New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1135

Introduced
11/17/21  
Refer
11/17/21  
Report Pass
3/9/22  
Report DNP
3/9/22  
Engrossed
3/22/22  
Refer
3/22/22  
Report Pass
4/27/22  
Enrolled
6/22/22  
Chaptered
7/7/22  

Caption

Requiring a performance audit of the department of education, education freedom account program.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1135 will introduce a level of transparency and accountability to the education freedom account program, as it requires the legislative budget assistant's audit division to evaluate both financial and operational aspects of the program. This means the department will need to demonstrate that funds are being used effectively and that participants meet eligibility requirements. By ensuring rigorous scrutiny of the program, this bill could potentially influence future funding and policy decisions for the department of education.

Summary

House Bill 1135 mandates a performance audit of the New Hampshire Department of Education, specifically focusing on the education freedom account program. This legislation is designed to ensure that there is comprehensive oversight regarding the use of funds and the eligibility of participants in the program. The bill outlines various aspects that the audit should cover, including the controls for determining qualifying expenditures, identification of ineligible disbursements, and public reporting of outcomes related to participant demographics and educational results.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1135 appears to be generally supportive among those advocating for transparency and accountability in educational spending. Proponents argue that audits serve critical functions in maintaining public trust and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars. However, there may also be concerns from those who fear that increased regulation and oversight could create administrative burdens for educational institutions or limit the flexibility of the education freedom account program.

Contention

Notable points of contention presented during discussions may revolve around the implications of increased auditing on operational efficiency and autonomy within the education department. Critics might express concerns about whether the bill could inadvertently lead to overregulation, potentially stifling innovative educational approaches fostered by education freedom accounts. The balance between necessary oversight and the freedom for educational institutions to operate independently will likely be a crucial aspect of the ongoing discussions about this legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB207

Requiring the department of education to administer the education freedom account program.

NH HB1669

Requiring the department of education to administer the education freedom account program.

NH HB626

Requiring the department of education to administer the education freedom account.

NH SB1057

Providing for the Educational Freedom Act Program; and establishing the Educational Freedom Act Fund and educational freedom accounts.

NH SB525

Relative to administration of the education freedom accounts program.

NH SB414

School accountability: school financial and performance audits: chartering authorities: educational support activities: flex-based instruction.

NH HB748

Establishing a local education freedom account program.

NH HB1115

Relative to record of educational attainment under the educational freedom account program.

NH HB538

Establishing a local education freedom account program.

NH SB141

Relative to administration of the education freedom accounts program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.