HB 748 establishes a Local Education Freedom Account (LEFA) program that allows parents of eligible students in participating school districts to receive grants from approved scholarship organizations for educational expenses. Eligible students include those attending public or charter schools, kindergarten students, or those receiving home education, who are aged 5-20 and not high school graduates. The program provides grants equal to twice the standard per-pupil education funding (approximately $8,531 for base aid), which can be used for tuition, textbooks, tutoring, transportation, online learning, and educational therapies. School districts must adopt the program through a 3/5 majority vote at a school meeting, and participating students remain counted in their district's enrollment for funding purposes.
SB 491 allows New Hampshire students receiving Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds to use those funds for career and technical education (CTE) programs. It amends state education laws to require the Department of Education to establish separate funding formulas for CTE tuition and transportation costs, and clarifies that EFA grant recipients in grades 9-12 can enroll in CTE programs using their EFA funds. The bill also mandates scholarship organizations to provide students with information about CTE enrollment opportunities. This change takes effect July 1, 2027, and does not require new state revenue or appropriations.
HB 1819 requires the New Hampshire State Board of Education to annually review all education freedom account (EFA) service providers for compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination laws. It mandates these providers to develop policies mirroring those required of school districts under RSA 193:39. The bill directly affects EFA service providers managing education savings accounts, requiring them to maintain anti-discrimination policies and undergo yearly compliance checks. This adds a formal annual review process to ensure providers meet legal standards, with no new state costs as administrative tasks will be handled by existing scholarship organizations under current contracts.
SB 407 appropriates $300 per full-time, in-state eligible student enrolled in New Hampshire's university system starting in fiscal year 2027, to reduce in-state tuition costs. It applies to students who qualify for in-state tuition rates and requires annual calculation of eligible students on October 1. The total annual appropriation is capped at $5.4 million, with funds drawn from the General Fund and non-lapsing (carrying over if unused). This bill directly affects in-state undergraduate students at the University System of New Hampshire by providing state funding to lower their tuition expenses.
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 1513 requires the scholarship organization managing New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account program to provide detailed, public transparency reports. It mandates that the organization publish annual data on account expenses by category and education provider within 45 business days of fund release, in a standard sortable electronic format on its website - without personally identifiable information. The bill also requires the organization to provide requested data to oversight bodies (like the legislative committee and Department of Education) within 45 business days and ensures all qualifying educational expenses are accessible. This directly affects the scholarship organization administering the program, adding specific reporting obligations to enhance public accountability.
HB 1820 shifts administration of New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program from scholarship organizations to the Department of Education. It requires the Department to directly transfer funds to parents for qualifying education expenses (like tuition, materials, or tutoring) for eligible students, replacing the previous system where scholarship organizations managed distributions. Parents must apply through the Department, agree to educational requirements (including assessments or portfolio reviews), and use funds only for approved expenses. Unused EFA funds roll over annually but revert to the education trust fund if not used by graduation or after misuse. This bill directly affects parents of K-12 students participating in the EFA program.
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 1401 expands the definition of "scholarship organization" for New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) to include for-profit entities approved by the Department of Education. This change directly affects families using EFAs, as it allows for-profit organizations - not just non-profits - to administer and implement the program. The key provision amends RSA 194-F:1 by adding "a qualified entity approved by the department of education" to the definition of eligible scholarship organizations. The bill does not alter eligibility for EFA funds but changes who can manage the scholarship distribution process. It takes effect 60 days after passage.
