New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB568

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  

Caption

Relative to assessing all state adequate education and local education costs through the state education warrant.

Impact

If enacted, HB 568 would modify existing laws governing education tax assessments, effectively shaping how local education funding is sourced. Specifically, it establishes that local education taxes will be included in a comprehensive assessment managed by the state rather than funded solely through local property taxes. This could lead to a more equitable distribution of educational resources across districts, mitigating disparities that arise due to varying local property wealth.

Summary

House Bill 568 aims to establish a more uniform approach to assessing both state adequate education and local education costs through the state education warrant. The bill mandates the Department of Revenue Administration to determine a tax rate to fund local education costs for every school district throughout New Hampshire. This initiative is anticipated to streamline the funding mechanism, ensuring that all schools receive their requisite financial support based on a standardized assessment method.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards HB 568 appears to be mixed among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents of the bill argue that it will provide a clearer framework for education funding, which is crucial for delivering adequate education statewide. Meanwhile, critics express concerns about potential overreach from the state into local governance, fearing that local needs and priorities might lose their significance under a central regulation model.

Contention

Key points of contention revolve around how local districts will retain their ability to fund education, as signified by their local tax assessments. Some local officials worry that the combined assessment under state control could impose limitations on their capacity to generate necessary funds for educational programs tailored to community needs. Additionally, the bill’s fiscal implications are still under scrutiny, as a comprehensive fiscal note has yet to be provided to elucidate its long-term financial impact on both municipalities and the state.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB669

Relative to requiring all revenue raised under the statewide education property tax to be deposited in the education trust fund, and setting an equalized statewide tax rate.

NH HB1686

Relative to requiring excess revenues raised through the statewide education property tax to be remitted to the education trust fund and prohibiting the department of revenue administration from setting negative local and county tax rates on real property.

NH HB334

Relative to determination and cost of state adequate education.

NH HB1670

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

NH HB1583

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

NH HB569

Relative to the state education property tax and the low and moderate income homeowners property tax relief program.

NH HB569

Relative to the state education property tax and the low and moderate income homeowners property tax relief program.

NH HB137

Relative to allocating excess statewide education property tax funds for local school and municipal purposes.

NH SB386

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

NH HB734

Relative to the state education property tax and the low- and moderate-income homeowners property tax relief program.

Similar Bills

MN HF2437

Tax policy and finance bill.

MN HF5247

Taxation and state government operations; various provisions modified, and money appropriated.

NH HB675

Limiting the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations.

GA HR118

County tax commissioners; waive certain delinquent ad valorem taxes; authorize - CA

GA SR82

Tax Commissioner; waive certain delinquent ad valorem property taxes; procedures and conditions; provide- CA

MN HF1938

Tax finance and policy bill.

MN SF1348

Property tax refunds modification

MN HF1439

Property tax refunds modified, property tax credits established, classification rates modified, transition aid proposed, state general levy reduced, and money appropriated.