HB 1467-FN - AS INTRODUCED
2026 SESSION
26-3070
12/09
HOUSE BILL 1467-FN
AN ACT establishing the New Hampshire Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement program.
SPONSORS: Rep. D. Paige, Carr. 1; Rep. Moffett, Merr. 4; Rep. Cornell, Hills. 22; Sen. Carson, Dist 14
COMMITTEE: Education Policy and Administration
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ANALYSIS
This bill requires the department of education to develop the New Hampshire Seal of Civic Engagement and Excellence Program. The bill also authorizes school boards to award qualifying graduating high school students the distinction of a seal affixed to their diploma and completion of the program referenced on their transcript.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-3070
12/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT establishing the New Hampshire Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement program.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Section; Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement Program. Amend RSA 189 by inserting after section 11-d the following new section:
189:11-e Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement Program. The department of education shall establish criteria by which a school board or school administrative unit board may affix the New Hampshire state seal of civic excellence and engagement on a diploma awarded to a student graduating from high school, as defined in RSA 194:23. The seal shall signify a student who has achieved a high level of proficiency in civics education and engagement by satisfying the established criteria. The criteria shall include, but is not limited to:
I. Successful completion of social studies courses for at least 2 school years, one of which shall be a course on the United States government or civics;
II. Participation in at least one civic engagement project (such as community service), participation in student government, or involvement in a civic organization; and
III. Demonstrated proficiency in civics knowledge through a standardized assessment, portfolio of work that includes essays, projects, or presentations related to civics, or other mastery-based assessment or work.
2 New Section; Diplomas; Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement. Amend RSA 194 by inserting after section 23-f the following new section:
194:23-g Diplomas; Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement. Commencing with the classes graduating high school in 2027 and for each graduating class thereafter, a school board or school administrative unit board may affix the New Hampshire state seal of civic excellence and engagement, pursuant to RSA 189:11-e, to a diploma awarded to a student who has achieved a high level of proficiency in civics education and engagement. The school board or school administrative unit board shall include on such student's transcript a designation that the student received the New Hampshire state seal of civic excellence and engagement.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
26-3070
11/30/25
HB 1467-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT establishing the New Hampshire Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement program.
FISCAL IMPACT: This bill does not provide funding, nor does it authorize new positions.
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Estimated State Impact | ||||||
| FY 2026 | FY 2027 | FY 2028 | FY 2029 | ||
Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Revenue Fund(s) | None | |||||
Expenditures* | $0 | $81,000 | $85,000 | $89,000 | ||
Funding Source(s) | General Fund | |||||
Appropriations* | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Funding Source(s) | None | |||||
*Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill | ||||||
| ||||||
Estimated Political Subdivision Impact | ||||||
| FY 2026 | FY 2027 | FY 2028 | FY 2029 | ||
Local Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Local Expenditures | $0 | Indeterminable | ||||
METHODOLOGY:
This bill establishes the New Hampshire Seal of Civic Engagement and Excellence Program, to be developed and administered by the Department of Education. The Department states it cannot assume this responsibility with its current resources and would require one new position (SOC 23-03) to perform required duties. The position cost is estimated to be $81,000 in FY 2027, $85,000 in FY 2028, and $89,000 in FY 2029. This bill provides neither an appropriation nor authorization for new personnel. The Department adds there could be local costs incurred to implement this program, however those costs are indeterminable and would vary by district.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Education
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 12, 2026 | House | Hearing |
| Jan. 22, 2026 | House | Exec Session |
Jan. 14, 2026: Executive Session: 01/22/2026 10:00 am GP 232
Jan. 8, 2026: Public Hearing: 01/12/2026 10:00 am GP 232
Dec. 4, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Education Policy and Administration