The House Education Policy and Administration Committee of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on May 27, 2025, to discuss several key pieces of legislation affecting the state's educational framework. The meeting began with a focus on a bill addressing bullying in schools, which sparked significant debate among committee members.

The first item on the agenda was a discussion regarding the proposed legislation aimed at establishing a model policy for addressing bullying. A representative expressed strong opposition to the bill, citing concerns that it only partially addresses the educational system's needs. The representative emphasized that bullying is not exclusive to public schools, highlighting that it occurs in private institutions as well. This point led to a deeper inquiry into the bill's language, particularly regarding the term "schools," which some members found ambiguous.

Representative McDonald raised questions about whether the bill's provisions applied to all types of schools, including private ones. The response indicated that the current language primarily pertains to public schools, which raised concerns about the bill's clarity and effectiveness. The discussion underscored the complexity of addressing bullying, with members noting that often, victims are the ones who are removed from schools rather than the perpetrators.

Following this, the committee moved on to SB 57, which proposes the establishment of a study committee to analyze the reduction of school administrative units and the potential repeal of the Home Education Advisory Council. The prime sponsor, Representative Cordelli, provided background information on the bill, emphasizing the need for a focused discussion on its non-germane aspects.

As the meeting progressed, members were encouraged to keep their questions relevant to the current agenda items, with a promise to address broader concerns in an executive session later. The committee concluded the hearing on the bullying bill and prepared to delve into the details of SB 57.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing challenges in the educational system, particularly regarding bullying policies and administrative structures. The committee's discussions reflect a commitment to refining legislation to better serve all students in New Hampshire's diverse educational landscape. Further deliberations and decisions are expected in the coming weeks as the committee continues its work.