Yet Another School Choice Breakthrough for New Hampshire

The New Hampshire House recently took a groundbreaking step to expand school choice with the passage of House Bill 741, a bill that gives families more control over their children’s education by establishing universal open enrollment across public schools. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. 

Championed by Liberty Representative Glenn Cordelli and co-sponsored by Senator Victoria Sullivan and Rep. Paul Terry, House Bill 741 is an education reform that dismantles artificial geographic barriers and puts the focus back on what’s best for students. Under this proposal, any student in New Hampshire would be able to transfer to a public school outside their residential district, ensuring that every family has the opportunity to find a public education option that fits their child’s needs, regardless of ZIP code or income level.

Opponents of House Bill 741 claim that it could lead to imbalances between districts or logistical challenges, but the evidence from other states proves otherwise. Where open enrollment exists, educational outcomes improve — both for students who transfer and those who stay. Schools are encouraged to elevate performance, provide specialized programs, and better serve their communities.  Open enrollment means that school systems must compete for the students they serve and this means better results for every student!

American Action Fund commends Rep. Cordelli and Sen. Sullivan for their leadership and unwavering commitment to educational freedom. Their work on House Bill 741, along with the legislature’s recent movement on House Bill 115 and Senate Bill 295 to expand Education Freedom Accounts, reflects a consistent and forward-looking vision for families across New Hampshire.

Taken together, House Bill 741 and House Bill 115 form a comprehensive approach to school choice: one expands options within the public system. As House Bill 741 now moves to the Senate, American Action Fund urges lawmakers to stand with families—not with bureaucratic special interests that seek to maintain control at the expense of student outcomes.