HB 0528

HB 528 - AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE

AN ACT establishing a commission to study computer standards used in public schools in New Hampshire.

SPONSORS: Rep. Carson, Rock 75

This bill establishes a commission to study computer standards used in public schools in New Hampshire.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

AN ACT establishing a commission to study computer standards used in public schools in New Hampshire.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Commission Established. There is established a commission to study computer standards used in public schools in New Hampshire.

(a) Two members of the house of representatives, one of whom shall be from the education committee and one of whom shall be from the science, technology, and energy committee, appointed by the speaker of the house.

(d) One high school teacher who has experience teaching in the New Hampshire Information Technology Pathway program, appointed by the executive director of the program.

(e) One member who represents the New Hampshire Information Technology Pathway program, appointed by the executive director of the program.

(f) The executive director of the New Hampshire School Boards Association, or designee.

(g) The executive director of the New Hampshire School Administrators Association, or designee.

(h) One member from the business community, appointed by the governor and council.

II. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation except that legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the commission.

III. The members listed in subparagraphs I (d), (e), and (h) shall serve 2-year terms. The members listed in subparagraphs (c), (f), and (g) shall serve 3-year terms. The remaining members shall serve a term coterminous with the term of office which qualifies them to serve on the commission.

3 Duties. The commission shall study computer standards used in public schools in New Hampshire. The commission shall:

I. Evaluate the New Hampshire Information Technology Pathway program and determine if it would be appropriate to adopt such program in the public schools.

II. Determine if the New Hampshire Information Technology Pathway program meets the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

III. Study increasing the number of credit hours required for computer education at the elementary and secondary school levels.

IV. Apply for, receive, and expend any available federal, state, or private funds.

V. Accept donations, gifts, equipment, or other items which may assist the commission in the completion of its charge.

4 Chairperson; Quorum. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Three members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

5 Report. No later than November 1 of each year, the commission shall report its findings and any recommendations for proposed legislation for that year to the speaker of the house of representatives, the senate president, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library. Each recommendation contained in the report shall include proposed implementation schedules with timelines, and details regarding agency personnel and resources needed.

6 Prospective repeal. Sections 1-5 of this act, relative to the commission to study computer standards used in public schools in New Hampshire, are repealed.

II. The remainder of this act shall take effect July 1, 2005.

AN ACT establishing a commission to study computer standards used in public schools in New Hampshire.

The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant indicates this bill, as amended by the House (House Amendment #2003-0485h), will increase state restricted revenue and expenditures by an indeterminable amount in FY 2004 and FY 2005. There will be no fiscal impact on county and local revenue or expenditures.

The Office states this bill directs the Commission to apply for, receive and expend any available federal, state or private funds. As a result, state restricted revenues and expenditures will increase by the amount of available funds received by the Commission. The amount to be received cannot be determined.