CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire Senate adopted a floor amendment to HB 1415-FN-A, appropriating $10 million dollars to the public school infrastructure fund to improve security in public schools. The amendment was sponsored by all 14 members of the Republican caucus. Following passage of the bill, Senators Harold French (R-Franklin), Senator Ruth Ward (R- Stoddard) and Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) issued the following statements:

“Adopting this floor amendment is a proactive way to prevent gun violence in schools,” said Senator Harold French (R-Franklin). “While the underlying bill was a noble cause, it was purely reactionary and did nothing to keep our children safe. I encourage my colleagues in the House to concur with our adopted changes.”

“School safety has been repeatedly debated throughout the year and I am pleased that we passed legislation to improve security in schools,” said Senator Ruth Ward (R-Stoddard). “The public school infrastructure fund was established in the last budget to make improvements to school security and this additional appropriation will continue the progress already made. No parent should have to worry that their children are safe when they drop them off at school.”

“I am extremely disappointed that several of our Democratic colleagues voted against this common sense measure to protect school children in our state, but I am glad that we were able to pass this amendment to put children’s safety first,” said Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) added.

###

Background

The Public School Infrastructure Fund was established in the 2018-2019 budget.
$18.76 million was appropriated in the budget to the Public School Infrastructure Fund.
So far more $13.7 million has been approved by the Governor and Executive Council
An additional $4.9 million has been approved by the Joint Fiscal Committee and headed to the Governor and Executive Council for approval.
There is currently $106,760 waiting approval of the Joint Fiscal Committee.
There is $7.8 million on the waitlist with another $3 million waiting for review
Every Democrat in the Senate voted against the budget establishing the Public School Infrastructure Fund.