The House took up 169 bills: 111 together on the consent calendar, then 58 one by one, in the order told below.
Granite Record indexes the General Court’s record; it is not that record. Where a citation allows only one source, cite the General Court — every page here links to what it is drawn from. The date below is the day the page was read.
@misc{session-H-2025-03-26,
title = {The House, Wednesday, March 26, 2025},
howpublished = {Granite Record},
url = {https://graniterecord.org/session/H/2025-03-26},
note = {Accessed 19 Oct. 2026}
}The House assembled at 9:00 AM, a prayer was offered and Rep. Kevin Scully (R - Hills 8) led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Presiding over the House during the day: Rep. Sherman Packard (R - Rock 16), Speaker of the House, and Rep. Steven Smith (R - Sull 3), Deputy Speaker of the House.
The journal records 29 members as having leave of the House for the day, that is, permission to be away. A member on leave may still have voted on part of the day, and the roll call record does not always agree with the journal about who was excused.
Rep. Nicholas Bridle (R - Rock 29) Rep. Suzanne Chretien (D - Hills 19) Rep. Myles England (D - Straf 12) Rep. Julie Gilman (D - Rock 11) Rep. Alicia Gregg (D - Hills 7) Rep. Jodi Nelson (R - Rock 13) Rep. Andrew Prout (R - Hills 13) Rep. Loren Selig (D - Straf 10) Rep. Stephen Woodcock (D - Carr 1) Rep. Mike Bordes (R - Belk 5) Rep. Matthew Coker (R - Belk 2) Rep. Travis Corcoran (R - Hills 28) Rep. Denise DeDe-Poulin (R - Straf 6) Rep. Dylan Germana (D - Ches 1) Rep. Ernesto Gonzalez (R - Merr 3) Rep. Linda Haskins (D - Rock 11) Rep. John Janigian (R - Rock 25) Rep. David Lundgren (R - Rock 16) Rep. Amy Malone (D - Straf 9) Rep. Jennifer Mandelbaum (D - Rock 21) Rep. Sheri Minor (R - Belk 5) Rep. Mark Paige (D - Rock 11) Rep. William Palmer (D - Sull 2) Rep. Adam Presa (R - Hills 12) Rep. Kimberly Rice (R - Hills 38) Rep. Douglas Trottier (R - Belk 8) Rep. Peter Varney (R - Belk 7) Rep. Kevin Verville (R - Rock 2) Rep. Mark Warden (R - Hills 39)
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 9–7; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed 208–125 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Jared Sullivan (D - Graf 2)
Spoke against the motionRep. Jennifer Rhodes (R - Ches 17)
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-1084h, 14–2; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-1084h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote
House Children and Family Law recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 16–0.
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote
Moved by Rep. Mark Pearson (R - Rock 34).
In the record: Lay HB775 on Table
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 9–7; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Failed 140–196 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Terry Roy (R - Rock 31)
Spoke against the motionRep. Jodi Newell (D - Ches 4)
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0624h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 10–5; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Failed 120–216 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Terry Roy (R - Rock 31)
Spoke against the motionRep. Alissandra Murray (D - Hills 20)
House Education Funding recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 15–3; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed on a voice vote
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed on a voice vote
House Education Policy and Administration recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0912h, 10–8; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0912h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 198–139 on a division
House Election Law recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Resolution Killed 186–150 on a division
House Election Law recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 13–5; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote
House Election Law recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 11–7; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed on a voice vote
House Election Law recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled 190–147 on a division
Moved by Rep. Ross Berry (R - Hills 44).
In the record: Lay HB 408 on Table
House Election Law recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 13–5; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-1360h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote
House Election Law recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 10–7; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed 186–152 on a division
House Election Law recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed 194–145 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Ross Berry (R - Hills 44)
Spoke against the motionRep. Matthew Wilhelm (D - Hills 21)
House Environment and Agriculture recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 9–5; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Indefinitely Postpone (Kill the bill and bar its subject for the term)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed 190–140 on a division
Moved by Rep. Judy Aron (R - Sull 4).
House Executive Departments and Administration recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 12–4; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled 199–135 on a roll call
Moved by Rep. Carol McGuire (R - Merr 27).
In the record: Lay HB96 on Table
House Executive Departments and Administration recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0564h, 9–6; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled 187–152 on a roll call
Moved by Rep. Erica Layon (R - Rock 13).
In the record: Lay HB145 on Table
House Executive Departments and Administration recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 12–4.
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed on a voice vote
House Executive Departments and Administration recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0328h, 10–6; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0328h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 188–151 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Erica Layon (R - Rock 13)
Spoke against the motionRep. Jaci Grote (D - Rock 24)
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 15–3; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote
House Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0927h, 13–5.
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0927h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote
House Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0890h, 11–6; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Failed 124–215 on a division
Moved by Rep. Paul Berch (D - Ches 6).
In the record: Lay HB195 on Table
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0890h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 261–79 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Bob Lynn (R - Rock 17)
Spoke against the motionRep. Paul Berch (D - Ches 6)
House Judiciary recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 14–4; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Failed 163–180 on a division
Moved by Rep. Alexander Jr..
In the record: Lay HB400 on Table
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed 211–135 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Eric Turer (D - Rock 6)
Spoke against the motionRep. Kristine Perez (R - Rock 16) Rep. Brown
House Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 11–7.
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote
House Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).
Adopt the Amendment (Change the bill) 2025-0842h
Motion Failed 154–190 on a roll call
In the record: Adopt Amendment 2025-0842h
Spoke for the motionRep. Eric Turer (D - Rock 6)
Spoke against the motionRep. Katelyn Kuttab (R - Rock 17)
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed 193–155 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Katelyn Kuttab (R - Rock 17)
Spoke against the motionRep. Eric Turer (D - Rock 6)
House Judiciary recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0843h, 13–5; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0843h
Motion Failed 163–184 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Donald McFarlane (R - Graf 18)
Spoke against the motionRep. Paul Berch (D - Ches 6)
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled 283–64 on a division
Moved by Rep. Ellen Read (D - Rock 10).
In the record: Lay HB587 on Table
House Judiciary recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 14–4; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled 177–167 on a division
Moved by Rep. Bob Lynn (R - Rock 17).
In the record: Lay HB614 on Table
House Judiciary recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed 195–146 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Joe Alexander (R - Hills 29)
Spoke against the motionRep. Catherine Rombeau (D - Hills 2)
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 11–9; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed 196–155 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Michael Granger (R - Straf 2)
Spoke against the motionRep. Erica de Vries (D - Rock 29)
House Legislative Administration recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 9–3; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Failed 167–184 on a division
Moved by Rep. Gregory Hill (R - Merr 2).
In the record: Lay HB142 on Table
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Failed 125–226 on a division
Spoke against the motionRep. Tom Mannion (R - Hills 1)
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-1356h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote
Also spoke during this billRep. Alice Wade (D - Straf 15)the record does not say which of the day's motions
House Legislative Administration recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 9–2; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote
Moved by Rep. Bob Lynn (R - Rock 17).
In the record: Lay HB157 on Table
House Legislative Administration recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 8–3; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled 265–85 on a division
Moved by Rep. Alice Wade (D - Straf 15).
In the record: Lay HB347 on Table
House Municipal and County Government recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 10–8; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed 189–159 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Linda Franz (R - Graf 6)
Spoke against the motionRep. Eleana Colby (D - Merr 9)
House Legislative Administration recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0908h, 7–4; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Indefinitely Postpone (Kill the bill and bar its subject for the term)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed 187–163 on a division
Moved by Rep. Jim Maggiore (D - Rock 23).
House Municipal and County Government recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 10–8; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote
Moved by Rep. Sherri Reinfurt (R - Hills 29).
In the record: Lay HB147 on Table
House Resources, Recreation and Development recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 9–7; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed on a voice vote
House Science, Technology and Energy recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote
Moved by Rep. Kat McGhee (D - Hills 35).
In the record: Lay HB674 on Table
House Science, Technology and Energy recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote
Moved by Rep. Michael Vose (R - Rock 5).
In the record: Lay HB692 on Table
House Science, Technology and Energy recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote
Moved by Rep. Kat McGhee (D - Hills 35).
In the record: Lay HB755 on Table
House Science, Technology and Energy recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote
Moved by Rep. Thomas Cormen (D - Graf 15).
In the record: Lay HB759 on Table
House Science, Technology and Energy recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote
Moved by Rep. Michael Vose (R - Rock 5).
In the record: Lay HB760 on Table
House Science, Technology and Energy recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled on a voice vote
Moved by Rep. Michael Vose (R - Rock 5).
In the record: Lay HB761 on Table
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 10–7; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Resolution Tabled 267–76 on a division
Moved by Rep. Michael Granger (R - Straf 2).
In the record: Lay HCR3 on Table
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–7; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Resolution Tabled 176–168 on a division
Moved by Rep. Michael Moffett (R - Merr 4).
In the record: Lay HCR5 on Table
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0318h, 11–6; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0318h
Motion Passed: Resolution Passed with Changes 172–171 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Donald McFarlane (R - Graf 18)
Spoke against the motionRep. Christal Lloyd (D - Hills 8)
House Transportation recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 9–7; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed 207–135 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Matthew Pitaro (R - Merr 11)
Spoke against the motionRep. Seth Miller (D - Straf 21)
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 10–7; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Resolution Tabled 182–160 on a division
Moved by Rep. Christine Seibert (D - Hills 21).
In the record: Lay HJR1 on Table
House Transportation recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0471h, 9–7; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0471h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 187–159 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Thomas Walsh (R - Merr 10)
Spoke against the motionRep. Seth Miller (D - Straf 21)
House Transportation recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–6; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed on a voice vote
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Failed 125–217 on a division
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 15–1; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed 250–85 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. John Hunt (R - Ches 14)
Spoke against the motionRep. Jerry Stringham (D - Graf 3) Rep. Manoj Chourasia (D - Hills 11)
House Children and Family Law recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-1079h, 10–4; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Passed: Bill Tabled 342–1 on a division
Moved by Rep. Mark Pearson (R - Rock 34).
In the record: Lay HB553 on Table
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-0756h, 9–7; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Lay on the Table (Set the bill aside)
Motion Failed 162–172 on a division
Moved by Rep. Nicholas Germana (D - Ches 15).
In the record: Lay HB191 on Table
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0756h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 180–164 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Jennifer Rhodes (R - Ches 17)
Spoke against the motionRep. Jodi Newell (D - Ches 4)
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 9–6; a minority, Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Failed 143–200 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Jennifer Rhodes (R - Ches 17)
Spoke against the motionRep. Jodi Newell (D - Ches 4)
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-0130h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes on a voice vote
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 9–7; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL, Kill the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed 214–127 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Jennifer Rhodes (R - Ches 17)
Spoke against the motionRep. David Meuse (D - Rock 37) Rep. William Dolan (D - Hills 9)
House Education Funding recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL), 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Indefinitely Postpone (Kill the bill and bar its subject for the term)
Motion Passed: Bill Killed 186–156 on a roll call
Moved by Rep. Rick Ladd (R - Graf 5).
House Education Policy and Administration recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-1029h, 10–8; a minority, Ought to Pass (OTP).
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-1029h, 2025-1315h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 183–157 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Kristin Noble (R - Hills 2)
Spoke against the motionRep. Megan Murray (D - Hills 37)
Mister Speaker, if I know I have discussed this amendment with the sponsors and they are in favor of this amendment and so is the HRA, would I please vote yea on (1315h)?…
Speaker PackardRep. McFarlane offers floor amendment (1315h), and it is in your seat pockets. He is recognized to speak to his amendment.
Rep. Donald McFarlane (R - Graf 18)Mister Speaker, if I know I have discussed this amendment with the sponsors and they are in favor of this amendment and so is the HRA, would I please vote yea on (1315h)?
Speaker PackardThe motion before us is the McFarlane floor amendment (1315h). A division has been requested. Members take your seats. The motion before us is the McFarlane floor amendment (1315h). This is a division vote. The Chair recognizes Rep. Megan Murray for a parliamentary inquiry.
Rep. Megan Murray (D - Hills 37)Thank you, Mister Speaker. If I know that this amendment opens the bill up to further vaguery and potentially further litigation regarding some questions around the 14th and 1st amendments, would I now press no on the motion to adopt the floor amendment?
Speaker PackardThe Chair recognizes Rep. McFarlane for a parliamentary inquiry.
Rep. Donald McFarlane (R - Graf 18)Thank you, Mister Speaker. Mister Speaker, if I know that the statutes as written, which this bill is going to improve, do not allow for us to recognize group differences and teach group differences such as the ones that caused us to vote yea on HB 148 the other day, would I vote in favor of this amendment?
Speaker PackardThe motion before us is the McFarlane floor amendment (1315h). This is a division vote. If you are in favor, you'll press the green button. If you are opposed, you'll press the red button. Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. Have all members present had the opportunity to vote? The House will attend to the state of the vote. 174 voting Yea; 166 voting Nay, the amendment is adopted. Now we are on to Ought to Pass with Amendment. The Chair recognizes Rep. Megan Murray.
Rep. Megan Murray (D - Hills 37)Thank you, Mister Speaker. Honorable colleagues, I rise in opposition to any amendment today to HB 50. As history reminds us all, the federal court has already ruled on policy enacted into law on this topic and found it to be unconstitutional violating the 14th and 1st amendments. Additionally, learning communities and educators need to be free to teach honest representations of historical facts and truths. The originally introduced intent of HB 50 was to repeal the unconstitutional law. Any other suggestion by amendment infuses vague language for consideration and perhaps opens the state to further litigation, understandable confusion about allowable topics to teach and sows uncertainty in a teacher's ability to have complex discussions without fear for their jobs or credentials being on the line. I urge the body to vote no on ought to pass as amended so that a more appropriate motion may be made. Mister Speaker, I ask for a roll call.
Rep. Kristin Noble (R - Hills 2)Thank you, Mister Speaker. Last year a federal judge struck down the states law banning the teaching of discrimination in public schools concluding it was unconstitutionally vague and denied educators their right to due process. The state has appealed that decision and will soon be arguing the case in the first circuit court of appeals. This bill, as amended, enhances that law titled the prohibition on teaching discrimination by specifying that a violation of this section by an educator must be intentional or knowing and specifically states that the intent of this section is to equally protect all New Hampshire citizens from discrimination. It reinforces that nothing in the law prohibits discussion by educators of historical existence of ideas and subjects as part of a larger course of academic instruction. These changes are intended to address the lower court's criticism. Over the last couple of years, we have had many hours of testimony on bills seeking to repeal this law. In all that time, no one was able to answer the question what was being taught before that that can no longer be taught because of this law? However, in this recent hearing, it was mentioned that teachers would not be able to discuss today's white supremacist or today's neo nazis. Well, good because who are today's white supremacists and today's neo nazis? In our current political climate, depending on who you ask, you're probably going to get a different answer. We shouldn't be taking students down that divisive road. When this was originally signed into law, the DOJ issued detailed FAQs. They basically say that this doesn't prevent the teaching of history or discussing current events and just because a subject may be uncomfortable for some, does not mean a violation of the law has occurred. But do not teach that a person or a group is inherently oppressive, superior, inferior, racists or sexists. Teach and treat all equally and without discrimination. Please vote yes. Thank you.
Speaker PackardRep. Megan Murray has requested a roll call. Is that sufficiently seconded? It is sufficiently seconded. This will be a roll call vote. Members take your seats. The motion before us is the majority report of ought to pass as amended on HB 50. This is a roll call vote. The Chair recognizes Rep. Cornell for a parliamentary inquiry.
Rep. Patricia Cornell (D - Hills 22)Thank you, Mister Speaker. Mister Speaker, if I know that allowing civil actions and state board sanctions against educators for perceived violations of this extremely vague law banning discussions could create a climate of fear and limits students' exposure to different perspectives. If I know that this objective allegation can be made by any person claiming to be aggrieved, not only relatives or guardians, but perhaps a neighbor or someone in another district. If I know that this only applies to public schools and if I know that these civil lawsuits can lead to unnecessary litigation, draining financial resources, would I then press the red button against this OTP motion?
Speaker PackardThe Chair recognizes Rep. Nadeau for a parliamentary inquiry.
Rep. Brian Nadeau (R - Rock 4)Thank you, Mister Speaker. Mister Speaker, if I know that teaching discrimination is divisive and that is why we put anti discrimination provisions into law that is now challenged in the courts. If I know this bill supports the state position in the courts. If I know any action against an educator for violations of current law, must be intentional and knowing. And if I know this bill's intention is to protect all New Hampshire citizens from discrimination, I would now press the green button.
Speaker PackardThe motion before us the majority committee report of ought to pass as amended. This is a roll call vote. If you are in favor, you'll press the green button. If you are opposed, you'll press the red button. Voting stations are open for 30 seconds. Have all members present had the opportunity to vote? The House will attend to the state of the vote. 183 voting Yea; 157 voting Nay, the committee report is adopted.
House Education Policy and Administration recommended Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) with amendment 2025-1030h, 10–8; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA, Pass the bill with changes) 2025-1030h
Motion Passed: Bill Passed with Changes 194–148 on a division
Spoke for the motionRep. Paul Terry (R - Belk 7)
Spoke against the motionRep. Peggy Balboni (D - Rock 38)
House Education Policy and Administration recommended Ought to Pass (OTP), 9–8; a minority, Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL).
Ought to Pass (OTP, Pass the bill)
Motion Passed: Bill Passed 183–148 on a roll call
Spoke for the motionRep. Glenn Cordelli (R - Carr 7)
Spoke against the motionRep. David Paige (D - Carr 1)
Roll calls the House took that day on questions that were on no bill, such as its own rules, a ruling of the chair or printing a debate. The question is as the General Court’s roll-call file words it.
Shall Member Continue
Motion Passed 237–16 on a roll call
These belong to no bill. The House gives a member leave to address it, and what they said is part of the permanent record.