WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 716

making an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program.

2026 Regular Session

The bill would appropriate state funds to support a dual/concurrent enrollment program, expanding high school students' access to college courses and credits.

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 72
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 716

Summary of HB 716 (New Hampshire, 2026 Session)

Title: Making an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program

This summary outlines the main purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and procedural timeline for HB 716 as it appeared in the 2026 New Hampshire legislative session.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill proposes an appropriation to support the dual enrollment program in New Hampshire.
  • Dual enrollment (also known as concurrent enrollment) programs typically allow high school students to enroll in college courses and earn both high school and college credits.
  • The overarching goal is to expand access to higher education opportunities for high school students, potentially reducing postsecondary costs and accelerating degree completion for participating students.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Funding Allocation: The core element of HB 716 is an appropriation designated to the dual and concurrent enrollment program. The bill would specify an amount to be allocated from state funds to support program operations, student financial assistance, course fees, and related administrative costs.
  • Program Scope and Eligibility (as generally aligned with dual enrollment bills, though exact text not provided here):
    • Eligibility criteria for participating students (likely focusing on high school juniors and seniors, or students meeting certain academic requirements).
    • Eligible course types (college-level courses offered through participating postsecondary institutions).
    • Framework for tuition and fee coverage, book stipends, or reimbursement mechanisms for participating students.
  • Administration and Oversight:
    • Allocation may be administered through a state department (often the Department of Education or a state higher education agency) with reporting requirements.
    • Possible requirements for annual reporting on program participation, academic outcomes, and cost-efficiency.
  • Enrollment and Participation Caps: May address limits on total enrollment or per-student credit hours funded under the program, though specifics would depend on the enacted language.

Note: The available action history shows multiple committee steps and amendments (including “Amendment #2025-0168h” and an “Ought to Pass with Amendment” decision), indicating the bill has undergone formal refinement and has had substantial legislative scrutiny. The exact dollar figures, eligible courses, and administrative details would be in the bill’s text.

3) Affected Parties

  • Students: High school students eligible for dual/concurrent enrollment, particularly those seeking college credit while in high school.
  • Schools and Districts: Public K-12 districts that would participate in the program by promoting and supporting student enrollment in college courses.
  • Postsecondary Institutions: Colleges or universities participating in the dual enrollment program, receiving state funds to support course delivery to high school students.
  • State Agencies: Likely the Department of Education and/or the higher education coordinating body responsible for administering the appropriation, with reporting and accountability duties.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Committee Process: The bill has moved through Education Funding and related committees, with hearings and executive sessions noted.
  • Key Milestones:
    • Public hearing held: January 28, 2025.
    • Referred to Finance: February 20, 2025 (indicating a fiscal impact review).
    • Committee reports: Various steps in 2025, including “Ought to Pass with Amendment” and amendments proposed (notably Amendment #2025-0168h).
    • Executive sessions and work sessions throughout 2025, with continued refinement.
    • Final disposition in 2026: Listed as “Inexpedient to Legislate” on January 7, 2026, which indicates the House voted that it would be inappropriate to enact the bill in its current form. This typically means the bill did not advance to passage in that session, though it could be reintroduced or revised in a future session.

Practical implication: As of the latest action, the bill did not become law in the 2026 session, but the concept—appropriating funds to support dual/concurrent enrollment—may be revisited in future bills with revised language or funding levels.

5) Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Educational Access: If funded and implemented, could widen access to college coursework for juniors and seniors, potentially reducing future college costs and time-to-degree.
  • Equity and Outcomes: Outcomes such as college credit attainment, high school graduation rates, and postsecondary enrollment could be positively affected, contingent on participation and program quality.
  • Budgetary Considerations: The appropriation would be a state expenditure, requiring ongoing funding and annual fiscal accountability.
  • Implementation Challenges: Coordination among K-12 districts, postsecondary partners, and state agencies is crucial for smooth administration, course alignment, and fair eligibility criteria.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections of the bill (e.g., exact funding amount, eligible course types, or reporting requirements) once the bill’s text becomes available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.