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HB 1561 · 2026 · House · Education Funding Committee

Ban on Chinese nationals in research

AI-generated

(New Title) prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from enrollment in masters and doctorate degree programs, participation in research, and full time employment at public institutions of higher education.

Prohibits nationals of the People's Republic of China from enrolling in masters and doctorate degree programs, participating in research, or holding full-time employment at public institutions of higher education, and establishes penalties for violations.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 13, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill prohibits nationals of the People's Republic of China from attending state institutions of higher education. The bill also establishes penalties for individuals and institutions violating the prohibition.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Mike BelcherRPrime
  • Rep. Shane SiroisRClerk· Legislative Administration

Also: Rep. Kristine PerezR, Rep. Paul TerryR, Rep. Travis CorcoranR

Public testimony

147 signed in online · 33 wrote testimony

3% support97% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“This should be amended to include all private educational institutions. Examples are Kimball Union Academy in Plainfield, Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, and Cardigan Mountain School in Canaan.”
— Jesse Medeiros, Plainfieldsupports
“HB 1561 is xenophobic overreach masquerading as national security, lowering the bar for a civil society while undermining higher education, academic freedom, and the rule of law.”
— bonnie bruno, HOLLISopposes
“Really? Chinese citizens, as well as other nations, have the right and deserve to attend our state institutions of higher learning. Discriminating against Chinese students in particular is really a new low for our great state of NH.”
— Marie Straiton, Pembrokeopposes
“Dear Committee Members: I urge you to oppose HB 1561, which would ban Chinese citizens from attending state institutions of higher learning. This overly broad bill unfairly singles out Chinese students among all the international students attending public universities.…”
— Matthew Richards, Manchesteropposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-1310:00 amHouse Education FundingGP 232Public hearing
  • 2026-02-1710:00 amHouse Education FundingGP 232Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Education Funding HJ 1 P. 25
  2. Feb 13, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/13/2026 10:00 am GP 232
  3. Feb 17, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/17/2026 10:00 am GP 232
  4. Feb 18, 2026HouseMajority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0797h (NT) 02/18/2026 (Vote 9-8; RC) HC 10A P. 1
  5. Feb 27, 2026HouseMinority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0797h (NT): AA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 98
  7. Mar 11, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0797h: MF RC 157-173 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 99
  8. Mar 11, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA DV 186-145 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 102

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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