Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (01/30/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1334 00:02:17.280 - 9:01:48 AM	Public Hearing	removing the authority of the education freedom accounts scholarship organization to make decisions about certain educational expenses.	Porcelli, Susan(R)[B]2025
HB1513 00:46:48.319 - 9:46:19 AM	Public Hearing	relative to reporting and transparency reports for the education freedom account program.	Porcelli, Susan(R)[B]2025
HB1256 03:03:08.479 - 12:02:39 PM	Public Hearing	removing the authority of the state librarian to award scholarships to students attending graduate library schools.	Drago, Mike(R)[A-]2025
HB1093 03:30:01.680 - 12:29:32 PM	Public Hearing	relative to public charter schools and the state building code and governmental land use exemptions.	Donnelly, Tanya(R)[B+]2025

HB1334: Representative Susan Porcelli, Rockingham District 19, Hampton Falls and Kensington Support00:02:17.280 - 9:01:48 AM; Representative Porcelli testified in support of HB 1334, explaining that the bill seeks to repeal the provision in section 194-F:2 that allows the scholarship organization to approve any other educational expense beyond the specifically listed qualifying expenses from A through N. She noted that the EFA program has been successful since 2021, and the scholarship organization has proven capable of administering it based on the clear statutory list. Repealing the open-ended provision would ensure consistent and transparent administration, with any questions handled by the Department of Education or legislative oversight committee. She requested an Ought to Pass recommendation.
HB1334: Matt Sutherton, Director of Policy and Compliance, Children's Scholarship Fund Oppose00:07:55.840 - 9:07:26 AM; Matt Sutherton opposed HB 1334, highlighting unintended consequences, including its reference in HB 1513. He explained that category O is rarely used, mainly for unique cases like special needs students, such as approving manipulatives for a blind and deaf child per their IEP. It is not available to parents on the ClassWallet platform and serves to future-proof the law for unforeseen educational needs. He emphasized the organization's extensive prohibited items list, best-in-class implementation award for three years, and transparency compared to other programs. He invited questions.
HB1513: Representative Susan Porcelli, Rockingham District 19, Hampton Falls and Kensington Support00:46:48.319 - 9:46:19 AM; Representative Porcelli testified in support of HB 1513, stating that it consolidates and clarifies administration guidelines for the EFA program, which has been successful since 2021. The bill moves rules from Chapter 800 and the contract with the Children's Scholarship Fund into statute for consistency. Part I incorporates ED 803.01 on providing access to qualifying expenses. Part II requires responses to oversight requests within 45 business days, from the current contract page nine. Part III draws from ED rules 803 and 804, specifying requirements for program administration.
HB1513: Representative Susan Porcelli, Rockingham District 19, Hampton Falls and Kensington Support00:48:55.040 - 9:48:26 AM; The speaker explains that the bill consolidates existing rules and contract provisions into statute for clarity and better administration of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. She details requirements for expense reporting on the Children's Scholarship Fund (CSF) website by category and provider, published quarterly according to the EFA disbursement schedule in a sortable format like Excel. Additionally, the bill mandates the scholarship organization to provide eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education for monitoring compliance, as already in the current CSF contract. These changes enhance transparency, oversight, and consistency without introducing new elements.
HB1513: Representative Celig Information Only00:50:22.559 - 9:49:53 AM; The representative asks for clarification on 'timely access' in lines 24 and 25 of the bill, seeking a definition such as within a month or quarter. The sponsor responds that 45 days is used elsewhere but avoided rigidity here to allow flexibility depending on the information requested.
HB1513: Representative Murray Information Only00:50:22.559 - 9:49:53 AM; The representative confirms the contract between the scholarship fund and the department includes 45-day timelines. He suggests amending for consistency with 45 days instead of 'timely' to avoid open-endedness. The sponsor agrees it could be amended for specificity while ensuring compliance.
HB1513: Representative Murray (follow-up) Information Only00:51:29.200 - 9:51:00 AM; The representative inquires if the scholarship organization might request waivers or extensions for providing information, not mentioned in the contract. The sponsor notes it's possible but aimed for a straightforward approach.
HB1513: Representative McDonald Information Only00:51:29.200 - 9:51:00 AM; The representative asks if the scholarship organization has violated the contract by withholding information after department requests. The sponsor is unaware of specific cases but seeks to codify administration into statute to eliminate ambiguity.
HB1513: Representative Murray (additional) Information Only00:53:40.720 - 9:53:11 AM; The representative asks if the sponsor reviewed existing vendor and provider information on the website and if it's sufficient. The sponsor affirms review and emphasizes the need for regular publication of reports, noting delays in past postings on the CSF website.
HB1513: Representative Freeman Information Only00:54:47.280 - 9:54:18 AM; The representative asks if the sponsor consulted the Department of Education (DOE). The sponsor confirms DOE provided guidance on most aspects.
HB1513: Representative Hall Information Only00:54:47.280 - 9:54:18 AM; The representative seeks clarity on whether the bill originated from the sponsor personally or external prompting, and if DOE requested it. The sponsor explains collaboration with DOE for crafting rules, but DOE provided guidance upon request and remains neutral; they did not initiate the bill.
HB1513: Representative Cornell Information Only00:55:47.680 - 9:55:18 AM; The representative compliments the testimony and requests a copy, which the sponsor agrees to provide via email to the committee.
HB1513: Matt Sutherton, Children's Scholarship Fund Information Only00:56:45.280 - 9:56:16 AM; In response to Representative Selig, Matt confirms 45 days is a reasonable timeline as per the contract. To Representative Murray, he states no waiver or extension requests have been made; the organization has always met the 45-day deadline and never refused information. He explains past issues with hosting reports, initially with DOE then CSF, leading to concerns from vendors in address confidentiality programs or domestic violence survivors about safety, prompting consultations with DOE for anonymized reporting using first name and initial while reconciling all funds annually.
HB1513: Representative McDonald (to Matt) Information Only00:58:48.880 - 9:58:19 AM; The representative asks if the scholarship fund has violated contract provisions since 2021, necessitating the bill. Matt is unaware of violations, notes willingness for annual reports but quarterly ones may increase costs with unclear benefits.
HB1513: Representative Prono Information Only00:59:51.200 - 9:59:22 AM; The representative asks if the organization was consulted on the legislation. Matt is unaware of such consultation.
HB1256: Representative Mike Drago, Raymond Support03:03:08.479 - 12:02:39 PM; The sponsor introduces HB 1256 as a straightforward repeal of an outdated RSA provision granting the state librarian authority to award scholarships to ALA-accredited graduate library schools. The bill arose from discussions with a former seatmate. Key issues include the lack of a current state librarian, rarity of such specific scholarship-granting laws elsewhere in state government or the country, and concerns over the American Library Association (ALA)'s political activism. The ALA, through affiliates like EveryLibrary, has opposed New Hampshire bills on obscene materials in schools and promotes 'banned books' using parent challenges to advertise contested titles, potentially working against community interests. The sponsor argues libraries function as businesses serving taxpayers and patrons, suggesting a business degree might better suit librarians than an MLS focused on ALA agendas. He cites his town's library purchasing underutilized books pushing agendas, like 'The Sex Lives of Queer Barnyard Animals,' instead of community-relevant materials like homeschool curricula.
HB1256: Representative Mike Drago, Raymond Oppose03:08:34.880 - 12:08:05 PM; Representative Drago concludes his testimony opposing the ALA's involvement in scholarship accreditation, suggesting removal of the ALA reference from the law while possibly retaining authority for the state librarian if needed. He emphasizes avoiding any promotion of the ALA through state law.
HB1256: The Honorable Arlene Coriello, Atkinson Support03:14:15.120 - 12:13:46 PM; Arlene Coriello, a former legislator and librarian with an MLS from Simmons University and author for the ALA, supports HB 1256 to repeal the state librarian's authority to grant scholarships to ALA-accredited programs. She notes no records of awards, that only Kentucky has a similar law, and criticizes naming specific organizations in statutes as bad form. She highlights the ALA's political agenda, observed through her work, including opposition to bills on inappropriate materials and parental access. She argues MLS degrees are unnecessary for librarians per RSA 202-A:11, and ALA programs indoctrinate into a biased agenda, fueling myths like book banning. Funds could potentially come from taxes, which should not support such bias.
HB1093: Unidentified Sponsor Support03:30:01.680 - 12:29:32 PM; The sponsor introduces HB 1093 as a cleanup to include public charter schools in RSA provisions for tax exemptions and permit fees during building renovations, similar to municipal public schools, to avoid confusion with local planning boards. They clarify it addresses zoning and code enforcement, not funding changes, and introduce others to share experiences.
HB1093: Representative Cahill Oppose03:32:15.359 - 12:31:46 PM; Representative Cahill opposes HB 1093, arguing it goes beyond zoning to alter building aid for charters from a fixed 30% to the 30-60% range for district schools based on fiscal capacity, and changes disbursement from 80% upfront/20% completion, exacerbating funding shortages. She notes charters often lease spaces, potentially leading to state funding for leases or hazards. She highlights similar test scores between charters and district schools, a $200M district backlog, and over 6,000 kids on the priority list, viewing this as diverting funds from traditional public schools.
HB1093: Amy Bottomley, Micro Society Academy Charter School, Nashua Support03:46:23.199 - 12:45:54 PM; Amy Bottomley, head of school at Micro Society Academy in Nashua, supports HB 1093 to recognize charters as government entities exempt from full zoning and planning processes, like traditional public schools. She shares their experience: despite state approval, Nashua required a full process for merging dual-zoned properties they owned, forcing a costly traffic study on West Hollis Street, entrance relocation, fire hydrant/pole moves, and road repainting, costing over $100,000. This wouldn't have been required if recognized as exempt.
HB1093: Jessica Waxman, Dean of Operations, Birches Academy Charter School, Salem Support03:52:19.120 - 12:51:50 PM; Jessica Waxman testified about the challenges faced by Birches Academy Charter School in Salem regarding building codes and permit fees. The school, opened in 2012 and recognized as a federal Blue Ribbon award winner in 2022, leased a multi-level retail building until purchasing it in late 2024. As they grew from 88 to 350 students, they undertook construction projects requiring planning board approvals and permit fees exceeding $10,000 last year, unlike traditional public schools. Despite being recognized as a government entity in Salem, they must present plans to the planning board, though changes cannot be made if state codes are met. She highlighted the inconsistency in oversight, as charter schools meet stringent reporting and audit requirements similar to public schools but are denied equal treatment in building aid and permitting. Waxman advocated for charter schools to be treated equally to public schools in all respects.
HB1093: Arlene Coriello, Middle School English Teacher, Charter School, Newton Support03:56:40.479 - 12:56:11 PM; Arlene Coriello, a teacher at a charter school in Newton that recently started a high school program, spoke in support of the bill as a simple housekeeping measure to place charter schools on equal footing with public schools regarding funding and fees. She emphasized that public charter schools are public schools with specialized curricula and should receive equal treatment. Coriello addressed test scores, noting that higher opt-out rates at her school skew results negatively, making them unreliable for comparisons between charter and traditional public schools. She argued against basing funding decisions on test scores and highlighted the diversity of charter school facilities, from old buildings to malls, all providing valuable services tailored to different learning needs, such as her school's classical curriculum. She spoke on her own behalf during personal time.
HB1093: Tim Carney, Bureau Administrator, Bureau of School Facilities, Department of Education Information Only04:00:47.680 - 1:00:18 PM; Tim Carney from the Department of Education provided information on school building aid and technical concerns with the bill. He noted that seven schools are currently on the building aid list and charter schools recently became eligible but received no applications in the last cycle. There are about 30 charter schools, with more in development. He explained the 30-60% aid calculation using median family income and equalized valuation per pupil, ranking districts from 1 to 240 based on ability to fund projects. Concerns arise for charter schools since municipalities do not contribute to their funding, and it's unclear how to incorporate charter students into the equalized valuation per pupil formula—whether separately or combined with district students—which could affect rankings. For multi-district charters, a weighted average similar to cooperative schools could apply. Charter schools must meet the same health and safety standards as traditional public schools. He was unaware of local fee variations for public schools and committed to investigating.

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