Bill > HB771

This bill modifies the existing law regarding open enrollment schools in New Hampshire by making several key changes to funding and administrative processes. The bill expands the definition of "open enrollment school" to include open enrollment programs and clarifies the funding mechanisms between sending and receiving school districts. Specifically, when a student attends an open enrollment school outside their resident district, the sending district must pay the receiving district at least 80% of the sending district's average cost per pupil. The bill requires school districts to establish a specific line item in their operating budget to reflect estimated open enrollment school tuition expenditures and anticipated revenue from sending districts. Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions for children with disabilities, allowing their sending school district to retain educational decision-making responsibilities. The legislation also allows open enrollment schools to accept additional funds from various sources, including financial aid, private gifts, and grants. For special education students, the funding and educational decision-making process remains the responsibility of the sending school district. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while its fiscal impact is considered potentially neutral or indeterminable, it aims to provide more flexibility and clarity in the open enrollment school funding process.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0788&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB771