Relative to establishing certain due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members facing disciplinary actions by state institutions of higher learning.
The implementation of HB 510 would have a significant fiscal impact on the state’s higher education systems. The bill is expected to increase operational costs for schools in both the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and the University System of New Hampshire (USNH). The USNH has estimated that costs could exceed $500,000 annually due to the need for additional staff to manage the increased complexity of disciplinary proceedings as a result of the new requirements. The CCSNH echoed these concerns, predicting expenditures ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 per year due to necessary adjustments in their disciplinary processes and personnel requirements.
House Bill 510 aims to establish essential due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members facing disciplinary actions at public institutions of higher learning in New Hampshire. The bill mandates specific procedural rights during disciplinary hearings, including the right to receive written notice in advance, the right to know the evidence against them, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, as well as the right to have the assistance of an advisor or legal representative. This legislation intends to provide fair treatment and transparency in the disciplinary process within the educational institutions of New Hampshire.
Though the bill aims to enhance due process rights for students and faculty, it has raised concerns regarding its alignment with existing collective bargaining agreements and Title IX protections. Critics argue that HB 510 may conflict with established grievance and disciplinary frameworks, leading to legal complications as institutions grapple with adhering to both the new bill and existing regulations. Furthermore, some stakeholders express worry that the introduction of mandatory hearing panels may prolong disciplinary processes and increase administrative burdens, impacting the overall efficacy of disciplinary measures at educational institutions.