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HB 1051 · 2026 · House · Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee

School bus driver background checks

AI-generated

(New Title) modifying the procedures and requirements for school bus driver criminal history records checks and expanding the personnel subject to such checks.

Modifies procedures for school bus driver criminal history record checks by extending them to volunteers and contractors, requiring fingerprinting, and directing the department of education to implement a secure records system.AI-generated

Status

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

Analysis

This bill establishes a commission to study the creation of a statewide fingerprinting and background check database in New Hampshire.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Erica LayonRPrimeChair· Executive Departments and Administration

Public testimony

39 signed in online · 18 wrote testimony

97% support3% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Although Medical Providers are finger printed before being allowed to obtain a license, and the State is making huge efforts to streamline licensing and reduce administrative burdens... licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists trying to cover school system are routinely and repetitively asked to submit fingerprints.…”
— Deirdre Daley, New Ipswichsupports
“I fully support HB1051 in creating a statewide fingerprinting and background check database for New Hampshire's educators. As a speech-language pathologist who serves multiple districts, I see the need for this type of legislation.…”
— Molly Warmbein, Concordsupports
“I am strongly in favor of passing a statewide system of fingerprinting and background checks.…”
— Sandra Gordon, Concordsupports
“I oppose this bill because it reduces transparency, access, or fairness in public processes and does not meaningfully improve outcomes for New Hampshire residents.”
— Tiffany Gladu, Goffstownopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-2810:00 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyGP 159Public hearing
  • 2026-02-119:30 amHouse Criminal Justice and Public SafetyGP 159Public hearing
  • 2026-03-311:00 pmSenate JudiciarySH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Criminal Justice and Public Safety HJ 1 P. 4
  2. Jan 28, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/28/2026 12:30 pm GP 159
  3. Feb 11, 2026HouseSubcommittee Work Session: 02/11/2026 09:30 am GP 159
  4. Feb 18, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/18/2026 12:30 pm GP 159
  5. Feb 18, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0711h (NT) 02/18/2026 (Vote 12-0; CC) HC 9 P. 4
  6. Mar 5, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-0711h: AA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 3
  7. Mar 5, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-0711h: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 3
  8. Mar 5, 2026SenIntroduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; SJ 6
  9. Mar 31, 2026Sen==ROOM CHANGE== Hearing: 03/31/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:45 pm; SC 12
  10. Apr 23, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 04/23/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 15
  11. Apr 23, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 04/23/2026; SJ 10
  12. May 21, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/21/2026); SJ 14
  13. May 21, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 34
  14. Jun 2, 2026HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 06/02/2026; Chapter 116; eff.07/01/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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