Senate Education Committee
Trevor Currier 271-4151
HB 1467-FN, relative to the New Hampshire seal of civic excellence and engagement program.
Hearing Date: March 10, 2026
Time Opened: 9:15 a.m. Time Closed: 9:20 a.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Ward, Sullivan, Prentiss and Altschiller
Members of the Committee Absent : Senator Abbas
Bill Analysis: This bill:
I. Establishes the required criteria for a high school student to be awarded the New Hampshire seal of civic excellence and engagement.
II. Authorizes school boards and school administrative unit boards to award qualifying graduating high school students the distinction of a seal affixed to their diploma and completion of the program referenced on their transcript.
III. Authorizes the state board of education to adopt rules relative to the program.
Sponsors:
Rep. D. Paige | Rep. Moffett | Rep. Cornell |
Sen. Carson |
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Who supports the bill: 44 People signed in support of HB 1467-FN. To see the full list of sign-ins, please email the committee aide (trevor.currier@gc.nh.gov).
Who opposes the bill:2 People signed in opposition to HB 1467-FN. To see the full list of sign-ins, please email the committee aide (trevor.currier@gc.nh.gov).
Who is neutral on the bill: No one.
Summary of testimony presented in support:
Representative Nick Germana on behalf of Representative Paige.
- Representative Germana introduced and testified in support of House Bill 1467-FN.
- Rep. Germana stated that House Bill 1467-FN was voted out of the House with bipartisan support.
- He established that the proposed program, the New Hampshire Seal of Civic Excellence and Engagement, would be voluntary for schools.
- He stated that the program allows schools to place a seal on the student's diploma and recognize it on the student's transcript, acknowledging their commitment to civic engagement through their coursework and after-school activities.
- He said that the program would serve as a motivation for excellence in civics.
- He stated that the state board of education will adopt rules to ensure consistency by establishing statewide standards for participating schools.
- He explained that the bill requires students to successfully complete civics education beyond the minimum requirements, demonstrate civic knowledge through a locally approved assessment or portfolio, and participate in a civic engagement–based activity.
- He established that this program is an established practice in nearly a dozen states.
- He expressed that civic programs promote high-quality civic engagement and highlight the district's commitment to civic involvement.
Summary of testimony presented in opposition: None.
Neutral Information Presented: None.
T.C.
Date Hearing Report completed: March 11, 2026