Legal News

HB 1571 and HB 545 to be Discussed by the Senate

The Senate Education Committee will be discussing these homeschooling bills on Friday, May 4, at 2:00, in the Legislative Office Building (behind the State House), room 103.
HB1571 was passed by the New Hampshire House on February 5.
It removes the requirement to submit the annual evaluation to the “participating agency” and states that the results "(a) May be used to demonstrate the child’s academic proficiency in order to participate in public school programs.
(b) Shall not be used as a basis for termination of a home education program.
(c) Provides a basis for a constructive relationship between the parent and the evaluator, both working together in the best interest of the child." The text of the bill can be found here
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2012/HB1571.html

HB545 was passed by the New Hampshire House of Representatives on January 4. The bill had been amended and significantly altered from its original form. You can read the text of the amended bill at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/amendments/2011-2716H.html.

Drivers Ed Bill Sent to Interim Study

Jacqueline Roland has been working on a bill (HB1440) that would allow online driver education in New Hampshire. Although the New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition takes no position on legislation, we know that this alternative is of interest to many New Hampshire homeschoolers. The bill passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives but was tabled by the Senate. Read more on the website
http://driveredbill.com/supporters-of-hb-1440. Contact Jacqueline at 847-9070.

Past Legislation

What if Your Student Has Graduated Homeschool High School But Is Younger Than Age 18?

If your student has finished high school but is younger than 18, you must certify high school completion with the New Hampshire Department of Education. Send a letter to the Commissioner of Education at the Department of Education. No homeschooling notification or evaluation is required for students enrolled full-time in college (“an accredited post-secondary education program”). We have provided a sample letter.

These changes are due to Senate Bill 18 which raised the age of compulsory attendance to 18.

Home Education Advisory Council

The Home Education Advisory Council (HEAC) meets monthly to discuss
homeschooling issues. Advising the NH Board of Education, the HEAC has members
who are homeschoolers as well as representatives from the Department of
Education, public school administrators, school board members, and a
representative of private schools. If you want to be informed of homeschooling
issues and lend support to our representatives, attend a meeting. The HEAC meets
on the second Tuesday of the month, 3:30-5:00, room 15, Department of Education.
Contact Abbey Lawrence for more info, 539-7233. Also check
http://www.education.nh.gov/instruction/school_improve/home_ed/heac.htm at the Department of Education website.  You will not be allowed to participate in Council discussion unless given special permission.