SB 578 (2026): relative to play-based curriculum and limitations on recess periods for pupils.

SB 578 (2026)

relative to play-based curriculum and limitations on recess periods for pupils.

• Status: Died: conferees could not agree
• Term: 2025-2026
• House committee: Education Policy and Administration
• Senate committee: Education
• Subject: Education - General

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Senate Education committee. The committee voted 4–1 to recommend that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0509s). The committee's amendment (2026-0509s) was adopted on a voice vote on February 19, 2026, changing the text of the bill. A floor amendment (2026-0846s), offered by Sen. Donovan Fenton, was rejected on a voice vote on February 19, 2026. On February 19, 2026 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on February 19, 2026 and was referred to the House Education Policy and Administration committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 30, 2026, with 37 people signed in online: 8 in support and 29 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on May 4, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The majority recommended that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-1806h), and the minority recommended that the House kill it, by a vote of 10–8. The report was placed on the regular calendar. A floor amendment (2026-1945h), offered by Rep. Valerie McDonnell, was adopted on a voice vote on May 14, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On May 14, 2026 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. The committee's amendment (2026-1806h) was rejected on a division vote 12–319 on May 14, 2026. On May 14, 2026 the Senate voted to reject the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Ruth Ward. On May 21, 2026 the House adopted “House Accedes to Senate Request for CofC” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Kristin Noble.

Sponsors

• Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R - SD18) (prime sponsor)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)
• Sen. Regina Birdsell (R - SD19)
• Sen. Sharon Carson (R - SD14)
• Rep. Lisa Freeman (R - Belk 8)
• Sen. Keith Murphy (R - SD16)
• Sen. Howard Pearl (R - SD17)
• Rep. Raymond Peeples (R - Hills 14)
• Rep. Kimberly Rice (R - Hills 38)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 20, 2026, 10:15 AM: hearing, Senate Education, SL Map Room
• February 19, 2026: floor debate, Senate
• March 30, 2026, 10:20 AM: public hearing, House Education Policy and Administration, GP 232
• May 4, 2026, 10:30 AM: executive session, House Education Policy and Administration, GP 232
• May 14, 2026: floor debate, House
• May 21, 2026: floor debate, House
• May 27, 2026, 10:30 AM: committee of conference, GP 154

Votes

• February 19, 2026, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0509s — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-1945h — voice vote, passed
• May 14, 2026, House: Adopt Committee Amendment — yeas 12, nays 319, failed
• May 14, 2026, Senate: Nonconcur with the House Amendment; Requests C of C — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2026, House: House Accedes to Senate Request for CofC — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 193-E:2-a
• RSA 189:10

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• SJ 1
• SC 46
• SC 6
• SJ 4
• HJ 5, page 127
• HC 19, page 21
• HJ 13, pages 68 and 69
• SJ 13
• HJ 14, page 10