HB 1121 defines the specific resources required to calculate the cost of an adequate education in New Hampshire. It mandates that the state include certain personnel and materials - such as teachers, counselors, nurses, instructional supplies, technology, facility maintenance, and transportation - in its funding calculations. This bill directly affects how the state determines the necessary resources for public schools to meet educational standards. The definition applies to all public school funding decisions under RSA 193-E:2-a, requiring the state to formally account for these elements when assessing educational costs. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.
HB 1635 modifies New Hampshire school suicide prevention training requirements by requiring all school faculty, staff, and contracted personnel to complete suicide awareness training within 30 days of hire and every two years thereafter (replacing the prior annual requirement). The training must cover youth suicide risk factors, warning signs, response procedures, referrals, and community resources, and may use existing professional development programs or self-training materials. School districts determine how to administer the training, including whether it applies to volunteers per district policy. The bill takes effect September 1, 2026.
HB 1815 defines what constitutes an "adequate education" for New Hampshire public schools by specifying 11 required learning areas: English/language arts, math, science, social studies (including Holocaust education), arts, world languages, health/wellness, physical education, technology/engineering, personal finance, and computer science. It directly affects all public elementary and secondary schools in New Hampshire by mandating these subjects as core components of the state's definition of adequate education. The bill revises state law to replace previous standards with this detailed list of required content areas. It does not address funding mechanisms or budget allocations, focusing solely on curriculum requirements.
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.
HB 1826 increases New Hampshire's per-pupil funding rate for public schools starting in 2027, raising the base cost from $4,100 to $4,438 per student. It also adjusts differentiated aid for specific student groups: increasing free/reduced lunch support from $2,300 to $2,441 per qualifying student, English language learners from $800 to $866, and special education services from $2,100 to $3,203 per student. This bill directly affects all public school districts in New Hampshire, particularly those serving students who qualify for these targeted supports. The fiscal note estimates it will increase state education spending by approximately $27 million annually starting in fiscal year 2028, primarily through the Education Trust Fund.
HB 1799 defines what constitutes a "constitutionally adequate education" in New Hampshire, requiring the state to fund specific resources to ensure all students have access to quality education regardless of location. The bill mandates funding for key staff (teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses), instructional materials, technology, facilities maintenance, and transportation starting in 2026. It directs school districts and the state to develop plans addressing educational outcome disparities between districts. This directly affects public school districts and the state's education budget, shifting responsibility to cover these defined costs rather than relying solely on local property taxes.
HB 1791 directs New Hampshire's Department of Education to create a competitive grant program for public colleges and universities. The program provides funding to institutions that develop comprehensive support services for students with developmental disabilities, ensuring equal access to academic courses, campus life, and employment opportunities. To qualify, institutions must offer peer mentoring, remove unnecessary admission barriers (like requiring high school diplomas or specific college entrance exams), and provide monthly progress coaching. The bill appropriates state funds to support this initiative, aiming to expand inclusive higher education options for this population.
HB 1716 requires students in New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program to demonstrate academic progress through one of three methods: taking standardized tests (national or state), or maintaining a portfolio evaluated by a certified teacher using a Department of Education-developed rubric. The bill directs the Department of Education's Division of Learner Support to create and publish this rubric annually, then compile data from all student reports to analyze academic proficiency rates. This data must include metrics like graduation rates, grade level, gender, race, and aid categories. The bill does not provide new funding but estimates annual costs of $300,000-$350,000 for staff and system upgrades to implement the reporting and analysis requirements.
HB 1596 raises New Hampshire's cigarette and little cigar tax from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack of 20, increasing revenue for state funds. It appropriates $18 million annually to New Hampshire's university system to restore higher education funding to 2024 levels. The bill also stops collecting premiums for two health programs: the Children's Health Insurance Program and the NH Granite Advantage health care program. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, with tobacco tax revenue funding the university appropriation and education trust fund.
