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HB 699 · 2025 · House · Education Policy and Administration Committee

Updating special education definitions

AI-generated

relative to special education definitions.

Redefines and adds terms used in special education law, including updated definitions of child with a disability, developmentally delayed child, approved program, approved educational environment, and acquired brain injury.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · July 8, 2025
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill redefines and adds new definitions related to special education.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Katelyn KuttabRPrimeClerk· Judiciary
  • Rep. Margaret DryeRClerk· Education Policy and Administration

Also: Rep. Glenn CordelliR

Public testimony

3,293 signed in online · 1,202 wrote testimony

1% support99% oppose0% neutral

ForBill only clarifies definitions to match federal law

AgainstRedefining "educational environment" promotes segregation

AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.

Read the arguments

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I write today in strong support of HB 699, which seeks to update and clarify definitions related to special education in New Hampshire.…”
— Tonja Neve, Strathamsupports
“I am writing in support of this bill as it seems there is concerning disinformation circulating about its purpose.…”
— Emma Perkins, Rochestersupports
“I oppose this bill! The majority of NH citizens use public schools and many students require special education services due to diagnoses and disabilities. It is wrong to put these services in jeopardy when they help our kids access learning!”
— Hunter Brownlie, Strathamsupports
“I don’t see the benefit of excluding children with disabilities in classroom discussions”
— Michelle McElroy, Rumney · Parentsopposes
“HB 699 provides definitions that will be unique to NH and in conflict with federal law. With regard to Specially Designed Instruction, it references federal law (300.39(b)(3) but then adds several restrictive elements.…”
— Beth Page, Andoveropposes
“I am opposed to this bill for a number of reasons which include, but are not limited to, the following: Taking away key supports for students with visual impairments.…”
— Diana Schuman, DOVERopposes
“I have two kids that currently attend Pinkerton HS, Both have an IEP. My oldest,my nephew i've had guardianship of for the last 8 years, is a sophomore, is high functioning autistic but also has a speech impediment which causes him to stutter.…”
— Michelle Morin, Derryneutral

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-02-039:30 amHouse Education Policy and AdministrationLOB 205-207Public hearing
  • 2025-02-129:30 amHouse Education Policy and AdministrationLOB 205-207Public hearing
  • 2025-03-059:30 amHouse Education Policy and AdministrationLOB 205-207Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-04-299:15 amSenate EducationLOB 101Public hearing
  • 2025-05-069:15 amSenate EducationLOB 101Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 9, 2025HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 01/09/2025 and referred to Education Policy and Administration HJ 3 P. 23
  2. Feb 3, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/03/2025 10:15 am LOB 205-207
  3. Feb 12, 2025House==RECESSED== Executive Session: 02/12/2025 09:30 am LOB 205-207
  4. Mar 5, 2025House==CONTINUED== Executive Session: 03/05/2025 09:30 am LOB 205-207
  5. Mar 12, 2025HouseMajority : Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0606h 03/12/2025 (Vote 9-8; RC) HC 17 P. 52
  6. Mar 19, 2025HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  7. Mar 27, 2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0606h: AA VV 03/27/2025 HJ 11 P. 12
  8. Mar 27, 2025HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0606h: MA DV 200-168 03/27/2025 HJ 11 P. 13
  9. Mar 27, 2025SenIntroduced 03/27/2025 and Referred to Education; SJ 10
  10. Apr 29, 2025Sen==RECESSED== Hearing: 04/29/2025, Room 101, LOB, 09:45 am; SC 19
  11. May 6, 2025SenHearing: 05/06/2025, Room 101, LOB, 10:15 am; SC 20
  12. May 15, 2025Sen: Ought to Pass, 05/15/2025, Vote 3-2; SC 21A
  13. May 15, 2025SenOught to Pass: RC 14Y-8N, MA; OT3rdg; 05/15/2025; SJ 13
  14. Jun 12, 2025SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/12/2025); SJ 17
  15. Jun 12, 2025HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 26
  16. Jul 7, 2025HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 07/07/2025; Chapter 156; eff. 09/05/2025

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.