The amended version of HB 1268, #0606h, substantially restructures New Hampshire’s home education statute, RSA 193-A. While formal reporting obligations are reduced, the underlying systems of state authority remain intact without giving families an optional and proactive legal shield from the state.
WHAT: Public Hearing for HB 1268 that Proposes Major Changes to NH’s Home Education Law
WHERE: One Granite Place, room 232, in Concord https://gc.nh.gov/gp/
WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10am
Note: The public hearing for CACR 24, a constitutional amendment re parents’ rights to direct their children’s education, is scheduled the same day at 1pm.
Link to bill: https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/pdf.aspx?id=22924&q=billVersion
Link to amendment #0606h: https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/pdf.aspx?q=amendment&id=2026-0606H
SUMMARY:
HB 1268 as amended proposes sweeping changes to RSA 193-A, NH’s law governing home education.
The central question is not whether the amendment reduces paperwork. It does. The question is whether it strengthens the legal standing of families when enforcement questions arise. In a compulsory-attendance state, liberty depends not only on fewer statutory requirements, but on whether the law provides durable, affirmative grounding for parental authority. The amendment reduces formal obligations while leaving the balance of state authority largely unchanged.
GSHE’s Analysis: https://gshenh.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HB-1268-Amendment-0606h-Analysis.pdf
ACTION STEPS:
- If possible, attend in person to have your opinion registered on the bill. If you wish to give speak to the committee, fill out a pink slip and give it to a committee member. This is the most effective option.
- If you are unable to attend, sign in using the House’s remote testimony portal. https://gc.nh.gov/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx
- Or send testimony to the committee; emails are available on the GSHE website here. https://gshenh.org/courses/make-a-difference/lessons/nh-legislators/
TESTIMONY TIPS:
- clearly state your name and town (so they know you live in NH)
- clearly state you are a traditional, independent home ed family (RSA 193-A)
- say why you OPPOSE this bill
- ask them to vote against HB 1268, the term is “Inexpedient to Legislate” or “ITL”
- keep your remarks to 3 minutes which is roughly one page of written comments, practice reading it a couple times so you’re comfortable
- state that your testimony should be added to the public record
- if you can’t attend in person, email your testimony to the entire House Education Committee, we have their emails on our website for an easy copy/paste https://gshenh.org/courses/make-a-difference/lessons/nh-legislators/
- or, use the NH House online portal to sign in your position and share written testimony https://gc.nh.gov/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx
IN-PERSON: Oral testimony is by far the most effective way to have your voice heard on pending legislation. Even a brief statement makes a powerful impact. However, if you are unable to attend, please consider contacting the committee before the hearing. Consider working together for childcare and carpooling.
This makes a terrific civics field trip! Children and teens are always welcome to attend. It may be a good hands-on experience for older students to give testimony, too.
Location: Due to State House renovations, the New Hampshire Legislature will hold committee hearings and most legislative meetings at Granite Place throughout the 2026 session unless otherwise announced. Parking is available as you follow the signs for the South Building and parking lot. There is parking at the front and rear of the building with direct access to level 2.
1 Granite Place (South Building), Concord, NH 03301
Official information: https://gc.nh.gov/gp/
The location could change if there is a large group. Be watchful for announcements.
If the hearing is moved to Rep Hall: The State House (with the golden dome) is located at 107 N. Main Street in Concord with the primary entry to the main floor of Rep Hall on the second floor. The upper gallery is accessible on the third floor. There is on-street parking surrounding the buildings with limited meters (usually two hours). For a longer stay, consider area parking garages or parking in nearby neighborhoods and walking. We recommend car-pooling when possible. Here is information about Concord parking. https://www.concordnh.gov/844/Downtown-Parking?nid=844
ONLINE: The House of Representatives offers an online method for signing in where you register your position on the bill — support, oppose, or neutral — and submit testimony for legislation.
To register a position and/or testimony, use this link. Fill in your personal information, select the date of the hearing and the bill number, indicate your position and who you represent. You may type in testimony or upload a pdf file.
https://gc.nh.gov/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx
EMAIL: If you are unable to attend, please send a brief email to committee members. Make the subject line very clear – state the bill number, HB 1268 — because they receive a lot of emails on dozens of bills. Specifically state if you want it to be treated as testimony and entered into the public record.
Committee members’ email addresses: https://granitestatehomeeducators.org/nhlegislators/
More Background on HB 1268
You can find more about GSHE’s coverage on HB 1268 here.
Home Education Respects Parents’ Rights
HB 1268 (2026): Legislative Status Update
HB 1268 (2026): Proposed Changes to New Hampshire’s Home Education Law
You Can’t Fix a Bad Bill: Why GSHE Is Opposing HB 1268 Heading Into 2026
GSHE Advocacy Resources
Join GSHE to access all of our how-to guides, community forums, and receive our newsletter to stay informed.
Sign up for our newsletters and periodic special alerts at our website. Members automatically receive our monthly newsletters directly to your emails.
Members can access our Making a Difference how-to guide that includes a video on how to be an effective advocate in Concord — how to follow bills, prepare testimony, and coordinate with others.
Members can also find news and updates in our GSHE Action Forum that is focused on advocacy for traditional, unfunded home education, open to NH home education families and supporters not legislators or special-interest organizations and their representatives.
About GSHE
Granite State Home Educators (GSHE) is a 501(c)(4), all-volunteer, statewide grassroots organization dedicated to supporting and empowering families who choose independent home education under RSA 193-A. We provide guidance, resources, community connections, and legislative monitoring focused exclusively on independent home education.
