HB 1231 - AS INTRODUCED
2020 SESSION
20-2439
06/03
HOUSE BILL 1231
SPONSORS: Rep. Abrami, Rock. 19; Rep. Cordelli, Carr. 4
COMMITTEE: Education
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ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a commission to study approaches to allowing parents or guardians of school children to be educated as to the content of non-core topics that are periodically discussed.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
20-2439
06/03
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Purpose Statement. Mental health, suicide prevention, opioid use, and vaping are a few of the issues that are being discussed in our schools. Part of public education is ensuring that parents can understand and reinforce what is being taught to their children in school. The general court recognizes that it is important to determine the best means of informing parents and guardians of the content of non-core academic topics that are periodically discussed in the classroom or at assemblies. Parents who are informed as to what is being taught to their children can initiate a dialog and reinforce at home what the children learn in school. Topics may vary from district to district, but it is important for parents and guardians to know what the schools are teaching, and to be able to discuss those topics with their children.
2 New Section; Commission Established. Amend RSA 194 by inserting after section 194:19-a the following new section:
194:19-b Commission Established.
I. There is established a commission to study approaches to educating parents and guardians of New Hampshire school children on the content of non-core topics periodically discussed in school.
II. The members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) Four members of the house of representatives, at least 2 of whom shall be members of the house education committee, split equally between members of the majority and minority parties, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(c) The commissioner of education, or designee.
(d) Two members of the New Hampshire School Boards Association, appointed by the president of the association.
(e) Two members of the School District Governance Association of New Hampshire, appointed by the president of the association.
III. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
IV. The commission shall:
(a) Develop a list of all non-core academic topics being taught in schools.
(b) Sample a cross-section of school districts to establish the variety of ways non-core topics are being addressed and the extent to which such content is shared with parents and guardians.
(c) Address the merits of educating parents on these topics along with their children and explore all options for accomplishing this.
(d) Formulate the best means of educating parents and guardians.
(e) If appropriate, recommend legislation based on the consensus of the commission.
V. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
VI. The commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2020.
3 Repeal. RSA 194:19-b, relative to commission to study approaches to educating parents and guardians of New Hampshire school children on the content of non-core topics periodically discussed in school, is repealed.
I. Section 3 of this act shall take effect November 1, 2020.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 12, 2020 | House | Hearing |
| Feb. 26, 2020 | House | Exec Session |
| House | Floor Vote | |
| March 11, 2020 | House | Floor Vote |
March 12, 2020: Inexpedient to Legislate: MA DV 173-138 03/12/2020 HJ 8 P. 12
: Minority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2020-0567h
: Majority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate (Vote 11-9; RC)
March 11, 2020: Majority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for 03/11/2020 (Vote 11-9; RC) HC 10 P. 45
Feb. 26, 2020: Executive Session: 02/26/2020 10:00 am LOB 207
Feb. 12, 2020: Public Hearing: 02/12/2020 01:00 pm LOB 207
Jan. 8, 2020: Introduced 01/08/2020 and referred to Education HJ 1 P. 14