New Hampshire Bulletin

New Hampshire schools could eventually receive millions of dollars more in state aid for costly special education services, under a new state law. But for districts, the assistance comes with a catch: a mountain of new paperwork. House Bill 1563, which Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed this month, broadens eligibility for New Hampshire’s special education aid program, allowing schools to seek partial state reimbursement for a new tier of special education costs. The law does not take effect until July 2028. Supporters say it will help curb a budgetary problem growing in New Hampshire and beyond: rising special education costs that are hitting local taxpayers. But the law also includes new accountability metrics for schools designed to ensure special education funding is being spent appropriately, and some worry the additional compliance could be costly.