Citizen in a RepublicNH Bill Briefing
← All bills

HB 1373 · 2026 · House · Education Policy and Administration Committee

Expanded background checks for educators

AI-generated

relative to background check disqualifications for applicants seeking educator credentials.

Extends criminal history record checks for applicants seeking educator credentials by adding additional disqualifying crimes to the required background check.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · April 6, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓House
  3. ✓Senate
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill extends criminal history record checks for applicants seeking educator credentials by adding additional crimes to the record check.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Melissa LitchfieldRPrime
  • Rep. Kristin NobleRChair· Education Policy and Administration
  • Rep. Margaret DryeRClerk· Education Policy and Administration
  • Sen. Bill GannonRChair· Judiciary

Also: Rep. Brian NadeauR, Rep. James ThibaultR

Public testimony

9 signed in online · 3 wrote testimony

44% support56% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Testimony opposing HB1373 highlights significant concerns regarding the potential negative impacts on educational equity and the staffing pipeline for New Hampshire schools.…”
— Georgina Lambert, Belmontopposes
“Good afternoon Commitee members I am a member of the public and mother of 1 I think that teachers should have all background checks because they should be professional and know that teachers are properly vetted especially with our children.…”
— Julie Sims, Newportopposes
“Under existing NH law, criminal history record checks are required for people applying for educator preparation or professional credentials.…”
— Kathleen Malsbenden, Newmarketopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-1410:00 amHouse Education Policy and AdministrationGP 232Public hearing
  • 2026-01-2210:00 amHouse Education Policy and AdministrationGP 232Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2026-03-039:15 amSenate EducationSL Map RoomPublic hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Education Policy and Administration HJ 1 P. 17
  2. Jan 14, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/14/2026 10:30 am GP 232
  3. Jan 22, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/22/2026 10:00 am GP 232
  4. Jan 22, 2026House: Ought to Pass 01/22/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC) HC 5 P. 5
  5. Feb 5, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 02/05/2026 HJ 3 P. 8
  6. Feb 5, 2026SenIntroduced 02/05/2026 and Referred to Education; SJ 4
  7. Mar 3, 2026SenHearing: 03/03/2026, Room Map Room, SL, 10:15 am; SC 8
  8. Mar 12, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 03/12/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 9
  9. Mar 12, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  10. Mar 26, 2026HouseEnrolled 03/26/2026 HJ 9 P. 2
  11. Mar 26, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 03/26/2026); SJ 8
  12. Apr 3, 2026HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 04/03/2026; Chapter 23; eff: 04/03/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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