Legislative Update

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, […]

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

11/8/24: NEA-NH Legislative Update – Election Results Edition 

There is no sugar coating it. The election results present challenges for educators and the future of public education. But our values don’t change based on elections. As NEA President Becky Pringle recently said, unions exist for moments like this. Today and every day we are present for our students and ready for the work ahead. Remember, we are stronger together.  Control of Congress: US Senate Flips to Republican Control; House Still to be Determined  The Presidential election results are obviously well known by everyone at this point. In the US Senate the only remaining question is how much of […]

September 27, 2024: NEA-NH Legislative Update

Legislative Rules Committee Delays Vote on First Half on Public School Minimum Standards   Last week, the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR), evaluated the State Board of Education’s Final Proposal on the first half of the minimum standards for public school approval (also known as the 306 Rules) as to whether they comply with current laws.  After only the first two people testified (with intermittent responses from the NH Department of Education), the Committee unanimously voted to put off any decision making on the first half of the rules until their November meeting when they receive the second […]

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 […]

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 […]