Legislative Action

12/14/2024: NEA-NH Legislative Update

New Legislature Sworn In – New Majority Priorities Clear So Let’s Get Ready!  New Leadership in Senate  The new state Legislature was sworn in on December 4th. Senator Sharon Carson is the new Senate President and Representative Sherm Packard is returning as Speaker of the House. We also know that Senator Regina Birdsell is the new Senate leader for Republicans and Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka will lead Senate Democrats. In the House, Representative Jason Osborne is returning as Majority Leader for the Republicans and Representative Alexis Simpson has been picked as Minority Leader for the Democrats.  Committee Assignments  While we […]

A white sign held in front of the Legislative Office Building reads: Support Our Public Schools"

11/16/24: NEA-NH Legislative Update

Contact the Legislative Rules Committee: These Rules Ignore Educator Concerns The Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) will take a second look at the entire overhaul proposal of the Minimum Standards for Public School Approval (also known as the 306 rules) on Thursday, November 21st, after having delayed a vote on the first half the State Board of Education’s proposal back in September. As a reminder, the 306 Rules are the rules and regulations that govern the minimum requirements to be a public school in New Hampshire. The entire set of rules govern everything including class sizes, facility requirements, […]

September 14, 2024: NEA-NH Legislative Update

New Laws Taking Effect Now – Make sure you know what changes are coming!  The legislature may not be in session, but things are still happening. To wrap up this past year we have assembled a list of legislation that was signed into law that directly affects public education, educators, and students.   Please look at the list which is organized by category and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out by e-mailing me at bhawkins@nhnea.org.  State Board of Education Minimum Standards Overhaul Headed to Legislative Rules Committee  Next week the Joint Legislative Committee on Rules, will […]

AFT-NH and NEA-NH Leaders React to State Board Vote on 306 Rules Revision Proposal that Could Undermine Strong Standards for NH Public Schools

CONCORD, N.H.— Today, the New Hampshire State Board of Education pushed forward their final proposal for the first part of the Minimum Standards for Public School Approval, otherwise known as the “306 Rules,” subject to edits made to the document during the meeting. The next step for the 306 rules is a review by the Joint Legislative Committee on Rules on September 10.    After the vote, public education leaders released the following statements: “Public schools are the great equalizer – and the 306 Rules are intended to hold our state to that. Educators fought for a seat at the table […]

PRESS RELEASE: Sununu Signs Rural and Underserved Area Educator Incentive Program into Law 

CONCORD, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 1079, which as amended includes the contents of SB 217-FN as passed by the House. 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 undeserved areas, as amended, it creates a similar incentive program and sets aside $1 with the goal of receiving an appropriation in the next state budget. Student debt assistance and additional support for early career educators is one recommendation contained in a legislative report issued last year that […]

PRESS RELEASE: Sununu Signs HB 1205, Blocks Access to School Sports for Students

CONCORD, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 1205, which bans transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams in grades 5-12 and requires all girls to show a birth certificate – or “other evidence” – to be eligible to play. This law is effective 30-days after signature, so it will be in effect for the 2024-25 school year.  Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement in response: “Public schools should be safe, welcoming environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Shame on Governor Sununu for signing into law this legislation that […]