HB 1471 - AS INTRODUCED
2024 SESSION
24-2765
02/10
HOUSE BILL 1471
AN ACT declaring the total solar eclipse a school holiday.
SPONSORS: Rep. Read, Rock. 10
COMMITTEE: Education
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ANALYSIS
This bill designates April 8, 2024, the day of the total solar eclipse, as a school holiday and authorizes local school districts to organize viewing events.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
24-2765
02/10
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Four
AN ACT declaring the total solar eclipse a school holiday.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Legislative Findings. On April 8, 2024, New Hampshire will be in the direct path of a Total Solar Eclipse. Northern New Hampshire will be in the eclipse’s Path of Totality. The New Hampshire general court finds this to be a once in a multi-generation educational opportunity, and intends to provide New Hampshire’s public school students, parents, families, and educators with local flexibility to experience this natural phenomenon.
2 Compulsory Attendance Waived. The New Hampshire department of education is directed to waive compulsory school attendance for April 8, 2024. Additionally, schools are directed to excuse student absences from school on April 8, 2024 and on April 9, 2024, if a student was traveling to view the Total Solar Eclipse. Based on local decisions, schools may embed eclipse activities and learning experiences into an in-person learning day, hold an early-release day, host remote learning, or close schools as a way to encourage and support students and families to experience the Total Solar Eclipse. Viewing events immediately before, during, and after the moment of totality are encouraged, with other learning activities adjusted to allow for the time for such viewing activities, however, local decisions will determine student and educator expectations and responsibilities.
3 Rulemaking. The department of education is authorized to adopt rules in accordance with the rulemaking provisions of RSA 541-A to implement this section.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.