Education (School Choice)

HB 1512 allows New Hampshire towns, cities, or municipalities to hold a local vote (referendum) to block residents from receiving education freedom account vouchers. If voters approve the "no" option in the referendum, eligible residents in that municipality would lose access to these state-funded education vouchers. The bill creates a formal process requiring municipalities to follow procedures similar to those for town meetings (RSA 40) when conducting such votes. This policy change directly affects residents in municipalities that choose to hold the referendum, with the vote outcome determining voucher eligibility starting July 1, 2026.

HB 1803 prohibits students from receiving both education tax credit scholarships (under RSA 77-G:2) and education freedom account funds (under RSA 194-F:2) in the same program year. This directly affects students currently using or eligible for both programs, requiring them to choose one funding source per year. The bill also removes an additional $2,036 grant for the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) when students in either program enroll part-time, shifting tuition responsibility to families. These changes aim to prevent duplicate funding and adjust state payments for specific school enrollments.

HB 1334 repeals a section of New Hampshire law (RSA 194-F:2, II(o)) that previously gave the Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) scholarship organization authority to approve certain educational expenses for scholarship recipients. This bill removes the organization's decision-making power over which expenses - such as textbooks, supplies, or fees - qualify for EFA scholarships. The change shifts this authority away from the scholarship organization and directly to the legal framework governing EFA programs. The bill takes effect upon passage and does not alter scholarship eligibility or funding amounts.

HB 1774 requires New Hampshire to participate in a federal tax credit for donations to scholarship organizations and creates a state list of qualifying groups. It prohibits state financial aid for college programs that don't meet federal earnings standards, defined by outcomes like job placement and wages above 150% of the federal poverty level. This affects public colleges, universities, and students enrolled in programs deemed "low-earning outcome" under federal criteria. The law aims to redirect state funding toward academic programs with stronger job prospects for graduates.

HB 1834 sets a fixed enrollment cap of 10,000 students for New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, instead of allowing the cap to increase to 12,500 under current law. This directly affects families applying for EFA funds to cover private school costs and participating private schools. The bill freezes the cap until 2028, requiring any future increase only if enrollment exceeds 90% of the prior year's cap. The fiscal note estimates this change would save approximately $6.3 million in state spending for fiscal year 2027 by limiting enrollment to 11,250 students instead of 12,500. The bill does not alter eligibility rules or funding per student.