Press Releases

Yesterday, HB 1353 remained on the table at the conclusion of the House Session. Having not passed by the deadline for acting on House bills not in a second committee, the bill would now require 2/3 vote to pass – which means it has effectively been defeated. This bill sought to give the New Hampshire Education Commissioner subpoena power in certain educator code of conduct cases and open more avenues for educator intimidation and abuse of power.

HB 1162 would have prohibited the state from enacting education laws that would bar public school employees from teaching the historical or current experiences of any group that is protected from discrimination and repealed the “banned concepts” law which has had a chilling effect on the delivery of honest and accurate education in our state.

The “Students’ Freedom to Read Bill” requires school boards to adopt transparent processes for addressing and resolving requests to remove materials while protecting the right of students to see themselves represented in their school libraries and media centers, regardless of gender identity, race, sexual orientation, or ability.

HB 1312 would expand the notification requirement for objectionable material beyond sex education to also include sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

One week after voting to expand income eligibility for education vouchers, the New Hampshire House of Representatives cast bipartisan votes to reject two bills that would even more dramatically expand this unaccountable program.

While the bill as filed set aside $3 million over two years to create and fund a student loan forgiveness program for educators who work in rural and underserved areas, as amended, this bill sets aside $1. The bill next goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives cast a series of mixed votes on three bills that would expand education voucher eligibility in our state.

This week, the New Hampshire House Education Committee split 10-10 on five bills that would dramatically expand our state’s voucher program.

Today, the New Hampshire Senate passed SB 374 on party lines, 14-10. The bill would create the status of a “part-time” teacher in state law and would eliminate state board of education credentialing requirements for any teacher who works less than 30 hours a week.

Today, the New Hampshire Senate voted 13-11 in support of SB 442, which would expand our state’s private school voucher program and undermine the state manifest hardship exemption. SB 442 next goes to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.