Committee Summary for House Education Funding (11/10/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB510 2024-1453h 00:03:26.800 - 8:02:02 AM	General Working Session	relative to establishing certain due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members facing disciplinary actions by state institutions of higher learning.	Lynn, Bob(R)[A]2024
HB112 01:36:51.360 - 9:35:27 AM	General Working Session	requiring students in the university and community college systems of New Hampshire to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test.	Moffett, Michael(R)[A-]2024

HB510 2024-1453h: Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:03:26.800 - 8:02:02 AM; The chair opens the session by announcing the subcommittee's focus on HB5112 and HB510, plans to caucus by party, and distributes amending language for HB510. Describes the bill's purpose and directs the group to caucus in a nearby room.
HB510 2024-1453h: Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:45:29.280 - 8:44:05 AM; After caucus, the chair reconvenes the session, starting with HB510. Explains the proposed amending changes, including previously approved definitions for public institution of higher education, student, and student organization on pages 1-2. Notes addition of due process rights reference to RSA 188-K:21.
HB510 2024-1453h: Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:46:54.160 - 8:45:30 AM; Continues detailing amendments: On page 2, line 23, adds language requiring reasonable steps to prevent disclosure of information and evidence to third parties, based on input from New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
HB510 2024-1453h: Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:47:41.200 - 8:46:17 AM; Further explains changes: Recommends removing adverse inference clause after right against self-incrimination on page 3, per advice from Department of Education's contracted firm on Title IX issues. Discusses right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, allowing third-party cross-examination if victim objects, ensuring accused's presence during accuser's cross-examination.
HB510 2024-1453h: Subcommittee Chair Information Only00:49:00.480 - 8:47:36 AM; Describes additional procedural rights changes: Removes property damage reference from imminent threat exception, now limited to immediate threat to physical health or safety of any student or individual, per recommendation from Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten. Opens floor for discussion on the amendments.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative (Unnamed) Oppose00:51:14.559 - 8:49:50 AM; The representative opposes HB510, calling it a needless bill and a solution looking for a problem, even with amendments. Objects to language on page 3, lines 4-5, phrasing 'claims to be a victim' as doubting the victim. Also criticizes lines 9-10 allowing the accused to be present during the accuser's cross-examination as intimidating, using personal example of not wanting an accuser present if their daughter was raped.
HB510 2024-1453h: Unnamed Representative Oppose00:53:21.680 - 8:51:57 AM; The speaker expresses strong opposition to HB510 even with amendments, describing the bill as needless. They share a personal anecdote about sitting in front of a victim during proceedings and argue that the amendments do not sufficiently address concerns.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Papovich Support00:53:21.680 - 8:51:57 AM; Papovich acknowledges colleagues' concerns but defends the amendment as addressing reasonable issues while preserving the bill's intent. He emphasizes that at this stage, only claims exist, not established facts, and the bill ensures due process by allowing facts to be determined before verdicts.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Burton Information Only00:54:30.960 - 8:53:06 AM; Burton questions the need for the bill, stating that processes at schools are working well. He references a meeting with UNH students who reported no due process issues and notes that the bill could disrupt collective bargaining agreements and existing federal laws.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Papovich Support00:55:48.079 - 8:54:24 AM; Papovich counters that the need has been explained multiple times, arguing the current process lacks due process. He stresses the importance of protecting rights against serious accusations that can lead to suspension or expulsion, even if not criminal.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Burton Oppose00:56:49.760 - 8:55:25 AM; Burton reiterates sufficient processes exist, citing his experience as assistant dean. He criticizes the amendment's language on cross-examination as potentially revictimizing victims and questions the bill's necessity without specific incidents.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Lynn (Prime Sponsor) Support01:01:50.400 - 9:00:26 AM; Lynn explains no specific NH case is cited but issues occur elsewhere. He argues the bill codifies agreed-upon rights; if current systems already have them, no change; if not, they should be added. He defends cross-examination as fundamental to due process, allowing representation to avoid direct intimidation.
HB510 2024-1453h: Unnamed Representative Information Only01:09:01.439 - 9:07:37 AM; The speaker questions whether 'may' or 'shall' should be used for requiring third-party cross-examination, seeking the sponsor's view on discretion versus mandate.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Lynn (Prime Sponsor) Support01:10:15.440 - 9:08:51 AM; Lynn prefers 'may' for hearing officer discretion, citing scenarios where direct or third-party cross-examination is appropriate. He argues inherent intimidation exists but is part of the system, and officers can intervene if needed.
HB510 2024-1453h: Unnamed Representative Oppose01:13:34.000 - 9:12:10 AM; The speaker argues for 'shall' to proactively avoid intimidation, referencing Title IX concerns.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Lynn (Prime Sponsor) Support01:14:50.080 - 9:13:26 AM; Lynn agrees inherent intimidation is part of facing an accuser but defends the system for protecting against false convictions. He concedes 'shall' could work if requested by the accuser.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Papovich Support01:16:03.600 - 9:14:39 AM; Papovich suggests changing to 'shall' for third-party cross-examination if requested, arguing it extends deference without harming the bill.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Lynn (Prime Sponsor) Support01:16:03.600 - 9:14:39 AM; Lynn accepts 'shall' as a viable option, though preferring 'may', and agrees it places the decision in the accuser's hands.
HB510 2024-1453h: Unnamed Representative Oppose01:16:52.960 - 9:15:28 AM; The speaker objects to unequal power dynamics in cross-examination, like a football captain versus a vulnerable woman, and questions if other public education handling was considered.
HB510 2024-1453h: Chair Information Only01:18:06.320 - 9:16:42 AM; The chair suggests changing 'may' to 'shall' eliminates intimidation concerns, putting the choice with the accuser, and proposes moving forward without further discussion.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Bricky Oppose01:18:06.320 - 9:16:42 AM; Bricky shares experiences as college president where students feared reporting due to social ostracism and emphasizes protecting victims.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Lynn (Prime Sponsor) Support01:19:10.800 - 9:17:46 AM; Lynn stresses equal protection for accuser and accused, reiterating that unspecified rights in the bill should be added if not currently present.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Papovich Support01:20:22.159 - 9:18:58 AM; Papovich moves to recommend adoption of the amendment with minor changes: adding 'to third parties' on page 2 line 24, changing 'may' to 'shall' on page 3 line 7, and correcting a struck 'an' on line 29.
HB510 2024-1453h: Representative Brown Support01:21:45.199 - 9:20:21 AM; Brown seconds the motion and notes the bill respects collective bargaining by adding protections for union members upon expiration.
HB112: Representative Brown Support01:36:51.360 - 9:35:27 AM; Brown moves to pass the amended draft of HB112, highlighting changes: requiring undergraduates to pass the USCIS test with 70% or complete a civics course or its competency test; exemptions for exchange students, foreign nationals, military personnel, and veterans; effective date July 1, 2027.
HB112: Unnamed Representative (Professor) Information Only01:37:58.719 - 9:36:34 AM; The professor suggests amending 'take a civics course' to 'successfully completes a civics course' on page 1 line 25 and similar on page 2 line 60.
HB112: Representative Bricky Oppose01:41:57.520 - 9:40:33 AM; Bricky opposes due to added costs on top of budget cuts to universities and community colleges, estimating over a million dollars.
HB112: Representative Papovich Support01:42:49.679 - 9:41:25 AM; Papovich notes no new fiscal note is possible but argues the amendment gives universities options without increasing costs, potentially reducing them by allowing cost-effective compliance.
HB112: Representative Burton Oppose01:43:52.560 - 9:42:28 AM; Burton questions if institutions without a civics course must create one and notes exemptions favor military but not other experienced adults like former government employees. He references UNH students' surprise at the need.
HB112: Representative Papovich Support01:45:06.400 - 9:43:42 AM; Papovich explains competency tests allow testing out for those with knowledge, standard in academics. He lists 14 states requiring similar civics education and notes historical requirements like at University of Maine.

Ladd, Rick(Chairman)(R)[B+]2024	Brown, Pam(Clerk)(R)	Spilsbury, Walter(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2024
McGuire, Dan(R)[A+]2024	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2024	Burton, Wayne(D)[CT]2018
Luneau, David(D)[CT]2024	Colcombe, Riché(R)[A-]2024	Chretien, Suzanne(D)
Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A+]2024	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2024	Kofalt, Jim(R)[A+]2024
Fellows, Sallie(D)[CT]2024	Erf, Keith(R)[A]2024	Bricchi, Tracy(D)
Weinstein, Toni(D)	Peeples, Raymond(R)	Mehegan, Peter(R)