This bill establishes a new commission within the Department of Education, known as the School Administrative Unit (SAU) Study Commission, aimed at evaluating the efficiency and structure of existing school administrative units. The commission will be tasked with identifying opportunities for SAU consolidation and restructuring, as well as exploring ways to provide property tax relief. The commission will consist of various members, including two senators, three representatives, the commissioner of education or a designee, a superintendent, a local school board member, a business office administrator, and a member appointed by the School District Governance Association of New Hampshire. The commission is required to report its findings and recommendations for proposed legislation by November 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision for the prospective repeal of the newly established section (RSA 194-C:13) on November 1, 2026, indicating that the commission's authority will be time-limited. The effective date of the bill is set for July 2, 2026, with the repeal taking effect later. The commission will review demographic and enrollment shifts, assess the number of SAUs and their costs, and examine potential barriers to consolidation, while also soliciting testimony from relevant stakeholders.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 194-C:13
As Amended by the House: 194-C:13
Version adopted by both bodies: 194-C:13
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 194-C:13