Text to be removed highlighted in red.
1 New Subdivision; Due Process In Higher Education Commission. Amend RSA 187-A by inserting after section 29 the following new subdivision:
Due Process In Higher Education Commission
187-A:29-a Due Process In Higher Education Commission.
I. There is established a commission to study due process protections afforded to faculty members, students, and student organizations in disciplinary proceedings at public institutions of higher education within the state.
II. The members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) Two members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) Three members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(c) The chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire, or designee.
(d) The chancellor of the university system of New Hampshire, or designee.
III. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
IV. The commission shall:
(a) Review the following:
(1) Disciplinary matters involving alleged misconduct that may result in suspension, expulsion, termination of employment, or comparable major sanctions.
(2) Policies and procedures involving faculty conduct, student conduct, and conduct related to recognized student organizations, not including matters involving routine academic evaluation, grading disputes, minor code-of-conduct violations, or informal disciplinary actions.
(b) Examine the following;
(1) Whether existing institutional disciplinary procedures provide timely and adequate notice of allegations and a meaningful opportunity for the accused faculty member or student to respond before the imposition of serious sanctions.
(2) The extent to which disciplinary processes ensure impartial decision-makers, clearly defined procedures, and safeguards against conflicts of interest.
(3) Whether institutional disciplinary policies and practices are consistent with applicable state and federal due process requirements.
V. The members of the study commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
VI. The commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the public higher education study committee for the state of New Hampshire, the house clerk, and the senate clerk on or before November 1, 2026.
2 Repeal. RSA 187-A:29-a, relative to the commission on due process in higher education, is repealed.
3 Effective Date.
I. Section 2 of this act shall take effect November 1, 2026.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 30 days after its passage.
Text to be added highlighted in green.
1 New Subdivision; Due Process In Higher Education Commission. Amend RSA 187-A by inserting after section 29 the following new subdivision:
Due Process In Higher Education Commission
187-A:29-a Due Process In Higher Education Commission.
I. There is established a commission to study due process protections afforded to faculty members, students, and student organizations in disciplinary proceedings at public institutions of higher education within the state.
II. The members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) Two members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) Three members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(c) The chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire, or designee.
(d) The chancellor of the university system of New Hampshire, or designee.
III. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
IV. The commission shall:
(a) Review the following:
(1) Disciplinary matters involving alleged misconduct that may result in suspension, expulsion, termination of employment, or comparable major sanctions.
(2) Policies and procedures involving faculty conduct, student conduct, and conduct related to recognized student organizations, not including matters involving routine academic evaluation, grading disputes, minor code-of-conduct violations, or informal disciplinary actions.
(b) Examine the following;
(1) Whether existing institutional disciplinary procedures provide timely and adequate notice of allegations and a meaningful opportunity for the accused faculty member or student to respond before the imposition of serious sanctions.
(2) The extent to which disciplinary processes ensure impartial decision-makers, clearly defined procedures, and safeguards against conflicts of interest.
(3) Whether institutional disciplinary policies and practices are consistent with applicable state and federal due process requirements.
V. The members of the study commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
VI. The commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the public higher education study committee for the state of New Hampshire, the house clerk, and the senate clerk on or before November 1, 2026.
2 Repeal. RSA 187-A:29-a, relative to the commission on due process in higher education, is repealed.
3 Effective Date.
I. Section 2 of this act shall take effect November 1, 2026.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 30 days after its passage.