CHAPTER 76
HB 1795-FN - FINAL VERSION
2026 SESSION
26-3068
12/09
HOUSE BILL 1795-FN
AN ACT requiring criminal history record checks for the renewal of teaching licenses.
SPONSORS: Rep. Noble, Hills. 2; Rep. Freeman, Belk. 8; Rep. Litchfield, Rock. 32
COMMITTEE: Education Policy and Administration
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ANALYSIS
This bill requires individuals seeking renewal of a teaching credential submit a criminal history release form to the department of education as a condition of renewing their credential. The bill also adds neglect to the criminal history record check.
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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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
26-3068
12/09
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six
AN ACT requiring criminal history record checks for the renewal of teaching licenses.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
76:1 New Subparagraph; Credentialing Applicant Criminal History Records Check; Educator Definition Added. Amend RSA 189:13-c, I by inserting after subparagraph (b) the following new subparagraph:
(c) “Educator” means an individual currently holding a New Hampshire state board of education issued credential including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, school nurses, instructional specialists, and educational specialists.
76:2 New Subparagraph; Credentialing Applicant Criminal History Records Check; Educator Renewal Requirement. Amend RSA 189:13-c, III by inserting after subparagraph (b) the following new subparagraph:
(c) All educators shall submit a criminal history release form to the department of education as a condition of renewing their credential every 3 years at least 60 days prior to their credential expiration date.
76:3 Rulemaking; Educator Licensing Standards; Renewing Credential Holders Added. Amend RSA 21-N:9, II(s)(1) to read as follows:
(1) The establishment and implementation of a secure system for conducting criminal background checks pursuant to RSA 189:13-a for all first-time applicants and renewing credential holders listed in this section,
76:4 Rulemaking; Educator Licensing Standards; Neglect Added. Amend RSA 21-N:9, II(s)(3) to read as follows:
(3) The establishment and implementation of a secure system for accessing findings of abuse and neglect for individuals on the central registry pursuant to RSA 169-C:35, and other states' central registries upon approval of a memorandum of understanding by the governor and council, and
76:5 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2027.
Approved: May 18, 2026
Effective Date: July 01, 2027
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 28, 2026 | House | Hearing |
| Feb. 18, 2026 | House | Exec Session |
| Feb. 18, 2026 | House | Floor Vote |
| March 24, 2026 | Senate | Hearing |
| Senate | Floor Vote |
May 19, 2026: Signed by Governor Ayotte 05/18/2026; Chapter 76; eff. 07/01/2027
May 11, 2026: Enrolled (in recess of) 05/07/2026 HJ 12
May 11, 2026: Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/07/2026); SJ 12
April 3, 2026: Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/09/2026; SJ 8
March 24, 2026: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 04/09/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 13
March 17, 2026: Hearing: 03/24/2026, Map Room, SL, 09:15 am; SC 11
March 6, 2026: Introduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Education; SJ 6
March 5, 2026: Ought to Pass: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6
Feb. 25, 2026: Committee Report: Ought to Pass 02/18/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 9 P. 12
Feb. 25, 2026: Executive Session: 02/18/2026 10:00 am GP 232
Jan. 21, 2026: Public Hearing: 01/28/2026 10:00 am GP 232
Dec. 17, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Education Policy and Administration HJ 1 P. 36