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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 […]

PRESS RELEASE: Sununu Signs HB 1312, Dramatically Expands Curriculum Notice Requirement 

CONCORD, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 1312, which dramatically – and vaguely – expands New Hampshire’s current 2-week notice requirement for “objectionable materials” to include any curriculum related to sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. This law contains vague language as to how an educator may respond to a student who shares a concern with them at school and creates yet another unworkable standard that leaves educators wondering what course material could apply to the notice requirements that traditionally had been focused on sex education and health classes.   Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided […]

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 […]