Committee Summary for Senate Education (11/18/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB292 2025-3094s 00:10:11.839 - 9:07:32 AM	Executive Session	establishing a commission to study school administrative unit consolidation.	Ladd, Rick(R)[B+]2024
HB101 00:54:43.119 - 9:52:04 AM	Executive Session	relative to exempting certain elderly homeowners from paying property taxes.	Belcher, Mike(R)[A]2024
HB741 00:55:59.119 - 9:53:20 AM	Executive Session	allowing parents to send their children to any school district they choose.	Cordelli, Glenn(R)[A-]2024
HB208 3099s 00:57:20.160 - 9:54:41 AM	Executive Session	relative to certification requirements for school nurses.	Edwards, Jess(R)[B+]2024
HB68 00:59:35.680 - 9:56:56 AM	Executive Session	making best interest placements within the same school district mandatory in the absence of a valid reason to deny the placement.	Layon, Erica(R)[A]2024
HB676 01:00:36.240 - 9:57:57 AM	Executive Session	relative to the composition and responsibilities of the parent and education service provider advisory commission, and establishing education freedom account impact and parent satisfaction surveys.	Cordelli, Glenn(R)[A-]2024
HB431 01:01:48.240 - 9:59:09 AM	Executive Session	(New Title) establishing a commission to study the costs of special education.	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2024
HB208 01:02:40.720 - 10:00:01 AM	Executive Session	relative to certification requirements for school nurses.	Edwards, Jess(R)[B+]2024

HB292 2025-3094s: Grant Bosi, Deputy Chief of Staff, New Hampshire Senate Information Only00:10:11.839 - 9:07:32 AM; Grant Bosi explained the details of amendment 2025-3094s to House Bill 292, which addresses concerns raised by the House during a joint hearing. The amendment replaces the original bill with a solution for the Claremont School District and extends fiscal stabilization measures to all districts in severe financial crisis using existing state adequacy revolving loan funds for cash flow support. Key changes include: allowing up to 75% of a district's adequacy funding early in the year with strict reporting requirements; setting a minimum interest rate at the effective federal funds rate (currently 3.88%); prohibiting concurrent use of this loan and revenue anticipation notes; capping participation at three consecutive years; mandating extensive financial reporting to state officials; requiring referral for performance and financial audits by the joint legislative fiscal committee; placing tax cap and separate SAU budget votes on the district meeting ballot; defining default conditions with deductions from future adequacy payments; exempting resident students in participating districts from the EFA enrollment cap; and adding provisions to the state code of conduct allowing revocation of superintendent credentials for gross financial mismanagement. The program sunsets in June 2030. Bosi emphasized that this is not new money but early access to existing funds with safeguards to prevent misuse.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator (Unnamed, questioning on interest rate) Information Only00:20:55.600 - 9:18:16 AM; The senator sought clarification on page two, line 28, regarding loan conditions and the interest rate floor set at the effective federal funds rate of 3.88%, noting that other state revolving funds like the drinking water fund have lower rates around 2%. Bosi confirmed it as a floor to avoid passing costs to statewide taxpayers, acknowledging it as a policy decision for legislators.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator (Unnamed, on broadening scope) Information Only00:23:12.640 - 9:20:33 AM; The senator discussed how the amendment broadens the program beyond Claremont to all districts, changing the approval process from a school committee vote to a school district meeting ballot item under RSA 198:39-c for separate SAU budgets and RSA 325-B for tax caps. They noted safeguards like approvals from the commissioner of education, state treasurer, and fiscal committee to prevent preemptive use without an actual crisis, conveying House concerns about not singling out one district.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator (Unnamed, on EFA accountability) Information Only00:25:36.400 - 9:22:57 AM; The senator highlighted the extensive accountability measures in the amendment for the loan program, including reporting and audits, which were enthusiastically supported in prior discussions. However, they questioned the addition on page four, lines 8-9, exempting students from participating districts from the EFA enrollment cap, noting the lack of similar accountability for the EFA program funded by public dollars.
HB292 2025-3094s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:27:48.000 - 9:25:09 AM; The senator expresses concern about including the EFA program in the bill, describing it as a 'poison pill' since the bill aims to help public school districts. They question why EFA is added, noting that parents in Claremont prefer to keep their children in local schools despite financial uncertainty. The senator highlights that the program is already open but this would reopen it post-deadline for affected parents.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator Ward Information Only00:28:48.960 - 9:26:09 AM; Senator Ward thanks the presenters and references learning from Claremont as a cautionary tale, noting other struggling districts. They applaud added accountability language from Representative Lad and question the necessity of including EFA, pointing out that families could already access it but the amendment would lift the cap post-deadline for those newly aware of the crisis.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator Warden Information Only00:29:49.039 - 9:27:10 AM; Senator Warden follows up on the EFA provision, confirming it would allow parents to access the program after the deadline due to unforeseen financial crises in districts like Claremont. They inquire about appropriations, learning that EFA is net zero for the state as it redirects existing adequacy funds.
HB292 2025-3094s: Grant (Testifier) Information Only00:30:52.960 - 9:28:13 AM; Grant explains that the EFA provision, proposed by Representative Kofalt, would lift the cap to provide options for parents in districts facing sudden financial issues, using existing adequacy funds without needing extra appropriation, making it net zero for the state.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator (Unnamed) Information Only00:31:53.120 - 9:29:14 AM; The senator questions the net zero nature of EFA and confirms no extra appropriation is needed, as it shifts funds from the district to other options.
HB292 2025-3094s: Committee Chair Information Only00:31:53.120 - 9:29:14 AM; The chair calls for questions on the amendment, notes a motion to pass, and grants a two-minute caucus upon request.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator Inis Support00:37:09.520 - 9:34:30 AM; Senator Inis proposes committee amendments to lines seven and nine on page two for clarity on distributing 75% of adequacy funding to the applying district, and a cleanup to page three, line 19, changing to 'RSA: 5-B'. These ensure eligibility uses the district's own funds.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator Panchhes Oppose00:39:28.640 - 9:36:49 AM; Senator Panchhes expresses concern over the interest rate being higher than other state revolving loan funds, suggesting negotiation to lower it for struggling districts. They reluctantly accept the EFA inclusion but primarily object to the rate, planning to work on it before the floor vote to better support districts like Claremont.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator Inis (Response) Support00:42:36.880 - 9:39:57 AM; Senator Inis defends the interest rate as fair, tied to the prime rate, to avoid encouraging fiscal irresponsibility. They argue it prevents easy bailouts and could generate state income without promoting repeated misuse.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator Abs Support00:43:32.480 - 9:40:53 AM; Senator Abs praises the amendment's work to help Claremont keep schools open for children, notes bipartisan negotiation, and supports passage despite chamber support concerns, emphasizing it achieves the goal without overcomplicating.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator Pentes Support00:44:45.280 - 9:42:06 AM; Senator Pentes views the loan as advancing owed funds with interest, not a bailout, and appreciates added accountabilities as a lesson for other districts. They agree on lowering the interest rate if possible but support the amendment for statewide benefits and child-focused outcomes.
HB292 2025-3094s: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:46:34.480 - 9:43:55 AM; The senator suggests floor amendments for the interest rate with more information and notes compromise involves discomfort.
HB292 2025-3094s: Senator (Unnamed, proposing amendment) Oppose00:46:34.480 - 9:43:55 AM; The senator proposes removing the EFA provision (page three, line 36 to page four, line nine) to focus on the loan for struggling districts, warning that EFA could cause midyear enrollment exodus, making adequacy projections inaccurate per court rulings.
HB292 2025-3094s: Ken Osha (Response) Support00:48:48.319 - 9:46:09 AM; Ken Osha acknowledges the concern but notes the amendment incorporates House concerns from negotiations, urging inclusion for bicameral passage, and clarifies EFA was not raised in the October joint meeting but evolved later.
HB292 2025-3094s: Unnamed Senator (Follow-up) Support00:50:05.359 - 9:47:26 AM; The senator supports providing EFA opportunities for children and proposes funding any EFA costs from loan interest payments to address rate concerns slickly.
HB292 2025-3094s: Unnamed Senator (Prayer) Information Only00:50:05.359 - 9:47:26 AM; The senator hopes the provision is used sparingly, ideally only by Claremont, to avoid widespread fiscal malfeasance in districts, citing ongoing issues like undisclosed grant denials.
HB292 2025-3094s: Committee (Vote) Vote00:51:12.800 - 9:48:33 AM; The committee votes on the amendment: motion to accept as presented, seconded, passes 3-2. Concerns noted but majority supports.
HB292 2025-3094s: Committee Chair (Final Vote) Vote00:52:24.800 - 9:49:45 AM; The underlying bill HB 292 as amended passes 3-2, addressing school funding stabilization.
HB292 2025-3094s: Committee Chair (Next Bill) Information Only00:53:20.640 - 9:50:41 AM; The chair moves to House Bill 222 on repealing memorandum requirements for chartered public schools and special education services.
HB292 2025-3094s: Committee (HB 222 Vote) Vote00:53:20.640 - 9:50:41 AM; Motion for ought to pass on HB 222, seconded, passes 3-2-1.
HB101: Committee Chair Information Only00:54:43.119 - 9:52:04 AM; The chair calls for a motion on HB 101. A motion for inexpedient to legislate (ITL) is made and seconded. The chair notes previous work in this area, including a commission studying the issue and similar bills in both Senate and House. The chair expresses comfort in putting the bill to bed at this time, having received information on how such programs work in other states.
HB101: Senator Information Only00:55:59.119 - 9:53:20 AM; The senator supports the ITL motion, highlighting ongoing activities and booklets received on implementing such programs.
HB741: Committee Chair Information Only00:55:59.119 - 9:53:20 AM; The chair confirms the bill number and calls for motions. A motion for interim study is made and seconded, with discussion on proceeding.
HB741: Committee Member Information Only00:57:20.160 - 9:54:41 AM; The member seconds the motion for interim study and votes in favor.
HB208 3099s: Senator Oppose00:57:20.160 - 9:54:41 AM; The senator moves for ITL and seconds it. When asked to withdraw for discussion of an amendment, the senator refuses, expressing disappointment that the committee did not listen to the work done on the amendment.
HB208 3099s: Committee Member Information Only00:58:30.079 - 9:55:51 AM; The member offers to take the bill out of consent after the ITL vote fails.
HB68: Committee Member Information Only00:59:35.680 - 9:56:56 AM; The member moves for interim study on HB 68 and seconds it. The motion passes on consent.
HB676: Committee Member Information Only01:00:36.240 - 9:57:57 AM; The member moves for ITL on HB 676, which is seconded and passes on consent.
HB431: Speaker Information Only01:01:48.240 - 9:59:09 AM; The speaker moves for ITL on HB 431, which is seconded and passes on consent.
HB208: Senator Andis Information Only01:02:40.720 - 10:00:01 AM; The senator moves for interim study on HB 208. Upon receiving a letter indicating the original issue has been resolved and requesting ITL or interim study, the senator withdraws the motion to allow for ITL.
HB208: Senator Ward Oppose01:03:41.200 - 10:01:02 AM; The senator joins in supporting ITL, noting history of annual attempts to roll back school nurse certification. The senator highlights the cooperative work between the Department of Education and the school nurse association, and opposes repeal requested by one individual against institutional protections for children.
HB208: Senator Ward Information Only01:03:41.200 - 10:01:02 AM; The speaker indicates that there are no other bills to discuss and the executive session is concluded.

Ward, Ruth(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Sullivan, Victoria(V Chairman)(R)	Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2024
Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2024	Abbas, Daryl(R)[C+]2024