NH House Testimony

HB1513

House · 2026 sessionRepublicanDied in House

Education freedom account transparency reports

AI

Requires the scholarship organization administering education freedom accounts to gather additional information and issue expanded transparency reports.

relative to reporting and transparency reports for the education freedom account program.

Education - GeneralRight to Know

Status

Committee recommended Inexpedient to Legislate; died at adjournment · March 4, 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

150 submissions
Support 142Oppose 8Neutral 0
Robert DrysdaleSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

Transparency is good.

Sarah YoungSupportHANOVER, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

The education freedom account program needs more oversight since they have repeatedly ignored reporting requirements and not been held accountable for it.

Nancy MilesSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

I support this bill. The voucher program has not been transparent on this program even after numerous previous requests. It's past time to get these reports so we know how and where the money is being spent and for what purpose.

Daniel RichardsonOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

The penalty for providing less than perfect compliance is unreasonably crippling.

Shirley MontgomerySupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

I support this bill because I think it would impose long-overdue and clearly necessary reporting and transparency requirements on the scholarship organization.

Jeffry KennedySupportAlstead, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

This bill would impose long overdue and clearly necessary reporting and transparency requirements on the scholarship organization that we taxpayers pay to administer the voucher (EFA) program. The scholarship organization has repeatedly ignored reporting requirements and not been held accountable for it. Even as the legislature debated and voted on removing income caps on voucher eligibility last year, the scholarship organization refused to provide up to date reports on where these public funds were going.

Suzanne KennedySupportAlstead, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

This bill would impose long overdue and clearly necessary reporting and transparency requirements on the scholarship organization that we taxpayers pay to administer the voucher (EFA) program. The scholarship organization has repeatedly ignored reporting requirements and not been held accountable for it. Even as the legislature debated and voted on removing income caps on voucher eligibility last year, the scholarship organization refused to provide up to date reports on where these public funds were going.

Sharon RacusinSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

Leaving the company that collects and distributes money from the voucher program obscure and in the dark is hypocritical when all other expenditures for the good of the state are reigned in and auditing seems to be top of the list for programs the Republicans don't like. Otherwise it is a free for all. We must shine a spotlight on this program.

Catharine FarkasSupportSanbornton, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

Commonsense to have transparency with such a large amount of OUR TAXPAYER money paying for PRIVATE and HOME schooling, what to speak of vacations, riding lessons, or just paying to have kids stay home.

Kelly ButlerSupportGilsum, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

If my tax dollars are being used for EFAs than I think its fair and reasonable for us to be able to see where that money goes.

Marilyn WilkingSupportWalpole, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

. The legislature is not upholding its fiduciary responsibility by allowing the scholarship organization to operate in such a sloppy, nonprofessional manner.

Annie RobbinsSupportWakefield, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

Anything to lower our property taxes. Please.

Joanna AndrosSupportWalpole, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

I support this bill because it requires the scholarship organization to provide detailed and accurate reports on where the public funds are going.

Nancy JerauldSupportLitchfield, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

Although the Voucher program, otherwise known as the Education Freedom Accounts, has ignored reporting requirements they haven't been held accountable. As a taxpayer, I expect transparency, and want to know exactly how our tax money is spent. The administrators of this program provide up-to-date reports detailing their expenditures.

Kathy BrunetSupportDurham, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

To the House Committee on Education Policy and Administration, I strongly support **HB 1513** because it would impose long-overdue and clearly necessary **reporting and transparency requirements** on the scholarship organization that taxpayers pay to administer the Education Freedom Account (voucher) program. This bill would require detailed expenditure reports, standardized data summaries, and timely access to financial and enrollment information for legislative and state oversight bodies — all in a format accessible to the public. These requirements would help ensure that millions in public funds are spent responsibly and in alignment with statutory intent and taxpayer expectations. Clear reporting and transparency are fundamental to accountability when public dollars are involved, and HB 1513 will help provide that. Thank you for your consideration. Kathy Brunet Durham, NH

Sally PattonSupportNEW LONDON, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

These are public funds! Transparency requirements are critical!

Sara McNeilOpposeWarner, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

The school vouchers should NOT be controlled, and/or administered by an outside agency such as the Children's Scholarship Fund.

Felice BursteinSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

More transparency needed on the EFA program which is pulling money from public schools.

Margaret Van ValkenburghSupportPeterborough, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

I support adding reporting specifications for the EFAs. Transparency of this program is lacking and needs to be improved. Receiving my tax dollars, that should be going towards our state's public schools, means that the receivers should be required to prove that learning has occurred.

lisa clarkSupportNew Hampton, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

This bill would impose long-overdue and clearly necessary reporting and transparency requirements on the scholarship organization that we taxpayers pay to administer the voucher (EFA) program. The scholarship organization has repeatedly ignored reporting requirements and not been held accountable for it. Even as the legislature debated and voted on removing income caps on voucher eligibility last year, the scholarship organization refused to provide up to date reports on where these public funds were going.

Maureen Redmond-ScuraSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

Any time public funds are used, transparency and accountability are essential.

Gregory DavisSupportSalem, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

The EFA pgm needs stringent reporting and accountability.

Joanne DavisSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

The time is way overdue for scholarship organizations managing education freedom accounts to be held accountable to the public taxpayers for how they administer the voucher (EFA) program. The scholarship organization has repeatedly ignored reporting requirements and not been held accountable for it. Refusing to provide up to date reports on where these public funds are going is totally unacceptable. It's time. This bill will make sure they are held accountable. If they don't comply, they are out. Pass this bill!

Bridget PowersSupportPlymouth, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

Who doesn't require transparency and accountability with such a big expenditure. To not require it is irresponsible. I support this bill.

Susan RichmanSupportDurham, NHfor MyselfJan 30, 2026

Are there any other state funds so shrouded in secrecy? Citizens need to know how their money is being spent.