Panel backs civics-test graduation requirement for colleges amid objections on cost and scope

The Finance Committee recommended HB 112, a bill to require students in the state university and community college systems to pass a civics test or demonstrate equivalent coursework before graduation.

Representative McGuire, sponsor and committee mover, said the requirement only applies to students who did not graduate from New Hampshire public high schools (those already subject to the high-school civics requirement) and that institutions may substitute equivalent coursework.

Opponents warned of administrative burdens and potential constitutional concerns. Representative Kelly noted that many students (roughly 53% of public high‑school graduates) already take the USCIS naturalization-style test in high school and that tracking exemptions and foreign students would be complex. Representative Priest and others said the bill imposes a new unfunded mandate on higher education and could cost between $100,000 and $500,000 annually to administer; they cited past veto messages and raised concerns about legislative intrusion into academic governance.

Supporters argued university systems are capable of tracking exemptions and that ensuring basic civic knowledge among college graduates is a minimal, justifiable requirement.

The committee recorded a close roll-call recommendation (14–11) to report HB 112 'ought to pass.' Minority and majority reports were ordered; the sponsor and opponents signaled that floor debate will address implementation details and exemptions.