Week Re-Cap: So-Called “Parental Rights” Kicked to June 5; Senate Sends Subpoena and Youth Risk Behavior Survey Opt-In Bills to Governor
This week, the House special ordered SB 72, one of two versions of the so-called “parent bill of rights” to their next session day, which is scheduled for June 5. The Senate will be taking up the House version of that same legislative initiative, HB 10, on the same day.
In addition, this week the Senate passed two bills that are not only unnecessary but could set our profession and our students back; those bills will next go to Governor Ayotte for final action. Please take five minutes today to call the Governor’s office and urge her to veto HB 520 and HB 446 – 603-271-2121!
HB 520 – NH Department of Education Subpoenas in Educator Code of Conduct Cases
HB 520 passed the Senate on a party line vote. This unnecessary legislation would allow the New Hampshire Department of Education to request a subpoena when investigating possible violations of the Educator Code of Conduct. Our biggest concern with this legislation has to do with the ever-expanding use of the Code of Conduct for matters beyond its original purpose: setting a high standard for proper conduct with students and the school community for New Hampshire’s public-school educators. We are also concerned that this tool could be used as a tool for culture war fishing expeditions. Now that HB 520 has passed both chambers of the Legislature, it will go to Governor Ayotte’s desk for final action.
HB 446 – Changing Youth Risk Behavior Survey to Opt-In
HB 446 also passed the Senate on a party line vote. This bill would change the Youth Risk Behavior Survey from an opt-out to an opt-in; it is unnecessary because there is already an opt out provision in current law, which is available to any parent who does not want their child to take the survey.
Educators know this anonymous, optional survey helps identify important trends in youth mental health, substance use, and more so that the state can create effective prevention programs. But HB 446 would greatly reduce participation in this survey, which would make gathering useful insights from results impossible and could harm New Hampshire youth. Now that HB 446 has passed both chambers of the Legislature, it will go to Governor Ayotte’s desk for final action.
HB 90, HB 235, and HB 324 – More Bills Awaiting Delivery to Governor Ayotte
In case you missed it, last week we let you know that three anti-public education bills would soon be going to Governor Ayotte’s desk for her action.
- HB 90: Permitting unlicensed part-time teachers in classrooms and undermining the quality of public education
- HB 235: Expanding the Educator Code of Conduct to include an unknown set of responsibilities to parents, not just students, as it does under current law.
- HB 324: A book ban bill that would criminalize teachers, school librarians, and even school board members.
The timeline for that process is undefined, but if you haven’t already asked the Governor to veto these bills, please do so as soon as possible by calling 603-271-2121. You can also email Governor Ayotte directly using our online form!
Next Week: Big Budget Decisions Expected from Senate Finance Committee
Next week, the Senate Finance Committee will finish their work on the Senate version of the state budget. Some of the biggest decisions have yet to be made, including:
- What state aid formula will the Senate use to support our local public schools?
- Will the Senate divert public funds from public schools to cover private school costs for wealthy families under a universal voucher scheme?
- Will the Senate increase support for special education like the Governor did in her budget – and will they put its funding back in the Education Trust Fund where it belongs?
While we don’t yet know the answers to these questions, we know that Granite Staters have the power to influence the Senate’s decisions. If you haven’t already, sign our petition to tell lawmakers that public dollars belong in public schools! And, if you’re ready to take the next action, call your state senator and urge them to prioritize public education funding in the state budget!
Next Week: Full House Vote on Bell-to-Bell Ban on Cellphones
The House Education Policy Commitee has recommended SB 206 with an amendment that would strengthen and clarify the bill requiring school districts to have a policy around cellphone use in schools. The amendment meets some of the core principles we urged the Legislature to address in a state law around cellphones in schools:
- Prohibiting use throughout the school day, or “bell-to-bell”
- Allow for exceptions to be granted for medical, disability or language proficiency needs
- Requiring those exceptions be addressed at the administration level (not class to class)
- Ensuring school policies are developed in collaboration with educators and parents
The bill will now head to the floor of the House at their next session on June 5th. If you’re tired of being the cellphone police in your classroom and believe we need a minimum set of standards to ensure our students maximize their academic and social time at school, please join NEA-New Hampshire in calling on state lawmakers to support SB 206.
Questions?
If you have questions on any of these bills or ones not mentioned here, please feel free to contact Brian Hawkins, NEA-NH Director of Government Relations at bhawkins@nhnea.org.
Need help signing in on legislation? Follow these comprehensive instructions (details for public hearings are contained in each action request).
For House bills:
1. Visit this link: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx
2. Enter your personal information
3. Select the hearing date
4. Select the committee
5. Choose the bill
6. I am – A member of the public
7. Choose who you are representing – Myself
8. Indicate your position on this bill
9. Upload remote testimony (Optional)
10. Review information and click submit
For Senate bills:
1. Go to https://bit.ly/3S4Cof1 and click the date that the bill you are interested in is being heard
2. Select the committee that is hearing the bill
3. Select the bill you are interested in
4. Select a category – Member of the Public
5. Indicate your position on this bill
6. Click continue
7. Enter your name and contact information
8. Click continue
9. Carefully review the information to ensure it is entered correctly. If it is correct, check the box and click continue.