Issue · Education

Education

Every education bill, vote, and legislator stance in New Hampshire, automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

Total bills
8
2026 Regular Session
Top supporter
Peter Varney
91% support rate
Top opponent
Karen Hegner
19% support rate
Ranked legislators
10
5 support · 5 oppose
Key legislators

Who's moving education in New Hampshire

Legislators moving education in New Hampshire
Legislator Party Stance Support rate Decisive votes
Peter Varney
Peter Varney House · District Belknap 7
R
Strong +
91% 11
Bryan Morse
Bryan Morse House · District Merrimack 3
R
Strong +
90% 10
Kevin Avard
Kevin Avard Senate · District 12
R
Strong +
88% 17
Steven Smith
Steven Smith House · District Sullivan 3
R
Strong +
84% 25
Jonathan Smith
Jonathan Smith House · District Carroll 5
R
Strong +
81% 36
Karen Hegner
Karen Hegner House · District Hillsborough 41
D
Strong −
19% 27
Stephanie Payeur
Stephanie Payeur House · District Merrimack 8
D
Strong −
19% 32
Dale Swanson
Dale Swanson House · District Hillsborough 5
D
Strong −
19% 37
Catherine Sofikitis
Catherine Sofikitis House · District Hillsborough 7
D
Strong −
19% 21
Matthew Hicks
Matthew Hicks House · District Merrimack 24
D
Strong −
19% 36
Showing 8 of 8 bills

All education bills

died · New Hampshire · Senate Aug 20, 2026

SB 101: authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state.

This bill allows New Hampshire parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state, regardless of where the family lives. It removes the requirement that children attend the school assigned to their resident district and makes all public schools "open enrollment" schools. The bill requires school districts to post school capacity information online, report on transfer applications, and establish policies for student transfers. Funding for students transferring to a different district will be based on the resident district's average cost per pupil, with potential additional costs borne by parents. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.
died · New Hampshire · House Aug 20, 2026

HB 1831: repealing the education trust fund targeted aid cap.

This bill repeals a $3,750 per pupil cap on targeted education aid for municipalities with 5,000 or more average daily student enrollment (ADMR). It directly affects only the City of Manchester, which has exceeded this threshold. The change removes a longstanding restriction that limited how much additional aid cities could receive for student needs. The state estimates this will cost approximately $9 million annually starting in 2028, funded from the Education Trust Fund.
vetoed · New Hampshire · House Aug 19, 2026

HB 1610: allowing school districts to annually retain year-end unassigned general funds.

HB 1610 would allow New Hampshire school districts to retain unused general funds at the end of each fiscal year for the next year, instead of returning them to taxpayers. The bill limits retained funds to 2.5% of the district's annual property tax revenue and requires school boards to hold a public hearing before using the funds. Districts must also provide an annual public report detailing how the retained funds were spent. This change modifies existing law to give school districts ongoing flexibility for managing unanticipated expenses.
passed · New Hampshire · House May 5, 2026

HB 1832: adding students with a parent or guardian on active military duty to the education freedom accounts priority guidelines.

HB 1832 adds students with at least one parent on active military duty (with a permanent change of station in New Hampshire) to the priority eligibility list for New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). This means military-connected students who relocate to New Hampshire due to their parent's active duty orders will now qualify for priority enrollment in the EFA program, alongside existing priority groups like low-income students. The bill amends eligibility criteria in RSA 194-F:1, adding a new category (d) specifically for these military families. It takes effect 60 days after passage and has an estimated fiscal impact of $150,300 in FY 2027 for approximately 30 additional eligible students.
failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1557: 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.
failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1826: relative to the cost of an opportunity for an adequate education.

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.
failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1799: relative to required state funding for providing an opportunity for an adequate education.

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.
failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1791: directing the department of education to establish a grant program at the post-secondary educational level for individuals with developmental disabilities, and making an appropriation therefor.

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.