Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (01/28/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1795 00:04:59.280 - 9:01:06 AM	Public Hearing	requiring criminal history record checks for the renewal of teaching licenses.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2025
HB1806 00:24:53.840 - 9:21:00 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the list of revoked or suspended educator licenses maintained by the department of education.	Manohar, Sanjeev(D)[D-]2025
HB1267 01:05:26.880 - 10:01:33 AM	Public Hearing	prohibiting school district attorneys and non-school personnel from questioning students without their parent or guardian present.	Sheehan, Vanessa(R)[A-]2025
HB1774 01:20:06.800 - 10:16:13 AM	Public Hearing	relative to qualifying scholarship granting organizations and programs of low-earning outcomes.	Kofalt, Jim(R)[A+]2025
HB1412 03:09:14.800 - 12:05:21 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the display of flags in schools and compliance with the federal flag code.	Horrigan, Timothy(D)[F]2025
HB1345 2026-3010h 03:37:02.239 - 12:33:09 PM	Public Hearing	requiring schools to establish rules related to the display of flags and designate students at each school to serve as the school's color guard.	Thibault, James(R)[A]2025
HB1132 04:11:44.640 - 1:07:51 PM	Public Hearing	prohibiting the display of certain flags in public schools and public charter schools and establishing penalties for the display of prohibited flags.	Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025

HB1795: Kristen Noble, Representative from Hillsboro District 2, Bedford Information Only00:04:59.280 - 9:01:06 AM; Introduced HB 1795, which adds a definition for educator to the credentialing applicant criminal history records check, requires background checks at renewal, and adds 'neglect' to abuse and neglect provisions.
HB1795: Steve Applebee, Division Director, Department of Education, Auburn NH Information Only00:06:24.720 - 9:02:31 AM; Explained the bill's purpose to protect children by requiring criminal history checks at license renewal every 3 years, aligning with 26 other states. Provided a list of screened offenses, including new additions for abuse and neglect from DCYF findings. Addressed questions on costs ($50-100 every 3 years, paid by educators), processing times (days, no lag), appeal processes (to state board with timelines), non-criminal neglect findings, no grandfathering to ensure employability statewide, interstate agreements (only with MA currently), alternative licensing pathways including background checks, and no additional liability for DOE.
HB1806: Sanjie Manohar, Representative from Nashua Ward 5 Support00:24:53.840 - 9:21:00 AM; Introduced HB 1806 to address imbalances in the public registry of revoked or suspended educator licenses, particularly for non-criminal cases. Explained that suspensions are time-limited and removable, but revocations (including voluntary surrenders) are permanent with no review mechanism, even decades later or for deceased individuals. The bill allows petitions for review in non-criminal cases to assess if continued listing serves public interest, without reinstating licenses or applying to criminal cases. Adds anonymized reporting for transparency. Motivated by a constituent's case where public listing hindered reemployment. Responded to questions on the bill's origin (constituent issue) and noted the fiscal note's lack of DOE response.
HB1806: Representative Sanjie Manohar, Nashua Ward 5 Support00:33:13.679 - 9:29:20 AM; Responds to questions from committee members about HB 1806FN. Explains consultation with the Department of Education, confirming permanent public listing on the registry, including deceased individuals, which she finds disrespectful. Discusses appeal processes for suspensions but not final revocations, emphasizing the bill's impetus to provide legislative recourse for non-criminal cases.
HB1806: Representative Murray Information Only00:34:36.480 - 9:30:43 AM; Asks if there are individuals on the registry whose appeals overturned the underlying finding.
HB1806: Representative Sanjie Manohar, Nashua Ward 5 Support00:34:36.480 - 9:30:43 AM; Clarifies that appeals are possible before final revocation but not after, highlighting the permanent nature and its career impacts for transparency reasons.
HB1806: Representative Hall Information Only00:35:33.119 - 9:31:40 AM; Inquires who is responsible for removing deceased individuals from the list, noting the DOE's role since the deceased cannot petition.
HB1806: Representative Sanjie Manohar, Nashua Ward 5 Support00:35:33.119 - 9:31:40 AM; Confirms the Department of Education would be responsible for cleaning the list.
HB1806: Representative NATO Information Only00:35:33.119 - 9:31:40 AM; Seeks clarification on whether revocations involve criminal convictions, mentions red flags, appeals, and board hearings.
HB1806: Representative Sanjie Manohar, Nashua Ward 5 Support00:36:40.880 - 9:32:47 AM; Explains appeals apply to suspensions and pre-final revocation but not after final revocation, which seems odd.
HB1806: Representative Balbone Information Only00:36:40.880 - 9:32:47 AM; Questions how the Department would review petitions under bill lines 11-15, specifically assessing no current risk and public interest on a case-by-case basis.
HB1806: Representative Sanjie Manohar, Nashua Ward 5 Support00:36:40.880 - 9:32:47 AM; Describes the process: petitioner approaches DOE, undergoes interview, and determination made case-by-case.
HB1806: Representative Murray Information Only00:37:41.359 - 9:33:48 AM; Asks if there's a definition of 'public interest' in statute or the red book.
HB1806: Representative Sanjie Manohar, Nashua Ward 5 Support00:38:35.680 - 9:34:42 AM; States no specific definition found, but interprets it as assessing if the individual still poses a threat to students despite non-criminal revocation, allowing authorities to evaluate reinstatement requests.
HB1806: Sylvie Stewart, Nashua Support00:39:38.720 - 9:35:45 AM; Testifies in support of HB 1806FN as a former music teacher in Nashua school district for 16 years. In 2016, surrendered credential due to non-criminal workplace matter and took early retirement, unaware it would be treated as revocation leading to permanent public listing on national registry. Recently failed employment background check solely due to this listing, despite no criminal record or risk to students. Supports the bill for creating a review process for non-criminal revocations to assess if permanent listing serves public interest, promoting proportionality.
HB1806: Steve Applebe, Director, Department of Education, Auburn NH Information Only00:42:14.000 - 9:38:21 AM; Provides departmental perspective on the registry. Confirms voluntary surrender is considered revocation and reported nationally via NASDTEC, a century-old system to prevent educators evading sanctions across states. Explains both criminal and administrative actions lead to listing without distinction. Notes letters inform of national registry placement and public disclosure under rules. Registry does not affect criminal checks unless convicted. Gives examples of non-criminal investigations, like educators mishandling students (e.g., knocking over chair, grabbing arm), which may not reach criminal levels but warrant removal from classrooms. Highlights context: 200+ annual referrals from a 25,000-licensed workforce, with list spanning decades.
HB1806: Representative Bricky Information Only00:42:14.000 - 9:38:21 AM; Expresses concern over lack of awareness in 2016 process for Sylvie Stewart regarding consequences, questions if New Hampshire listing automatically feeds to national registry, and seeks confirmation on uniform treatment across states.
HB1806: Representative Freeman Information Only00:46:32.079 - 9:42:39 AM; Notes criminal charges are public, asks for examples of non-criminal investigations leading to revocation.
HB1806: Representative McDonald Information Only00:49:14.800 - 9:45:21 AM; Representative McDonald asked Director Apple about methods to clean up the list of revoked educators, including removing deceased names with a death certificate, and whether it transfers to the national list. He also inquired about the time bar for appeals, specifically if someone like Miss Sylvia could still appeal after 10 years.
HB1806: Director Apple Information Only00:49:14.800 - 9:45:21 AM; Director Apple explained that the national list is confidential, visible only to state entities and subscribed school districts. The department removes deceased individuals upon submission of a death certificate, as the list concerns living individuals who could be employed. He noted an appeal process to superior court under ED200 rules, with no time bar, allowing appeals even after 10 years.
HB1806: Representative Murray Information Only00:50:53.520 - 9:47:00 AM; Representative Murray sought clarification on the confidentiality of the national versus state lists, confirming the state list is forward-facing. He asked about voluntary surrender of licenses for non-misconduct reasons, and Director Apple clarified that surrenders are only for misconduct, not for simply not renewing.
HB1806: Representative Baloney Information Only00:51:55.599 - 9:48:02 AM; Representative Baloney clarified the ED200 rules on appeals and asked about the bill's petition process for removal from the registry based on non-criminal revocation, no current risk, and public interest. Director Apple expressed concerns about liability and the department's qualification to assess risk or public interest.
HB1806: Director Apple (continued) Information Only00:51:55.599 - 9:48:02 AM; Director Apple reiterated concerns about defining terms like public interest and risk, noting potential liability. He explained the state list's forward-facing nature due to an administrative rule mandating publication of license statuses. He noted many states do this and pointed out a technical error in the bill referring to the department instead of the state board.
HB1806: Representative Murray (continued) Information Only00:52:53.200 - 9:49:00 AM; Representative Murray asked why the state list is forward-facing, and Director Apple referenced the administrative rule.
HB1806: Representative Bricky Information Only00:53:48.079 - 9:49:55 AM; Representative Bricky asked if all states make license statuses public, and Director Apple confirmed many do.
HB1267: Representative Sheen, Hillsboro 43, Milford Support01:05:26.880 - 10:01:33 AM; Representative Sheen described an incident in Milford Middle School where school district attorneys questioned students without parental notification during an investigation of a teacher's inappropriate behavior. Parents were concerned and requested presence but were ignored due to urgency. She introduced the bill to require parental presence or permission to protect minors, with exceptions for child welfare cases, emphasizing the need for law to prevent such callous actions.
HB1267: Representative Nato Information Only01:08:30.799 - 10:04:37 AM; Representative Nato asked about prior written versus verbal parental permission for questioning without presence, and Representative Sheen recommended written for documentation.
HB1267: Representative Freeman Information Only01:08:30.799 - 10:04:37 AM; Representative Freeman asked if permission would be blanket or per incident, and Representative Sheen suggested leaving it to school boards or parents.
HB1267: Representative Belony Information Only01:09:33.920 - 10:05:40 AM; Representative Belony asked if the bill requires school districts to develop policies, and Representative Sheen confirmed it would mandate policies requiring parental permission for questioning by attorneys or non-employees.
HB1267: Representative Magen, Merrimack District 12, Pembroke Academy Support01:10:40.320 - 10:06:47 AM; As a freshman representative and long-time teacher since 1978 at Pembroke Academy, Representative Magen shared a personal experience of being investigated for a 'toxic' poster in the green room during a play production. He was removed from class and investigated under Title IX without details, while students were interrogated by lawyers without parental involvement, causing distress. He supports the bill to provide guidelines preventing such situations, ensuring parental presence to avoid bullying students and unnecessary investigations that could be resolved adult-to-adult.
HB1774: Representative Copal Support01:20:06.800 - 10:16:13 AM; Representative Copal introduced the bill's three components: opting into federal scholarship tax credits for school choice (up to $1,700 for households below 300% median income, no state cost), prohibiting state funding for low-earning outcome degrees (proposes removing due to unintended impacts on community colleges), and implementing workforce PEL grants for 8-15 week programs via the state workforce board. He suggested an amendment to strike the prohibition, remove rulemaking (as federal rules suffice), and ensure consistency without annual gubernatorial renewal. The bill promotes reliable funding for education and workforce readiness.
HB1774: Representative Murray Information Only01:27:20.719 - 10:23:27 AM; Representative Murray sought clarification on sections to strike (8,9,10 for prohibition) and modifications to 5,6,7 for rulemaking removal.
HB1774: Representative Brookie Information Only01:28:08.320 - 10:24:15 AM; Representative Brookie confirmed the PEL grants are for 8-15 week programs, emphasizing expansion to skill-focused training for lower-income students.
HB1774: Representative Murray (continued) Information Only01:29:00.320 - 10:25:07 AM; Representative Murray asked about the $1,700 credit rollover, and Representative Copal deferred to later testimony as federal rulemaking is ongoing.
HB1774: Representative Cornell Information Only01:29:58.400 - 10:26:05 AM; Representative Cornell asked about the fiscal note's $500k-$1M cost in 2027, and Representative Copal noted it may need revision post-amendment, with no state cost for scholarships and potential resources for PEL programs.
HB1774: Representative Valbony Information Only01:31:07.280 - 10:27:14 AM; Representative Valbony asked why statutorily opt-in without seeing federal implementation, and Representative Copal emphasized consistency for families to avoid disruptions from annual changes.
HB1774: Representative Murray (continued) Information Only01:32:03.760 - 10:28:10 AM; Representative Murray asked about retaining DOE publication of low-income organizations, and Representative Copal confirmed small changes remain, removing rulemaking references.
HB1774: Jennifer Ramsey, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:36:27.600 - 10:32:34 AM; Jennifer Ramsey from DRA provided a bill analysis highlighting technical concerns with HB 1774. She noted that the bill directs the commissioner to participate in the federal tax credit program, but current state law under RSA 21-J does not grant sufficient authority to the DRA commissioner for this election, which federal rules specify should be made by the governor or a statutorily authorized agent. Additionally, she emphasized the need for rulemaking authority to vet and certify scholarship organizations, as required by federal law, to comply with program qualifications. Without such rules, no state agency could meet federal requirements. She suggested that the placement of this authority (e.g., in DOE or DRA) is a policy decision for the committee.
HB1774: Kate Baker Demer, Children's Scholarship Fund New Hampshire Support01:40:20.320 - 10:36:27 AM; Kate Baker Demer, executive director of Children's Scholarship Fund NH, explained the federal tax credit mechanism, noting it allows individuals to donate to approved nonprofit scholarship organizations and claim a $1,700 credit against federal income tax (limited to individuals, not businesses). She highlighted that the program has no cost to the state and enables scholarships for K-12 students in any school type, including public schools for supplemental needs like tutoring or special education, unlike existing programs that require opting out of public school. She detailed federal requirements for scholarship organizations (501(c)(3), no commingling of funds, serving >10 students across multiple schools, 10% admin cap, income verification) and clarified carry-forward provisions for unused credits up to five years. She emphasized the program's potential to help low-income families with enrichment without switching schools and distinguished it from state tax credit and EFA programs. Qualifying expenses align with Coverdell ESA definitions, broader than current NH programs, including tuition, tutoring, special needs, books, computers, etc. She encouraged more organizations to participate and noted donors can restrict contributions.
HB1774: Deborah House, New Hampshire School Administrators Association Oppose02:04:21.599 - 11:00:28 AM; Deborah House expressed opposition to HB 1774 as originally introduced, particularly sections on low-earning outcome programs impacting community colleges and universities, arguing the federal definition is unsuitable for state budgeting or workforce planning and could harm essential sectors like education, healthcare, and hospitality. She welcomed potential removal of this language via amendment but requested time to review. She also opposed the federal tax credit voucher, citing its massive federal revenue loss (5-10B in FY26, 100B+ annually in 5 years), which diverts funds from public education supports like Title I (NH: $46-51M) and IDEA ($56.7M), further segregating education and straining resources. She advocated focusing on meeting public school students' needs within the school day rather than supplemental scholarships, viewing it as an end-run around adequate education obligations.
HB1774: Shannon Reid, Community College System of New Hampshire Support02:13:04.159 - 11:09:11 AM; Shannon Reid opposed the original bill due to sections 8-10 on low-earning outcomes, which could unintendedly affect key workforce programs, but appreciated the sponsor's willingness to amend and remove them. She had no comment on the DRA/scholarship sections but supported streamlining workforce Pell grants (sections 5-7), noting federal enactment in 2023 expands eligibility for short-term programs to address workforce needs. With rules pending (launch July 2026), she favored efficient state processes leveraging federal authority for governors/workforce boards to approve programs, avoiding duplicative rulemaking. Federal reporting will ensure effectiveness. She encouraged committee visits to campuses to see program impacts and listed examples of potentially affected programs like early childhood education, initial healthcare ladders (LNA/LPN), and hospitality, emphasizing their long-term value despite initial low earnings.
HB1412: Representative Timothy Han, Durham Support03:09:14.800 - 12:05:21 PM; Rep. Timothy Han introduced HB 1412 to update RSA 189:17 and 17A for flag display in schools, adding charter schools and public academies (omitted in outdated statutes from 1903/1988). It requires public, charter, public academy, and NH private schools to display compliant US and NH flags (per federal flag code via RSA 3-E:2), allowing donations but ensuring only standard red-white-blue flags replace worn ones, not variants like thin line or black-and-white banners (other banners permitted additionally). It protects local control by allowing other flags/banners and includes an opt-out for religious/political beliefs (primarily for private schools). Out-of-state private schools/EFA providers are exempt. The bill preserves tradition without forbidding other displays, promoting inclusivity and patriotism.
HB1412: Representative Hogan Support03:24:03.600 - 12:20:10 PM; Responded to questions about the bill's scope, clarifying it applies only to New Hampshire schools and does not prohibit other displays like international flags or pride banners, emphasizing local discretion for teachers and administrators.
HB1345 2026-3010h: Representative James Tibo, Franklin and Northfield Support03:37:02.239 - 12:33:09 PM; Introduced the bill, explaining the amendment removes unintended language from HB132. Highlighted current issues with schools not flying or properly maintaining US and NH flags, sharing personal experience of buying a flag himself in high school due to budget excuses. Proposed student color guard to engage students in flag care, promote respect and public service, allow flag donations, and include tiered penalties up to $5,000. Open to questions and adjustments.
HB1345 2026-3010h: Beth Scare, NSBA Support04:00:19.359 - 12:56:26 PM; Supported the bill, arguing it effectively bans pride and trans flags. Countered opposition by stating such flags do not provide true support but encourage fragility; advocated teaching resilience and well-roundedness. Cited Candia's ban without backlash, dismissed harm claims as emotional blackmail, and criticized trans flags as promoting harmful transitions. Urged passage to protect students and affirmed schools' rights to restrict messages.
HB1345 2026-3010h: Connor Nixon, 9th grader at Mount Royal Academy Support04:03:37.840 - 12:59:44 PM; Supported the color guard requirement, emphasizing it teaches discipline, accountability, civic pride, and leadership. Argued it creates ownership and consistency in flag handling, countering declining national pride. Described personal experience: quick process (under 5-10 minutes), no significant instructional loss, especially during study hall; benefits outweigh drawbacks, fostering unity beyond classroom.
HB1132: Representative Lisa Freeman, Belknap County District 8 (Belmont, Tilton) Information Only04:11:44.640 - 1:07:51 PM; Began introducing the bill as prime sponsor.
HB1132: Representative Samon Support04:12:42.720 - 1:08:49 PM; Representative Samon presented HB 1132, which prohibits the display of certain flags in public schools and public charter schools to create neutral and non-judgmental classrooms. Allowed flags include the US flag, NH state flag, POW/MIA flag, foreign language instructional flags, world geography and US history flags, military branch flags, and official NH city or town flags. The bill establishes penalties starting at the local superintendent level for the first violation, escalating to the school board for the second, and the state board of education for the third, with fines up to $1,000 per violation determined by the school board. During questioning, she expressed willingness to amend the bill to include school flags, instructional flags for math/history/language, flags for student exchange programs, cultural displays for English language learners, sports team flags, and clarified that instructional uses like art projects or cultural teaching would not be prohibited, emphasizing the goal of neutrality to make all students feel welcome.
HB1132: Representative James Tibo, Franklin and Northfield Support04:22:57.760 - 1:19:04 PM; Representative Tibo, a co-sponsor, supported HB 1132 to preserve a neutral school environment and prevent students from feeling isolated due to instructors' political biases, citing examples like pride or MAGA flags. He argued that such symbols chill students' free speech rights protected under cases like Tinker v. Des Moines. While acknowledging teachers' human biases, he stressed the need for fair curriculum delivery without political displays on walls. The bill protects appropriate flags while prohibiting political ones, countering opponents' claims by asserting it creates a welcoming environment for all students, respects parental authority, and focuses on academic enrichment. He urged extending prohibitions to non-flag symbols like stickers or posters and noted the bill applies only to public schools, as private schools allow parental choice in values.
HB1132: Beth Scare, NSHA Support04:28:55.680 - 1:25:02 PM; Beth Scare from NSHA supported HB 1132 to ban pride and trans flags from schools, citing examples like a large Pride Progress flag at Nashua High School North promoting transgenderism and leading to harmful ideologies, and a 2023 display of numerous flags for various sexual and gender identities orchestrated by a teacher, encouraging students to identify with concepts like polyamory, xenogender, and gender fluid. She described an eight-foot pride flag in a Hudson first-grade school stairwell as inappropriate for young children and hidden from parents. Scare argued these displays are one-sided, excluding Christian or traditional religious flags, and aim to separate children from parental values. She urged voting ought to pass to restore schools as safe places for traditional religious families and offered pictures of the displays.

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