This bill establishes temporary appropriations for the state of New Hampshire to cover expenses and encumbrances from July 1, 2025, until an operating budget is enacted, but no later than January 1, 2026. It allows state agencies to obligate funds for expenditures at a rate not exceeding 45% of the appropriations for fiscal year 2025, as outlined in HB 1 of the 2023 legislative session. The bill also includes provisions for the acceptance of federal funds necessary to implement its provisions and allows for the transfer of funds with prior approval from the fiscal committee of the general court. Additionally, it suspends any inconsistent provisions of RSA 9 during the act's effectiveness and indemnifies state officials from personal liability incurred due to the provisions of RSA 9:19 and RSA 9:20 during the specified period.

Furthermore, the bill proposes changes to the education freedom account (EFA) program by eliminating the income requirement for eligibility. This change is expected to increase the number of students accessing the program, which currently serves 5,321 students at an annualized cost of approximately $27.7 million. The average grant for newly eligible students is estimated to be around $4,419, which is lower than the current average due to the absence of free or reduced-price meal eligibility. The bill outlines various financial implications for the state, including potential cost savings when students leave charter schools and the impact on local school district funding. Overall, the bill aims to provide necessary funding during the interim budget period while expanding access to educational opportunities through the EFA program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 194-F:1
As Amended by the House: 194-F:1