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.
This bill requires New Hampshire public school districts to create and post online policies about classroom materials and establish procedures for parents to file complaints about materials they believe are inappropriate for students. The process mandates written complaints, investigations within 10 school days, written responses within 15 days, and detailed justifications for decisions. School boards must review appeals and make all decisions and communications public records, with all requirements to be implemented by November 1, 2026. The bill directly affects school districts, school boards, parents, and students by creating a standardized process for addressing concerns about educational materials.
HB 675 increases the statewide education property tax revenue cap to $773 million for 2025 and requires municipalities to remit excess tax collections to the state education trust fund. It limits school district spending growth on non-facilities expenses by tying annual appropriations to the 3-year average Consumer Price Index (CPI), with stricter rules after 2027. The bill also raises the base per-pupil adequacy cost from $4,100 to $7,356 and mandates annual reporting of district spending to the Department of Education. These changes directly affect school districts and municipalities managing education funding, effective July 1, 2025. (Note: The bill’s title mentioning "central office expenses" does not align with the actual provisions; this summary reflects the actual tax and spending mechanisms described in the bill text.)
SB 204 requires New Hampshire school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students from households earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty level during school hours. It reimburses schools at 50% of the difference between federal free meal rates and paid/reduced rates, with local districts covering the remaining 50%. The bill appropriates $500,000 to help districts implement online applications for meal eligibility and covers administrative costs for the Department of Education. This directly affects public school districts and low-income students, expanding meal access while establishing a new online application process for qualifying families.
HB 665 expands eligibility for free school meals in New Hampshire to students from households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (approximately $93,600 annually for a family of four), raising the current threshold. This change directly affects all public school students in qualifying households, including those previously eligible only for reduced-price meals. The bill requires school districts to provide at least one free meal daily to these students, funded entirely through the Education Trust Fund without new state positions. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and aligns New Hampshire’s program with broader federal income guidelines for school nutrition assistance.
HB 295 makes funds allocated for New Hampshire's school building aid program nonlapsing, meaning unused money won't expire or return to the state treasury at year-end. This directly affects school districts and chartered public schools that receive these funds for building projects. The key provision changes the funding status under RSA 198:15-a, ensuring aid can carry over to future years if not spent in the current fiscal period. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, providing more stable long-term funding for school construction needs.
HB 651 increases the base cost of an adequate education per student from $4,100 to $7,356.01 and raises differential aid amounts for specific student groups: free or reduced-price meal eligible students by $1,733.28 (to $4,126.20), English language learners by $602.88 (to $1,435.20), and students with special education needs by $1,582.56 (to $3,767.40). The bill also expands the definition of an adequate education to include additional resource elements like teacher benefits, technology, and facility maintenance. This change, effective July 1, 2025, will require higher state funding for school districts, charter schools, and education freedom accounts, with an estimated $576 million increase for school districts in fiscal year 2026.
