Committee advances HB 716 with amendment to flat-fund dual/concurrent enrollment for now; 18-0 vote

House Bill 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program administered with the Community College System of New Hampshire, was heard and advanced by the Education Funding Committee. Representative Ladd moved OTP; Representative Luna seconded.

Representative Erf offered Amendment 2025-016h to flat-fund the program at the current biennium level rather than the increased amount proposed in the bill. Representatives and CCSNH representatives said the amendment was intended as a temporary measure to hold the program at current funding amid an uncertain revenue outlook and to defer any funding increase to the ways-and-means / finance review later in the budget process. Shannon Reed of CCSNH testified that flat funding at the current level may limit the number of students the state-funded program can fully subsidize and could constrain funded seats; students could still enroll but may have to pay the $150 per course out-of-pocket for courses beyond the state-provided allotment.

The committee adopted the amendment by unanimous show-of-hands, then voted OTPA as amended by roll call; the clerk recorded 18 yes, 0 no. The committee placed HB 716 on the regular calendar.

Why it matters: HB 716 addresses funding for a high-profile affordability program that enables high-school students to earn college credit. The amendment preserves the program through the budget cycle while leaving the possibility of additional funding to later fiscal deliberations.

Vote: Amendment adopted (show-of-hands unanimous); OTPA on HB 716 as amended passed by roll call 18-0. Outcome: Advanced with amendment to regular calendar.