Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (02/05/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB662 00:01:55.079 - 8:30:56 AM	Public Hearing	requiring the discussion of abortion procedures and viewing of certain videos during health education in public schools.	Sellers, John(R)[A-]2025
HB667 00:51:42.079 - 9:20:43 AM	Public Hearing	(Second New Title) relative to health education and requiring the viewing of certain videos demonstrating gestational development.	Sellers, John(R)[A-]2025
HB730 01:29:20.239 - 9:58:21 AM	Public Hearing	requiring school districts to educate and provide information to students regarding adoption during health education for grades 9 through 12, and in college in certain circumstances.	Sellers, John(R)[A-]2025
HB557 01:48:06.480 - 10:17:07 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the information that appears on the school budget ballot.	Berry, Ross(R)[A+]2025
HB394 03:32:02.880 - 12:01:03 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the powers and duties of cooperative school district budget committees and the role of cooperative school district board member representatives on such committees.	Spilsbury, Walter(R)[A-]2025
HB564 04:50:10.760 - 1:19:11 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the adoption of school administrative unit budgets.	Vose, Michael(R)[A-]2025
HB108 05:06:58.320 - 1:35:59 PM	Public Hearing	relative to bullying and cyberbullying across multiple school districts.	McDonnell, Valerie(R)[B+]2025
HB673 06:03:56.840 - 2:32:57 PM	Public Hearing	relative to school bullying and discrimination plans.	Selig, Loren(D)[D-]2025

HB662: Representative Sers Support00:01:55.079 - 8:30:56 AM; Representative Sers introduced House Bill 662, emphasizing the importance of educating students on abortion procedures through specific videos. He argued that these videos are medically accurate, comprehensive, and age-appropriate, necessary for students to make informed decisions. He cited statistics indicating that a significant percentage of women undergo abortions, underscoring the need for such education. He addressed concerns about the videos being too graphic by comparing them to other educational materials and argued against banning them, likening it to banning books. He also clarified that the bill aims to ensure consistency in education across the state, addressing potential disruptions like snow days or assemblies that might cause students to miss important topics.
HB662: Representative Hall Information Only00:05:22.919 - 8:34:23 AM; Representative Hall questioned if the bill takes away local control over curriculum and materials. Representative Sers acknowledged the potential for it to be viewed that way but emphasized the need for consistency across the state, citing his district's experiences with potential disruptions to the curriculum.
HB662: Representative Cornell Information Only00:06:32.160 - 8:35:33 AM; Representative Cornell sought clarification on the Attorney General's role in enforcing the bill, questioning if individuals without children in the school could initiate legal action against the school for non-compliance. Representative Sers admitted uncertainty but suggested it could be possible, emphasizing the bill's intent to ensure schools follow the law.
HB662: Representative Freeman Information Only00:08:10.080 - 8:37:11 AM; Representative Freeman confirmed that the state mandates health education in all school districts, questioning if this negates local control. Representative Sers agreed, stating it was his understanding that health education is state-mandated.
HB662: Representative Woodcock Information Only00:09:18.680 - 8:38:19 AM; Representative Woodcock questioned whether health care providers adequately advise young women on their options. Representative Sers referenced a lack of comprehensive information on abortion procedures from sources like Planned Parenthood online, suggesting that such education is not widely available.
HB662: Representative S Information Only00:12:35.880 - 8:41:36 AM; Representative S questioned the necessity and selection of the specific videos proposed in the bill, comparing them to other medical procedures. Representative Sers defended the choice of videos as a starting point but was open to alternatives, stressing the importance of students understanding abortion procedures given the statistics on abortions.
HB662: Resident Freeman Information Only00:15:53.000 - 8:44:54 AM; Resident Freeman clarified that the bill is intended to provide informational content without any intent to sway or influence young women regarding abortion decisions. The content is described as unbiased and not aligned with any political or religious affiliations.
HB662: Representative Woodcock Information Only00:16:30.000 - 8:45:31 AM; Representative Woodcock questioned the rationale behind repeating the same educational content over four years, suggesting it might imply a prejudicial statement. They also proposed that if such a requirement is implemented, contraception prevention should also be covered annually.
HB662: Representative Bon Information Only00:17:11.439 - 8:46:12 AM; Representative Bon inquired about the existence of similar video requirements in health and wellness programs across the state. They expressed concern that mandating videos could limit teachers' flexibility in choosing teaching methods.
HB662: Representative Hall Information Only00:18:26.480 - 8:47:27 AM; Representative Hall questioned the age appropriateness of the videos for students transitioning from eighth to ninth grade. They expressed concern over the graphic nature of the content and its suitability for the intended age group.
HB662: Kurt Welper, Chairman of New Hampshire Right to Life Support00:19:57.280 - 8:48:58 AM; Kurt Welper expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the need for education on abortion due to its significant human rights implications. He cited statistics on the impact of ultrasound laws on abortion decisions and stressed the importance of informing women about the procedure and its long-term effects.
HB662: Walter Support00:25:18.039 - 8:54:19 AM; Walter spoke in support of HB662, emphasizing the emotional and physical impact of abortion procedures. He highlighted the need for students to be educated about the consequences of abortion, including the scientific aspects and the potential health risks such as bleeding, increased risk of cancer, and sterility. He stressed the importance of informing young women about alternatives like Pregnancy Resource Centers that support women through pregnancy and early parenthood, as well as adoption options. Walter concluded by requesting support for the bill to ensure students receive comprehensive education about abortion and its effects.
HB662: Charlotte Antal, Trustee of New Hampshire Right to Life Support00:28:54.200 - 8:57:55 AM; Charlotte Antal supported HB662, criticizing the current public school health curriculum influenced by Planned Parenthood. She shared personal anecdotes and experiences of women affected by early pregnancies and abortions, pointing out the lack of information about the long-term consequences. As a trustee of New Hampshire Right to Life, she emphasized the need for truthful education about abortion, including the risks and aftermath, to help the next generation make informed decisions. She urged the committee to support the bill to ensure students are educated about the realities of abortion.
HB662: Jerry FW, Associate Executive Director of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association Information Only00:33:20.000 - 9:02:21 AM; Jerry FW provided information regarding HB662 and related health education bills. He raised concerns about the prescribed nature of the curriculum, which he felt eroded local control over educational decisions. He questioned the inclusion of the topics in the health education standards and the implications of other legislation that might remove health education from the definition of adequate education. He also discussed the developmental appropriateness of the proposed videos for high school students and the logistical challenges of adding more requirements to an already full curriculum. He suggested retaining the bill for further refinement rather than deeming it inexpedient to legislate.
HB662: Jerry FW, Associate Executive Director of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association Information Only00:33:20.000 - 9:02:21 AM; Jerry FW discussed the relevance of health education standards and the need for appropriate materials based on those standards. He also suggested engaging student representatives from school boards in discussions about what should be included in their education curriculum.
HB662: Representative M Information Only00:39:20.440 - 9:08:21 AM; Representative M expressed appreciation for the testimony and mentioned reviewing videos provided by the bill's prime sponsor. He discussed the potential for local control over video selection in schools and asked if the speaker would support the bill if it allowed for the use of different videos.
HB662: Representative S Information Only00:41:17.800 - 9:10:18 AM; Representative S inquired about the content of the current health curriculum concerning reproduction, labor and delivery, abortion, contraception, and abstinence, and whether it aligns with the new 306 rules. The response was that further review was needed to provide a detailed answer.
HB662: Representative Cornell Information Only00:42:23.640 - 9:11:24 AM; Representative Cornell raised concerns about potential legal actions by the Attorney General if schools fail to adhere to the 306 plans, and questioned the punitive nature of the legislation without corresponding resource allocation.
HB662: Representative Woodcock Information Only00:43:32.040 - 9:12:33 AM; Representative Woodcock sought clarification on whether any states require specific videos for health education, to which the response was that no states were known to do so based on a national conversation involving over 25 states.
HB662: Becky Wilson, New Hampshire School Boards Association Oppose00:44:21.520 - 9:13:22 AM; Becky Wilson stated opposition to the bill and referenced the new 306 rules that outline the approved school health education program. She highlighted the prescriptive nature of recent curriculum bills and reiterated concerns previously mentioned by others.
HB667: Representative John Sers, Grafton 10, Bristol and Bridgewater Support00:51:42.079 - 9:20:43 AM; Representative John Sers introduced the bill, emphasizing the educational value of the 'Baby Olivia' video, which he described as a medically accurate animated depiction of human development from fertilization to birth. He argued that the video could foster empathy, promote informed decision-making, and encourage critical thinking among students. He also mentioned the possibility of using an alternative video from the Endowment for Human Development if needed.
HB667: Representative Sellers Information Only00:55:29.359 - 9:24:30 AM; Representative Sellers responded to questions about the bill's impact on existing legislation, clarifying that if both bills pass, the last one to pass would determine the content of section G in RSA 193E. He also addressed concerns about the nonpartisan nature of the video provider and the requirement for college students to watch the video, stating it would be shown during initial paperwork and orientation.
HB667: Representative Hall Information Only00:57:44.280 - 9:26:45 AM; Representative Hall questioned the high fiscal note associated with the bill, particularly the costs estimated for the university and community college systems. Representative Sellers acknowledged the estimates but expressed doubt about their accuracy.
HB667: Representative Woodcock Information Only00:59:10.119 - 9:28:11 AM; Representative Woodcock raised concerns about the financial burden on New Hampshire's underfunded university system and the requirement for adult students to watch the video as a graduation prerequisite. Representative Sellers confirmed this was the intent of the bill, emphasizing it would be shown during initial enrollment.
HB667: Representative Freeman Information Only01:00:20.160 - 9:29:21 AM; Representative Freeman suggested incorporating the video into freshman orientation at universities, to which Representative Sellers agreed that this would be an appropriate time.
HB667: Representative Bon Information Only01:00:20.160 - 9:29:21 AM; Representative Bon inquired about the opt-out function for parents regarding the curriculum, but the response was not provided in the transcript snippet.
HB667: Paige Bosman, Representative from Nashua Oppose01:01:24.799 - 9:30:25 AM; Representative Paige Bosman, from Nashua's Ward 4, spoke as a healthcare provider and parent. She argued against the legislation of specific educational materials like videos in schools, emphasizing that any educational content should be tailored by the instructor to fit the students' maturity and emotional health. Bosman, with her experience as a women's health nurse and sexuality educator, stressed that sexuality education should be left to experts with advanced degrees in the field who use evidence-based materials. She supported the idea of opting out for students and criticized the bill for potentially mandating non-evidence-based content that is already covered in existing programs.
HB667: Walter, High School Student Support01:09:42.679 - 9:38:43 AM; Walter, identifying himself as a high school student and aspiring parent, supported HB667. He emphasized the importance of understanding prenatal development as part of the school curriculum, comparing it to the study of other forms of life. He highlighted advances in ultrasound technology that allow for detailed viewing of fetal development and argued for the inclusion of such content in education to demystify disabilities and inform about the technologies used in prenatal care. He believes that knowing about human development from conception to birth is crucial for appreciating life and making informed decisions.
HB667: Sarah McNeel, Parent and Retired Registered Nurse Oppose01:13:25.920 - 9:42:26 AM; Sarah McNeel, a parent and retired registered nurse, strongly opposed HB667. She criticized the 'Meet Baby Olivia' video, arguing it is misleading and aimed at indoctrinating young minds by referring to an embryo as a 'baby' and using the name 'Baby Olivia'. She expressed concerns about the video's content being inappropriate for young children, mentioning that it could confuse them with its use of terms like 'fertilization' and 'uterus'. McNeel also raised concerns about who would answer the potentially complex questions children might have after watching the video, such as questions about conception and pregnancy. She questioned the bill's applicability to homeschooled and privately educated children, suggesting that education on such topics should be left to parents.
HB667: Kurt Woehr, Chairman of New Hampshire Right to Life Support01:17:33.320 - 9:46:34 AM; Kurt Woehr, Chairman of New Hampshire Right to Life, spoke in full support of HB667. He defended the 'Meet Baby Olivia' video, arguing that the terminology used, while possibly not scientifically precise, accurately describes the stages of human life from conception to death. Woehr emphasized the importance of children learning about the miraculous development during pregnancy, suggesting that such education is vital and that children are naturally interested in this information. He acknowledged that the video might raise difficult questions but argued these are important for children to consider. Woehr also addressed concerns about the video's bias, stating that its focus on the value of human life is a fundamental aspect of Western civilization, and he urged the committee to support the bill.
HB667: Judy Milary, Retired Public School Educator from Warner Information Only01:22:22.080 - 9:51:23 AM; Judy Milary, a retired public school educator from Warner, provided insights into educational practices in early grades. She discussed the value of hands-on learning in teaching about life and development, suggesting that such methods are more effective than videos like 'Meet Baby Olivia' for young children. Milary shared her experience observing education in K-12 settings across different towns, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement in learning for young students.
HB667: Unknown Speaker, Career Educator Oppose01:25:51.760 - 9:54:52 AM; The speaker, a career educator, opposes HB667. They share experiences from teaching at an inner-city all-girls Catholic school, discussing prenatal development, IVF, and abortion. They highlighted the case of teaching the first test-tube baby in Delaware, emphasizing the emotional and ethical complexities involved in such education. The speaker expresses concern over standardized education, particularly in sensitive topics like fetal development, and stressed the importance of teaching the truth to children.
HB730: Representative Sers, Grafton 10, Bristol Support01:29:20.239 - 9:58:21 AM; Representative Sers from Grafton 10, Bristol supports HB730, which requires schools to provide information on adoption during health education for grades 9 through 12 and in certain college circumstances. They argue that providing this information is powerful and essential for teenagers and young adults who might face unexpected pregnancies. They mention that many are unaware of adoption options and highlight the long waiting lists for adoptive families. They also discuss open and closed adoptions, emphasizing the importance of students knowing their options. Representative Sers hopes the committee will support the bill and addresses a question about the mandated time for discussing adoption, suggesting that an hour might be necessary due to the complexity and the need for question-and-answer sessions.
HB730: Representative Paige Boschman, Nashua Ward 4 Oppose01:35:29.600 - 10:04:30 AM; Representative Paige Boschman expressed concerns about the proposed bill HB730. She works at the Nashua Department of Public Health in the Sexuality Wellness Clinic, focusing on STI and STD testing and counseling. She highlighted the lack of relevance between STI/STD testing and adoption education, noting that many individuals seeking STI testing are not considering pregnancy. Boschman worried that mandating adoption education in STI/STD clinics could deter people from seeking necessary health services due to the added burden of unrelated education. She fears this could lead to increased risks of HIV, STDs, STIs, and unintended pregnancies. Additionally, she discussed her role in handling pregnancy-related calls, emphasizing the importance of providing all options including adoption. She questioned the fiscal note of over $100,000, suggesting that the education should already be part of standard healthcare practices.
HB730: Walter Antel Support01:38:42.440 - 10:07:43 AM; Walter Antel supported HB730, emphasizing the need to address the over 1,000 children in the New Hampshire state adoption system. He provided a link showing these children without homes or families, suggesting that teaching the next generation about adoption is crucial. Antel argued that better education could reduce reliance on more expensive or riskier options like abortion or IVF, and help reduce the number of children without homes to zero. He stressed the importance of understanding the adoption process to improve it and prevent children from being aborted before birth.
HB730: Charlotte Anel Support01:41:17.040 - 10:10:18 AM; Charlotte Anel supported HB730, sharing her experiences with families who have adopted children with various needs and conditions. She highlighted the heroism of adoptive families and the need to destigmatize adoption. Anel mentioned the influence of media like the movie 'The Sound Of Hope' which inspired community efforts in adoption. She urged for comprehensive adoption education in schools to help children understand and improve the adoption system, emphasizing the urgency due to the lives at stake.
HB730: Representative Laori Coren, Berlin Support01:44:13.960 - 10:13:14 AM; Representative Laori Coren, a foster and adoptive mother from Berlin, supported HB730. She shared her personal experience with adoption and the joy it brought her as a grandmother. Coren reflected on her school education, noting the absence of adoption education compared to other topics like the Pythagorean theorem and abortion options. She emphasized the long waiting lists for adoption across the nation and endorsed the idea of integrating adoption education into public school systems to inform students about this option.
HB557: Joe Alexander, Goshen Support01:48:06.480 - 10:17:07 AM; Joe Alexander, representing Goshen, introduced HB557 on behalf of Representative Barry. He explained that the bill aims to enhance transparency and provide additional context on the school district ballot by including information such as the average cost per pupil, average daily enrollment for the previous five years, and the average full-time teacher to administrative ratio. He argued that this information would help inform voters, especially since attendance at deliberative sessions is low, and the complexity of voting on numerous articles during town meeting day can be overwhelming. He addressed questions about potential confusion and additional costs, suggesting that while there might be a minor increase in ballot printing costs, the benefits of informing voters outweigh these concerns.
HB557: Christina Barrett, New Hampshire School Association Oppose01:57:15.679 - 10:26:16 AM; Christina Barrett, Executive Director of the New Hampshire School Association, opposed HB557. She pointed out that similar information is already required to be posted under RSA 189:76, which was passed by the committee and will become effective in July 2025. This includes posting details like average cost per pupil, average teacher salary, and administrative salaries on the school district's website. She raised concerns about the definition of 'administrator' in the bill, suggesting it could be interpreted to include non-administrative full-time positions like custodians or food service workers. Barrett questioned why similar transparency requirements are not proposed for other public entities like towns, cities, and the state if the goal is to inform voters. She concluded that the information proposed to be added to the ballot is already accessible through various public forums and the Department of Education's resources.
HB557: Representative Cordelli Information Only02:00:58.320 - 10:29:59 AM; Representative Cordelli clarified the effective date of the bill, stating it would be July 1, 2025. They discussed the timeline for the bill becoming law, indicating it would not be on the ballot in the near future.
HB557: Representative Freeman Information Only02:01:51.599 - 10:30:52 AM; Representative Freeman questioned the difference between posting information on a website and printing it on a ballot. They noted that the information required by the bill is already distributed to the community via the website and at budget hearings, suggesting there are ample opportunities for public engagement without needing to print information on ballots.
HB557: Representative Alexander Information Only02:02:48.119 - 10:31:49 AM; Representative Alexander from Gf Town discussed potential additional costs if an extra page were added to the ballot due to the bill's requirements. They estimated an additional $100 cost for a thousand ballots, but noted the difficulty in accurately assessing the cost across all communities without more data.
HB557: Jerry FW, New Hampshire School Administrators Association Information Only02:03:54.440 - 10:32:55 AM; Jerry FW, the Executive Director of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association, emphasized the importance of transparency and voter education regarding school budgets. They raised concerns about potential legal issues related to electioneering if detailed budget information were to be printed on ballots. They questioned the definition of administrative positions and suggested using full-time equivalence for part-time positions to improve transparency. They also discussed the implications of the bill on co-op situations and contracted service providers.
HB557: Representative Freeman Information Only02:06:41.599 - 10:35:42 AM; Representative Freeman asked Jerry FW about attendance at deliberative sessions, specifically citing their experience in Kage. Jerry FW disagreed with the notion of low attendance, citing high participation in Brentwood and Kage.
HB557: Representative Murray Information Only02:07:41.679 - 10:36:42 AM; Representative Murray inquired about virtual attendance at school board meetings and deliberative sessions. Jerry FW confirmed that there are multiple opportunities for the public to be informed, including through televised meetings.
HB557: Representative Bon Information Only02:08:43.719 - 10:37:44 AM; Representative Bon raised concerns about how the bill would apply to SAUs and co-op situations, questioning how to allocate administrative time across different towns. Jerry FW acknowledged the complexity of defining administrative responsibilities in such setups and also mentioned the consideration of contracted service providers in the context of the bill.
HB557: Representative Selig Information Only02:11:01.960 - 10:40:02 AM; Representative Selig asked about the use of internal versus external bus services across different districts and how that would be affected by the bill. Jerry FW admitted to not having specific data on this but noted the relevance of full-time and part-time service components in transportation.
HB394: Unknown Information Only03:32:02.880 - 12:01:03 PM; The speaker mentioned the need for copies of House Bill 394 and confirmed that several committee members did not have copies. They proceeded to organize the distribution of additional copies.
HB394: Unknown Information Only03:33:39.920 - 12:02:40 PM; The speaker briefly mentioned the next item on the agenda but did not provide any substantial information.
HB394: Unknown Information Only03:35:44.640 - 12:04:45 PM; The speaker did not provide any discernible content in the transcript.
HB394: Unknown Information Only03:36:34.800 - 12:05:35 PM; The speaker did not provide any discernible content in the transcript.
HB394: Prime Sponsor Support03:36:34.800 - 12:05:35 PM; The Prime Sponsor introduced House Bill 394, which deals with the powers and duties of Cooperative School District budget committees. They noted that the bill had been considered in the previous term and was recommended for further legislation after interim study. The bill has two main purposes: firstly, it specifies that ex officio members from the school board on the budget committee should not have voting rights. The sponsor argued that this is necessary to ensure the budget committee can provide focused expertise without influence from the school board.
HB394: Representative from Charlestown, Newport, Unity Support03:38:36.600 - 12:07:37 PM; The speaker, representing Charlestown within the Fall Mountain Regional School District, expressed concerns about the composition and voting rights of the budget committee in relation to the school board. They noted that the current setup, where a school board member has a vote on the budget committee, disrupts the intended balance and leads to an even number of votes, causing potential ambiguity in decision-making. They supported the bill's aim to remove the school board member's voting rights on the budget committee and highlighted the need for the budget committee to review and evaluate all new appropriations, not just the annual budget, to better inform voters.
HB394: Representative Woodcock Information Only03:42:28.479 - 12:11:29 PM; Representative Woodcock asked for clarification on the second part of the bill related to the handling of unexpected funds or windfalls. The speaker explained that if the proposed bill were in place, the school board would have referred the matter to the budget committee, allowing them to assess and provide their opinion before any public hearing, thereby ensuring voters are fully informed.
HB394: Representative Sul Information Only03:46:12.680 - 12:15:13 PM; Representative Sul asked about the implications of the bill's language concerning warrant articles and the budget committee's role. The speaker clarified that the intent is not to give the budget committee the power to prevent items from going to the voters but to ensure that the budget committee's opinion is included on the ballot alongside the school board's, suggesting potential amendments to clarify this.
HB394: Representative Murray Information Only03:53:27.640 - 12:22:28 PM; Representative Murray inquired about the budget committee's role in non-public sessions and mid-year appropriations. The speaker responded that non-public sessions would not be affected by the bill, and emphasized the importance of the budget committee's review of any new appropriations post-legislative budget to ensure informed public hearings.
HB394: Representative Boni Information Only03:51:44.800 - 12:20:45 PM; Representative Boni sought clarification on the bill's application to cooperative school districts and the threshold for budget committee involvement in expenditures. The speaker explained that the bill does not specify a lower limit for expenditures that the budget committee should review, but suggested that any threshold set should be low, and clarified that no ballots are involved in public hearings but rather in the voting process after the hearing.
HB394: Christina from the School Boards Association Information Only03:55:38.040 - 12:24:39 PM; Christina from the School Boards Association provided a detailed response to the bill. She suggested that instead of removing the school board member's vote from the budget committee, an additional at-large position could be added to maintain an odd number of votes. She discussed the existing statutes related to budget committees and appropriations, expressing support for the budget committee's role in reviewing any appropriation but disagreed with the bill's provision on withdrawals from capital reserve funds, arguing that these funds are already authorized by voters. She also mentioned potential changes to RSA 32 to address the issues raised by the bill and expressed willingness to work with the bill's sponsor on amendments.
HB394: Christina, School Boards Association Information Only03:55:38.040 - 12:24:39 PM; Christina from the School Boards Association provided information regarding the specifics of Cooperative school districts and their operations. She addressed questions about RSA 197:3-a, clarifying the authority of the governing body to expend or return funds to taxpayers. Christina emphasized the importance of the governing body's discretion in financial decisions.
HB394: Representative Murray Information Only04:07:13.760 - 12:36:14 PM; Representative Murray asked for clarification on the authority of the governing body under RSA 197:3-a, specifically regarding the decision to return funds to taxpayers. The response confirmed that the governing body has the authority to decide how funds are expended or returned.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:09:16.680 - 12:38:17 PM; An unnamed speaker asked about the objection to a school board member serving on a budget committee without voting rights. The response indicated support for the school board member having a vote, while acknowledging the rationale behind the proposed changes in the bill.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:10:17.840 - 12:39:18 PM; Another unnamed speaker inquired about other instances of ex-officio members on school boards. The response mentioned a potential example in Department of Education rules but could not confirm any statutory examples.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:10:17.840 - 12:39:18 PM; An unnamed speaker asked about the number of Cooperative districts with budget committees. The response indicated uncertainty about the exact number, but mentioned there are 32 Cooperative districts in the state.
HB394: Representative Spilsbury Information Only04:11:34.479 - 12:40:35 PM; Representative Spilsbury clarified the position on ex-officio voting members and suggested not complicating the bill further. He also discussed the complications between RSA 195 and RSA 32, pointing out problematic language in the existing statute that could benefit from revision. He expressed willingness to work on a solution.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:12:40.239 - 12:41:41 PM; An unnamed speaker expressed optimism about finding a resolution to the issues discussed, noting that the matter was carried over from the last term.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:17:02.960 - 12:46:03 PM; An unnamed speaker mentioned a similar bill, House Bill 563, and Senate Bill 155, which had been introduced in previous sessions. They explained that the current bill requires the SAU budget to be separated from the School District budget for a separate voter decision.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker from Epping Support04:17:52.439 - 12:46:53 PM; The speaker from Epping supports HB394, which aims to allow voters to vote separately on the SAU budget. They highlighted the difficulty in distinguishing SAU administrative costs from the school district budget, emphasizing the need for transparency. They mentioned that while a law passed last year requires SAU budgets to be displayed separately online, it does not allow voters to vote on it separately, hence the necessity of HB394. The speaker also expressed that while they believe their local SAU (SAU 14) performs well, voters should still have the choice to decide on administrative services.
HB394: Representative U Lichfield Information Only04:21:55.479 - 12:50:56 PM; Representative U Lichfield asked about the reasons behind the failure of previous bills (HB 563 and Senate Bill 155) related to SAU budgets. The speaker mentioned that one issue with those bills was handling SAUs with multiple school districts, which HB394 addresses.
HB394: Representative SEL Information Only04:23:11.119 - 12:52:12 PM; Representative SEL inquired about the current system where voters could attend budget hearings and deliberative sessions to get information and potentially amend budgets. The speaker responded that while this is possible, few voters participate, and it would be beneficial for voters to access this information independently and at their convenience.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:24:19.080 - 12:53:20 PM; The speaker addressed concerns about the timing of HB394's implementation, clarifying that it would not affect the current year's voting but could allow future voters to vote on SAU budgets starting potentially in 2026.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:26:02.800 - 12:55:03 PM; The speaker discussed the placement of commas in the bill's text and clarified that for single-district SAUs, the school board would handle the budget, not a separate SAU board.
HB394: Representative R Mur Information Only04:27:20.439 - 12:56:21 PM; Representative R Mur raised a question about the impact of HB394 on districts with alternate town meeting days. The speaker responded that while it's possible, it's improbable that the bill would affect voting this year due to the legislative timeline.
HB394: Representative Woodcock Information Only04:28:35.760 - 12:57:36 PM; Representative Woodcock sought clarity on how the budget would be presented under HB394, especially in districts with multiple towns. The speaker explained that the SAU costs would be singled out and apportioned according to the formula in the legislation.
HB394: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:29:50.960 - 12:58:51 PM; The speaker clarified that in the case of a single-district SAU like theirs, the budget would show separate costs for SAU administration and school programming. They noted that if either budget failed, it would default to the previous year's budget, where SAU costs might still be buried.
HB394: Representative Bon Information Only04:31:34.479 - 1:00:35 PM; Representative Bon questioned how superintendent duties would be separated out in a single-district SAU. The speaker explained that existing law already outlines what can be included in SAU expenses, but acknowledged the challenge in separating out duties of personnel with overlapping roles.
HB394: Representative Marie Information Only04:34:08.080 - 1:03:09 PM; Representative Marie expressed confusion regarding the bill's implications on budgeting for SAUs, particularly about the possibility of having a default budget for the SAU separate from the academic learning budget. She sought clarification on how the bill would function in a multi-district SAU scenario, where towns vote on budgets.
HB394: Unnamed Representative Information Only04:35:05.240 - 1:04:06 PM; The unnamed representative responded to Representative Marie's query, indicating that the details about default budgets in multi-district SAUs are covered in existing legislation referenced by HB394. They admitted difficulty in recalling specifics from the referenced legislation but confirmed that the process is outlined within those statutes.
HB394: Scott Grose from Goffstown Oppose04:36:35.438 - 1:05:36 PM; Scott Grose, a business administrator from Goffstown, representing SAU 9 which includes Goffstown and New Boston, expressed opposition to the bill. He highlighted several issues with the proposed legislation, including confusion over how it would affect multi-district SAUs and the voting process. Grose detailed the weighted voting system currently in place and how the bill could disrupt this by giving smaller towns disproportionate power. He also discussed concerns about the handling of ballots and the overall efficiency and practicality of the bill, suggesting that current checks and balances, like public hearings and elections, are sufficient. Grose offered his expertise for alternative solutions to address the bill's intended issues without complicating the system further.
HB394: Representative Litfield Information Only04:43:11.920 - 1:12:12 PM; Representative Litfield questioned how communities could have a say in the SAU budget without a special election, expressing concerns about the current system where towns feel they lack influence over SAU budgets. The response from Scott Grose emphasized the role of public hearings and the publication of administrative costs as effective ways to provide transparency and accountability, rather than altering the voting system.
HB394: Barrett Christina from the School Board Association Oppose04:45:20.200 - 1:14:21 PM; Barrett Christina, representing the School Board Association, opposed House Bill 564, citing confusion over its implementation. He explained that single-district SAUs do not have a separate operating budget and that multi-district SAUs provide centralized services. Christina pointed out that the bill's proposed changes could complicate existing budgeting processes, especially with the requirement to finalize SAU budgets by January 1 to align with district budget timelines. He also noted that the bill would eliminate alternative SAU budget procedures, which already allow for separate voting on SAU budgets. Christina highlighted upcoming legislation that would increase transparency in administrative costs, suggesting that such measures could address the concerns the bill aims to solve without the confusion it might cause.
HB564: Eric Power, Brookline, NH, School District Governance Association of New Hampshire Support04:50:10.760 - 1:19:11 PM; Eric Power, a former School Board member from the Hollis-Brookline Cooperative School District and president of the School District Governance Association of New Hampshire, testified in support of HB564. He explained that the bill ensures that every SAU (School Administrative Unit) in New Hampshire has a budget. He detailed the current situation where 81 out of 105 SAUs are single-district SAUs, which do not typically separate their SAU budgets from their school budgets, causing a lack of transparency. He highlighted that multi-district SAUs, which are 23% of the total, are required to have a separate SAU budget, which is more transparent. Power discussed the alternative budget procedure currently used by some districts, which he and his SAU have adopted, allowing for more voter control over SAU budgets. He argued that HB564 would extend this procedure to all SAUs, making SAU budgets separate warrant articles, thus increasing transparency and voter control. He also pointed out the growth in administrative costs, suggesting that more scrutiny of SAU budgets could lead to more responsible budgeting.
HB564: Unnamed Speaker Information Only04:59:56.840 - 1:28:57 PM; An unnamed speaker asked for clarification about the DOE A2D form and whether single-district SAUs complete it. Eric Power confirmed that every school district completes the A2D form.
HB564: Unnamed Speaker Information Only05:00:52.920 - 1:29:53 PM; Another unnamed speaker sought clarification on whether Eric Power was testifying on behalf of the School District Governance Association or personally. Power explained that the Association is a volunteer organization with members across the state, including state representatives, and no one is paid.
HB564: Representative Freeman Information Only05:01:54.360 - 1:30:55 PM; Representative Freeman asked if the School District Governance Association is a lobbying group, to which Eric Power replied that it is not.
HB564: Representative Bon Information Only05:03:07.160 - 1:32:08 PM; Representative Bon sought clarification on the existing procedure mentioned by Power. Power explained that the current enabling legislation for the alternative budget procedure is only available for multi-district SAUs, and that HB564 would extend this to all SAUs, simplifying the process of adopting the procedure.
HB564: Unnamed Speaker Information Only05:03:55.040 - 1:32:56 PM; An unnamed speaker asked about the apportionment of SAU costs among districts. Eric Power clarified that it is based on member school districts rather than towns.
HB564: Unnamed Speaker Information Only05:03:55.040 - 1:32:56 PM; The speaker discussed the process of multi-town school district co-ops and how costs are apportioned among districts. They mentioned that a recent bill allowed for a different apportionment formula for SAUs, which can be adopted by a vote. The speaker also explained that the choice between the adjusted and proposed budget is determined by a majority ballot vote across the school district meetings.
HB108: Valerie McDonald, Rockingham 25, Salem Support05:06:58.320 - 1:35:59 PM; Valerie McDonald, the prime sponsor of HB108, introduced the bill focused on addressing bullying and cyber bullying across multiple school districts. She emphasized the challenges of bullying and its historical persistence, stating that while the bill cannot prevent bullying, it aims to remedy it when it occurs. McDonald highlighted that HB108 is unique among three bills addressing bullying this year, as it specifically tackles cross-district and cyber bullying. She acknowledged the rapid advancement of technology and the need to mitigate risks for students, referencing a previous bill that went into interim study due to lack of consensus. McDonald also mentioned that the bill specifies the district where bullying action originated is responsible for the investigation, but she is open to amendments regarding responsibility. She noted that the bill has no fiscal impact, but mentioned the potential costs of police involvement in some cases.
HB108: Representative Celik Information Only05:11:12.240 - 1:40:13 PM; Representative Celik raised a question about the investigative authority in cases where police involvement is needed due to cyber bullying, especially when it involves students outside of public school settings. They discussed the potential fiscal implications and the complexity of determining who should investigate when the cyber bully is not part of a school system, such as in the case of homeschooling.
HB108: Representative Murray Information Only05:13:58.320 - 1:42:59 PM; Representative Murray asked about the challenges of determining the origin of cyber bullying when it crosses state lines or when the source is difficult to identify. Valerie McDonald responded by referencing a specific incident that inspired the bill and expressed openness to further clarification or amendments to address such scenarios.
HB108: Representative B Information Only05:14:59.480 - 1:44:00 PM; Representative B inquired about the complications of cyber bullying involving multiple children across different school types, such as private and public schools. Valerie McDonald indicated she had not considered this specifically but was open to discussing potential amendments during future work sessions.
HB108: Representative Woodcock Information Only05:17:02.160 - 1:46:03 PM; Representative Woodcock asked about the implications of cyber bullying across state borders, specifically mentioning the Vermont border. Valerie McDonald noted that the issue was likely addressed by Representative Lad, a co-sponsor of the bill, and expressed her willingness to work on clarifying the legislation to ensure accountability.
HB108: Representative Sell Support05:18:27.920 - 1:47:28 PM; Representative Sell shared a personal story about a child with special needs who was a victim of cyber bullying, emphasizing the need for consequences for such behavior. They stressed the importance of addressing the issue at the committee level and suggested discussing appropriate but non-discriminatory consequences.
HB108: Representative Woodcock Information Only05:20:43.040 - 1:49:44 PM; Representative Woodcock sought clarification on the term 'action originated' used in the bill, expressing confusion about whether it refers to the victim or perpetrator. Valerie McDonald clarified that her intention was not to imply guilt before an investigation but to specify the district the student attends as the responsible entity.
HB108: Representative Paul Information Only05:21:52.600 - 1:50:53 PM; Representative Paul pointed out the global nature of cyber bullying, noting that it could originate from anywhere, not just neighboring states. Valerie McDonald agreed and emphasized the need to address the issue despite its complexities.
HB108: Representative Perez Support05:22:53.000 - 1:51:54 PM; Representative Perez, who presented a similar bill the previous year, expressed support for HB108. They shared a heart-wrenching story of a young girl who was cyber bullied across districts, resulting in significant trauma. Perez stressed the urgency of addressing cyber bullying due to its widespread impact and potential to lead to extreme outcomes like suicide, urging action to prevent further harm.
HB108: Barrett Christina, School Boards Association Support05:27:15.958 - 1:56:16 PM; Barrett Christina from the School Boards Association expressed full support for House Bill 108. They had communicated with Representative McDonald about a proposed amendment that the School Board Association drafted to address bullying across multiple school districts. The amendment suggests that the principals or their designates from all involved districts should conduct investigations and collaborate. Christina emphasized the need for immediate action on bullying issues and the willingness of the School Boards Association to work on any necessary tweaks to the amendment language to ensure effective implementation.
HB108: Representative The Dry Information Only05:29:06.360 - 1:58:07 PM; Representative The Dry expressed concern about the potential for inaction if a job is assigned to a committee. They suggested that the district where the bullying incident initiates should be responsible for starting the cooperative investigation process. Christina agreed that further conversation is needed to refine the language and ensure that action is taken when bullying is reported.
HB108: Representative Woodcock Information Only05:35:13.760 - 2:04:14 PM; Representative Woodcock inquired about the collaboration between the New Hampshire School Boards Association and similar associations in neighboring states, specifically Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Christina explained that while there is collaboration, there are no formal interstate compacts addressing bullying. They discussed a hypothetical situation involving students from different states and the jurisdictional challenges that arise in such cases.
HB108: Representative Murray Information Only05:38:38.840 - 2:07:39 PM; Representative Murray asked about the applicability of the bullying clause outside of school hours and at non-school events. Christina clarified that according to RSA 193-F:4, bullying or cyberbullying can be addressed by schools if it interferes with a pupil's educational opportunities or disrupts school operations, even if it occurs off school property or outside of school-sponsored events.
HB108: Representative Corell Information Only05:40:51.080 - 2:09:52 PM; Representative Corell raised the issue of cyberbullying across state lines and the challenges it poses. Christina acknowledged the complexity of addressing bullying from other states and suggested that such incidents should be reported to law enforcement when they involve threats or serious issues.
HB108: Jerry Fu, New Hampshire Association of School Administrators Support05:42:14.440 - 2:11:15 PM; Jerry Fu from the New Hampshire Association of School Administrators expressed support for legislation aimed at addressing bullying and cyberbullying. They highlighted the efforts of school districts in investigating and resolving hundreds of bullying allegations each year. Fu emphasized the need for practical solutions and mentioned the availability of bullying incident data from the Department of Education. They also discussed the lack of formal agreements with other states regarding bullying incidents but expressed openness to exploring such collaborations.
HB673: Lauren Selig, Strafford County District 10, Durham Support06:03:56.840 - 2:32:57 PM; Representative Lauren Selig spoke in support of House Bill 673, which aims to address school bullying and discrimination. She highlighted her experience on the criminal justice committee, where they observed an increase in juvenile sentencing and hate crimes across the state. Selig clarified the distinction between hate crimes and hateful acts, noting that the bill focuses on the latter. She discussed the success of diversion programs in other states like Howard County, Maryland, and her involvement in creating a study committee to explore similar programs for New Hampshire. The committee identified a significant gap in data regarding bullying and hate-based incidents in schools. Selig explained that the bill proposes mandatory reporting of bullying incidents to the Department of Education (DOE) every semester, with the DOE required to make this data publicly accessible and share it with the Attorney General's office. The goal is to identify trends and implement targeted interventions. She also shared personal experiences with bullying in her district and emphasized the need for better data to address these issues effectively. Selig mentioned the bill's fiscal note was still pending and she was open to amendments.

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