The following are highlights from the upcoming week at the New Hampshire state house:
Monday
Senate Finance Committee: State House 1:00 p.m.
The Senate continues to hear from state agencies about the biennial state budget, including the Department of Corrections, which was hit by a large staff reduction in the House version of the spending plan. Commissioner Helen Hanks will share how the cut would affect operations at the state’s prisons.
Tuesday
House Education: Legislative Office Building 10:00 a.m.
The Senate Education Committee hears HB 781, which would require school districts to restrict access to cell phones in the classroom. The Senate has already passed its version of the plan, which was a priority for Gov. Kelly Ayotte in her budget.
The committee will then take up HB 115, the House version of Universal Education Freedom Accounts. Each chamber has approved a slightly different path towards opening up the popular school choice program to all New Hampshire families.
House Election Law: Legislative Office Building- 11:00 am
The House Election Law Committee holds a public hearing on SB 222, which would move the primary for state and federal offices from September to June. After years of working at cross purposes over whether the new primary date should be in June or August — and with a Sununu veto thrown in — the move to June appears to have broad, bipartisan support.
Wednesday
Senate Health and Human Services: 9:30 a.m.
The Senate HHS committee holds public hearings on HB 712, which would limit breast surgeries for minors, and HB 377, which would limit hormone treatments and puberty blockers for minors.
Governor and Executive Council: State House 10:00 a.m.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER CLAIMS ADMINISTRATION & SETTLEMENT FUND #126 Authorize to receive an additional appropriation from funds not otherwise appropriated in the amount of $5,000,000 for FY 2025, as detailed in the letter dated April 7, 2025. Effective upon G&C approval through June 30, 2025. 100 percent General Funds. Fiscal Committee approved on March 21, 2025.
Former Supreme Court Justice John Broderick had requested an additional $15 million for the YDC settlement fund, but the Joint Fiscal Committee reduced that to $5 million, which goes in front of the Council this week.
Last week, Broderick again asked Fiscal for the additional $10 million, only to have the Committee request a complete review of the Settlement Fund’s operations and finances. Lawmakers are concerned with Broderick’s management of the fund, which Broderick says is running low despite the Legislature dedicating well over $100 million to it.
House Education Policy and Administration: Legislative Office Building 10:00 a.m.
The House Education Policy and Administration Committee holds a public hearing on SB 211, which would prevent biological male students from participating in girls’ sports in New Hampshire public schools and colleges after Grade 5.
Thursday
Senate Capital Budget: State House 9:00 a.m.
The Senate Capital Budget Committee begins its review of HB 25, the state’s two-year capital spending plan. Freshman Sen. Mark McConkey (R-Freedom) chaired the House Capital Budget Committee two years ago, and takes over the Senate panel this year.
Senate Children and Family Law: State House 10:10 a.m.
The Senate Children and Family Law Committee hears HB 560 (child medical records) and HB 273 (child library records), part of State House Republicans’ effort to strengthen the rights of New Hampshire parents.
Click here to see the full House Calendar
Click here to see the full Senate Calendar
