Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that establishes a commission to study transitioning all public schools in New Hampshire to public charter schools.

Highlights:

• Establishes a commission to study the feasibility and impact of transitioning all New Hampshire public schools to public charter schools, and to determine whether this change would relieve local property tax payers, restore local control, and ensure that state education dollars are used more efficiently (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the commission shall consist of (Sec. 1):

• Three members of the state House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House;

• One member of the state Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;

• The Commissioner of the state Department of Education or their designee;

• One representative of a public charter school appointed by the Commissioner of the state Department of Education;

• One representative of a traditional public school district appointed by the Commissioner of the state Department of Education; and

• One member representing the special education committee appointed by the governor.

• Requires the commission to (Sec. 1):

• Study the potential benefits of transitioning all New Hampshire public schools to public charter schools or other independent schools;

• Examine funding models to reduce the property tax burden while increasing state-level funding support;

• Consider how a transition to charter-based governance could increase the flexibility, innovation, and autonomy of local districts;

• Assess potential impacts of the transition on teacher recruitment and retention, accountability, and community engagement; and

• Identify statutory changes that may be needed to implement this transition.

• Repeals Section 1 of this Act, thereby dissolving the commission, on November 1, 2026 (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act shall take effect upon passage (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor Kelly Ayotte