The New Hampshire Legislature's House Education Funding subcommittee convened on September 23, 2025, to discuss several key bills impacting higher education, including HB 443, HB 510, and HB 512. The discussions highlighted significant concerns regarding the governance and procedural rights within state-funded institutions.

The first bill, HB 443, aimed to amend the terms of appointment for members of the Higher Education Commission. The proposal sought to grant authority to replace non-attending members. However, the new governor's office expressed opposition, arguing that existing protocols already address attendance issues, suggesting the bill may be unnecessary. The subcommittee members raised questions about the legal implications of this stance, indicating a need for further legal clarity before proceeding.

Next, the subcommittee turned its attention to HB 510, which proposed establishing due process rights for students and faculty facing disciplinary actions at public colleges and universities. The bill has been met with mixed reactions. Some representatives, including those with experience in university governance, argued that current systems already provide adequate due process protections and that the bill could complicate existing collective bargaining agreements. Others contended that the bill is essential to ensure that students, as legal adults, have their rights clearly defined and protected.

Concerns were also raised about the potential costs associated with implementing the bill, particularly regarding the need for additional hearings and legal counsel. The university and community college systems indicated that compliance with the proposed changes could lead to significant financial burdens, diverting resources from student-facing services.

The subcommittee's discussions underscored the complexity of balancing student rights with institutional governance. As the committee prepares to reconvene in November, the future of these bills remains uncertain, with further deliberations expected to address the legal, financial, and procedural implications of the proposed changes. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in shaping the landscape of higher education governance in New Hampshire.