(New Title) establishing a commission to study due process in higher education disciplinary proceedings.

HB 510-FN - AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

7Jan2026... 3092h
03/05/2026 0716s
2025 SESSION
25-0592
09/02

HOUSE BILL
510-FN

AN ACT
establishing a commission to study due process in higher education disciplinary proceedings.

SPONSORS: Rep. Lynn, Rock. 17; Rep. Cordelli, Carr. 7; Rep. Popovici-Muller, Rock. 17; Rep. Thibault, Merr. 25; Sen. Lang, Dist 2; Sen. Murphy, Dist 16

COMMITTEE: Education Funding

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AMENDED ANALYSIS

This bill establishes a commission to study due process in higher education disciplinary proceedings.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in
bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [
in brackets and struckthrough.
]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
7Jan2026... 3092h
03/05/2026 0716s 25-0592
09/02

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five

AN ACT
establishing a commission to study due process in higher education disciplinary proceedings.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Subdivision; Due Process In Higher Education Commission. Amend RSA 187-A by inserting after section 29 the following new subdivision:
Due Process In Higher Education Commission
187-A:29-a Due Process In Higher Education Commission.
I. There is established a commission to study due process protections afforded to faculty members, students, and student organizations in disciplinary proceedings at public institutions of higher education within the state.
II. The members of the commission shall be as follows:
(a) Two members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) Three members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate.
(c) The chancellor of the community college system of New Hampshire, or designee.
(d) The chancellor of the university system of New Hampshire, or designee.
III. Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.
IV. The commission shall:
(a) Review the following:
(1) Disciplinary matters involving alleged misconduct that may result in suspension, expulsion, termination of employment, or comparable major sanctions.
(2) Policies and procedures involving faculty conduct, student conduct, and conduct related to recognized student organizations, not including matters involving routine academic evaluation, grading disputes, minor code-of-conduct violations, or informal disciplinary actions.
(b) Examine the following;
(1) Whether existing institutional disciplinary procedures provide timely and adequate notice of allegations and a meaningful opportunity for the accused faculty member or student to respond before the imposition of serious sanctions.
(2) The extent to which disciplinary processes ensure impartial decision-makers, clearly defined procedures, and safeguards against conflicts of interest.
(3) Whether institutional disciplinary policies and practices are consistent with applicable state and federal due process requirements.

V. The members of the study commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Four members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.
VI. The commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation to the public higher education study committee for the state of New Hampshire, the house clerk, and the senate clerk on or before November 1, 2026.

2 Repeal. RSA 187-A:29-a, relative to the commission on due process in higher education, is repealed.

3 Effective Date.
I. Section 2 of this act shall take effect November 1, 2026.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 30 days after its passage.
LBA
25-0592
03/10/2026

HB 510-FN-
FISCAL NOTE
AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE (AMENDMENT #2026-0716s)

AN ACT
establishing a commission to study due process in higher education disciplinary proceedings.

FISCAL IMPACT:
This bill establishes a study committee and will have no impact on state, county, and local revenue or expenditures.

AGENCIES CONTACTED:
None