modifying the state average expenditure per pupil relative to students in special education.
HB 1557 modifies how New Hampshire allocates state aid for special education costs. It lowers the threshold requiring state aid from 3.5 times the state average per-pupil expenditure to 1.5 times, making it easier for school districts to qualify for assistance. The bill removes the requirement to proportionally reduce funding if state funds are insufficient, ensuring districts receive at least 80% of their entitled aid. This change affects school districts serving students with special needs, redistributing existing funding without new state expenditures.
Bill status
failed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Dec 10, 2025
Last action Feb 19, 2026
Floor votes · House Feb 19, 2026
How they voted
96–97
Passed · 30 other
Total votes 223
Feb 19, 2026
D
Democratic107
90% Nay
I
Independent2
50% Yea
R
Republican114
83% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Feb 19, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (96-97-30)
house
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Minority Committee Report: Ought to Pass
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
Majority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/06/2026 (Vote 10-8; RC) HC 7 P. 25
lower
Jan 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Full Committee Work Session: 01/28/2026 10:00 am GP 234
lower
Dec 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Education Funding HJ 1 P. 25
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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