Bill Text - HB1795 (2026)

Requiring criminal history record checks for the renewal of teaching licenses.


Revision: May 19, 2026, 10:56 a.m.

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

 

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

 

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.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.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