New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB540

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  
Report Pass
2/8/23  

Caption

Relative to adequate education grant amounts for pupils receiving special education services.

Impact

If enacted, HB 540 would significantly impact the funding model for special education services in the state. The new funding structure includes increased financial support, providing $2,079.89 for category A disabilities, $4,729.78 for category B, and $6,239.67 for category C, thereby incentivizing schools to adequately meet the needs of these students. This approach aims to enhance educational opportunities and resources for children with varying levels of disability, ultimately striving for more equitable educational outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 540 is designed to alter the adequate education grant amounts for pupils who receive special education services in New Hampshire. The bill proposes differentiated aid based on the severity of disabilities, specifically categorizing disabilities into three groups: A, B, and C. Each category has a specified funding amount, enabling schools to receive differing levels of financial support based on the classified needs of their special education pupils. This change aims to ensure that educational funding is more effectively aligned with the specific challenges faced by students with disabilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 540 appears generally positive among advocates for special education, including educators and disability advocacy groups. These stakeholders support the bill as a crucial step toward improving educational funding and ensuring that resources are tailored to the needs of individual students. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and adequacy of funds to meet the diverse needs of all students requiring special education services.

Contention

While the bill is expected to garner support, there may be contention regarding the criteria used for categorizing disabilities and the allocation of funding. Critics may call for more comprehensive assessments of the needs of special education students, arguing that the proposed funding could still fall short of addressing the full spectrum of challenges faced. The absence of a fiscal note at the time of the bill's introduction raises additional questions about its fiscal feasibility and the long-term impact on the state's educational budget.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB540

Relative to adequate education grant amounts for pupils receiving special education services.

NH HB1656

Relative to adequate education grant amounts for pupils receiving special education services.

NH HB603

Relative to increasing the adequacy grant for pupils receiving special education services.

NH HB563

Relative to the cost of an opportunity for an adequate education, extraordinary need grants, fiscal capacity disparity aid, and determination of education grants.

NH HB1670

Relative to including all special education costs under state education grants.

NH SB426

Relative to the adequate education grants for fiscal year 2023.

NH HB1583

Relative to the per pupil cost of an opportunity for an adequate education.

NH SB386

Relative to the determination of state adequate education grants and chartered public school tuition amounts.

NH HB334

Relative to determination and cost of state adequate education.

NH HB1675

Relative to adjusting education adequacy grants based on pupil proficiency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.