HB 1373 · 2026 · House · Education Policy and Administration Committee
Expanded background checks for educators
AI-generatedrelative 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- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓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
gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source
Sponsors
- 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.…”
“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.…”
“Under existing NH law, criminal history record checks are required for people applying for educator preparation or professional credentials.…”
Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.
Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026
Votes
yeanay- Jan 22, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Ought to Pass18–0Overall100% yea
- Feb 5, 2026HouseVoice voteOught to Passadopted
- Mar 12, 2026SenateCommittee report: Ought to Pass5–0Overall100% yea
- Mar 12, 2026SenateVoice voteOught to Passadopted
- Mar 26, 2026SenateVoice voteEnrolledadopted
Hearings and debates
- Jan 14, 2026Public hearingHouse Education Policy and Administration47:55–59:1911m 24slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
- Jan 22, 2026Public hearingHouse Education Policy and Administration1:44:41–1:46:051m 24slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Ought to Pass; Executive Session
- Feb 5, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamOught to Pass — adopted, voice vote
- Mar 3, 2026Public hearingSenate Education1:01:29–1:08:587m 29slocated in the stream transcriptHearing
- Mar 12, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamCommittee Report: Ought to Pass; Ought to Pass — adopted, voice vote
- Mar 26, 2026Floor debateSenate floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamEnrolled Adopted — voice vote
Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.
Legislative history
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Education Policy and Administration HJ 1 P. 17
- Jan 14, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/14/2026 10:30 am GP 232
- Jan 22, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 01/22/2026 10:00 am GP 232
- Jan 22, 2026House: Ought to Pass 01/22/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC) HC 5 P. 5
- Feb 5, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 02/05/2026 HJ 3 P. 8
- Feb 5, 2026SenIntroduced 02/05/2026 and Referred to Education; SJ 4
- Mar 3, 2026SenHearing: 03/03/2026, Room Map Room, SL, 10:15 am; SC 8
- Mar 12, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass, 03/12/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 9
- Mar 12, 2026SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
- Mar 26, 2026HouseEnrolled 03/26/2026 HJ 9 P. 2
- Mar 26, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 03/26/2026); SJ 8
- 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.