New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB365

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/9/23  
Report Pass
2/7/23  
Engrossed
3/7/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Report Pass
3/22/23  
Enrolled
4/21/23  
Chaptered
5/2/23  

Caption

Relative to a statewide facility condition assessment for school buildings.

Impact

The implementation of HB365 is expected to have a significant effect on school funding and building improvement strategies across the state. By requiring school districts to engage in long-range capital improvement planning, the bill emphasizes the importance of proactive infrastructure management in education. Schools will need to regularly assess and communicate their facility conditions and needs, which could influence state funding allocations for school improvements and construction projects over the next decade.

Summary

House Bill 365 focuses on establishing a comprehensive approach to evaluating the condition of school buildings in New Hampshire. The bill mandates the Department of Education to develop and maintain a ten-year school facilities plan aimed at identifying potential school building grant projects. This plan will encompass both new construction and renovation efforts, ensuring that school facilities are conducive to providing a safe, healthy, and efficient learning environment for students.

Contention

While the bill is designed to enhance educational infrastructure, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for school districts, especially those already dealing with budget constraints. Some districts might struggle to prepare detailed long-range plans or to keep them updated biennially as mandated by the bill. Additionally, the requirement for regular assessments may create apprehensions about compliance costs and the obligations of schools to adhere to state requirements, potentially leading to debates about resource allocation and educational equity among different districts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB214

Relative to a public school facility condition assessment and school building aid grants.

NH HB1570

Requiring the department of education to conduct a facility assessment of public schools and public chartered schools.

NH SB526

Relative to a public school facility condition assessment and school building aid grants for temperature control.

NH SB342

Relative to school building aid funding.

NH HB1165

Relative to procedures for school facilities under the department of education.

NH HB594

Relative to the school building aid program.

NH SB266

Relative to the statewide education improvement and assessment program.

NH HB2435

Providing for school facilities; establishing the School Facilities Office and the Public School Facility Advisory Committee; and repealing provisions relating to building condition assessments.

NH HB452

Relative to the department of education procedures for school building aid applications.

NH HB354

Relative to chartered public school eligibility for state school building aid.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.