Revision: Feb. 11, 2026, 10:28 a.m.
Rep. Burton, Straf. 10
February 2, 2026
2026-0449h
12/09
Amendment to HB 1791-FN-A
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT establishing an inclusive postsecondary education and career preparation pilot program for students with developmental disabilities, and making an appropriation therefor.
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Subdivision; Inclusive Postsecondary Education and Career Preparation Pilot Program. Amend RSA 188-F by inserting after section 72 the following new subdivision:
Inclusive Postsecondary Education and Career Preparation Pilot Program
188-F:73 Program Established.
I. The community college system of New Hampshire shall establish and administer the inclusive postsecondary education and career pilot program.
II. The community college system of New Hampshire through one or more of its constituent colleges shall utilize funds pursuant to RSA 188-F:74 to offer programming and support that:
(a) Provides students with developmental disabilities opportunities to pursue postsecondary education and career preparation, including access to and support for participation in campus life, social activities and organizations, institution facilities, and other institution resources available to students without developmental disabilities;
(b) Provides students with developmental disabilities support and experience necessary to seek and sustain competitive employment;
(c) Develops and promotes self-determination skills for students with developmental disabilities, including but not limited to life skills, independent skills, and vocational skills;
(d) Supports students with developmental disabilities in earning one or more meaningful credentials, and that may lead into curricular pathways for continued credential attainment; and
(e) Demonstrates engagement with stakeholders.
III. The community college system of New Hampshire shall determine best practices in its administration of the programming and services described in this section and the appropriate allocation of resources.
IV. The community college system of New Hampshire shall have sole authority to determine appropriate inclusion of students with developmental disabilities in its programs and courses and to determine the scope of appropriate supports. The community college system of New Hampshire shall not provide course enrollment or audit preference to students with developmental disabilities relative to other individuals seeking to enroll in or audit a course.
V. The community college system of New Hampshire shall issue a report to the public higher education study committee, established in RSA 187-A:28-a, on September 1, 2027, and every 6 months thereafter. The report shall include:
(a) An evaluation of the program plan and identification of best practices with the goal of promoting the development of a statewide model program plan for use by other public institutions of higher education in New Hampshire;
(b) Data detailing the number of students participating and employment data as obtained to the best of the ability of the community college system of New Hampshire;
(c) Any needs for training, technical assistance, and any other support necessary to provide for continuation of the program plan; and
(d) A strategy for sustainability or plans for sunsetting services based on available funds.
188-F:74 Program Fund Established. There is established in the office of the state treasurer a fund to be known as the inclusive postsecondary education and career preparation pilot program fund. The fund shall be administered by the community college system of New Hampshire. The fund shall be nonlapsing and continually appropriated to the community college system to support the program established in this subdivision. The community college system of New Hampshire may seek grants, donations, and other sources of individual and institutional support for the program.
2 Appropriation. The sum of $100,000 is hereby appropriated to the community college system of New Hampshire for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2028, which shall be nonlapsing and for the purpose of funding a pilot program to enhance and expand programming for students with developmental disabilities.
3 New Subparagraph; Application of Receipts; Inclusive Postsecondary Education and Career Preparation Pilot Program Fund. Amend RSA 6:12, I by inserting after subparagraph 410 the following new subparagraph:
(411) Moneys deposited in the New Hampshire inclusive postsecondary education and career preparation pilot program fund as established in RSA 188-F:74.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.
2026-0449h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes an inclusive postsecondary education and career preparation pilot program for students with developmental disabilities, the purpose of which is to increase programming and support for students with developmental disabilities within the community college system of New Hampshire. This bill also appropriates funds to the community college system of New Hampshire for the program.