Background Check Disqualifications for Educator Credentials
Summary
New Hampshire Governor Ayotte signed HB1373 into law (Chapter 23), establishing disqualification criteria for educator credential applicants based on background check results. The bill passed unanimously through both chambers with no opposition, affecting individuals seeking teaching credentials in New Hampshire's public and private educational institutions.
What changed
The New Hampshire General Court passed HB1373, creating statutory disqualification criteria for applicants seeking educator credentials based on background check findings. The bill was signed by Governor Ayotte on April 3, 2026, and became Chapter 23 of New Hampshire session laws. The legislation establishes the framework by which criminal history records may disqualify candidates from obtaining or retaining educator credentials, codifying new standards for the credentialing process.
Educational institutions and credentialing authorities in New Hampshire must implement procedures to conduct background checks consistent with the new disqualification standards. Prospective educators should review the new criteria to understand how prior convictions may affect their credential eligibility. Compliance with the disqualification framework is required for all educator credential applications processed after the April 3, 2026 effective date.
What to do next
- Review the new background check disqualification criteria in Chapter 23 to determine if any existing policies need updating
- Update educator credential application processes to incorporate the statutory disqualification standards
- Verify that current background check procedures align with the new statutory requirements
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / New Hampshire / HB1373 Signed by Governor HB1373 House Bill Signed by Governor 2026-04-06
Relative to background check disqualifications for applicants seeking educator credentials.
Bill Details
State New Hampshire
Session 2026 Regular Session
Chamber House
Official Source gc.nh.gov/billstatus/legacy/bs2016/bills...
LegiScan View on LegiScan
Sponsors
Melissa Litchfield (Rep - R) Brian Nadeau (Rep - R) James Thibault (Rep - R) Kristin Noble (Rep - R) Margaret Drye (Rep - R) William Gannon (Sen - R)
Action History
2026-04-06 H Signed by Governor Ayotte 04/03/2026; Chapter 23; eff: 04/03/2026 2026-03-26 S Enrolled Adopted, Voice Vote, (In recess 03/26/2026); Senate Journal 8 2026-03-26 H Enrolled 03/26/2026 House Journal 9 2026-03-06 S Ought to Pass: Motion Adopted, Voice Vote; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; Senate Journal 6 2026-03-05 S Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 03/12/2026; Vote 5-0; Consent Calendar; Senate Calendar 9 2026-02-19 S Hearing: 03/03/2026, Room Map Room, SL, 10:15 am; Senate Calendar 8 2026-02-09 S Introduced 02/05/2026 and Referred to Education; Senate Journal 4 2026-02-05 H Ought to Pass: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 02/05/2026 House Journal 3 P. 8 2026-01-27 H Committee Report: Ought to Pass 01/22/2026 (Vote 18-0; Consent Calendar) House Calendar 5 P. 5 2026-01-14 H Executive Session: 01/22/2026 10:00 am GP 232 2026-01-08 H Public Hearing: 01/14/2026 10:30 am GP 232 2025-12-02 H Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Education Policy and Administration House Journal 1 P. 17
Committee Referrals
2025-12-02 H Education Policy and Administration 2026-02-09 S Education
Bill Text Versions
0000-00-00 Introduced 2026-03-06 Enrolled Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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