Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (02/04/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1182 00:05:51.840 - 9:01:22 AM	Public Hearing	modifying the term "one-year certificate of eligibility" to "emergency authorization" relative to persons not possessing an educator credential.	Nadeau, Brian(R)[B+]2025
HB1828 00:19:42.160 - 9:15:13 AM	Public Hearing	requiring the department of education to establish an auditing process relative to teacher preparation programs at the post-secondary educational level.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2025
HB1521 00:45:03.599 - 9:40:34 AM	Public Hearing	clarifying the definition of home education.	Peternel, Katy(R)[A]2025
HB1817 01:00:52.240 - 9:56:23 AM	Public Hearing	permitting all students the choice to attend the school district in which they reside.	McDonnell, Valerie(R)[B+]2025
CACR28 03:04:41.439 - 12:00:12 PM	Public Hearing	relating to morality and piety. Providing that town, parishes, bodies corporate, or religious societies may elect and contract with teachers.	Soti, Julius(R)[A+]2025
HB1093 2024-0489h 04:17:02.720 - 1:12:33 PM	Executive Session	relative to public charter schools and the state building code and governmental land use exemptions.	Donnelly, Tanya(R)[B+]2025
HB1467 2024-0522h 04:24:45.120 - 1:20:16 PM	Executive Session	establishing the New Hampshire Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement program.	Paige, David(D)[F]2025
HB1571 2026-0412h 04:37:32.320 - 1:33:03 PM	Executive Session	requiring the department of education to review statewide academic standards and curriculum and making an appropriation therefor.	Noble, Kristin(R)[A+]2025
HB1778 04:46:58.638 - 1:42:29 PM	Executive Session	relative to prohibiting the use of personal identity ideology in public school instruction and policies.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1792 04:49:30.480 - 1:45:01 PM	Executive Session	prohibiting school districts and personnel from the instruction of critical race theory and LGBTQ+ ideologies in schools as well as establishing a private right of action for violations.	Belcher, Mike(R)[B+]2025

HB1182: Representative Katie Pernell, Wolfborough and Tuftonborough Information Only00:05:51.840 - 9:01:22 AM; Representative Pernell introduces HB 1182, which modifies the term 'one-year certificate of eligibility' for non-credentialed educators to 'emergency authorization'. She defers questions to the Department of Education for explanation of this technical change.
HB1182: Steve Applebee, Director, Department of Education, Auburn, NH Information Only00:06:53.039 - 9:02:24 AM; Steve Applebee explains that the bill is a technical correction to change the terminology from 'one-year certificate of eligibility' to 'emergency authorization' to align with historical administrative rules and reduce confusion among superintendents and the field. It does not change processes, requirements, or enable new actions; it's solely a name change to clarify intent for emergency situations like mid-year educator losses. He addresses questions confirming no rules changes, no impact on certification progress mandates, and no signal of an emergency shortage.
HB1828: Representative Kristen Noble, Hillsborough District 2, Bedford Support00:19:42.160 - 9:15:13 AM; Representative Noble introduces HB 1828, which directs the Department of Education to audit teacher preparation programs in higher education institutions to ensure coursework in effective literacy instruction (phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary) and clinical preparation in classrooms using science of reading-aligned strategies and materials. The department would document and publish results online to address student reading struggles by improving teacher preparation. She defers questions to the department.
HB1828: Steve Applebee, Director, Department of Education, Auburn, NH Information Only00:22:24.720 - 9:17:55 AM; Steve Applebee provides technical details, noting the bill targets reading specialist and reading/writing teacher endorsements in professional educator preparation programs at 11 colleges. Audits would focus on evidence-based science of reading methods, not applying to unrelated fields like biology. He addresses scope concerns, suggesting wording changes like 'all educators who complete coursework in reading' or 'applicable educators' to clarify it doesn't require reading coursework for all teachers. The auditing process involves 12-18 month reviews by teams, reports to the State Board of Education, potential conditional approvals or discontinuations for non-compliance. The bill adds statutory backing to existing program reviews to enforce evidence-based teaching amid resistance to outdated methods. It focuses on higher ed preparation, not mandating LEA curricula, and applies to endorsements requiring the foundations of reading exam (e.g., K-6/8, special ed). Evidence-based allows flexibility for future methods.
HB1521: Representative Katie Pernell, Wolfborough and Tuftonborough Support00:45:03.599 - 9:40:34 AM; Representative Pernell introduces HB 1521 to clarify that home education under RSA 193-A is distinct from Education Freedom Account (EFA) pathways under RSA 194-F, protecting 193-A home educators from infringements like background checks or increased assessments. It differentiates true home education from EFA options that may appear similar but are public school pathways, addressing community confusion and rights concerns.
HB1521: Heather Barker, Deerfield (address Epsom), NH; Home Education Advisory Council, NHESA Support00:54:50.079 - 9:50:21 AM; Heather Barker supports the bill based on her experience as a former school administrator, homeschool liaison, and council member. She notes confusion since EFAs' introduction as a public school pathway, leading to contention. The bill clarifies that EFA families enter a separate pathway with different rules, helping the home education community maintain distinct terminology and reduce community conflicts.
HB1521: Matt Southern, Director of Policy and Compliance, Children's Scholarship Fund Information Only00:57:50.960 - 9:53:21 AM; Matt Southern provides technical support, noting the EFA law requires exiting home education programs upon entering EFA, with notifications to parents. The organization takes no position but acknowledges 'home educated' as a legal term and awareness of terminology like 'homeschooler'.
HB1817: Representative Valerie McDonald, Rockingham 25, Salem Support01:00:52.240 - 9:56:23 AM; Representative McDonald presents HB 1817, which aligns statute with best practices, differentiates methods for compulsory attendance, and fosters fairness. She explains four pathways: public schools (including charters), non-public schools, home education, and EFAs, emphasizing no overlap and parental rights. The bill standardizes EFA students' access to their resident district's classes, noting negligible fiscal impact as most districts already allow this without additional costs.
HB1817: Hannah Cole, NH parent Support01:07:07.440 - 10:02:38 AM; Hannah Cole supports HB 1817 as it resolves policy mismatches for EFA families. Her daughter used EFA funds for extracurriculars, online programs, and part-time attendance at Monadnock Valley Middle School, thriving in various classes until charged $4,000 tuition mid-year, equaling her full EFA grant. She notes schools receive property tax funding regardless of attendance and argues the bill enables hybrid learning without all-or-nothing choices, aligning policy with practice.
HB1817: Bar Christina, New Hampshire School Boards Association Oppose01:09:52.560 - 10:05:23 AM; Bar Christina opposes HB 1817 due to confusing wording on lines 6-9, suggesting rephrasing with 'ors' for clarity on eligibility for public, non-public, charter, and home-educated pupils. She corrects statutory references (e.g., RSA 193-A for home education) and questions calling EFAs a 'state-based education program' while denying public money. She argues for reimbursing districts for EFA students like home-educated ones (0.15 ADM per course) and highlights inequities for public school students lacking similar access.
HB1817: Doris Hoeny, NSHA, former homeschooler Oppose01:17:41.840 - 10:13:12 AM; Doris Hoeny criticizes HB 1817 as poorly written, noting homeschoolers access grades 7-12 without double-dipping via adequacy, unlike EFAs. She questions unclear provisions for private/charter payments to public schools and references RSA 194-F:2(II)(d) requiring EFA students to pay for services from their funds. She urges rewriting for funding clarity, equity across grades, and research, as current access varies by district.
HB1817: Nate Green and Mark Minnell, NH Department of Education Information Only01:21:00.560 - 10:16:31 AM; Nate Green and Mark Minnell from the Department of Education express concerns about HB 1817's interaction with funding statutes. They explain no double-payment policy: public students get adequacy, EFAs go to parents. Current practice allows districts to charge EFA families fees payable from EFA funds, or treat like home-educated (0.15 ADM reimbursement). They warn of potential double-dipping if EFA students access >50% public education, triggering disenrollment and full adequacy to districts, or unlimited access leading to state costs. They note no fiscal note due to unclear implications and suggest legislative clarification.
HB1817: Brian Hawkins, New Hampshire (likely Association) Oppose01:32:10.159 - 10:27:41 AM; Brian Hawkins opposes HB 1817, echoing financial and language concerns. He notes schools struggle to fund courses for full-time students and cannot charge EFA families under the bill, creating uncompensated burdens on teachers and aides amid staffing shortages, class ratio flexibilities, and teacher out-of-pocket costs. He argues this hinders schools' ability to serve all students.
HB1817: Ken Buchet, EFA father, Heniker NH Support01:36:21.280 - 10:31:52 AM; Ken Buchet supports HB 1817 in principle for equalizing access for all residents regardless of educational path, despite wording issues with the inclusion clause. He dismisses double-dipping fears, noting it already applies to publicly funded charter students accessing public schools. The bill eliminates artificial distinctions, limiting access to resident districts only, rationalizing law without new funding concerns.
HB1817: Charles Smith Jr., Orford NH Support01:39:22.239 - 10:34:53 AM; Charles Smith Jr. supports HB 1817 for enabling school choice in rural Rivendell Interstate District (preK-12 from three small towns). His family uses EFAs ($3,800 each) but pays $18,000 more for better education, plus 67% property taxes to the district without using services, contributing without taking state/school resources.
HB1817: Lois Wood, homeschooling mom, Franklin NH Support01:41:43.440 - 10:37:14 AM; Lois Wood, a 25-year homeschooler of seven college-ready children, supports HB 1817. EFAs aided her family, and public school access helped; one daughter took French and theater classes, leading to full-time enrollment. Barring or charging EFA students extra shortchanges kids, as all pay property taxes; hybrid options suit diverse learners.
HB1817: Kelly Diver, EFA mom, Danville NH Support01:43:48.960 - 10:39:19 AM; Kelly Diver from Danville, New Hampshire, spoke in support of HB 1817 FN. She explained that as an EFA mom with a 10-year-old son, the bill would enable her family to utilize property taxes they pay to access classes at the local school, such as art or language classes. She highlighted the high school budget of $90 million in her town and the equivalent in-state tuition cost for UNH, feeling that they are being shortchanged without this access. She offered to answer questions on local taxes.
HB1817: Jerry Fu, Associate Executive Director, New Hampshire School Administrators Association Information Only01:45:49.679 - 10:41:20 AM; Jerry Fu provided information on concerns with HB 1817 FN, agreeing with prior testimonies from the Department of Education and a previous speaker about access for EFA kids to school programs. He emphasized funding as a core issue, suggesting that the adequacy funding for part-time home-educated students (0.15) should apply equally to EFA part-time students. He urged the committee to pause on rapid changes in open enrollment, EFAs, and home education, likening it to building airplanes in flight, and recommended using a study commission bill to address legitimate concerns and make informed decisions.
CACR28: Rep. Julian Soti, representing Windham and Londonderry Support03:04:41.439 - 12:00:12 PM; Rep. Julian Soti introduced CACR 28 on behalf of constituents, clarifying it addresses taxing authority flaws in the constitution, not religion. He noted it corrects language issues causing confusion on state taxation for education and deferred to Tom Murray for historical context.
CACR28: Tom Murray, former Windham School Board member, founder of Windham Academy Charter School Support03:06:49.040 - 12:02:20 PM; Tom Murray provided a detailed historical timeline of education funding in New Hampshire from 1784, covering constitutional articles, the 1819 Toleration Act, 1850 and 1877 conventions, 1968 amendments, and Claremont decisions. He argued a textual error in Part II Article 83 (confirmed by Secretary of State) and the 1968 ballot question's defects removed legislative empowerment for local taxation without replacement, leading to a constitutional crisis. He advocated CACR 28 to restore original language, asking voters directly for taxing authority, emphasizing no such grant exists currently and courts lacked full historical records.
CACR28: Rep. Timothy Han, Durham NH Oppose03:26:01.520 - 12:21:32 PM; Rep. Timothy Han opposed CACR 28, supporting the 1968 amendment's removal of sectarian references for church-state separation. He believed the state has taxing authority for public education per Claremont decisions, rejecting the history presented. He argued against restoring 1784 language allowing religious taxation, even if denomination-specific, as religions should be self-supporting. He suggested a simpler amendment affirming state taxing authority if needed, but opposed reintroducing obsolete sectarian elements, predicting failure on the House floor due to needing 60% approval.
CACR28: Darus Hoeny Support03:31:03.840 - 12:26:34 PM; Darus Hoeny supported CACR 28, arguing 1968 voters were deceived by the ballot question removing 154 words beyond four sectarian terms without debate or disclosure, invalidating consent. He noted typos in constitutional texts affecting school districts' taxing authority and the exclusive right for local control. He linked this to current issues like value conflicts in schools, proposing restoration allows district switching or creation based on shared values, averting turmoil, lawsuits, and needs for EFAs or open enrollment. He suggested an amended version without sectarian references for broader appeal, emphasizing rights of conscience over state uniformity.
CACR28: Liz Tentterelli, President, Nonpartisan League of Women Voters of New Hampshire Oppose03:39:32.000 - 12:35:03 PM; Liz Tentterelli criticizes the proposed constitutional amendment for its unclear language, which she believes would confuse voters about its implications. She notes the poor presentation in legislative handouts, lacking standard formatting to highlight changes, making it seem like the amendment promotes hiring only Christian teachers and public worship, which is outdated for modern diverse New Hampshire. She argues this does a disservice to the committee and public, suggesting that if the real issue is taxing power for schools, a clearer bill should be drafted instead. She urges the committee to defeat this amendment due to its potential to impose purely Christian values on a diverse population unlike 1784, and offers to answer questions.
CACR28: Daniel Richard, Citizen of New Hampshire Support03:41:29.279 - 12:37:00 PM; Daniel Richard focuses on the principle of consent in government, citing Part One, Article One of the New Hampshire Constitution, and argues that the 1968 amendment to Article 6 was not properly understood by voters, violating informed consent. He references the Gerber v. King case from 1967, emphasizing that ballot language must be clear to reflect genuine voter intent, and claims the 1968 changes lacked transparency, removing 154 words without discussion. He explains that the original language protected against new taxes and laws without amendment processes, preventing issues like the Stamp Act that sparked the Revolution. Richard urges restoring the original language to uphold consent, noting that current debates on education (DEI, parental rights) echo historical abuses, and the original intent created voluntary separation of church and state. He suggests debating changes properly to avoid litigation, and responds to questions by clarifying that 'evangelical' meant biblical principles legally, not religiously, and historical context like the Toleration Act of 1819 restored voluntary education without coercion.
HB1093 2024-0489h: Representative McDonald Support04:17:02.720 - 1:12:33 PM; Representative McDonald moves ought to pass on the original bill and then on amendment 2024-0489h, which eliminates sections 2 and 3 to remove funding and grant requirements due to concerns, focusing solely on the bill's original intent to exempt public charter schools from certain building codes and fees to level the playing field with traditional public schools. He notes the bill arose from collaboration with the Salem delegation and Birches Academy, addressing statewide needs, and dismisses opposition testimony as unrelated and personal. The committee votes 17-0 to adopt the amendment and 16-1 to pass as amended by consent.
HB1467 2024-0522h: Representative McDonald Support04:24:45.120 - 1:20:16 PM; Representative McDonald moves ought to pass and offers amendment 2024-0522h, developed collaboratively across parties through multiple revisions. The amendment enhances academic rigor in standards for the civic seal, requiring demonstrations like portfolios, assessments, or student government participation beyond minimums, approved locally. It mandates state board rules to eliminate fiscal impact, keeps section two unchanged, and sets the effective date to July 4, 2026. He clarifies it's an award, not a program or curriculum, for standout students, with uniform seal design via state board rules but local implementation. The committee discusses differences from prior versions, potential for schools to implement without statute (deemed no for uniformity), and collaboration with Secretary of State's civics efforts. Votes are 17-0 to adopt the amendment and 17-0 to pass as amended by consent.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Chair (self) Vote04:37:32.320 - 1:33:03 PM; Opens executive session and moves ought to pass on the bill, seconded. Then moves to pass on amendment 2026-0412h, seconded. Explains amendment removes crossed-out sections, relocates new language, and changes 'shall' to 'may' on line 27 regarding districts selecting new curriculum.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Representative Celig Information Only04:39:16.400 - 1:34:47 PM; Clarifies that the revision of standards occurs every 10 years as a full cycle, not staggered, starting in 2026 then 2036, etc.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Representative Murray Information Only04:39:16.400 - 1:34:47 PM; Confirms lines 21-26 of the amendment set a $1 placeholder for the fiscal year to hold funding open.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Representative Hall Information Only04:39:16.400 - 1:34:47 PM; Questions what new hires for the review process would do in the intervening years since revisions are every 10 years, noting past staggering. Chair responds they would find work, and discussion notes it might involve only certain standards or consultants.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Representative Bunny Information Only04:40:21.360 - 1:35:52 PM; Understands the bill focuses on standards for reading and mathematics aligned with state assessments, questioning social studies.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Representative Cornell Information Only04:41:17.520 - 1:36:48 PM; Suggests staff could work on assessment alignment after standards are done, as it's a multi-year process.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Representative Murray Information Only04:41:17.520 - 1:36:48 PM; Double-checks the $1 placeholder applies to the next biennium and holds until funding is available, noting it's for finance committee.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Representative Belbony Information Only04:42:19.520 - 1:37:50 PM; Clarifies standards revision happens regardless of the bill, but the new aspect is making high-quality curriculum materials available for schools to choose, which DOE hasn't done before.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Committee Vote on Amendment Vote04:43:19.760 - 1:38:50 PM; Motion to pass on amendment (OTPA) passes unanimously 17-0.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Chair (self) Support04:44:29.920 - 1:40:00 PM; Moves ought to pass as amended, seconded. Motivates the bill to eliminate Common Core math, in place 16 years too long, to set students up for success.
HB1571 2026-0412h: Committee Vote on Bill Vote04:45:21.600 - 1:40:52 PM; Motion ought to pass as amended passes 16-1.
HB1778: Representative Freeman Oppose04:46:58.638 - 1:42:29 PM; Moves inexpedient to legislate, seconded. Notes not privy to all reasons but moves in absence of prime sponsor.
HB1778: Seconder Oppose04:46:58.638 - 1:42:29 PM; Agrees, ditto.
HB1778: Committee Vote Vote04:46:58.638 - 1:42:29 PM; Motion inexpedient to legislate passes unanimously 17-0 by consent.
HB1792: Representative Belchure Support04:49:30.480 - 1:45:01 PM; Moves ought to pass, seconded. Believes public schools need reform from divisiveness toward equality of opportunity, and the bill provides that.
HB1792: Seconder Support04:49:30.480 - 1:45:01 PM; No additional comments.
HB1792: Representative Sy (likely Celig) Oppose04:50:27.520 - 1:45:58 PM; Strongly opposes, believes bill undermines teaching NH state constitution, prohibits anti-constitutional indoctrination, and bans theories in law, preventing teaching one theory vs. another.
HB1792: Representative Murray Oppose04:50:27.520 - 1:45:58 PM; Cannot support due to constitutionality concerns, redefinition of adequate education on page 3 lines 3-8, and undefined terms causing confusion.
HB1792: Committee Vote Vote04:51:37.200 - 1:47:08 PM; Motion ought to pass fails 9-8; Chairman Noble assigns report.

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