Revision: June 14, 2021, 3:38 p.m.
Committee of Conference
June 14, 2021
2021-1957-CofC
11/04
Committee of Conference Report on SB 147-FN, adopting omnibus legislation relative to student aid, the central registry, transportation of students, and special education costs.
Recommendation:
That the Senate recede from its position of nonconcurrence with the House amendment, and concur with the House amendment, and
That the Senate and House adopt the following new amendment to the bill as amended by the House, and pass the bill as so amended:
Amend the bill by replacing Part I with the following:
PART I
Relative to filing an application for federal student aid.
1 New Section; Graduation Requirements; Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Amend RSA 193 by inserting after section 26 the following new section:
193:26-a Graduation Requirements; Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
I. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, each student who is at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, who is otherwise eligible to graduate from high school, or the parent of such a student who is under the age of 18 years, as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma from a public high school, shall either:
(a) File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid with the United States Department of Education; or
(b) File a waiver on a form created by the state board of education with the student's school district indicating that the parent or guardian or, if applicable, the student, understands what the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is and has chosen not to file an application
II. Each school district with a high school shall provide to each high school student and, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian, any support or assistance necessary to comply with paragraph I. A school district shall award a high school diploma to a student who is unable to meet the requirements of paragraph I if the student has met all other graduation requirements and the principal attests that the school district has made a good faith effort to assist the student or, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian in filing an application or a waiver.
2 New Paragraph; State Board of Education; Rulemaking Authority. Amend RSA 186:8 by inserting after paragraph VIII the following new paragraph:
IX. Implementing the provisions of RSA 193:26-a.
3 New Subparagraph; Delivery of an Adequate Education. Amend RSA 193-E:3, I by inserting after subparagraph (n) the following new subparagraph:
(o) The number and percentage of graduating high school students provided in-person school assistance in completing a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) form.
I. Sections 1-2 of Part I of this act shall take effect July 1, 2023.
II. The remainder of Part I of this act shall take effect upon its passage.
Amend RSA 186-D:2 as inserted by section 5 of Part IV of the bill by replacing it with the following:
186-D:2 Risk Management Association. No fewer than 5 school districts, by resolution of their governing bodies and upon an affirmative vote of the inhabitants of each of the districts, may form an RSA 5-B special education cost recovery association under the laws of this state to develop and administer a risk management program for the purpose of recovering unanticipated costs of special education. The members of the association may agree to pool self-insurance reserves, risks, claims, losses, and the expenses of administrative services associated with them. Each district shall be represented by its superintendent, or designee. The members of the association shall elect a governing board from among the members. The RSA 5-B special education cost recovery association governing board shall consist of no fewer than 5 member superintendents, or designees, with diversity in terms of district size and geographic region represented. Each board member shall serve one 3-year term and may only serve one term in each 9 year period. The chairperson of the governing board shall be chosen by the board. Minutes of each meeting shall be kept and made available to the public. There shall be one 2-week period annually, to be decided by the governing board, when new districts shall be allowed to join the association.
The signatures below attest to the authenticity of this Report on SB 147-FN, adopting omnibus legislation relative to student aid, the central registry, transportation of students, and special education costs.
Conferees on the Part of the Senate Conferees on the Part of the House
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Sen. Ward, Dist. 8 Rep. Ladd, Graf. 4
_________________________________________ _______________________________________
Sen. Hennessey, Dist. 1 Rep. Cordelli, Carr. 4
_________________________________________ _______________________________________
Sen. Kahn, Dist. 10 Rep. Hill, Merr. 3
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Rep. Layon, Rock. 6