Rep. Arlene Quaratiello

Maddy summaryThis bill would have prevented school districts and public schools from enforcing rules that require students or visitors to wear face coverings, such as masks, while on school property. It allows schools to keep mandatory mask policies only if they are needed for specific sports, science safety, or individualized health plans for students with disabilities. The law would have taken effect 60 days after being passed, but it was ultimately vetoed by the governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Hampshire school districts to create policies ensuring parents receive at least two weeks' advance notice before specific curriculum materials covering human sexuality, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity are used in class. It also mandates that districts make these materials available for parental review upon request and allows parents to request exceptions to specific course content if they find it objectionable, provided they arrange and pay for an alternative education plan. Additionally, the legislation prohibits schools from preventing parents from asking about their child's mental, emotional, or physical well-being, while maintaining an exception for situations where disclosure could lead to abuse or neglect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Veteran Licensing Acceleration Program to help military veterans in New Hampshire obtain professional licenses more quickly in regulated fields. It creates a dedicated administrator within the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services to provide resources, mentorship, and guidance on how military experience translates to state licensure requirements. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification issue temporary licenses within 30 days to armed forces members and their spouses who already hold valid out-of-state licenses, allowing them to work while completing local requirements. The bill also directs the state to adopt rules defining which military training counts as equivalent to professional education and includes funding to support these new initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Hampshire high schools to provide students with information and access to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Schools must offer guidance on financial aid eligibility, application deadlines, and the benefits of early submission, while also making the FAFSA form available upon request. The legislation mandates that schools handle any shared personal information in compliance with privacy laws and removes a previous requirement for schools to report on how many students completed the form.

Maddy summaryHB 1298 creates a new pathway for part-time educators to receive adjunct authorization in specific shortage subject areas. To qualify, individuals must work less than 20 hours per week, hold a relevant bachelor's degree, pass required exams, and provide proof of five years of related work experience. The bill also mandates criminal background checks for these hires and clarifies that this temporary authorization does not lead to a standard teaching certificate unless the educator completes a formal preparation program. Additionally, the law updates the professional code of ethics to explicitly include part-time teachers and excludes anyone with a revoked teaching license from eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Hampshire elementary schools to provide specific, evidence-based literacy and math instruction to every student through fifth grade. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, the law mandates that teachers follow a structured approach covering reading skills like phonics and comprehension, as well as writing, speaking, listening, and mathematics. The goal is to ensure every child receives support tailored to their individual learning needs while meeting state educational standards. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is signed into law.