NH
New Hampshire House Bill HB367

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB367

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/9/23  
Engrossed
4/11/23  
Refer
4/11/23  
Report Pass
5/10/23  
Report Pass
6/1/23  
Enrolled
6/22/23  
Chaptered
6/29/23  

Caption

Relative to eligibility of students in the education freedom account program.

Impact

The adjustment in eligibility criteria aims to increase participation in the EFA program, which is intended to provide families with options for educational freedom beyond public schools. The Department of Education anticipates that this bill may lead to an indeterminable increase in the number of students enrolled in the EFA program, potentially resulting in a greater financial allocation needed from the state education budget. An estimated cost, based on current participation rates, suggests that the increase could significantly affect both state and local educational expenditures, though specific impacts remain unspecified at this time.

Summary

House Bill 367 (HB367) primarily focuses on altering the eligibility criteria for students wishing to partake in the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. This bill proposes to raise the household income threshold for applicants from 300 percent to 350 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. This change is expected to broaden access to the EFA program for more low-income families, thereby encouraging a higher number of students to enroll.

Contention

Despite the intent to expand access, discussions around HB367 have highlighted concerns regarding the financial implications on local school districts. Critics argue that this bill may place pressure on local budgets as more students transition from traditional public schools to the EFA program, potentially leading to reduced local funding for public education. Proponents support the bill as a means of enhancing educational choice and providing necessary resources for disadvantaged families, indicating a divide between the priorities of expanding educational choice versus preserving funding for public schools.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB464

Relative to eligible students in the education freedom account program.

NH HB432

Relative to participation in the education freedom accounts program.

NH HB331

Relative to the income threshold for the education freedom account program.

NH SB141

Relative to administration of the education freedom accounts program.

NH SB525

Relative to administration of the education freedom accounts program.

NH HB1665

Relative to student eligibility for education freedom accounts and the scholarship organization's costs of administering the program, extending phase-out grants for education freedom accounts, and revising the definitions of average daily membership in attendance and average daily membership in residence.

NH SB442

Relative to student eligibility for education freedom accounts and the scholarship organization's costs of administering the program, extending phase-out grants for education freedom accounts, and revising the definitions of average daily membership in attendance and average daily membership in residence.

NH SB295

Relative to education freedom accounts.

NH SB237

Relative to participation in the education freedom account program.

NH HB430

Relative to applications for the education freedom accounts program.

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