NH House Testimony

HB1050

House · 2026 sessionRepublicanInterim study

Homeschooling zoning override rights

AI

Establishes a right to provide educational instruction to children in any designated or non-designated municipal zone, overriding zoning ordinances or land use regulations that would otherwise restrict such instruction.

establishing the right to provide educational instruction in municipally zoned and non-zoned areas.

Zoning and PlanningEducation - GeneralMunicipalities

Status

Referred to interim study (House) · March 11, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

146 submissions
Support 8Oppose 138Neutral 0
Alex de GeofroyOpposeRochester, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

HB 1050 is a reckless overreach that fundamentally undermines the ability of New Hampshire’s cities and towns to manage their own neighborhoods. While I support diverse educational options, this bill is not about education; it is about the wholesale destruction of local zoning authority and the "Home Rule" principles that New Hampshire has traditionally cherished. Zoning ordinances exist for a reason: they manage traffic flow, ensure public safety, and protect the character and property values of our residential neighborhoods. By allowing "Learning Pods" to operate in any zone without restriction, the state is stripping local planning boards and neighbors of their right to ensure that new uses of property are safe and compatible with the surrounding community. Forcing a neighborhood to accept an unregulated educational facility with no recourse for noise, parking, or safety concerns creates a "wild west" environment that puts both students and communities at risk. We should encourage educational innovation within the established, democratic framework of local planning, not by granting a blanket exemption that silences the voices of local residents.

Marie NardinoOpposeAndover, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Libraries should be controlled by the people and not by the government--to preserve critical thinking and avoid authoritarianism.

Karen Burnett-KurieOpposeWolfeboro, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

It shows a hearing on HB1742 but it is not in the draw down menu so I am voting against 1742 here.

Stephanie VazzanoOpposeConcord, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

This issue needs to be left to the communities, not unilaterally decided by the State of New Hampshire.

Donna TullyOpposeLittleton, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

This is for the sake of all NH voters.

KELLI BROWNOpposeBROOKLINE, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

There shouldn't be a special carve out for learning pods. Any group that is educational in nature should be subject to the same safety and zoning standards as other schools, daycare, and learning institutions. Local communities should be afforded their local control so they can do what is best for their community.

Catharine FarkasOpposeSanbornton, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Absolutely NOT!!!! This is an absurd and dangerous bill. Zoning rules and regulations are there to help protect us from shoddy building practices, especially for our children.

Hannah MeiselmanOpposeManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

I oppose HB 1050 because overriding local zoning to allow unregulated educational operations anywhere undermines municipal planning and weakens public-school systems. Communities deserve the ability to manage land use responsibly and ensure that educational facilities meet safety and accountability standards

Jane WalshOpposeNew London, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Under this vague description, there are no limits on the number of children attending, the size or height of the building, the number of parking spaces required, any other uses of the space, etc. on these so called "Learning Pods" It’s just one more effort to give special privileges to unlicensed, pop-up alternatives (including for profits) to public education.

Karen ChaseOpposeHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Just one more bill in the on-going attempt to tear down public education. Vote no on this bill.

Maureen Redmond-ScuraOpposeConcord, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

If my tax dollars are going to be used for education, I want a say in what's taught, who is taught and how it's taught. I want accountability and transparency. This does NONE of that.

Nancy MilesOpposeHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

I oppose this bill. Pop-up, non-public schools need to follow established zoning laws for that area

James HiltzOpposePembroke, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

This bill would make zoning restrictions inapplicable to “learning pods”. Learning pods are defined as “providing educational instruction to voluntarily associated children.” Under this vague description, there are no limits on the number of children attending, the size or height of the building, the number of parking spaces required, any other uses of the space, etc. It’s just one more effort to give special privileges to unlicensed, pop-up alternatives (including for profits) to public education.

tom st.martinOpposeconcord, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

No building standards; no class environment standards; no enrollment standards; no location safety standards ; no pass.

tom lutherSupportclaremont, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Greetings from Sullivan County: Learn anywhere, learn everywhere.

Denise ClarkOpposeMilford, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Lois CoteOpposeManchester, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Deborah Klein WalkerOpposeMeredith, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

CARA CABRALOpposeMADBURY, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Regan LamphierOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

sandra BlanchardOpposeLoudon, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Megan HughesOpposeWalpole, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Beth EdwardsOpposeLisbon, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Carol LavoieOpposeNorth Conway, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.

Lorraine HansenOpposeRollinsford, NHfor MyselfFeb 10, 2026

Position recorded without written comment.