This bill mandates that local school boards must publicly discuss and vote on any charitable gifts, grants, or donations valued at $5,000 or more before accepting or rejecting them. The new legal language inserted into the current law specifies that these discussions and votes must occur in a public session, while also allowing for the option of anonymous donations if the donor prefers. This requirement is applied across various sections of the law, including those related to public school funding and the procurement of medical supplies. Additionally, the bill introduces a new paragraph to RSA 188-E:9-a, ensuring that donations to regional career and technical education center programs are also subject to public discussion and voting.

Moreover, the bill establishes a statewide Virtual Early Childhood Readiness Family Engagement Program aimed at enhancing school readiness for preschool children aged 4 and 5 who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. This program will utilize educational technology and will be funded through appropriated funds, grants, and donations. The bill also amends RSA 91-A:5, IV to classify library user information, including library cards and membership status, as confidential records exempt from public disclosure, thereby protecting user privacy. The provisions regarding library cards will take effect 60 days after the bill's passage, while the remaining sections will be effective on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 194-E:2, 198:20-c, 200:44-b, 200:54, 31:31, 35-B:1, 188-E:9-a
As Amended by the House: 194-E:2, 198:20-c, 200:44-b, 200:54, 31:31, 35-B:1, 188-E:9-a, 91-A:5