New Hampshire House Bill HB452

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23
• Report Pass: 3/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/24/23
• Refer: 3/24/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23
• Enrolled: 5/15/23
• Chaptered: 5/19/23
• Passed: 5/19/23

Caption

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

Impact

The bill introduces specific criteria for eligibility that includes safety standards and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, among others. It also requires that state aid should be based on an established cost index reflective of regional construction costs, ensuring that funding is equitable across districts. Moreover, it mandates that projects costing over $1 million must engage a project manager to ensure accountability and appropriate oversight, aiming to enhance the efficiency of school construction projects.

Summary

House Bill 452 addresses the procedures and requirements for obtaining school building aid from the Department of Education in New Hampshire. The bill revises the existing timelines and procedures for reviewing and approving applications for school building aid grants. It details the new criteria for determining grant amounts and stipulates the responsibilities of both school districts and the Department of Education in the application process. Notably, the bill emphasizes the need for energy-efficient designs in school construction projects, reflecting a growing concern for sustainability in education funding.

Contention

Discussion around HB452 may involve concerns about the adequacy of funding and the criteria set for grant eligibility. While proponents argue that the bill streamlines aid processes and adds necessary oversight, critics might raise questions about whether the costs and complexity of meeting new standards could discourage some districts from pursuing much-needed renovations or new constructions. Additionally, the stipulation regarding energy efficiency may be seen as a double-edged sword, with the potential to increase upfront costs but also to decrease long-term operational expenses.