Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee
Ben Mickens 271-1403
HB 1162, extending the commission on Holocaust and genocide studies.
Hearing Date: February 18, 2026
Time Opened: 11:13 a.m. Time Closed: 11:26 a.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Pearl, McGough, Gannon, Altschiller and Reardon
Members of the Committee Absent : None
Bill Analysis: This bill extends the final report deadline for the commission on Holocaust and genocide studies from November 1, 2026, to November 1, 2029.
Sponsors:
Rep. Selig | Rep. Layon | Rep. Mandelbaum |
Sen. Fenton |
|
|
________________________________________________________________________________
Who supports the bill: Senator Donovan Fenton, Representative Lora Selig, Representative Timothy Horrigan, Kathy Brunet, Clement Kigugu and 116 others.
Who opposes the bill: Mary Lincoln, Daniel Richardson, Cory Stone.
Who is neutral on the bill: No one.
Summary of testimony presented in support:
Representative Loren Selig
- Representative Selig explained that the purpose of committee is to ensure that students across New Hampshire are being properly educated on the definition of genocide and historical examples such as the Holocaust.
- Representative Selig stated that there was a recent survey that delineated where educators might need more support in teaching these topics and the commission needs to review those results which is why the bill asks for a 3-year extension.
Senator Altschiller asked what kind of education has been recommended after the work of commission.
Representative Selig responded that some of the work has gone to 603 Rules and integrated into state curriculum. She added that resource libraries have been created to provide easy access for educators and so that educators can share what has been effective in their classrooms with other teachers.
Senator Altschiller asked if this is all being facilitated by the Cohen Center in Keene.
Representative Selig explained that the Cohen Center hosts the website regarding the commission. She added that the commission does file annual reports that is shared with the Department of Education.
Senator Altschiller clarified that the statutory commission is independent from the Cohen Center.
Representative Selig confirmed that is the case and that the commission has perspectives from many different groups and individuals.
Representative Timothy Horrigan
- Representative Horrigan explained that he is in full support of HB 1162
- Representative Horrigan stated that the commission has done invaluable work since its inception but needs a few extra years to finish its work.
Kathy Brunet
- Ms. Brunet voiced her support for HB 1162
- Ms. Brunet explained that there is a responsibility to remember historic tragedies accurately to ensure that violence doesn’t reach the status of genocide ever again.
- She stated that the commission plays an important role in preserving historical events and guaranteeing a proper education.
Clement Kigugu
- Mr. Kigugu explained that his family was directly affected by the Rwandan genocide and he works with victims of, and refugees from, genocide.
- He underscored the importance to educate the new generation about genocide.
- Mr. Kigugu stated that education about the past can help one understand the present.
Summary of testimony presented in opposition: None.
Neutral Information Presented: None.
BM
Date Hearing Report completed: February 20, 2026