NH 2008 Legislative Session

Bills of interest to Homeschoolers

last updated 9/23/08 at 12:00 PM


Notices

SB337 resulted in the creation of a Commission to Examine New Hampshire's Home Education Statutes. Its activities are tracked here.

HB1167 resulted in the formation of a Committee to Study the Truancy Laws. Its activities are tracked here.

HB1489, a bill prohibiting the start of public school until after Labor Day, was referred to the House Education Committee for interim study. Its activities are tracked here.

You can find out more about the legislative process here.

What's new at this site

Bills that have become law

Bills that did not pass the legislature

  • bills voted ITL

  • bills laid on the table

  • bills with non-concurrence

  • bills referred for interim study

Bills that have been vetoed

List of LSR's

Useful links

All the bills listed here address issues that have in the past affected homeschoolers in this state or in other states, or have the potential to affect homeschoolers here in NH.

  • Click on the issue for an analysis (where available).
  • Click on the bill number to see the current text of the bill
  • If I am tracking the bill closely, click on the text "Bill tracked".
  • Click on "Legislative History" to see more detail about actions taken on the bill.
  • Bills are color coded:
Red - impacts large number of homeschoolers
Fuschia - impacts a subgroup of homeschoolers
Aqua - of interest of homeschoolers
Yellow - scheduled legislative action

Obviously, one person alone cannot track all these bills. I would be indebted to anyone who passes along information, or who takes on the task of tracking particular bills. If you notice any errors or glaring omissions, please contact me.

Chris Hamilton
beaverlodgehs at charter.net
(603) 673-0189

Bills that have become law

Issue Last updated
Bill number and title Summary Status
Home education law 9/8/08
SB337-FN- (New Title) relative to notification requirements for home education programs, adding legislative members to the home education advisory council, and establishing a commission to examine New Hampshire’s home education statutes.
relative to home education of children.

Bill tracked here

Commission tracked here

This bill amends the notification requirements for commencing or continuing a home education program, adds legislative members to the home education advisory council, and establishes a commission to examine New Hampshire’s home education statutes.


This bill makes various changes to the notification requirements for parents involved in a home education program. The bill also includes home educated pupils in the calculation of the average daily membership in residence. 		Legislative history
  • 7/7/08 - signed by governor
  • 7/7/08 - bill takes effect

Commission's activities
Compulsory attendance, dropouts, expulsions 9/8/08
HB1161 - (New Title) establishing a committee to study the truancy laws.
relative to the definition of truancy.

Study committee tracked here 		(New Title) establishing a committee to study the truancy laws.
This bill reduces the number of unexcused absences necessary to constitute truancy and changes the ages of children who are subject to the truancy statutes.		 Legislative history
  • 6/24/08 - signed by governor
  • 6/24/08 -bill takes effect

Study committee's activities
SB415 - relative to the effective date of the compulsory school attendance law. This bill amends the effective date of HB 87 of the 2007 legislative session relative to compulsory school attendance by providing that on June 30, 2009, the age of compulsory school attendance shall be raised from 16 to 18 years of age. Legislative history
  • 6/3/08 - signed by governor
  • 6/3/08 - bill takes effect
Educational alternatives, charter schools 1/7/08
Access to public schools 9/8/08 No bills were introduced.
Vouchers, abatements, tax credits 9/8/08 No bills were introduced.
Special education 9/8/08
HB1166 - relative to rate setting for interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing. This bill provides that a qualified interpreter shall be reimbursed by the appointing authority at a fixed rate reflecting the most recent fee schedule approved by the department of education, bureau of vocational rehabilitation Legislative history
  • 5/6/08 - Signed by governor
  • 7/4/08 - bill takes effect
Driver's education 9/8/08
HB211 -  requiring that first-time driver's license applicants be informed of and examined on laws relating to blind pedestrians. This bill requires the department of safety to inform licensees of laws relating to blind pedestrians and to examine first-time driver’s license applicants on such laws.
This bill requires that first-time driver's license applicants be informed of and examined on laws relating to blind pedestrians. 		Legislative history
  • 5/12/08 – governor signs bill
  • 7/11/08 - bill takes effect
HB1235 - relative to motorist duties when approaching highway emergencies. This bill requires drivers to give wide berth to emergency road service vehicles when approaching highway emergencies. Legislative history
  • 6/6/08 – governor signs bill
  • 8/5/08 - bill takes effect
HB1236- relative to motor vehicle laws. This bill makes a variety of changes in the motor vehicle laws. This bill was requested by the department of safety.

One provision allows for on-line renewal of driver’s licenses. 		Legislative history
  • 6/27/08 – governor signs bill
  • 6/27/08 - Section 11 of bill takes effect
  • 8/26/08 - remainder of bill takes effect (including on-line renewal)
HB1596-FN-L - (2nd New Title) relative to fees charged by the motor vehicle division.
relative to fees charged by the motor vehicle division.		 This bill changes certain motor vehicle fees and permits the commissioner of safety to waive the fee for certified copies of registrations, licenses, and driving records under certain circumstances. The bill requires suspension of the driver’s license, driving privileges, plates, and motor vehicle registration for failure to register as a sex offender and establishes fees for restoration of such license or driving privileges and motor vehicle registration. Legislative history
  • 7/11/08 - governor signs bill
  • 9/9/08 - bill takes effect
SB429 - relative to driver education courses in other states. This bill modifies the circumstances under which a person completing a driver education course in another state may be issued a driver's license
This bill eliminates the requirement that the commissioner of education determine that a driver education course in another state is equivalent to a New Hampshire course in order for persons taking the course to be issued New Hampshire licenses. 		Legislative history
  • 7/7/08 - governor signs bill
  • 9/5/08 - bill takes effect
College access 9/8/08 No bills were passed
Child labor laws 9/8/08 No bills were introduced
Early childhood 9/8/08
HB1299 - establishing a commission to study the feasibility of creating a preschool incentive fund program. This bill establishes a commission to study the feasibility of creating a preschool incentive fund program. Legislative history
  • 6/27/08 – signed by governor
  • 6/27/08 - bill effective
School improvement 9/8/08
HB330 - establishing a task force to study the feasibility of supplying laptop computers to all 7th grade children in the state. This bill establishes a task force to study the feasibility of supplying laptop computers to all 7th grade children in the state. Legislative history
  • 6/24/08 - governor signs bill
  • 6/24/08 - bill effective
HB1171 - establishing a commission to study air quality issues in public school buildings.

This bill establishes a commission to study air quality issues in public school buildings.

  Legislative history
  • 6/24/08 - signed by governor
  • 6/24/08 bill effective

Commission's activities
HB1282 - amending the pre-engineering technology curriculum.

This bill requires the department of education to facilitate the development and implementation of a pre-engineering technology curriculum for public school students in grades 6-12.

  Legislative history
  • 6/24/08 - signed by governor
  • 8/23/08 - bill effective
HB1330 - relative to the process for nonrenewal of teacher contracts.

This bill changes the procedures for nonrenewal of a teacher contract.

  Legislative history
  • 6/24/08 - signed by governor
  • 8/23/08 - bill effective
SB359 - updating the health curriculum requirements for public school students and requiring the state board of education to provide for procedures through which students may be excused from course requirements relating to health and sex education on religious grounds without penalty. This bill updates the health education curriculum to include instruction on the effects of alcohol and other drugs, child abuse, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and sexually transmitted diseases on the human system. The bill also requires a school district to adopt a policy allowing an exception to a particular unit of health or sex education instruction based on religious objections, provided such policy includes a provision for alternative learning sufficient to enable the child to meet state requirements for health education.  Legislative history
  • 6/24/08 - signed by governor
  • 8/23/08 - bill effective

Also mentioned under "Parental rights"
School funding 9/8/08
HB1446 - relative to changes to the school building aid statutes and to the schoolhouses statutes.

This bill:
I. Makes changes to the process for proration of funds for school building aid grants.
II. Transfers authority over questions on the location of school buildings from the county commissioners to the state board of education.
III. Requires the school building authority to work with the state board of education on matters concerning school facilities.
IV. Is a request of the department of education.

  Legislative history
  • 6/27/08 - signed by governor
  • 8/26/08 - bill effective
HB1509 - relative to games of chance.

This bill:
I. Raises the limit on a single wager by a player.
II. Directs moneys from certain games of chance to the general fund.
III. Limits the amount of payback in certain games of chance.
IV. Authorizes the pari-mutuel commission to adopt rules regarding game operator fees.
V. Establishes 3 internal auditor III positions and one supervisor IV position in the pari-mutuel commission.

  Legislative history
  • 6/27/08 - signed by governor
  • Section 5 effective as provided in Section 7
  • remainder effective 7/1/08
Claremont 1/7/08 No bills were passed
Teacher certification 9/8/08 No bills were introduced
Child Protection Act, DCYF, custody 1/7/08
HB1289 - relative to court-ordered placements for a child in need of services and relative to permanency hearings in juvenile cases.

This bill:
I. Provides that children in need of services who are found in contempt of court may be placed in home detention or in a shelter care facility. The bill removes the option in current law for placement at the youth development center in such cases.

II. Provides that if the parent or parent and minor have not complied with the dispositional order in a delinquency case or child in need of services case, the court may adopt a permanency plan other than reunification for the minor.

This bill is a request of the department of health and human services.

  Legislative history
  • 6/16/08 - signed by governor
  • 8/15/08 - bill effective
Parental rights 9/8/08
HB1386 - relative to a grandparent’s rights to access court and case records involving a grandchild in child abuse and neglect cases.

This bill expands the rights of grandparents to have access to court and case records involving grandchildren in child abuse and neglect cases.

  Legislative history
  • 6/26/08 - signed by governor
  • 1/1/09 - bill effective
SB359 - updating the health curriculum requirements for public school students and requiring the state board of education to provide for procedures through which students may be excused from course requirements relating to health and sex education on religious grounds without penalty.  This bill updates the health education curriculum to include instruction on the effects of alcohol and other drugs, child abuse, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and sexually transmitted diseases on the human system. The bill also requires a school district to adopt a policy allowing an exception to a particular unit of health or sex education instruction based on religious objections, provided such policy includes a provision for alternative learning sufficient to enable the child to meet state requirements for health education.  Legislative history
  • 6/24/08 - signed by governor
  • 8/23/08 - bill effective

Also mentioned under "School improvement"
SB363 - requiring youth operators and passengers of OHRVs and snowmobiles to wear approved protective headgear.  This bill requires operators and passengers of OHRVs and snowmobiles under the age of 18 to wear eye protection and prpotective headgear which meets the specifications of FMVSS 218.  Legislative history
  • 7/7/08 - signed by governor
  • 1/1/09 - bill effective
SB444 - relative to settlements on behalf of minors and judgments and decrees in favor of minors.  This bill requires approval of certain settlements on behalf of minors and judgments and decrees in favor of minors by the superior or district court in which the action is pending.

This bill was requested by the supreme court.
  Legislative history
  • 5/21/08 - signed by governor
  • 5/21/08 - bill effective
Citizens and government 1/7/08
HB1408 - relative to the right-to-know law. This bill clarifies the manner in which the right-to-know law applies to both governmental records kept in electronic form and electronic communication used to transact governmental business.

This bill also clarifies communications outside a meeting for the purposes of RSA 91-A.		  Legislative history
  • 7/2/08 - signed by governor
  • Section 8 effective as provided in Section 9
  • 7/1/08 - remainder effective
Miscellaneous 9/8/08
HB537-FN-L - establishing a task force on homeless teenagers. This bill establishes a task force to study the issue of homeless teenagers. Legislative history
  • 6/27/08 - governor signs bill
  • 6/27/08 - bill effective

Task force activities
HB901 - relative to requirements for non-driver identification cards. This bill specifies materials that the department of safety shall accept in order to issue a non-driver identification card. This bill also requires the issuance of a nondriver’s picture identification card to certain prison inmates upon release. Legislative history
  • 6/27/08 - signed by governor
  • 8/26/08 - bill effective
HB1239 - relative to the legislative youth advisory council.  This bill clarifies certain procedures of the legislative youth advisory council.  Legislative history
  • 5/12/08 - signed by governor
  • 7/11/08 - bill effective

Activities of the council
HB1422 - establishing a commission on the prevention of childhood obesity.  This bill establishes a commission on the prevention of childhood obesity.  Legislative history
  • 6/16/08 - signed by governor
  • 6/16/08 - bill effective

Commission activities

Bills that did not pass the legislature

Issue Last updated
Bill number and title Summary Status
Home education law 9/8/08 No bills failed to pass
Compulsory attendance, dropouts, expulsions 9/8/08
HB1489 - prohibiting the start of public school until after Labor Day. This bill provides that the school year shall commence after Labor Day. Legislative history
  • 4/11/08 - referred to House Education Committee for study

Interim study activities
Educational alternatives, charter schools 9/8/08
HB752-FN - relative to per pupil funding for charter school pupils. This bill specifies that, for each pupil, a charter school shall receive the greater of the inflation-adjusted tuition rate or the per pupil amount received for a public school pupil by the school district in the municipality in which the charter school pupil resides. Legislative history
  • 1/23/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1164- relative to the counting of charter school pupils in the definition of average daily membership in residence. This bill requires that pupils electing to attend an approved charter school be included in the average daily membership in residence of the district in which they legally reside. The bill also excludes charter school pupils for whom the state pays tuition directly to the charter school from the definition of average daily membership in residence Legislative history
  • 4/11/08 - referred to House Education Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Interim study activities
SB339-FN-A - relative to per pupil funding for charter school pupils. This bill requires that funding for a pupil enrolled in a charter or open enrollment school in another district shall be directed to the charter or open enrollment school. The bill also provides that a charter school may provide special education and related services, at-risk programs, and vocational, career, technical, and other alternative educational programs upon approval of its charter. Legislative history
  • 3/13/08 – referred to Senate Education Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Interim study activities
SB340-FN-A-L - requiring a transportation stipend for charter school pupils. This bill provides an additional $400 per pupil for transportation costs for pupils attending a state-approved charter school. Legislative history
  • 2/14//08 – Senate voted ITL on a voice vote 
SB343-FN - (New Title) making school building aid grants available to charter schools as reimbursement for annual lease costs.
authorizing charter schools to apply for and receive school building aid. 		 This bill:

I. Makes school building aid grants available to eligible charter schools approved by the state board of education as reimbursement for annual lease costs.

II. Directs the department of education to make a payment no later than August 31, 2008 to an eligible charter school for lease costs incurred in the 2008-2009 school year.

III. Grants an exception to the filing deadline for eligible charter schools approved by the state board of education seeking reimbursement of lease costs in the 2009 fiscal year. 		Legislative history
  • 3/20/08 - Senate tabled bill on a voice vote
Access to public schools 9/8/08 No bills were introduced.
Vouchers, abatements, tax credits 9/8/08 No bills were introduced.
Special education 9/8/08
HB1602-FN - relative to dependent health insurance coverage. This bill repeals the law relative to insurance coverage for those persons less than 26 years of age and replaces it with insurance coverage for persons less than 18 years of age. See “College access” for bill status (ITL)
SB362 - relative to the responsibility for providing a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities. This bill provides that only a parent or legal guardian shall determine whether a child may attend a charter school.

This bill is a request of the department of education.		 Legislative history
  • 3/13/08 – Senate refers to Senate Education Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Interim study activities
Driver's education 9/8/08
HB1162 - relative to supervised driving time by persons completing driver education. This bill increases the hours of supervised driving time required to complete driver education and adds a requirement that 10 of those hours be at night. Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House votes to ITL on a voice vote 
HB1222 - prohibiting writing a text message while driving. This prohibits writing a text message and using 2 hands to type on or operate an electronic or telecommunications device while driving except under circumstances specified in the bill. Legislative history
  • 5/15/08 – Senate votes to table bill
HB1496-FN - establishing motor vehicle learners’ permits and relative to youth operators’ licenses. This bill requires learners’ permits for persons learning to drive and modifies certain restrictions on youth operators. Legislative history
  • 5/8/08 – Senate refers to Senate Transportation Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Interim study activities
HB1497-FN - requiring proof of motor vehicle liability insurance prior to selling a motor vehicle to a person under 21 years of age. This bill requires proof of motor vehicle liability insurance prior to selling a motor vehicle to a person under 21 years of age. Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
College access 9/8/08
HB181 – establishing a tuition voucher program for New Hampshire national guard members and making an appropriation therefor. This bill establishes a tuition voucher program for New Hampshire national guard members to attend degree or certificate programs at state postsecondary institutions. The bill makes an appropriation for purposes of this program. This bill was requested by the committee to study state programs for national guard members established by 2006, 66 (SB 344). Legislative history
  • 1/2/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB502-FN-A-L - (New Title) extending Medicaid coverage through age 20 to individuals who were foster children and are attending postsecondary school.

allowing foster families to receive subsidies for foster children attending postsecondary educational facilities and establishing a scholarship fund for foster children. 		This bill redefines which juveniles may be able to receive public medical assistance.

This bill also establishes a study committee to study the state of Washington program, and other state programs, that extend foster care and support services to certain juveniles and the feasibility of extending healthcare benefits for children over 21 years old and certain children over 17 years old.

This bill requires the commissioner of the department of health and human services to adopt rules authorizing continuing foster care and support services to youths in state-supervised foster care when they reach majority while they are enrolled in a postsecondary educational program. This bill also establishes a foster care scholarship endowment for foster children. 		Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House sends bill to Finance Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Interim study activities
HB861-FN - allowing certain active duty members of the United States armed forces and their dependents to attend public postsecondary institutions at the in-state resident tuition rate. This bill allows active duty members and dependents of active duty members of the United States armed forces who are stationed in New Hampshire or living in New Hampshire with duty stations in contiguous states to attend public postsecondary institutions at the in-state resident tuition rate. Legislative history
  • 1/2/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB887-FN - allowing certain members of the United States armed forces, including the reserve component, and veterans who qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill, to take courses tuition free at public postsecondary institutions. This bill allows members of the United States armed forces, including the reserve component, and veterans who qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill, to take courses tuition free at public postsecondary institutions. Legislative history
  • 1/2/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB1211 - relative to postsecondary career courses approved by the postsecondary education commission. This bill requires the postsecondary education commission to:
I. Review the curriculum of licensed postsecondary career schools to determine that the education and training offered is adequate to qualify a student for entry-level employment in the student’s chosen field; and
II. Submit a report on the employment status of graduates of licensed private postsecondary career schools. 		Legislative history
  • 2/6/08 - House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB1261 - establishing a commission to investigate a program in which senior year of high school may be spent at a community college. This bill establishes a commission to study the feasibility of allowing high school students to spend their senior year attending community college. Legislative history
  • 5/15/08 - Senate votes ITL on a  voice vote
HB1281 - (New Title) prohibiting public schools from requiring health insurance as a condition of enrollment except if health insurance is a requirement of the student’s program of study.

This bill prohibits institutions within the university system and the community college system of New Hampshire from requiring a student to purchase health insurance as a condition of enrollment, except if health insurance is a requirement of the student’s program of study.

  Legislative history
  • 5/15/08 - Senate voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1298 - making changes to the veterinary/medical/optometric education program. This bill adds dental education programs to the existing veterinary/medical/optometric education program, and provides that students who actively practice for at least 10 years in New Hampshire in the profession for which the student was educated shall be forgiven any remaining repayment obligation under the program. Legislative history
  • 5/14/08 - Senate votes ITL on a voice vote
HB1602 - relative to dependent health insurance coverage. This bill repeals the law relative to insurance coverage for those persons less than 26 years of age and replaces it with insurance coverage for persons less than 18 years of age. Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
Also mentioned under “Special education”
HB1616 - relative to financial aid for students losing aid due to registering to vote. This bill provides that a student attending a school within the university or community college systems of New Hampshire, who loses financial aid as a result of registering to vote in New Hampshire, may have the amount of such aid credited to their account upon furnishing satisfactory evidence of such loss to the financial aid office of the school he or she is attending. Legislative history
  • 2/6/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
Child labor laws 9/8/08 No bills were introduced
Early childhood 9/8/08
SB365 - relative to testing for lead toxicity in children 4 years of age or younger. This bill requires all health care providers conducting annual medical assessments of children 4 years of age or younger to include testing for lead toxicity. Legislative history
  • 4/16/08 - House votes ITL on a voice vote
School improvement 9/8/08
HB79 - relative to the safety of school bus stops This bill requires a superintendent, upon the request of a parent, to review the safety of a school bus stop location. Legislative history
  • 1/2/08 – House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1146 - relative to immunity for school personnel using necessary force to protect pupils.

This bill provides civil and criminal immunity for good faith acts or omissions performed by teachers or persons otherwise entrusted with the care or supervision of a pupil.

 Legislative history
  • 3/18/08 - House voted ITL 190-132
HB1169 - relative to parental approval of a student’s participation in human sexuality instruction in public schools. This bill requires a school district to obtain the written consent of a parent or guardian prior to providing human sexuality instruction to a pupil. Legislative history
  • 2/6/08 - House voted ITL 221-82
See also “Parental rights” 
HB1261 - establishing a commission to investigate a program in which senior year of high school may be spent at a community college. This bill establishes a commission to study the feasibility of allowing high school students to spend their senior year attending community college. Legislative history
  • 5/15/08 - Senate votes ITL on a voice vote
Also mentioned in “College access”
HB1285 - relative to organization of or withdrawal from a school administrative unit.  This bill changes the voting margin required to organize, reorganize, or withdraw from a school administrative unit.  Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1328 - relative to disciplining school employees.  This bill requires that all school employees receive due process protections as part of any disciplinary action.  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1336 - requiring the department of education to develop a plan to educate school personnel to recognize stress-related issues in children whose parents have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

This bill requires the state board of education to develop a plan to educate school personnel to recognize stress-related issues in children whose parents have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

 Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1390 - relative to educational improvement and accountability.

This bill integrates elements of the department of education’s Follow the Child initiative into the statewide education improvement and assessment program. The bill also revises the procedure for determining whether a school or school district is meeting statewide performance targets.

Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote

Also mentioned in “Claremont” 
HB1435 - requiring certain food programs to comply with Centers for Disease Control/Institute of Medicine standards.

This bill implement procedures for the sale of food and beverages in public schools.

  Legislative history
  • 5/15/08 - Senate voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1482 - requiring schools and school libraries to install Internet filters.

This bill requires public schools and school libraries to install Internet filtering software.

  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1483 - requiring instruction in Internet safety.

This bill provides that instruction on the safe and appropriate use of the Internet shall be provided to all pupils in the public schools of the state.

  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted to table the bill 151-142
HB1504 - directing New Hampshire to withdraw from the No Child Left Behind Act.

This bill provides that effective July 1, 2009, the state of New Hampshire shall cease its compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

 Legislative history
  • 2/6/08 - House voted ITL 226-74
School funding 9/8/08
CACR14 - state aid to public schools cannot decrease unless the number of students decreases. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution provides that total state aid to public education cannot decrease unless there is a decrease in the number of students attending the public school system. Legislative history
  • 1/16/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB145 - establishing an education funding study committee. This bill establishes an education funding study committee. Legislative history
  • 1/2/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB352 - relative to trust funds for public school educational enhancement. This bill permits school districts to establish a trust fund to accept private funds to enhance public education. Legislative history
  • 5/14/08 – Senate refers to Senate Education Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Interim study activities
HB789-FN-A-L - providing supplemental education grants for certain school districts. This bill provides supplemental education grants to eligible school districts and makes an appropriation to the supplemental education grant fund. Legislative history
  • 1/16/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB888-FN-A - relative to instructional and operational costs of providing an adequate education. This bill provides that the state shall fund certain educational costs related to instruction including classroom teachers, classroom textbooks and materials, professional development, building aid, technical resources, and the state's share of special education costs. Legislative history
  • 1/16/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
Also mentioned under "Claremont"
HB1593 - establishing a flat rate education income tax and relative to the statewide enhanced education tax and certain other taxes.

This bill establishes a flat rate education income tax.

This bill establishes a rate of $5.50 per $1,000 for the statewide enhanced education tax under RSA 76:3 and establishes a homestead exemption against the statewide enhanced education tax, and a program for abatement of excessive property taxes.

This bill also repeals the interest and dividends tax and the business enterprise tax, and reduces the rate of the business profits tax.

  Legislative history
  • 2/6/08 - House votes 170-134 to table the bill
Claremont 9/8/08
CACR2 - the supreme court shall determine the constitutionality of judicial acts and the legislature shall determine the constitutionality of legislative acts. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution defines judicial and legislative acts as they are defined in the case of Merrill v. Sherburne 1 N.H. 199 (1818), and provides that the supreme court shall have final authority on the constitutionality of judicial acts and the general court shall have final authority on the constitutionality of legislative acts. Legislative history
  • 1/21/08 - House votes ITL 228-104
CACR6 - Providing that: the state may meet its funding obligations under Article 83 by providing aid only to those communities that, in the reasonable judgment of the general court, are in need of such aid. This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution provides that the state may meet its funding obligations under Article 83 by providing aid only to those communities that, in the reasonable judgment of the legislature, are in need of such aid. Legislative history
  • 1/23/08 - House votes ITL 192-98
CACR21 - relating to local public education. Providing that the local political subdivision responsible for public education shall have the power to determine curriculum, set standards, and determine funding, and that the legislature may provide supplemental funding.

This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution provides that the local subdivision responsible for public education shall have the power to determine curriculum, set standards, and determine funding, and that the legislature may provide supplemental funding.

  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House votes ITL 215-91
CACR29 - relating to education. Providing that the recognition of local control of education in the New Hampshire constitution is reestablished.

This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution reestablishes the recognition of local control of education in the New Hampshire constitution.

  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House votes ITL 214-94
HB578-FN - providing a definition of an adequate education and establishing an adequacy board. This bill outlines the components of an adequate education and provides for funding based on average teacher salaries and established teacher-pupil ratios. This bill also establishes an adequacy board to collect teacher salary information to determine adequate education funding. Legislative history
  • 1/2/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB778-FN-A-L - relative to a preeminent scholastic educational foundation. This bill defines preeminent scholastic educational foundation. This bill also repeals the statewide enhanced education tax and the distribution of adequation education grants. Legislative history
  • 1/16/08 – House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB888-FN-A - relative to instructional and operational costs of providing an adequate education. This bill provides that the state shall fund certain educational costs related to instruction including classroom teachers, classroom textbooks and materials, professional development, building aid, technical resources, and the state's share of special education costs. Legislative history
  • 1/16/08 - House votes ITL on a voice vote
also mentioned in "School funding"
HB1224 - relative to the definition of an adequate education.

This bill amends the definition of an adequate education to apply to grades one through 12.

  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House votes ITL 197-110
HB1390 - relative to educational improvement and accountability.

This bill integrates elements of the department of education’s Follow the Child initiative into the statewide education improvement and assessment program. The bill also revises the procedure for determining whether a school or school district is meeting statewide performance targets.

Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House votes ITL on a voice vote
Also mentioned under “School improvement”
Teacher certification 9/8/08 No bills were introduced
Child Protection Act, DCYF, custody 9/8/08
HB1148 - relative to enforcement of parenting plans. 

This bill provides that the court may use any appropriate remedy that is used to enforce child support orders to enforce parenting plans, including the child’s visitation schedule.

  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1184 - relative to religious practices of children placed outside the home pursuant to RSA 169-C.

This bill provides that, if a child is placed outside the home in an abuse or neglect proceeding, the court shall arrange for the child to continue the child’s religious practice or that of the child’s family, including any related education, dietary requirements, and medical treatment, unless such practices present an imminent danger to the life of the child.

Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House voted ITL 174-60

Also mentioned under “Parental rights”
HB1188 - relative to grounds for modification of parental rights and responsibilities.

This bill permits modification of an order for parental rights and responsibilities every 3 years without the need to show a substantial change of circumstances.

 Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House votes to send bill to House Children and Family Law Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Study committee activities
HB1189 - relative to the development and enforcement of the parenting plan.

This bill establishes special procedures in cases when the parents’ relationship is particularly acrimonious. In such cases, the court may require an evaluation by a qualified psychologist or may require that a neutral third party supervise the scheduled transfer of the child from one parent to the other.

  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1383 - adopting the uniform child abduction prevention act.

This bill adopts the uniform child abduction prevention act. Under the act, the court may order certain abduction prevention measures in a child-custody proceeding if the court finds that the there is a credible risk of abduction of the child.

  Legislative history
  • 3/18/08 - House refers bill to House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Study committee activities
HB1490 - adopting the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act.

This bill repeals the uniform child custody jurisdiction act and replaces it with the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act.

  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House referred bill to House Children and Family Law Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Study committee activities
Parental rights 1/7/08
CACR23 - the State shall not abridge the right of parents to control the welfare and education of their children.

This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution prohibits the State from abridging the right of parents to control the welfare and education of their children.

  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL 222-103
HB304 - relative to the criteria under which guardianship over a minor is granted. This bill provides that the court shall not grant guardianship that results in a change of legal residence for purposes of school attendance unless the court finds that the parents are unfit to care for the child. Legislative history
  • 1/17/08 - Senate voted ITL on a voice vote
HB463 - relative to the awarding parental rights and responsibilities to a stepparent or grandparent. This bill removes the reference to awarding parental rights and responsibilities to a stepparent or grandparent in a proceeding under RSA 461-A. Legislative history
  • 1/17/08 - Senate voted ITL on a voice vote
HB584-FN - (New Title) including 17-year olds in the juvenile justice system.
raising the age of minority for juvenile delinquency proceedings from 17 to 18 years of age. 		This bill changes the age of minority for the purpose of juvenile delinquency proceedings from 17 to 18. Legislative history
  • 1/2/08 - House voted OTP/AM 248-93
  • 3/18/08 - House voted to refer bill to House Finance Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Study committee activities
HB1169 - relative to parental approval of a student’s participation in human sexuality instruction in public schools. This bill requires a school district to obtain the written consent of a parent or guardian prior to providing human sexuality instruction to a pupil. Legislative history
  • 2/6/08 - House voted ITL 221-82
See also “School improvement” 
HB1184 - relative to religious practices of children placed outside the home pursuant to RSA 169-C.

This bill provides that, if a child is placed outside the home in an abuse or neglect proceeding, the court shall arrange for the child to continue the child’s religious practice or that of the child’s family, including any related education, dietary requirements, and medical treatment, unless such practices present an imminent danger to the life of the child.

Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House voted ITL 174-60

Also mentioned under “DCYF”
HB1291 - requiring persons under 18 years of age to wear ski helmets.

This bill requires persons under 18 years of age to wear ski helmets while skiing or snowboarding.

  Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1380 - relative to the procedure for amending a birth record.  This bill provides that, if a parent’s name has been on the birth record for a year or more, the name shall not be removed without the parent’s consent.  Legislative history
  • 2/13/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1495 - relative to parental notification.

This bill restores the parental notification law and adds a medical emergency exception to such law. The bill also affords the pregnant minor 24-hour access to a judge for waiver of notification.

 Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House voted ITL 190-128
HB1498 - relative to notification of a parent or guardian by medical professionals when treating a minor.

This bill prohibits any person from providing or performing any medical procedure, including dentistry, upon any unemancipated minor without written notification to a parent or guardian, except in a medical emergency. A minor may seek court approval for such a procedure, if the minor does not wish to notify the parent or guardian. Any person who violates such a law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

  Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House voted ITL 207-111
HB1517 - relative to parental consent for abortions.

This bill prohibits any physician from performing an abortion on any unemancipated minor less than 18 years of age without the consent of the minor and the consent of both parents except in certain circumstances. The consent requirement may be waived upon petition by the minor if the court finds the minor to be mature and well-informed enough to make her own decision or that the abortion would be in her best interests. The bill creates an exception for medical emergencies and establishes penalties for violations of the law.

  Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House votes ITL 211-109
SB302 - relative to parental notification.  This bill restores the parental notification law and adds a medial emergency exception to such law. The bill also affords the pregnant minor 24-hour access to a judge for waiver of notification.  Legislative history
  • 3/20/08 - Senate votes to table the bill on a voice vote
SB389 - relative to privileged communications between health care providers and minor children. This bill provides that confidential communications betwen a physician, nurse, or mental health practitioner and a minor child are privileged.
  Legislative history
  • 4/30/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
Citizens and government 1/7/08
CACR22 - the senate shall consist of 36 members.  

This constitutional amendment concurrent resolution provides that the senate shall consist of 36 members.

  Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House voted ITL 202-87
HB1183 - relative to meeting with legal counsel under the right-to-know law. This bill clarifies meetings with legal counsel under the right-to-know law.  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1272 - relative to “meetings” under the right-to-know law.  This bill requires bodies or agencies to hold nonpublic sessions under the right-to-know law for the purposes of strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining and consultation with legal counsel.  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1359 - relative to fees for public records.  This bill clarifies the fees which may be charged for viewing public records on the Internet.  Legislative history
  • 3/18/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1392 - relative to prohibited activities of lobbyists.  This bill prohibits lobbyists from engaging in certain activities. Violations are a misdemeanor for a natural person or a felony for any other person.  Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
HB1464 - relative to the availability of proposed amendments to bills and resolutions.  This bill requires that proposed amendments to bills and resolutions before house and senate committees shall be available to the public on the general court Internet site.  Legislative history
  • 4/11/08 - House voted to refer bill to the House Legislative Administration Committee for interim study on a voice vote

Study committee activities
HB1543 - relative to the citizen’s petition for redress of grievances by the legislature.  This bill establishes a procedure for a member of the legislature to introduce a citizen’s petition for redress of grievances.  Legislative history
  • 3/12/08 - House voted ITl 221-106
Miscellaneous 9/8/08
HB373 - relative to unlawful possession of alcohol by a minor. This bill changes the prohibition on intoxication by a minor to a prohibition on consumption of any alcoholic beverage by a minor. This bill also directs the proceeds of sales of forfeited alcoholic beverages to the municipality in which the offense was committed. Legislative history
  • 5/15/08 - Senate voted to table the bill 17-7
HB432 - relative to certain on-premises beverage and liquor licenses.
relative to age requirements for cocktail lounges

This bill establishes a minimum seating ratio for restaurants operating cocktail lounges and modifies the food sales required for the exemption from the 50 percent food sales requirement. This bill also requires liquor commission approval for live entertainment and standing and seating capacity in cocktail lounges.

This bill raises the minimum age at which a person may be in a cocktail lounge without a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse from 18 to 21. 		Legislative history
  • 5/21/08 - Senate refuses request for committee of conference, bill dies
HB656-FN - relative to the issuance of identification cards to individuals who lack the ability to obtain a nondriver's picture identification card. This bill establishes special identification cards for individuals who lack the ability to obtain a nondriver's picture identification card. Legislative history
  • 1/2/08 – House voted ITL on an voice vote
HB1133 - relative to the age of majority for purposes of pornography-related offenses.  This bill raises the age of majority for pornography-related offenses from 16 to 18.  Legislative history
  • 5/8/08 - Senate votes to table the bill on a voice vote
HB1481 - relative to identification of registered sex offenders on the state website.  This bill requires that information regarding all sexual offenders and offenders against children be made available to the public on the department of safety’s website. The bill also repeals a provision of the registration law which required that only information on offenders against children would be made publicly available on the department’s website.  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House votes ITL on a voice vote
HB1553 - banning sales of cigarettes through vending machines and banning the distribution of free samples of tobacco products. This bill bans sales of cigarettes through vending machines and bans the distribution of free samples of tobacco products.  Legislative history
  • 3/5/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
SB356 - prohibiting offenders from participating in or being a spectator at certain activities or events. This bill prohibits any person who is required to be registered as an offiender against children from participatingin or being a spectator at any activity or even organized principally for the participation of children under 13 years of age. Legislative history
  • 4/16/08 - House voted ITL on a voice vote
SB428 - relative to ethical standards for volunteers in the executive branch.  This bill provides for a revised ethical standard for volunteer public service under the executive branch code of ethics.  Legislative history
  • 1/2/08 - Senate voted to table the bill on a voice vote

 

Bills that have been vetoed

No bills were vetoed.


List of LSR's that may affect home education

LSR's are the first public notice in the creation of a bill. The deadline for Senate members to sign off on the language that will appear when the bill is presented to the legislature (and to the public) was 1/17/07; for House members it was 1/19/07. As the language became available, the site was updated to refer to the bills.


Useful Links

Lists of committee members Quick Bill Search
Who's my legislator?
Tips for writing to your state legislator.
Tips for phoning your state legislator.
A primer on the legislative process
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Search for LSR's
House bill intro list
Senate bill intro list
Visit the CHENH website and click on "Legislative Updates" for more news.
Visit the NH School Boards Association website for more news.
Visit the NH Center for School Reform for more news about charter schools.
Visit GeneralCourt.org , the NH Liberty Alliance site that tracks NH legislation.
Visit the list of 2008 bills tracked by the DOE