Legislative Update Report

Legislative Update: A Look at the Year Ahead and Getting Ready to Defend Public Education 

Awaiting Language of Bills  As the year comes to a close, all the bills have been filed but we are awaiting the publishing of language and the bills the Senate is able to keep confidential for the time being. However, with more than 1,000 bills expected to be filed we do know what most of the issues will be just based on the title published. Around 150 of those bills fall into some category of education policy or finance. Here are some of the biggest volume areas:  Vouchers  Our biggest challenge this year is likely to be the drive to […]

A photo of the New Hampshire State House dome.

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 […]

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 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 […]

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

June 15, 2024: NEA-NH Legislative Update

2024 Legislative Session Ends with the Defeat of Final Voucher Expansion Bill On the final day of the 2024 legislative session, the New Hampshire House defeated HB 1665 by a vote of 168 -185. This legislation would have expanded the unaccountable private school voucher scheme by lifting the eligibility threshold to enter the program from 350% to 425% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This was a compromise between the Senate position of expansion to 400% of FPL and the House position of expansion to 500% of FPL. As negotiated, the compromise version of this bill would have more than […]