SB 431 · 2026 · Senate · Education Committee
Intent requirement for teaching discrimination
AI-generatedrelative to violations of the prohibition on teaching discrimination.
Adds a requirement that a teacher act intentionally or knowingly for a violation of the state's prohibition on teaching discrimination in public schools to occur.AI-generated
Status
Died on the table in the House · May 14, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✓Senate
- ✕House
- Governor
- Law
Analysis
This bill adds mental state, or mens rea, as an element to the prohibition on teaching discrimination.
From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.
Official record
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- Sen. Kevin AvardRDeputy Majority Whip
- Sen. Daniel InnisRVice Chair· Education Finance
- Sen. Bill GannonRChair· Judiciary
- Sen. Daryl AbbasRPresident Pro Tempore
- Sen. Victoria SullivanRVice Chair· Education
- Sen. Keith MurphyRChair· Education Finance
- Sen. Mark McConkeyRChair· Capital Budget
- Sen. Howard PearlRChair· Executive Departments and Administration
- Sen. David RochefortRChair· Health and Human Services
- Rep. Michael MoffettRChair· State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
- Rep. Bob LynnRChair· Judiciary
- Rep. Joe AlexanderRChair· Housing
Also: Sen. Tim McGoughR
Public testimony
422 signed in online · 61 wrote testimony
2% support98% oppose0% neutral
AgainstMens rea fix doesn't cure vagueness; law should be repealed, not patched
AI-generatedLeading arguments, summarized by the testimony tool.
Read the argumentsIn their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted
“The ban on teaching so-called divisive concepts is unconstitutional and has been overturned. This bill is not a fix for an unfixable law. The only cure is repeal.”
“Greetings, I am speaking in opposition of SB431. This bill does not belong in New Hampshire. We need to let teachers teach and children learn. It is phenomenal to see all these nanny type bills banning this, that, and the other thing.…”
“It's time to remember you're republicans. Live free or die. Your oppressive and tyrannical bills and tirade is beyond discouraging. What is your endgame, out of curiosity?”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Hearings
- 2026-02-179:15 amSenate EducationSL Map RoomPublic hearing
- 2026-04-0110:00 amHouse Education Policy and AdministrationGP 232Public hearingcancelled
- 2026-04-0810:00 amHouse Education Policy and AdministrationGP 232Public hearing
- 2026-05-0410:30 amHouse Education Policy and AdministrationGP 232Public hearing
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Education; SJ 1
- Feb 17, 2026SenHearing: 02/17/2026, Room Map Room, SL, 10:15 am; SC 6
- Mar 12, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 03/12/2026, Vote 3-2; SC 9
- Mar 12, 2026SenOught to Pass: RC 16Y-8N, MA; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
- Mar 12, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Education Policy and Administration HJ 8 P. 114
- Apr 1, 2026House==CANCELLED== Public Hearing: 04/01/2026 10:20 am GP 232
- Apr 8, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/08/2026 11:00 am GP 232
- May 4, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 05/04/2026 10:30 am GP 232
- May 4, 2026HouseMajority : Ought to Pass 05/04/2026 (Vote 10-8; RC) HC 19 P. 20
- May 6, 2026HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
- May 14, 2026HouseLay SB431 on Table (Rep. Noble): MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 44
Coverage
No reporting linked yet.
Documents (PDF)
Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.