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HB 1173 · 2026 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

College programs for state inmates

AI-generated

relative to post-secondary education opportunities for inmates.

Allows the commissioner of corrections to release a person committed to the state prison, at any point during their sentence, to participate in post-secondary education in the community for which they have been accepted.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the Senate — Inexpedient to Legislate · April 21, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✕Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill allows the commissioner of corrections to release any person who has been committed to the state prison at any time during their term of sentence to participate in post-secondary education in the community for which they have been accepted for enrollment.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“If the prosecutor of the underlying offense objects to the proposed release, the prosecutor shall submit in writing to the sentencing court the reasons for objecting.”
Section 1
“Any part of a day a prisoner is employed or enrolled in post-secondary education outside the walls of the institution shall count as a full day toward the serving of his sentence as though served inside the walls.”
Section 2
“The sentencing court shall, within 10 days of receipt of the prosecutor's objection, schedule a hearing on the proposed release.”
Section 1
“The commissioner of corrections may permit inmates of the state prison, who volunteer to do so, to be gainfully employed outside the institution when such employment is considered in their best interest and the best interest of the state.”
Section 1

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Buzz ScherrDPrime
  • Rep. David MeuseDDeputy Ranking Member· Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Public testimony

83 signed in online · 8 wrote testimony

94% support6% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Just like the US flag, the state flag, and the POW/MIA flag, the rainbow flag is a sign of unity and welcoming.”
— Johnna Davis, Gilfordsupports
“I am support to this bill because for the sake of NH voters.”
— Donna. Tully., Littletonsupports
“Incarceration is meant to rehabilitate and there should be no barriers for educations for those in ates who wish to better themselves.”
— INES MONTALVO, Gorhamsupports
“We train and hire educators please allow them to do their jobs This is ridiculous overkill oversight that is unnecessary - a blanket bill that furthers nothing in a child’s education”
— Lisa Ayer, Manchesteropposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Jan 29, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendarCommittee report: Ought to Pass12–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 11, 2026HouseVoice voteOught to Passadopted
  • Apr 23, 2026SenateCommittee report: Inexpedient to Legislate5–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Apr 23, 2026SenateVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 29, 2026Public hearingHouse Criminal Justice and Public Safety34:28–39:064m 38slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Ought to Pass; Public Hearing; Executive Session
  • Mar 11, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamOught to Pass — adopted, voice vote
  • Apr 9, 2026Public hearingSenate JudiciaryWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamHearing
  • Apr 23, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Vote 5-0; CC; Inexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 9
  2. Jan 29, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/29/2026 10:30 am GP 159
  3. Jan 29, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/29/2026 10:30 am GP 159
  4. Jan 29, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass 01/29/2026 (Vote 12-0; CC) HC 10 P. 10
  5. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 15
  6. Mar 12, 2026SenIntroduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 7
  7. Apr 9, 2026SenHearing: 04/09/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:20 pm; SC 13
  8. Apr 23, 2026Sen: Inexpedient to Legislate; Vote 5-0; CC; 04/23/2026; SC 15A
  9. Apr 23, 2026SenInexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 04/23/2026; SJ 10

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

  • Introducedversion

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