Committee Summary for House Education Funding (09/30/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:09:36.720 - 9:08:17 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB651 00:16:30.160 - 9:15:11 AM	General Working Session	modifying the base cost and differential aid costs of an adequate education.	Luneau, David(D)[CT]2025
HB734 02:00:12.880 - 10:58:53 AM	General Working Session	relative to the state education property tax and the low- and moderate-income homeowners property tax relief program.	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2025
HB772 02:01:37.679 - 11:00:18 AM	General Working Session	establishing a foundation opportunity budget program for funding public education.	Luneau, David(D)[CT]2025
Unclear 02:02:24.080 - 11:01:05 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Chair (unnamed) Information Only00:09:36.720 - 9:08:17 AM; The chair opens the second work session of the education funding committee subcommittee on adequacy and funding sources. They note the absence of Representative Luno and the presence of substitutes. The subcommittee is discussing four retained bills: 651, 772, 491, and 734. Last meeting focused on individual bill discussions, but today aims to integrate across bills for recommendations to the full committee. Bills must be reported out before November 21st for January House floor. LSRs on similar topics are incoming. The goal is to advocate for the best vehicle among the four, discuss relevant LSRs, and vote on recommendations today, avoiding a third meeting.
Unclear: Representative (unnamed, possibly So) Information Only00:13:26.399 - 9:12:07 AM; The representative agrees with the introduction and prioritizes bills essential to school funding. They highlight HB 651 as a top priority and HB 491 (Representative Spielsbury's bill) as a companion of lesser importance. HB 491 proposes establishing a committee (potentially a commission) to examine revenue issues and identify options without making direct recommendations, allowing informed legislative judgment on funding pathways. They mention submitting an LSR similar to HB 651 but do not detail it.
HB651: Unnamed Representative Support00:16:30.160 - 9:15:11 AM; The speaker explains that HB651 builds on principles from Supreme Court and Superior Court decisions to create a constitutional education funding system. It establishes a higher base adequacy cost, increasing from approximately $4,200 per pupil to $7,300, which is about 1.73 times the current amount, reflecting the reality of school district budgets and addressing the inadequacy of the existing base.
HB651: Unnamed Representative Support00:17:19.599 - 9:16:00 AM; The speaker elaborates on the need for differential aid in addition to base adequacy, noting that the Conval case focused only on the base. Schools serve diverse populations with varying needs, such as high poverty rates in Manchester (over 50% in some schools), special education students, and English language learners. A uniform base number fails to account for these differences, and the legislature has previously recognized the importance of targeted aid.
HB651: Unnamed Speaker Support00:20:44.880 - 9:19:25 AM; The speaker discusses the evolution of education funding formulas since the Claremont decision, emphasizing additions for students in poverty, English language learners, and special education to account for higher costs. They explain that HB651 applies a 1.73 multiplier to these categories, making it a reasonable step forward. The speaker mentions working on an LSR for next year to provide more for special education based on the Rand case trial findings, urging the legislature to phase up to its constitutional obligations and recognize the bare minimum funding levels set by the courts.
HB651: Unnamed Speaker Support00:22:14.720 - 9:20:55 AM; Continuing the discussion, the speaker elaborates on HB651's application of the multiplier and notes their ongoing LSR work to incorporate a multi-point adequacy formula, including adjustments for cost of living, free and reduced lunch, special education, and early learning. They stress that this addresses real costs and constitutional rights, hoping to move HB651 forward despite its limitations and pair it with a study bill related to HB491 for revenue options to inform future budgets.
HB651: Representative Damon Support00:26:39.120 - 9:25:20 AM; Representative Damon concurs with the overview, emphasizing the need to address real costs and the court's minimum base amount as a vast improvement. They highlight the constitutional right to adequate education and criticize legislators' intentions to ignore judicial rulings like Conval and Rand, calling it unconscionable. They provide examples of funding increases HB651 would have delivered last spring to districts like Claremont ($6.3M), another unspecified district ($4.6M), Windham ($9.8M), Charlestown ($2.5M), Newport ($2.8M), and Unity ($0.5M), urging passage of HB651 and HB491 to study funding methods.
HB651: Representative Papar Oppose00:29:00.240 - 9:27:41 AM; Apologizing for lateness, Representative Papar states they cannot support increasing expenditures without identifying funding sources, criticizing the idea of adding $630 million annually without a plan. They insist that policy changes must address both expenditure and revenue sides simultaneously, rejecting half-solutions.
HB651: Representative Ricky Support00:31:35.760 - 9:30:16 AM; Representative Ricky reads testimony from Jessica Wheeler Russell, a school board member from their district. The testimony argues that increased state funding won't erode local control, as the state already imposes significant mandates while ranking 50th in funding. It lists recent bills like HB108 (cyber bullying), HB763 (sports injuries), HB131 (cell phones), HB138 (tax notations), HB10 (parental rights), HB235 (educator ethics), HB273 (library records), HB361 (mask policies), and HB440 (licensing) that add burdens without resources. As a policy committee member, she describes the time spent on compliance over local priorities, asserting that true local control requires the state to meet its funding obligations, with HB651 as a good start.
HB651: Jessica Wheeler Russell Support00:33:30.880 - 9:32:11 AM; In her written testimony read by Representative Ricky, Jessica Wheeler Russell, speaking for herself not the Merrimack Valley School Board, reiterates that state mandates already limit local control without adequate funding. She questions the reality of local control given state dictates on policies, credentials, teaching, meetings, and finances, placing districts in a double bind of heavy mandates and insufficient resources. She concludes that fulfilling constitutional duties through funding like HB651 is essential, as without resources, local control is just doing more with less.
HB651: Unnamed Chair or Moderator Information Only00:34:33.119 - 9:33:14 AM; The chair acknowledges the testimony's frustrations but notes they relate more to administrative hassles than direct costs of adequate education, distinguishing between the two without defending the bills. They redirect focus to what drives delivery costs.
HB651: Representative Fellows Support00:35:37.440 - 9:34:18 AM; Representative Fellows mentions their LSR, similar to HB491, for studying alternative finance options with more detail. It evaluates revenue options on five points: amount raised, administrative costs, impacted groups or businesses, implementation timeline, and change costs. The committee would be supported by revenue administration and required to seek input.
HB651: Representative Papy Miller Information Only00:37:05.599 - 9:35:46 AM; Representative Papy Miller questions the interpretation of the New Hampshire Constitution, Article 83, emphasizing the word 'cherish' and its implications for state funding of education. He respects Supreme Court decisions but argues that the word 'cherish' does not clearly mandate a specific funding amount. He raises concerns about the boundaries between legislative, executive, and judicial powers, suggesting that court rulings dictating exact spending amounts may overstep constitutional bounds. He stresses the need to navigate these gray areas while maintaining a balanced system of government.
HB651: Representative Damon Support00:40:22.560 - 9:39:03 AM; Representative Damon argues that failing to address HB651 positively perpetuates decades of inadequate state funding for public education. He emphasizes the need to respond to the court ruling by committing to adequate funding and then determining the means. He suggests amending HB491 to incorporate language from Representative Fellows' LSR for a more comprehensive approach to funding, allowing action to begin sooner rather than waiting. He points out the inconsistency in passing voucher legislation without a clear funding plan while hesitating on education funding, urging consistency in approach.
HB651: Representative Bishimar Information Only00:42:33.119 - 9:41:14 AM; Representative Bishimar, as a member of the finance committee, asserts that the finance committee thoroughly examined funding sources for budget expenditures, including Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), and disagrees with the claim that legislation was passed without knowing where funds would come from.
HB651: Representative Damon (continued) Support00:43:45.119 - 9:42:26 AM; Representative Damon counters that the Education Freedom Account program has exceeded its budget every year since inception, questioning the validity of claims about adequate funding planning.
HB651: Unnamed Representative (likely Fellows) Information Only00:44:38.319 - 9:43:19 AM; The speaker argues that HB651 may not be the right vehicle for increasing education funding figures, suggesting instead to use Representative Ames' LSR for a more deliberative approach in the coming months. He notes the tight timeline for HB651 and the lack of a funding mechanism. He advocates for the committee to develop a bill that addresses both funding and revenue. He challenges the court's interpretation of the constitution, viewing it as an overreach, and calls for breaking the cycle of litigation by focusing on constituent needs rather than court orders. He supports interim study of HB491 but proposes his LSR to integrate funding reforms, including quadrupling the swept tax to about $1.5 billion, a statewide pool remitted to the Department of Revenue Administration, an excellence in education grant of about $10,000 per student, fiscal capacity disparity aid, separation of special education funding, a 2% annual escalator, and tax credits for primary residences, childless taxpayers, and seniors over 65, effective July 1, 2027.
HB651: Representative Ames Information Only00:56:07.040 - 9:54:48 AM; Representative Ames appreciates the detailed LSR proposal but objects to the characterization of Supreme Court reasoning as 'ludicrous.' He provides historical context, noting that school funding litigation began in the 1970s across states, including Massachusetts with a similar constitution authored by John Adams. He highlights research into the word 'cherish' and its historical meaning, emphasizing the role of Supreme Court justices in interpreting such values. He expresses willingness to collaborate on the LSR elements and notes that the swept tax proposal effectively equalizes property taxes statewide at about $5 per thousand, bypassing the need for a commission by making a direct choice.
HB651: Representative Ames Information Only00:59:08.799 - 9:57:49 AM; Representative Ames discusses the implications of increasing state funding, noting that it would likely lead to a reduction in local property taxes as a swap, though not exact. He references similarities to HB772 and emphasizes focusing on the merits of the issue rather than debating court decisions. He stresses respecting the court's role while fulfilling the legislature's constitutional responsibilities.
HB651: Unidentified Representative (possibly Chair) Information Only01:00:35.520 - 9:59:16 AM; The speaker welcomes comments and notes that recent court decisions, like Judge Ruof's declaratory ruling and the Supreme Court's opinion in Conval, leave it to the legislature to address education funding. He emphasizes proceeding on substance without getting bogged down in court reasoning and suggests a future debate on constitutional jurisdiction.
HB651: Representative Papichi Miller Information Only01:01:50.640 - 10:00:31 AM; Representative Papichi Miller thanks the presenter for sharing their LSR on education funding, noting she hasn't read the finalized text but heard appealing and concerning elements. She acknowledges the complexity of education funding, the need to balance competing interests, and appreciates proposals like HB772 as starting points. She highlights the importance of checks and balances among government branches and the deliberate slowness of the legislative process to avoid mistakes.
HB651: Unidentified Representative (possibly Chair) Information Only01:03:49.839 - 10:02:30 AM; The speaker anticipates engaging debates in January on various LSRs related to adequacy formulas and study commissions. He references past discussions on HB491 and suggests not moving OTP on it but tackling the work broadly. He proposes interim study for other bills like HB734 and HB772 to keep elements in discussion without ITL.
HB651: Representative (possibly sponsor of HB734) Support01:07:31.039 - 10:06:12 AM; The representative agrees to interim study for HB734, noting it has been studied multiple times before. He sees potential for incorporating elements from it into a final vehicle.
HB651: Representative Dan Information Only01:09:43.120 - 10:08:24 AM; Representative Dan asks about the LSR's handling of special education funding, which the Chair clarifies is addressed separately via a subcommittee, expecting constructive progress on catastrophic aid.
HB651: Representative Fl. Information Only01:11:06.960 - 10:09:47 AM; Representative Fl. discusses special education funding challenges, noting annual spending near $1 billion, with significant increases in autism (from 397 to 3,730 students) and other health impaired categories. He highlights issues with differentiated aid not being targeted, high-cost students burdening districts, proration shortfalls, and lack of data on costs. He mentions an upcoming commission (SB57) and LSRs to address these, including lower thresholds for state aid like in other states, and proposes consolidating special ed aid into an accountable pot to reduce local burden.
HB651: Representative Fl. (continued) Information Only01:17:37.600 - 10:16:18 AM; Continuing on HB651, Representative Fl. explains the bill's two areas: defining adequacy components and resources/inputs. He critiques the $7,356 base not aligning with updated input costs from the 2007-2008 Ebrook study, such as teacher salaries, transportation ($350 vs. $1,100 national average), and small school weights. He discusses consolidation challenges, opposes rushing HB651 without better definition, and notes ongoing LSRs and groups working on solutions, including concerns with a four-times statewide property tax proposal.
HB651: Unidentified Representative (Chair) Information Only01:23:14.239 - 10:21:55 AM; The Chair acknowledges the points on special education and adequacy, noting parallel discussions, and calls for a 10-minute caucus break before voting on the four bills.
HB651: Subcommittee Chair Information Only01:44:05.199 - 10:42:46 AM; After recess, the Chair summarizes the fruitful discussion and leads motions on bills. For HB491 (study committee on funding methods), moves ITL, which passes 4-3.
HB651: Representative Lad Oppose01:45:31.040 - 10:44:12 AM; Representative Lad recommends ITL on HB651, correcting special education stats (autism from 397 in 2000 to 3,730 in 2023; other health impaired from 3,700 to over 6,000). He notes stable special ed student numbers amid declining K-12 enrollment, insufficient targeted funding in differentiated aid ($68M), federal contributions ($51M), and shortfalls in special ed aid. He argues the bill's figures lack basis, inputs need updating, and a commission is needed for accountability beyond just funding, including time on task for subjects like math.
HB651: Representative Damon Oppose01:49:55.199 - 10:48:36 AM; Representative Damon opposes ITL on HB651, arguing it's the first bill with specific numbers post-court rulings after 35 years of inaction. While agreeing on special ed needs, he stresses the need to act despite imperfections for equitable state funding, viewing the court's $7,356 as a minimum starting point.
HB651: Unidentified Representative Oppose01:51:02.480 - 10:49:43 AM; The representative concurs with Representative Damon, strongly opposing ITL on HB651 and preferring OTP or interim study, noting many school districts urgently need more equitable funding.
HB651: Unidentified Representative Support01:52:30.639 - 10:51:11 AM; The speaker emphasizes the struggles of schools to provide education and the need to address special education issues without insisting on perfection. They highlight the hard work reflected in the bill based on court cases like the Rand case, Conval case (likely ConVal), and the New Hampshire Supreme Court's conclusion that the legislature is lagging, harming kids, and urging better action.
HB651: Representative Papovich Oppose01:53:34.480 - 10:52:15 AM; The representative notes the bill increases expenditures by $630.6 million annually and $1.2 billion over the biennium without funding sources. They support ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) and an interim study, arguing the bill's content will be addressed in future sessions starting January, making it redundant.
HB651: Representative Bricky Support01:54:44.719 - 10:53:25 AM; Standing in for Representative Luno, the representative expresses disappointment in the potential ITL. They explain the bill's numbers: 7356.01 is 1.73 times the base cost, with differentiated aid like $4,126 for free and reduced lunch derived from multiplying $2,300 by 1.73. They represent constituents over court decisions but see this as a chance to respect the court, expressing disappointment if it doesn't get OTP (Ought to Pass).
HB651: Unidentified Representative Support01:56:20.080 - 10:55:01 AM; The speaker points out that 35 years after the Claremont case ruling, the legislature set a base cost higher than $4,100 (current level), but astonishingly has not adequately responded to the Supreme Court's directives.
HB651: Unidentified Representative Information Only01:57:05.520 - 10:55:46 AM; The speaker suggests the bill is insufficient and, if passed as OTP, would sideline other LSRs (Legislative Service Requests) for a more fundamental review, which would be unfortunate. They call for a hand vote on ITL.
HB651: Committee Chair Information Only01:58:01.040 - 10:56:42 AM; The chair conducts the vote on ITL for HB651, noting four in favor and three opposed by hand count, despite requests for roll call. They emphasize the committee's agenda for 2026 and move to HB734.
HB651: Representative Ames Support01:59:23.280 - 10:58:04 AM; As prime sponsor of HB734, the representative moves for interim study. They describe it as a good bill that improves relief and rebates for low and moderate-income taxpayers, which is overdue. It directs swept collections to the state treasury and into the education trust fund, where they belong as a statewide measure.
HB734: Representative Damon Information Only02:00:12.880 - 10:58:53 AM; Representative Damon moves for interim study on HB734, a bill addressing education property tax statewide to meet statewide needs. He notes that the bill has been refiled multiple times and has not been killed, indicating general support but hesitation to advance it fully. He concurs that voting for interim study would keep it in discussion and allow borrowing elements from it.
HB772: Representative Damon Information Only02:01:37.679 - 11:00:18 AM; Representative Damon moves for interim study on HB772. The motion is seconded by Representative Bricky, and no further comments are made before the vote.
Unclear: Unidentified Representative (likely chair) Information Only02:02:24.080 - 11:01:05 AM; The speaker reflects on the subcommittee's work, stating that its purpose was to shape the direction for the full committee in 2026 regarding education funding. They note that solving issues immediately was overly ambitious, and the interim studies are framing the discussion for the future rather than delaying action. They thank the subcommittee members and others for the fruitful discussions, concluding the work session.

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