Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (01/12/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1467 00:02:18.800 - 9:00:14 AM	Public Hearing	establishing the New Hampshire Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement program.	Paige, David(D)[F]2025
HB1573 00:20:30.000 - 9:18:26 AM	Public Hearing	permitting excused absences for students participating in civic engagement or attending a career or technical education event.	Thibault, James(R)[A]2025
HB1628 00:58:55.119 - 9:56:51 AM	Public Hearing	requiring schools to provide excused absences for certain religious instruction, defining released time courses, and permitting schools to adopt policies and provide credit for released time courses.	MacDonald, Wayne(R)[B+]2025
HB1129 01:46:24.800 - 10:44:20 AM	Public Hearing	authorizing superintendents or their designee to allow limited use of personal laptops and tablets in schools and establishing that such use is exempted under school cell phone use policies.	Hall, Muriel(D)[CT]2025
HB1055 01:55:56.800 - 10:53:52 AM	Public Hearing	granting the state board of education rulemaking authority relative to student use of cell phones and personal communication devices in schools.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1379 02:12:33.599 - 11:10:29 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the reporting date for the annual complaint data.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1645 02:14:44.239 - 11:12:40 AM	Public Hearing	adding a definition for rules relative to innovation schools.	Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025
HB1731 02:29:35.760 - 11:27:31 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the creation of an educational opportunities information system.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2025
HB1221 03:20:46.640 - 12:18:42 PM	Public Hearing	directing the commission to study costs of special education to consider establishing centralized locations throughout the state for certain special education-related services.	Morse, Bryan(R)[A-]2025
HB1832 03:38:39.680 - 12:36:35 PM	Public Hearing	adding students with parents on active military duty to the education freedom accounts priority guidelines.	Morse, Bryan(R)[A-]2025
HR43 03:58:00.960 - 12:55:56 PM	Public Hearing	recognizing the Manchester school district's community partners.	Wilhelm, Matthew(D)[F]2025
HB1221 04:04:29.840 - 1:02:25 PM	Executive Session	directing the commission to study costs of special education to consider establishing centralized locations throughout the state for certain special education-related services.	Morse, Bryan(R)[A-]2025
HB1379 04:08:01.199 - 1:05:57 PM	Executive Session	relative to the reporting date for the annual complaint data.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB18/19 04:18:19.439 - 1:16:15 PM	Public Hearing	relative to review of education freedom account service providers	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #

HB1467: Representative Noble (Chair) Information Only00:02:18.800 - 9:00:14 AM; The chair opens the meeting, leads the pledge, introduces committee changes, discusses the tight schedule with 77 bills, plans for executive sessions, praises past cooperation, announces rules like only water allowed and 3-minute testimony limits, then opens the hearing on HB1467.
HB1467: Representative Page (Prime Sponsor) Support00:05:52.560 - 9:03:48 AM; Representative Page shares a personal story about the NH Constitution display, emphasizes the importance of civic education amid the 250th anniversary of independence, draws from her decade in civic education development, highlights the bill's build on SB216 by creating a voluntary Seal of Civic Excellence program. The program involves DOE criteria for students to earn a diploma seal through assessments, portfolios, or mastery-based work, with local opt-in. She notes proven success in other states, no mandates, addresses fiscal note concerns suggesting an amendment for local administration without new positions, and positions it as a small, achievable step for civic learning.
HB1467: Representative Silic Information Only00:13:36.000 - 9:11:32 AM; Asks if an amendment could change the effective date to July 4, 2026.
HB1467: Representative Woodcock Support00:14:40.720 - 9:12:36 AM; Concurs with the program concept, questions the 'two school years' requirement, suggesting credits instead; inquires about duration of active engagement without specifics; asks who evaluates the demonstration phase, confirming local administration.
HB1467: Representative Murray Information Only00:16:38.480 - 9:14:34 AM; Inquires about rulemaking authority in the bill and whether portfolios would use existing models from iCivics or others, or be DOE-developed.
HB1467: Representative Freeman Information Only00:17:48.000 - 9:15:44 AM; Asks if input from DOE has been received beyond the fiscal note.
HB1467: Representative McDonald, Rockingham 25, Salem Support00:18:46.240 - 9:16:42 AM; Echoes the prime sponsor's reasons for support, adds written testimony, expresses regret for missing co-sponsorship deadline, and affirms support for the bill.
HB1573: Representative Thibo (Prime Sponsor, Franklin and Northfield) Support00:20:30.000 - 9:18:26 AM; Shares a story of a peer voting randomly due to lack of civic knowledge, highlights civic literacy statistics, and notes a constituent penalized by Winnisquam Regional High School for attending American Legion and 4-H events despite making up work. The bill allows two excused absences per quarter for civic or CTE activities, plus flexibility for voting, with safeguards like parental notification and proof of attendance. It sets a minimum, allowing schools more discretion. Addresses concerns on abuse and state involvement, emphasizing the value of real-world learning worth 4% of class time, similar to laws in California and New Jersey.
HB1573: Representative Hall Information Only00:25:27.520 - 9:23:23 AM; Asks who decides if a civic event qualifies and what happens if denied, suggesting an appeals process amendment.
HB1573: Representative Murray Information Only00:25:56.480 - 9:23:52 AM; Suggests amending subsection B to reference existing CTE definitions instead of listing organizations to avoid confusion.
HB1573: Representative Parnell Information Only00:26:57.120 - 9:24:53 AM; Inquires if high schools or programs already allow such absences without legislation, seeking feedback from schools.
HB1573: Representative Parnell (follow-up) Information Only00:27:56.960 - 9:25:52 AM; Asks about students penalized for missing athletics to attend civic activities.
HB1573: Representative Woodcock Information Only00:29:02.960 - 9:26:58 AM; Questions impact on existing attendance policies, effects on grades or instruction for students missing class (e.g., half the class absent), and why a state law is needed instead of local policies.
HB1573: Representative Selig Information Only00:33:13.279 - 9:31:09 AM; Notes focus on civic engagement but questions linking it with CTE, seeking clarification on connection, using example of daughter's independent CTE.
HB1573: Representative Selig (follow-up) Information Only00:36:03.839 - 9:33:59 AM; Clarifies if bill covers all CTE like welding at Naval Shipyard or only civic-related.
HB1573: Representative Murray (follow-up) Information Only00:36:31.359 - 9:34:27 AM; Asks about the permission slip form for voting— who creates it, source, and if moderators are prepared, comparing to adult voting time off.
HB1573: Representative Margaret Dry, Sullivan District 7 (Plainfield, Cornish, Newport, Unity, Charlestown); Chair of Trustees, New Hampshire at the Eastern States Exposition Support00:38:03.920 - 9:35:59 AM; Representative Dry testified in support of HB1573, drawing from her 25+ years as a 4-H leader and her role in the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E). She explained the challenges students face attending the fair for demonstrations, including late-night travel after school on Thursdays, which makes Friday participation difficult without excused absences. She highlighted the program's growth from 10 students two years ago to 36 this year and emphasized the value of civic organizations like 4-H and FFA in promoting engagement. She urged support to ease participation and noted scholarships provided to students.
HB1573: Casey Peters, senior at Derryfield School, Manchester (from Raymond) Support00:42:37.040 - 9:40:33 AM; Casey Peters expressed strong support for HB1573, sharing his lifelong passion for politics sparked by watching news with his father. In middle school in Raymond, civic activities like shadowing officials or attending hearings resulted in unexcused absences, forcing a choice between education and engagement. At Derryfield School, such activities are excused and encouraged, allowing him to shadow leaders. He argued the bill transcends partisanship, preparing students as informed leaders amid polarization, removes barriers, and integrates civic engagement into education.
HB1573: Andrew King, junior at Bishop Guertin High School, Concord Support00:46:43.920 - 9:44:39 AM; Andrew King supported HB1573, detailing his involvement in civic activities despite challenges obtaining permissions to miss school. He described four excused absences this semester: attending a governor and council meeting, interviewing for the U.S. Senate Youth Program, serving as a house page, and testifying today. He emphasized these experiences' value in making government accessible and argued four absences per semester is reasonable, as he prioritizes attendance (only two missed days in six years). The bill enhances New Hampshire's government accessibility for youth.
HB1573: Becky Wilson, Director of Governmental Relations, New Hampshire School Boards Association Oppose00:52:40.079 - 9:50:36 AM; Becky Wilson opposed HB1573, calling it an unnecessary mandate that undermines local control and creates administrative burdens. She noted existing partnerships allow districts to excuse civic and CTE absences with preapproval, aligning with competency-based approaches. Concerns include the bill applying to all grade levels (not just high school), unclear cumulative absence limits (potentially eight days/year plus others), bypassing local policies, short two-day request window, and vagueness in defining civic events. CTE programs are already curricular and excused; the opposition targets the mandate, not the activities.
HB1628: Representative Wayne McDonald, Rockingham County District 16, Londonderry Support00:58:55.119 - 9:56:51 AM; Representative McDonald, the prime sponsor, introduced HB1628, highlighting its focus on religious instruction following the civic engagement discussion. He adhered to the three-minute rule, mentioned collaboration with Representative Cordelli for co-sponsors (though only he is listed), and noted experts present to discuss the program further.
HB1628: Representative Wayne McDonald, Rockingham County District 16, Londonderry Support00:59:54.720 - 9:57:50 AM; Representative McDonald continues his testimony on HB1628, explaining that the bill allows students to be excused from school for up to 5 hours per week to attend release time religious courses off school property, provided requirements like attendance records, transportation by the sponsoring entity, and no interference with core classes are met. He emphasizes that this is constitutional per the 1952 Supreme Court case Zorach v. Clauson, applies to all faiths, and addresses needs for families seeking more religious education. He addresses potential burdens on schools by noting successful implementations elsewhere and prohibits missing core classes like reading, writing, math, and history. He fields questions on defining core vs. non-core classes, necessity (as enrichment, not a problem), transportation for special education students (responsibility of parents/sponsors to minimize costs), de minimis administrative costs (minor/insignificant), time away (1-5 hours/week total), remedy provisions (for appeals if denied), openness to removing school credit, and current course offerings (enables during school day with permission).
HB1628: Bill King, Milford Support01:18:12.000 - 10:16:08 AM; Bill King testifies in support of HB1628, highlighting the need for biblical principles in public schools for character and moral education, as schools cannot teach them directly. He references the 1952 Supreme Court ruling allowing release time religious instruction (RTRI) and notes many states have similar laws enabling organizations like Lifewise to provide off-campus, privately funded, parent-approved instruction during school hours. He shares a personal epiphany on moral ethics and hopes the committee supports the bill to build character in future leaders. He adds that youth civic interest is positive and cites Milford schools' character challenges, based on talks with their superintendent. He answers questions on combining with civics bills (hesitant due to differences), Lifewise (nonprofit teaching biblical character via stories like Daniel and Joseph, open to all religions per bill), necessity (for those unable to attend after-school programs, with Lifewise providing transportation via school bus company for insurance), and examples in NH (none currently, but Lifewise in 30+ states).
HB1628: Michael Fox, Director of Lifewise Academy, Milford Support01:28:30.960 - 10:26:26 AM; Michael Fox, a 27-year civics teacher at Souhegan High School in Amherst and director of Lifewise Academy in Milford, supports HB1628 to make NH a 'shall' state for release time religious instruction, which is constitutional and has existed for 74 years. He describes Lifewise as a Christian-based nonprofit offering Bible-based character education off-campus, privately funded, with parental permission, no school financial involvement, and minimal school logistics (e.g., once-weekly during lunch/recess, transported by Lifewise bus to a church). It benefits schools by improving outcomes, attendance, and reducing suspensions per studies. He notes it's open to all religions under the First Amendment and addresses why needed: some schools violate parental rights despite constitutionality. He answers questions on student-only focus (yes, no adults learning alongside), background checks (yes, for all adults involved including teachers and drivers, plus duty to report training), applicability to other groups (bill doesn't require checks, but he supports adding; mandatory 'shall' empowers parents over local control), grade levels (K-12, during electives/lunch to avoid core classes), potential disruption/church recruitment (minimal with partnerships, parental permission; focuses on constitutional opportunity), organization type (Christian nonprofit from Ohio, in 34 states, no credit required), bill's credit provision (supports amending out), and grouping (age/grade-specific, not K-12 mixed).
HB1628: Becky Wilson, Director of Governmental Relations, New Hampshire School Boards Association Oppose01:41:14.719 - 10:39:10 AM; Becky Wilson opposes HB1628 due to concerns over student absences (up to 5 hours/week = ~20% of school year, 180 hours/~30 days, impacting chronic absenteeism tracking and special ed eligibility by limiting curriculum exposure oversight) and mandating credit for unvetted, externally provided religious courses without district involvement or curriculum oversight. She notes religious observances are already excused with requests, and students can pursue external credits via extended learning opportunities or state-approved Learn Everywhere providers (up to 1/3 of high school credits, with competencies, instructor quals vetted). The bill's broad application to any outside provider (not just one agency like Lifewise) and unclear scope (public, private, charter schools) add issues. She addresses character education questions, noting state-mandated health/wellness curricula already cover social-emotional learning and character topics like truth-telling from K-middle/high school.
HB1129: Representative Uriel Hall (Bow and Hopkinton, District 9) Support01:46:24.800 - 10:44:20 AM; Representative Hall introduced HB1129, explaining it amends cell phone legislation to allow exceptions for personal laptops and tablets for educational purposes under superintendent approval and teacher supervision. He noted confusion at the start of the school year and the DOE's technical advisory defining devices, clarifying that laptops and Chromebooks used for curricular purposes are not prohibited. He urged an ought to pass vote to align with the advisory.
HB1129: Elizabeth Brown (General Counsel, Department of Education) Information Only01:49:49.360 - 10:47:45 AM; Elizabeth Brown clarified that HB1129 aligns with the DOE's technical advisory, which excludes laptops and Chromebooks used solely for curricular purposes from the personal electronic communication device definition. She emphasized the 'may' language gives discretion to local districts. She addressed parent complaints about preferring personal devices over school-issued ones but noted schools prefer uniform devices for monitoring. She confirmed positive feedback on the cell phone ban, with students more engaged, and plans for an end-of-year survey. She stated the bill clarifies without necessity but aligns with DOE interpretation.
HB1055: Representative Lichfield (District 32, Brentwood, Danville, Fremont) Support01:55:56.800 - 10:53:52 AM; Representative Lichfield introduced HB1055 at the DOE's request to grant the State Board of Education rulemaking authority for the bell-to-bell cell phone ban, anticipating potential issues after implementation.
HB1055: Elizabeth Brown (General Counsel, Department of Education) Information Only01:58:59.599 - 10:56:55 AM; Elizabeth Brown explained the separation between DOE and the State Board of Education, noting the Board handles rulemaking. She stated HB1055 would allow the Board to clarify ambiguities post-year-end survey if needed, without current necessity but to address undefined terms in the original law.
HB1055: Drew Klein (Chairman, State Board of Education) Information Only02:05:33.840 - 11:03:29 AM; Drew Klein supported granting rulemaking authority with 'may' for discretion or 'shall' for mandate, clarifying it enables filling gray areas without imposing rules. He noted no direct feedback but emphasized the Board's role in clarifying statutes, especially for future issues like device handling, without current vagueness reports.
HB1379: Representative Lichfield (Brentwood, Danville, Fremont) Support02:12:33.599 - 11:10:29 AM; Representative Lichfield introduced HB1379 to extend the annual complaint data reporting deadline from July to September 1, deeming the original timeline too tight for districts.
HB1379: Elizabeth Brown (General Counsel, Department of Education) Support02:13:41.840 - 11:11:37 AM; Elizabeth Brown confirmed the request was internal, noting the change aligns reporting with other school reports and provides necessary time.
HB1645: Representative Freeman Support02:14:44.239 - 11:12:40 AM; Representative Freeman introduced HB1645, adding a definition of 'rules' for innovation schools and prohibiting waivers for student or school safety rules or laws.
HB1645: Elizabeth Brown (General Counsel, Department of Education) Information Only02:16:53.439 - 11:14:49 AM; Elizabeth Brown sought clarification on 'related state laws' in the bill, noting innovation schools currently waive only administrative rules under 306 standards. She highlighted vagueness in safety-related waivers and recommended specifying waivable laws.
HB1645: Drew Klein (Chairman, State Board of Education) Information Only02:22:16.560 - 11:20:12 AM; Drew Klein clarified the bill's intent to prevent waivers of safety-related administrative rules under 194E, but raised concerns about expanding to state laws, as the Board lacks authority to waive statutes. He suggested focusing on rules and exploring safety definitions, like science lab standards, for flexibility.
HB1731: Representative Kristen Noble (Hillsboro District 2, Bedford) Support02:29:35.760 - 11:27:31 AM; Representative Noble introduced HB1731 for a DOE website providing information on educational options, noting high parental inquiries.
HB1731: Nate Green (Division Director, Department of Education) Support02:31:03.120 - 11:28:59 AM; Nate Green described HB1731 as a pre-K-12 system for public, charter, non-public schools, Learn Everywhere, and other opportunities, with self-service data entry. He addressed updates via state board approvals, expansion beyond federal data to include programs like CTE or sports, and high real estate-related requests. He explained the fiscal note based on development costs, potential off-the-shelf options, and need for verification staff to maintain accuracy across 500+ schools. He noted voluntary participation for non-public entities and minimal added burden for broad inclusion.
HB1731: Representative Murray Information Only02:43:46.560 - 11:41:42 AM; Representative Murray questions Dr. Green about existing mapping tools for food access and school information, inquiring if third-party websites or institutions like UNH could aggregate or replicate such data.
HB1221: Representative Katie Patternell, Towns of Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro, Carroll District 6 Support03:20:46.640 - 12:18:42 PM; Introduces the bill, explaining it directs a commission to study special education costs and consider centralized locations for certain services.
HB1221: Karen Rosenberg, Policy Director, Disability Rights Center Oppose03:22:05.279 - 12:20:01 PM; Opposes the bill, citing federal IDEA law requiring education in the least restrictive environment, typically the general education classroom. Argues that studying exclusionary settings as a cost-saving measure violates federal requirements. Explains historical issues like the Laconia State School, emphasizing benefits of inclusion for all students and risks of segregation.
HB1221: Sarah Sedowski, Resident of Concord, NH Oppose03:26:45.040 - 12:24:41 PM; As a mother of four including one with significant disabilities, opposes the bill for potentially undermining inclusion. Notes high caseloads for special education staff and suggests other areas for cost savings rather than centralizing students with disabilities, which she finds offensive.
HB1221: Karen Mortimer and Tyler Mortimer, Merrimack School District Oppose03:28:27.359 - 12:26:23 PM; Karen shares her son Tyler's integration in school since age three, participating in unified basketball, pep rallies, and social activities. Emphasizes the cost of his therapies and aides but stresses he deserves to be with friends, not treated as a dollar amount. Tyler testifies using his talker, expressing love for school, friends, and sports, questioning why kids like him need a different school and inviting questions about his day.
HB1221: Caitlyn Bernier, Merrimack Oppose03:33:31.279 - 12:31:27 PM; Caitlyn Bernier, a mother from Merrimack involved in school committees, opposes HB 1221. She emphasizes the importance of the least restrictive environment for special education students as outlined in ED 1111.01, which requires educating children with disabilities alongside non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. She argues the bill focuses on cost-effectiveness, potentially violating placement rules that prioritize proximity to home and non-discriminatory funding. From a parent's view, excluding children harms their self-worth, and she highlights the value of inclusive programs like unified sports in her community, which would be damaged by the bill.
HB1832: Katie Patternell, Representative, Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro Information Only03:38:39.680 - 12:36:35 PM; Representative Katie Patternell introduces HB 1832FN, explaining it adds students with parents on active military duty to the priority guidelines for education freedom accounts. She defers questions about the bill's origin.
HB1832: Kevin Grady, State Veterans Advisory Committee, Hooksett Support03:40:00.399 - 12:37:56 PM; Kevin Grady, a veteran and representative of the State Veterans Advisory Committee, supports the concept of HB 1832FN but suggests broadening the language. He notes the bill's restriction to PCS orders to New Hampshire excludes active duty military families residing in NH but stationed elsewhere, such as at Hanscom AFB or Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine. He proposes changing it to include any active duty military family residing in NH, citing examples like remote tours, to better serve the community and align with educational responsibilities under the military interstate compact.
HB1832: Matt Sutherton, Children's Scholarship Fund Support03:45:49.840 - 12:43:45 PM; Matt Sutherton provides technical support on HB 1832FN, explaining it addresses families with PCS orders who reside in NH but are not legal residents, preventing EFA enrollment despite eligibility for public schools via the military interstate compact. He notes 3-4 affected families and suggests wording like 'residing in New Hampshire' to match other states' ESA programs. He clarifies priority guidelines allow enrollment beyond the cap for certain groups, estimates low fiscal impact with around 300-400 active duty families in NH, and confirms annual reapplication with residency proof, excluding out-of-state moves.
HR43: Patty Cornell, Representative, Manchester Ward 11 Information Only03:58:00.960 - 12:55:56 PM; Representative Patty Cornell introduces HR43 on behalf of Rep. Wilhelm, stating it recognizes the numerous community partners that support the Manchester School District to enhance education.
HB1221: Representative Baloni Oppose04:04:29.840 - 1:02:25 PM; Representative Baloni moved to find the bill inexpedient to legislate (ITL), arguing that the bill to centralize special education services contradicts the IDEA law's requirement for the least restrictive environment. He highlighted poignant testimony on the importance of integrating special education students into general education settings for the benefit of all students.
HB1221: Representative Freeman Oppose04:05:42.319 - 1:03:38 PM; Representative Freeman supported the ITL motion, noting that the bill directs forming another commission to study special education costs, which is duplicative since an existing commission is already studying this. He clarified that the bill is solely about studying costs and not about removing children from classrooms or centralizing services.
HB1221: Representative Selig Oppose04:05:42.319 - 1:03:38 PM; Representative Selig acknowledged that online, three people signed in favor and 86 opposed the bill, emphasizing that this public sentiment indicates the bill is unnecessary.
HB1379: Representative Dry Support04:08:01.199 - 1:05:57 PM; Representative Dry moved for ought to pass (OTP), explaining from experience placing exchange students that July is an impractical reporting date as schools are hard to reach, and September would be more suitable.
HB1379: Representative Freeman Support04:09:03.920 - 1:06:59 PM; Representative Freeman agreed with Representative Dry's description, supporting the OTP motion without additional comments.
HB18/19: Representative Tracy Bricky, Merrimack District 15 Support04:18:19.439 - 1:16:15 PM; Representative Bricky introduced her first bill as an anti-discrimination measure, directing education freedom account (EFA) service providers to develop and implement policies required of school districts and charter public schools under RSA 193:39. This includes preventing, assessing, intervening in, and responding to discrimination based on age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion, national origin, or other protected classes under RSA 354-A. She emphasized that EFA funds are public and should be held to the same standards as public schools.
HB18/19: Representative Bricky (responding to question) Information Only04:20:57.680 - 1:18:53 PM; In response to a question, Representative Bricky clarified that RSA 194-F:6 already requires EFA providers to comply with state and federal anti-discrimination laws, but this bill specifies the requirements under RSA 193:39 for clarity, as confirmed by the legislative office.
HB18/19: Representative Belchure Information Only04:22:27.920 - 1:20:23 PM; Representative Belchure asked Representative Bricky if the bill would extend anti-discrimination requirements or remove exemptions for religious schools, noting the complexity of the subject.
HB18/19: Representative Bricky (responding to Belchure) Information Only04:22:27.920 - 1:20:23 PM; Representative Bricky responded that she does not know the exact impact on exemptions but believes public EFA dollars should be spent to the same standards as public and charter schools, and suggested checking with the legislative office.
HB18/19: Representative Murray Information Only04:23:56.319 - 1:21:52 PM; Representative Murray sought clarity on whether anti-discrimination policies apply to religious exemptions and asked if someone could provide information, noting surprise at the absence of a potential expert.
HB18/19: David Trumbull, town aware Support04:25:13.920 - 1:23:09 PM; David Trumbull testified in support of HB 18/19FN, emphasizing that the bill would ensure public transparency on whether education service providers (ESPs) comply with state and federal anti-discrimination laws, as required since the original EFA bill in 2021. He highlighted the need for taxpayers and parents to know that public funds are not supporting discrimination, particularly for children in special education. He discussed key federal laws like IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the ADA, which protect students with disabilities in public schools by providing free appropriate education, specially designed instruction, qualified educators, and due process rights. Trumbull argued that with public funding now flowing to private schools via EFAs, these schools should adhere to the same non-discrimination standards, especially for the $2,000 special education allocation per child. He referenced a GAO report showing that parents using vouchers for special needs children often face issues like expulsion without protections, forcing them back to public schools. Trumbull stressed that the EFA program's purpose is to help children, and this bill ensures continued protections against discrimination in private settings funded by public money. During questioning, he clarified that the bill enforces existing laws without expanding them, focusing on verification and enforcement rather than new requirements. He offered to provide written testimony and addressed concerns about the bill's language importing unrelated anti-discrimination laws, noting its context is limited to education.

Noble, Kristin(Chairman)(R)[A+]2025	Drye, Margaret(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Peternel, Katy(V Chairman)(R)[A]2025
Cornell, Patricia(D)[F]2025	Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025	Belcher, Mike(R)[B+]2025
Hall, Muriel(D)[CT]2025	Terry, Paul(R)[B+]2025	McDonnell, Valerie(R)[B+]2025
Selig, Loren(D)[D-]2025	Balboni, Peggy(D)[CT]2025	Murray, Megan(D)[CT]2025
Tenczar, Jeffrey(R)[B+]2025	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025	Woodcock, Stephen(D)[F]2025
Kluger, Lee Ann(D)[F]2025	Snodgrass, Jim(D)[F]2025	Nadeau, Brian(R)[B+]2025