Committee Summary for House Education Policy and Administration (03/30/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB432 00:05:06.536 - 9:01:02 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) authorizing the application of sunscreen in schools and camps without a licensed health care provider's note or prescription and establishing a skin cancer prevention education program.	Ward, Ruth(R)[B-]2025
SB578 01:04:33.420 - 10:00:29 AM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to play-based curriculum and physical education curriculum.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)[A-]2025
SB507 03:20:09.876 - 12:16:05 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) establishing a committee to study violence in schools directed at staff members and the obstacles to disciplining or expelling students in such circumstances.	Murphy, Keith(R)[A]2025
SB574 04:07:40.131 - 1:03:36 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a commission to study the efficiency and structure of school administrative units.	Innis, Daniel(R)[B]2025

SB432: Senator Ruth Ward, Senate District 8 Support00:05:06.536 - 9:01:02 AM; Introduces SB 432, which allows students to possess and self-apply topical sunscreen on school property or at school events without a physician's note or prescription. It also permits outdoor use of sun protective clothing like hats and sunglasses and establishes a skin cancer prevention education program. Highlights that current medication policies restrict access to sunscreen, leading to underutilization. Notes that 29 states and DC have similar laws, supported by USPSTF and AMA. Provides statistics: regular SPF 15+ use reduces melanoma risk by 50%, sunburns double risk, affects all skin types. Aims to protect over 160,000 NH children from UV exposure at no cost to the state. The bill does not require schools to provide or apply sunscreen.
SB432: Representative Julie Miles, Merrimack, NH Support00:20:06.536 - 9:16:02 AM; Supports SB 432 as it addresses barriers where sunscreen is treated like medication, requiring a physician's note despite being over-the-counter. Emphasizes childhood sunburns increase skin cancer risk later in life. The bill allows self-application of FDA-regulated sunscreen, permits staff assistance with parental permission, provides liability protection, and encourages sun safety education using free resources. Argues it removes burdens, aligns with public health guidance, supports parental intent, and promotes student independence without controversy.
SB432: Melissa Clement, Chief of Child Care Licensing Unit, NH DHHS Information Only00:35:06.536 - 9:31:02 AM; Addresses the bill's impact on camps, for which DHHS licenses under rule He-C 4003, which already permits sunscreen application without prescription but with parent permission only. States the legislation may not be necessary for camps as rules already allow it, but DHHS is not opposed, recognizing its importance for child protection.
SB432: Becky Wilson, Director of Governmental Relations, NH School Boards Association Information Only00:50:06.536 - 9:46:02 AM; Provides technical assistance without taking a position. Explains current policy JLCD requires nurse oversight for prescription and over-the-counter medications, which may include sunscreen, though not explicitly stated. The bill clarifies sunscreen as allowable for self-application and staff assistance with permission, addressing liability and application challenges. Discusses potential inclusion in policies for consent, aerosols, expiration, and age-appropriate handling. Notes schools could adapt policies locally but legislative specificity might be needed for consistency, education integration, and to avoid lumping with riskier medications like Tylenol. Highlights administrative concerns like time for application in younger grades and field trips.
SB578: Representative Lisa Freeman, Belknap County District 8 Information Only01:04:33.420 - 10:00:29 AM; Introduced Senate Bill 578 on behalf of prime sponsor Senator Sullivan. Explained the bill extends play-based curriculum from kindergarten to third grade, requires recess for grades K-8 as part of physical education, defines recess as physical activity promoting fitness and well-being without electronic devices, allows recess to count as instructional time, and limits withholding recess except for safety risks. Answered committee questions on impacts to structured PE time, historical rule changes on recess as instructional time, necessity of no-electronics provision, distinction between recess and PE, potential fiscal impacts, guided reading curriculum, consultation with PE teachers, and potential reduction in PE staffing.
SB578: Representative Janine Notter, Merrimack, Hillsborough 12 Support01:20:00.000 - 10:15:56 AM; Strongly supported the bill based on personal experiences with play-based education through family and friends. Shared examples like using slinkies for syllables, songs for spelling, and playful methods to engage children. Emphasized benefits of physical activity for brain development and learning, drawing from her background as a fitness professional. Highlighted the value of recess activities like dancing and stretching to make learning fun and effective. Urged support for policies expanding play-based curriculum and physical education to match how children learn best.
SB578: Young Student Support01:30:00.000 - 10:25:56 AM; Shared personal experience on how exercise and recess help with focus and homework. Discussed the benefits of physical activity in the school day, including potential incorporation of yoga. Expressed positive views on recess not being restricted.
SB578: Chrissy West, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Say Yes to Recess Chapter Leader Support01:35:00.000 - 10:30:56 AM; Supported the bill, focusing on recess provisions. Highlighted research supporting play-based learning and unstructured recess for executive functioning, social-emotional skills, and attention. Noted decreasing opportunities for play due to screens and academic pressures, leading to behavior issues. Stressed that recess should not be withheld punitively, especially for students with IEPs, and should remain screen-free except for accommodations. Clarified recess as unstructured complement to structured PE. Addressed concerns about recess under threat from academic demands and suggested adding IEP exceptions.
SB578: Deborah Howes, President, American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire Oppose01:49:33.420 - 10:45:29 AM; Supported recess and play-based learning concepts backed by research but opposed the bill due to deficiencies. Raised concerns about increased supervision needs for extended recess to K-8, potential conflicts and bullying without funding for staff. Noted schedule rearrangements could cut electives or interventions, unrealistic 60-day effective date for curriculum changes and training. Called for comprehensive stakeholder discussions on assessment, accountability, and system redesign rather than piecemeal legislation. Suggested ITL (inexpedient to legislate) to avoid harm.
SB578: Associate Director, Playworks New England, Henniker Resident Support01:55:00.000 - 10:50:56 AM; Focused support on recess portions. Shared observations of recess removal as punishment affecting entire classes or students with challenges like ADHD, negatively impacting school day. Referenced past testimony on a student benefiting from recess leadership role. Noted frequent indoor recess screen use despite bans. Highlighted national trends of reduced recess time (15-20 minutes average) and past eliminations in districts like Providence and Chicago. Emphasized need to protect recess to address behavior and learning.
SB578: Recess Advocate (Reader of Research from LINK Project and Dr. Ramstetter) Support02:04:33.420 - 11:00:29 AM; Provided information on recess research from LINK Project at Texas Christian University and Dr. Ramstetter of AAP. Clarified NH rules allow recess as instructional time without specifics on amount. Cited studies showing benefits of recess timing on academics and cortisol levels. Challenged implementation barriers, advocating for action on agreed needs like protected recess. Addressed bill wording issues on recess in PE curriculum, suggesting edits for clarity. Read AAP statements on recess complementing PE for cognitive, social benefits and memory consolidation. Stressed shared responsibility for children's activity and policy to ensure success.
SB578: Melissa White, Division Director for Learner Support, Department of Education Information Only02:10:00.000 - 11:05:56 AM; Responded to question on play-based learning expansion to grades K-3. Noted 2018 statute focused on kindergarten play-based requirements. Highlighted bill's provisions for guided reading and unstructured discovery time in literacy development.
SB578: Melissa White, Division Director for Learner Support, Department of Education Information Only02:10:00.000 - 11:05:56 AM; Continued discussion on integrating recess into the physical education curriculum, suggesting placement in relevant sections of RSA 189:25 for consistency. Questioned the 60-day implementation timeline, recommending a longer period like a year for curriculum changes. Advised against codifying recess separately and suggested focusing on clarifying unstructured recess time versus play-based learning opportunities without conflating issues.
SB578: Representative Selick Information Only02:19:33.420 - 11:15:29 AM; Proposed an interim study to separate strands like play-based learning for K-3 and recess components for better clarification, avoiding conflation of unrelated issues.
SB507: Senator Keith Murphy, District 16 (Goffstown, Hooksett, Manchester, Raymond, Candia) Support03:20:09.876 - 12:16:05 PM; Described an incident where a teacher was assaulted by a student with behavioral issues, and the school could not afford expulsion due to costs. Original bill aimed to limit district liability, but amended to a study committee after concerns about federal law and fairness to special needs students. Expressed willingness to serve on the committee and requested passage.
SB507: Brian Hawkins, New Hampshire Education Association Support03:35:09.876 - 12:31:05 PM; Urged extending the study timeline or allowing flexibility into the second year of the session for thorough analysis, referencing the 2019 SB 141 bipartisan committee on similar issues that led to follow-up legislation. Offered to participate and provide witnesses for concrete suggestions.
SB507: Jerry Pruse, Associate Executive Director, School Administrators Association Support03:35:09.876 - 12:31:05 PM; Confirmed the issue is widespread, citing incidents including one resulting in permanent disability for a staff member. Advocated for a commission over a committee to include experts like special education directors for insights on flexibilities, tools for districts, and out-of-district placement options.
SB574: Claire Rulillard, Senate Liaison Information Only04:07:40.131 - 1:03:36 PM; Introduced the bill on behalf of Senator Ines to study SAU efficiency and structure.
SB574: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Support04:07:40.131 - 1:03:36 PM; Supported the bipartisan bill, highlighting diverse SAU structures in her district including cooperatives, single-town SAUs, and separations. Referenced the prior SAU Consolidation Study Committee's reports proposing reduction from 107 to 12 SAUs, noting trends of separation over consolidation. Suggested studying reasons for non-consolidation, values driving decisions, and resources from other states and organizations like New America. Recommended defining commission tasks to include cost analysis at all government levels and impacts on student outcomes and education quality. Noted small SAUs are less cost-effective and thorough study could address education costs and property taxes.
SB574: Representative Hope Damon, Sullivan District 8 Support04:22:40.131 - 1:18:36 PM; In response to a question about representation in the proposed commission, Representative Damon emphasizes the need for broader representation to reflect the diversity of SAUs across the state, including superintendents and school board members from different sized and structured districts. She suggests increasing the numbers for better adequacy and including representatives from principals, who would be impacted by consolidation. She appreciates the commission format for including non-legislative members.
SB574: Jerry Frew, New Hampshire School Administrators Association Information Only04:22:40.131 - 1:18:36 PM; Jerry Frew supports studying SAU operations and consolidation, noting differences between large cooperative districts and smaller ones. He points out that nothing in current law prevents consolidation, but historical dissolutions stem from communities feeling unrepresented. He advocates for examining educational, community, property value, and student achievement impacts. In response to questions, he suggests a longer timeline than November 1, 2026, for thorough investigation, emphasizing doing the job right. He agrees on needing perspectives from principals and school board members and more regional representation to capture diverse needs across the state's 107 SAUs.

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