Catharine FarkasSupportSanbornton, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
We need to support ALL our students!
HB1557
House · 2026 sessionDemocraticKilled in HouseSpecial education funding formula changes
AIModifies the required state aid provided to school districts for special education costs and removes proration of related appropriations for each fiscal year.
modifying the state average expenditure per pupil relative to students in special education.
Education - GeneralAgency Appropriations
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 19, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Division of testimony
116 submissionsSupport 104Oppose 10Neutral 2
Deanna LussierSupportRumney, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
I support this bill to help fund special education.
Debrah HowesSupportBow, NHfor American Federation of Teachers - NHJan 15, 2026
AFT-NH supports the concept of lowering the threshhold at which a local district becomes eligible for State reimbursement of a portion of higher than average per pupil special education costs. Providing services so students can access their public education is a legal and moral requirement so district must incur the cost. Lowering the threshhold would ease the burden on local budgets and on local property taxpayers.
georgina LambertOpposeBelmont, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
Opposition Testimony for HB 1557: Modifying State Average Expenditure Per Pupil for Special Education HB 1557 aims to modify the state average expenditure per pupil for students in special education by reducing the threshold for state aid and eliminating provisions for emergency assistance. While the intention to increase funding for special education is commendable, the bill raises significant concerns regarding its underpinnings, particularly in its approach to funding and oversight. The removal of emergency assistance provisions may place undue financial burdens on local districts, especially those already struggling to meet the needs of their students with disabilities. Oversight and Funding Gaps One of the most glaring deficiencies in HB 1557 is its lack of funding provisions and the absence of clarity on the necessary resources for implementation. The bill does not authorize new positions within the Department of Education, despite the anticipated need for significantly increased staffing to process special education claims, which the fiscal impact note estimates at 213 staff members for the projected workload. Without adequate funding and personnel, the bill risks overwhelming the existing administrative framework, leading to potential delays in service delivery for students who rely on timely interventions. Intersectional Framework and Equity Considerations Moreover, the legislation fails to adequately incorporate an intersectional framework that considers the diverse needs of all students, particularly those from marginalized communities who may already face disparities in accessing educational resources. The broader implications of this bill can disproportionately affect students with disabilities, especially in districts where resources are already limited. Ensuring that funding mechanisms remain in place for emergency assistance, as well as creating pathways for adequate support, are critical steps needed to prevent exacerbating existing inequities. Policymakers must prioritize an inclusive approach that genuinely addresses the needs of all students while promoting long-term sustainability in special education funding.
Giana GelseySupportMadbury, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
I am also a school board member. We need increases in state funding for special education.
Joseph BoyleSupportHillsborough, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
I do not support the death penalty for any reason whatsoever.
Gabriele LiebergSupportNewfields, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
The state has long (30 years?) failed to meet court orders regarding inadequate education funding. I strongly support this bill, specifically for special education.
Karen BemisSupportBristol, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
My name is Karen and I live and vote in Bristol. This bill is an attempt at getting special education reimbursements closer to actual local expenditures, which will ultimately lower local property taxes when the state funds more special education.
Robert DrysdaleSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
Priscilla DubeSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
This study is absolutely necessary if we are to save our state from irreparable harm. We cannot continue successfully with the revenue stream being so dependent on property tax and innumerable fees; the revenue from gaming has never been fulsome. I'm old enough to remember when the original State lottery was sold as THE answer to funding education. Yeah. Right.
Brian FlynnSupportRumney, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
James ChapmanNeutralGilsum, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
I have to stay neutral on this because you say you're going to modify what is paid to special ed but you don't say whether you're gonna lower it or raise it. So here is what is said about the last bill: OUR legislators need to fund FAIR and ADEQUATE revenue to pay for public schools. Special education is expensive. It's necessary for the students that need the most help. In the long run, it's much less expensive to give them an education than it is to take care of them after they end up in prison. Look at the statistics.! If we don't teach children to read and write, they end up in drug rehab or in jail. Check it out for yourselves.
Ashley dePreauxSupportMerrimack, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
I support HB 1557 because it recognizes that special education is a legal obligation that school districts must meet regardless of cost, and that the financial risk of doing so should be shared fairly at the state level rather than pushed onto local property taxpayers. By lowering the threshold for state aid and eliminating proration, this bill provides more timely and predictable support to school districts, helping them meet the needs of students with disabilities without destabilizing local budgets or cutting general education programs. HB 1557 promotes equity, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with state and federal law by acknowledging that special education costs are not optional, evenly distributed, or within local control, and should be addressed through a reliable statewide funding approach.
Sharon RacusinSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
This bill increases the required state aid to be provided to school districts for the costs of special education. NEA-NH states, “We must close funding gaps - especially in special education … Bills like…HB1557 are important steps in the right direction." I SUPPORT THIS BILL. Every student should be allowed to get not only an adequate education but an equal one. This is the strength of PUBLIC EDUCATION. Invest in the people.
Sarah YoungSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
Schools need the required state aid funds given for students who require speical education. The schools are being squeezed on so many financial fronts.
Shirley MontgomerySupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
I support this bill because I think the state needs to support education for special ed students. I have had a student in special education in another state and the program was a life saver. Also, most special ed students attend local rather than private schools.
Arnold ScottOpposeStratham, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
NH taxpayers are paying more for education and getting poorer results! There is no reason to increase spending!! Better management of spending is required. If better results are not forthcoming from the schools, we should cut spending by 50%!!!
Joanne ScobieSupportWest Lebanon, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
Special Education needs to be properly funded and this bill helps provide that.
Daniel RichardsonOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
Malevolent forces want the state to pay for bloated local union contracts. Everyone knows cost impacts are best managed and become REAL when they are local. Judiciary has no business intruding into the legislature's constitutional authority. The NH Supreme Court must be fought as they are NOT superior to legislature ... only a co-equal branch. Live the oath you've sworn.
Pierre DuPontOpposeManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
Members of the committee. Enough already!! They inflated their pensions as it is with their greed and thievery!! No Bo No. thank you
tom lutherNeutralclaremont, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
Greetings from Sullivan County: I would be willing to consider this bill if it were perhaps combined with a property Tax Cap structured as a TABOR amendment. Another sweetener might be combination with the SAU consolidation and an EFA adjustment/inclusion. Your takeaway: I want substantive change and I am willing to pay for it.
Kevin CraigOpposeLancaster, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
The fiscal note alone points out the overhead this bill would require, which would reduce funds available for education.
Marcia HaywardSupportLaconia, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
Dear Sir or Madame Property tax relief is long over due. The State has been negligent is providing adequate funds for public education.. It is imperative that the State Legislature develop options on how to fund public education fairly.
Bridget DetollenaereSupportNorth Hampton, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
For years lawmakers have ignored the courts and continued to underfund public education while using taxpayer dollars to fund school vouchers, with budgets running over, no oversight or accountability and in direct violation of separation of church and state. Time to start adequately funding public education.
Marie StraitonSupportPembroke, NHfor MyselfJan 15, 2026
I am completely on board with the state spending more money on students in general.