This bill introduces Chapter 188-K to the New Hampshire Revised Statutes, establishing due process protections for students, student organizations, and faculty members at publicly funded colleges and universities. Key rights outlined in the bill include written notice of allegations, access to evidence, the presumption of innocence, the right against self-incrimination, the ability to confront witnesses, and the right to an impartial hearing with an option to appeal decisions. Institutions are permitted to adopt more protective measures but cannot offer less protection than those specified in the bill. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

The bill also addresses the relationship between these new due process rights and existing collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). In cases of conflict, the provisions of the CBAs will take precedence until they expire, after which the new due process rights will apply to future disciplinary proceedings. The bill prohibits the establishment of any new CBAs that provide less protection than those outlined in Chapter 188-K. The fiscal impact is significant, with estimated costs for the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) ranging from $0 to $500,000 annually starting in FY 2027, and the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) estimating a minimum of $500,000 per year due to increased administrative burdens and compliance requirements.