Representative James Thibault provided updates on several education-related bills in New Hampshire via his Twitter account on January 7, 2026.
In a post from that day, Thibault reported the defeat of a bill aimed at increasing base adequacy costs. He wrote, “HB651, a bill to increase base adequacy costs to the standard set by the Supreme Court in ConVal, fails 190-156. This bill would out of the normal budget cycle would have cost over $600 MILLION and would affirm the Court’s nonexistent authority over purely legislative affairs” (January 7, 2026).
Later that afternoon, Thibault announced the passage of another measure regarding federal funding for schools. According to his tweet, “HB656, which requires schools to report any federal monies as “unanticipated revenue,” passes 186-155. This will ensure that local communities can review and voice their opinions on federal grants and the strings that may be attached to them, increasing transparency.” (January 7, 2026).
Thibault also noted the failure of two additional bills related to school meal eligibility: “HB665 and SB204, both modifying eligibility for free school meals fail. 189–158 and 183-161” (January 7, 2026).
The reference in HB651 to “the standard set by the Supreme Court in ConVal” relates to ongoing legal disputes over New Hampshire’s education funding system. In recent years, courts have ruled that state funding for public schools was insufficient under constitutional requirements; however, there has been debate between branches of government about who holds final authority over setting funding levels.
Transparency around federal funding for schools has become an issue as districts often receive significant grants with various requirements attached. By classifying such funds as “unanticipated revenue,” HB656 aims to provide more opportunities for local oversight.
Proposals like HB665 and SB204 sought changes in how students qualify for free school meals—a topic frequently debated amid concerns about student welfare and fiscal responsibility.
