Education (Student Health)

passed both · New Hampshire · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SB 578: relative to play-based curriculum and limitations on recess periods for pupils.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates daily recess for K-8, requires play-based learning for K-3, and prohibits using recess as punishment, directly strengthening student well-being and educational programs in K-12 schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Student Health

Track

failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 1754: repealing the statewide use of the multi-tiered system of supports for behavioral health and wellness relative to systems of care for children's mental health.

HB 1754 repeals the statewide requirement for New Hampshire schools to use the multi-tiered system of supports for behavioral health and wellness (MTSS-B), a tiered approach to student mental health support. The bill directly affects public schools across New Hampshire by removing this mandated framework from state law. It eliminates the legal obligation under RSA 135-F:3, III(l) for schools to implement MTSS-B as part of their mental health care systems for students. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment, shifting oversight of student mental health support to local school districts.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRepeals mandated mental health framework (MTSS-B), removing state requirement for school implementation, weakening student support systems under education policy.95% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRepeals mandated mental health framework (MTSS-B) in schools, removing legal requirement for student behavioral health support systems, weakening existing mental health care structure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

Track

failed · New Hampshire · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 582: modifying the base cost of an adequate education.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases state education funding by raising base cost per student and mandating updated funding formulas, directly advancing public school budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases base education funding by 79% ($4,100 → $7,356) and expands 'adequate education' to include teachers, counselors, tech, and facilities, directly strengthening school funding mechanisms.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly includes technology as a required component of 'adequate education,' mandating state funding for tech resources in schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Student Health

Track

failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 1507: requiring schools to provide a minimum amount of time for recess per day.

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates minimum daily recess for K-6, promoting student well-being and structured play time in school day, enhancing student programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Health

Track

passed · New Hampshire · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 517: relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide meals to students during school hours, reimbursing schools for meals provided to students at no cost, and making an appropriation therefor.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $250,000 for school meal reimbursements, funding an essential public service program through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands free meal eligibility to 200% poverty level with state reimbursement, increasing student nutritional access and reducing financial barriers to education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Student Health

Track

failed · New Hampshire · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 584: increasing the amount of funding provided for students receiving special education services.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesSB 584 explicitly increases state funding for special education by $16,000 per student, advancing public education spending under budget/fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases special education funding by $16k/student, directly advancing student support in education policy95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Special Education Student Health

Track

failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 1688: expanding the circumstances where the restraint is permitted in schools and treatment facilities and modifying the definition of seclusion.

HB 1688 expands when schools and treatment facilities may use physical restraint on students, allowing it only when there is an imminent risk of bodily harm to a child or others. It modifies the definition of "seclusion" by adding a new exception: temporarily isolating a child alone to help them regain self-control (if they can leave the area and no barriers exist). The bill removes the previous requirement that restraint must address "substantial" harm, lowering the threshold to "imminent risk" of harm. Restraint must still be a last resort after other interventions fail, used only by trained staff. The bill directly affects students in schools and treatment facilities and the staff who implement these practices.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationExpands restraint use by lowering threshold from 'substantial' to 'imminent risk,' potentially increasing student restrictions85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health

Track

signed · New Hampshire · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 507: establishing a committee to study violence in schools directed at staff members and the obstacles to disciplining or expelling students in such circumstances.

SB 507 limits school districts' financial responsibility for continuing education services for students expelled due to assaulting school staff. It requires districts to cover only the average per-pupil cost for such students, rather than full educational expenses. The bill does not change expulsion rules or relieve parents of their obligation to educate their children. This applies specifically to students expelled for assault against staff and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesLimits school district spending by capping financial obligation to average per-pupil cost for expelled students, reducing government expenditure on education services.92% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill limits school districts' financial obligation for expelled students' education, reducing required spending from full per-pupil costs to average costs, directly restricting district funding responsibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding School Safety Student Health