HB 1795-FN - AS INTRODUCED
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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.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:
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.
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.
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,
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
5 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2027.
26-3068
12/16/25
HB 1795-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT requiring criminal history record checks for the renewal of teaching licenses.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is unable to complete a fiscal note for this bill as it is awaiting information from the Department of Education. The Department was initially contacted on 11/17/25 for a fiscal note worksheet, with follow-up contact made on 12/5/25. When completed, the fiscal note will be forwarded to the House Clerk's Office.
The Department of Safety states this bill is not expected to have any impact on its budget.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Education and Department of Safety
Dec. 17, 2025: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Education Policy and Administration HJ 1