basic information about where the money is being spent and highlighted controversial expenditures such as ski passes and summer camp. She noted a compliance review by the DOE found errors in eligibility determinations, suggesting potential mismanagement of funds. Wilkey argued that expanding the program without a performance audit was reckless and emphasized the need for accountability measures.
SB295: Kathleen Silver, Portsmouth Oppose04:49:48.200 - 1:18:31 PM; Kathleen Silver opposed the bill, sharing her personal experience with public schools and her son's success despite ADHD and learning disabilities. She argued that public schools provide a supportive environment that private schools could not offer her son. Silver emphasized the community benefits of public schools and questioned the value of diverting funds to private education, suggesting that public schools offer better value for money by benefiting a wider range of students. She urged the committee not to vote for SB295, citing the negative impact of removing funds from public education.
SB295: Patrick Graff, Director of Legislative Policy, American Federation for Children Support04:57:33.520 - 1:26:16 PM; Patrick Graff supported the bill, noting its alignment with other legislative proposals to expand the EFA program. He argued that SB295 would create universal eligibility, ensure budget predictability, and cover projected program growth. Graff highlighted research showing that larger school choice programs lead to academic benefits for public school students, citing Florida as an example. He addressed concerns about funding, suggesting that expanding school choice is cost-effective and beneficial for all students. Graff also clarified his organization's mission and funding sources, emphasizing their focus on empowering families with educational choices.
SB295: Nancy Brennan, Weare, Retired Educator Oppose05:20:57.920 - 1:49:40 PM; Nancy Brennan opposed the bill, arguing that the concept of choice is not universally available to all students, particularly those with disabilities or from certain backgrounds. She criticized the lack of accountability in the EFA program and expressed concern over the potential for misuse of funds. Brennan highlighted the negative impact of legislative choices on public education, such as budget cuts and tax policies favoring the wealthy. She warned of the financial strain experienced by states like Arizona with universal voucher programs and urged the committee to reconsider the bill until funding issues are resolved.
SB295: Karen Leo Hill, Lebanon, Former Mayor and Executive Counselor Oppose05:25:28.360 - 1:54:11 PM; Karen Leo Hill, a former mayor of Lebanon and current executive counselor, testified against the expansion of the voucher program, emphasizing the financial burden it would place on New Hampshire taxpayers. She highlighted the pressing issue of housing costs and property taxes, arguing that the state cannot afford to expand the voucher program while cutting other essential services. Hill pointed out that the voucher expansion would negatively impact colleges, universities, working families, disabled individuals, and local governments, ultimately forcing taxpayers to subsidize elite private school tuition.
SB295: Sandra Cannon, Atkinson, New Hampshire Oppose05:27:54.840 - 1:56:37 PM; Sandra Cannon from Atkinson strongly opposed Senate Bill 295, arguing that it benefits wealthy families who can already afford private school. She criticized the lack of transparency in the administration of the Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) by the Children's Scholarship Fund of New Hampshire, which does not comply with right-to-know laws. Cannon also raised concerns about the use of EFAs for religious education, which she believes violates the separation of church and state. She highlighted the disparity in funding between public and private schools, noting that public schools receive less funding and have more stringent requirements than EFA-funded programs.
SB295: Brian Hawkins, representing NEA New Hampshire Oppose05:37:17.558 - 2:06:00 PM; Brian Hawkins, representing NEA New Hampshire, opposed SB295, arguing that it lacks budget predictability due to the absence of a spending cap. He cited examples from other states like Arizona, North Carolina, and Florida, where lifting income caps led to a significant increase in voucher usage among high-income families, pushing out lower-income families from voucher-funded schools. Hawkins emphasized that the voucher program does not save money for public schools and could negatively impact overall public education funding.
SB295: Donna Keely, Pittsfield, New Hampshire Oppose05:40:51.680 - 2:09:34 PM; Donna Keely from Pittsfield expressed concerns about the voucher program's impact on property taxes and public school funding. She argued that the state has failed to address the inadequate funding of public schools, leading to high tax burdens for residents. Keely questioned how the voucher program would lower property taxes and criticized the lack of clear communication from state representatives about the program's benefits. She emphasized the need for equitable school funding and opposed the use of vouchers at the expense of public schools.
SB295: David Trumbull, Warner, New Hampshire Oppose05:50:10.480 - 2:18:53 PM; David Trumbull from Warner opposed SB295 for several reasons. He argued that the voucher program drains the education trust fund, which is constitutionally obligated to fund public schools. Trumbull disputed claims of cost savings from vouchers, stating that the number of students switching from public to private schools is negligible. He also criticized the lack of choice for low-income and special education students under the proposed expansion and highlighted the absence of accountability and educational benefits from the voucher program.
SB295: Deborah House, President of the American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire Oppose06:06:21.520 - 2:35:04 PM; Deborah House, President of the American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire, opposed SB295, emphasizing the state's constitutional obligation to fund robust public education. She argued that expanding vouchers diverts limited state funds from essential services and public schools, which are already struggling to meet their obligations. House highlighted the disparity in educational opportunities between wealthy and rural districts and criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in the EFA program.
SB295: Caitlyn Bernier, Merrimack, New Hampshire Oppose06:13:54.638 - 2:42:37 PM; Caitlyn Bernier from Merrimack opposed SB295, citing its negative fiscal impact on public school funding. She noted that most constituents are against expanding EFAs and shared that her friends who use the program do not support removing the income limit. Bernier argued that expanding vouchers would widen the gap between the wealthy and those on fixed incomes, and criticized the lack of priority for children with disabilities and from low-income families in the bill. She emphasized the need to adequately fund public and special education first.

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