Education (Student Health)

SB 578 requires all public schools to provide daily recess for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, expanding current requirements. It mandates play-based learning for kindergarten through third grade and explicitly prohibits withholding recess as punishment for misbehavior or incomplete schoolwork. The bill defines recess as unstructured outdoor play (when safe), separate from physical education classes. This law applies to all public schools in the state, directly affecting K-8 students and school policies.

SB 582 increases New Hampshire's base cost for an adequate education from $4,100 to $7,356.01 per student for the 2027-2028 school year, directly affecting public schools receiving state funding. It expands the definition of "adequate education" to include specific resources like teachers, counselors, technology, and facilities maintenance. The bill requires the state to update this cost every two years using actual school data and adjusts funding formulas accordingly. The fiscal note estimates this change will cost approximately $500 million annually starting in 2028, funded through the Education Trust Fund.

HB 1507 requires all New Hampshire public schools, school administrative units, and charter schools to provide a minimum of 45 to 60 minutes of recess daily for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The bill defines recess as unstructured outdoor play (weather permitting) without electronic devices (except for students with IEPs or 504 plans), and specifies that recess time counts as separate instructional time - not deducted from physical education or lunch periods. Schools may adjust recess time only for weather, special events, or emergencies, but cannot withhold it as punishment. This policy applies to all affected schools starting July 1, 2026.

SB 517 allows New Hampshire school districts to expand free meal eligibility to 200% of the federal poverty level, raising the current standard. Districts opting into this program will receive state reimbursement covering 50% of the cost difference between free meals and reduced-price meals, with the remaining 50% covered by the school district. The bill appropriates $107,000 for administrative support and $250,000 for meal reimbursements and software to enable online application systems for free/reduced-price meals. This directly affects low-income students and school districts that choose to implement the expanded eligibility starting July 2026.

SB 584 increases state funding for students receiving special education services by adding $16,000 per student to the base education cost calculation. This change directly affects school districts and students in special education programs across New Hampshire, starting July 1, 2026. The bill modifies the formula used to determine per-pupil funding by specifying this additional amount for special education students, alongside existing adjustments for free/reduced meals and English language learners. The policy change aims to provide higher state support for these students' educational needs without altering current eligibility criteria.