New Hampshire education

Median gross rent includes contract rent and estimated tenant-paid utilities. Multifamily development and infrastructure rules concern rental supply and costs, without demonstrating new rental units or a change in median rent. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained New Hampshire evidence context: Median gross rent. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

329:1 Zoning; Grant of Power; Parking Ordinances. Amend RSA 674:16, VII to read as follows: VII. In its exercise of the powers granted under this subdivision, the local legislative body of a city, town, or county in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places may regulate accessory parking for vehicles, but shall not require more than one residential parking space per unit or require that the parking space per unit be garaged. 329:2 Multi-Family Residential Development on Commercially Zoned Land; Amendment to Zoning Regulations; Conversion of Multi-Family Dwelling Units Permitted. Amend RSA 674:80, IV to read as follows: IV. [] Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter municipal authority under RSA 674:43, I to require site plan review for multi-family dwelling units. Consistent with the purpose of this section, for multi-family dwelling units proposed in commercial districts existing, created, or expanded after July 1, 2026, municipalities may impose frontage, setbacks, and height requirements; provided that such requirements shall not differ from what is allowed for commercial development. Multi-family dwelling units shall be allowed as a matter of right, and municipalities shall not enforce additional requirements unless expressly authorized by this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit enforcement of applicable state fire, building, and other requirements under RSA 153, RSA 155-A, and RSA 485-A. V. A municipality shall allow pre-existing nonconforming structures to be converted to multi-family dwelling units or mixed use provided that the structure’s envelope is not altered to further violate zoning district dimensional requirements. VI. Any owner of commercially-zoned property improperly denied an application for multi-family housing, or who is subjected to requirements beyond those allowed in this section, and who is thereby required to file suit against the municipality in order to exercise the property rights thus recognized, shall be entitled to be reimbursed reasonable attorney's fees incurred as a direct result. 329:3 New Chapter; Special Assessment Districts. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 162-U the following new chapter:CHAPTER 162-VSPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS 162-V:1 Authority. The governing body of any city or town may enter into special assessment memorandums of understanding with 60 percent of properties' owners to establish special assessment districts and spending programs for the purpose of financing public infrastructure improvements necessary to serve new development. 162-V:2 Improvements Authorized. I. Infrastructure improvements eligible for financing under this chapter shall include: (a) Roads, sidewalks, street lighting, and traffic control devices; (b) Water mains, sewer lines, stormwater management facilities, and related appurtenances; (c) Utility extensions directly serving the district; and (d) Streetscape or parking improvements incidental to development. II. General government buildings, schools, or facilities that do not directly and specially benefit parcels within the district shall not be financed under this chapter. 162-V:3 Apportionment of Costs. I. Assessments shall be levied only against properties that receive a direct and ascertainable benefit from the improvements. II. The governing body shall determine the method of apportionment, which may include frontage, lot size, number of units, assessed value, or other reasonable metric. III. No parcel shall be assessed in an amount greater than the special benefit conferred upon it. 162-V:4 Financing. I. Municipalities may issue bonds to finance improvements within the district, to be repaid solely from assessments levied under this chapter. II. Assessments may be collected in annual installments over a period not to exceed 20 years. III. Assessments shall constitute a lien on the property with the same priority and enforcement as property taxes. 162-V:5 Procedure. I. Establishment of a district shall require the governing body of any city or town to enter into special assessment memorandums of understanding with 60 percent of properties' owners. II. Notice of the proposed district shall be mailed to each affected property owner and published in a newspaper of general circulation at least 14 days prior to the hearing. 162-V:6 Appeals. Any property owner subject to an assessment may appeal the apportionment of costs to the governing body within 30 days of notice, and thereafter to the superior court pursuant to RSA 677. 162-V:7 Dissolution. A district shall dissolve upon repayment of all obligations or earlier by vote of the governing body, provided all costs have been satisfied. 329:4 Department of Business and Economic Affairs; Expansion of Housing Infrastructure Municipal Grant Program. The department of business and economic affairs shall expand its housing infrastructure municipal grant program to allow for sewer, water, and road upgrades for new housing units. 329:5 Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Appropriation. The sum of $1 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027 is hereby appropriated to the department of business and economic affairs for the purpose of providing grants for sewer, water, and road upgrades for new housing units under its housing infrastructure municipal grant program. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for said sums out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. 329:6 Multi-Family Residential Development on Commercially Zoned Land; Amendment to Zoning Regulations; Conversion of Multi-Family Dwelling Units Permitted. Amend RSA 674:80, V to read as follows: V. [] Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter municipal authority under RSA 674:43, I to require site plan review for multi-family dwelling units. Consistent with the purpose of this section, for multi-family dwelling units proposed in commercial districts existing, created, or expanded after July 1, 2026, municipalities may impose frontage, setbacks, and height requirements; provided that such requirements shall not differ from what is allowed for commercial development. Multi-family dwelling units shall be allowed as a matter of right, and municipalities shall not enforce additional requirements unless expressly authorized by this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit enforcement of applicable state fire, building, and other requirements under RSA 153, RSA 155-A, and RSA 485-A. VI. A municipality shall allow pre-existing nonconforming structures to be converted to multi-family dwelling units or mixed use provided that the structure’s envelope is not altered to further violate zoning district dimensional requirements. VII. Any owner of commercially-zoned property improperly denied an application for multi-family housing, or who is subjected to requirements beyond those allowed in this section, and who is thereby required to file suit against the municipality in order to exercise the property rights thus recognized, shall be entitled to be reimbursed reasonable attorney's fees incurred as a direct result. 329:7 Contingency. If HB 1010 of the 2026 regular legislative session becomes law, section 2 of this act shall not take effect and section 6 of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage. If HB 1010 of the 2026 regular legislative session does not become law, section 2 of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage and section 6 of this act shall not take effect. 329:8 Contingent Renumbering. If HB 1433 of the 2026 regular legislative session becomes law: RSA 162-V as inserted by section 3 of this act shall be renumbered as RSA 162-X. If HB 1433 of the 2026 regular legislative session does not become law: RSA 162-V as inserted by section 3 of this act shall be renumbered as RSA 162-W. 329:9 Effective Date. I. Sections 2 and 6 of this act shall take effect as provided in section 7 of this act. II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

Median gross rent includes contract rent and estimated tenant-paid utilities. Multifamily development and infrastructure rules concern rental supply and costs, without demonstrating new rental units or a change in median rent. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained New Hampshire evidence context: Median gross rent. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

329:1 Zoning; Grant of Power; Parking Ordinances. Amend RSA 674:16, VII to read as follows: VII. In its exercise of the powers granted under this subdivision, the local legislative body of a city, town, or county in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places may regulate accessory parking for vehicles, but shall not require more than one residential parking space per unit or require that the parking space per unit be garaged. 329:2 Multi-Family Residential Development on Commercially Zoned Land; Amendment to Zoning Regulations; Conversion of Multi-Family Dwelling Units Permitted. Amend RSA 674:80, IV to read as follows: IV. [] Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter municipal authority under RSA 674:43, I to require site plan review for multi-family dwelling units. Consistent with the purpose of this section, for multi-family dwelling units proposed in commercial districts existing, created, or expanded after July 1, 2026, municipalities may impose frontage, setbacks, and height requirements; provided that such requirements shall not differ from what is allowed for commercial development. Multi-family dwelling units shall be allowed as a matter of right, and municipalities shall not enforce additional requirements unless expressly authorized by this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit enforcement of applicable state fire, building, and other requirements under RSA 153, RSA 155-A, and RSA 485-A. V. A municipality shall allow pre-existing nonconforming structures to be converted to multi-family dwelling units or mixed use provided that the structure’s envelope is not altered to further violate zoning district dimensional requirements. VI. Any owner of commercially-zoned property improperly denied an application for multi-family housing, or who is subjected to requirements beyond those allowed in this section, and who is thereby required to file suit against the municipality in order to exercise the property rights thus recognized, shall be entitled to be reimbursed reasonable attorney's fees incurred as a direct result. 329:3 New Chapter; Special Assessment Districts. Amend RSA by inserting after chapter 162-U the following new chapter:CHAPTER 162-VSPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS 162-V:1 Authority. The governing body of any city or town may enter into special assessment memorandums of understanding with 60 percent of properties' owners to establish special assessment districts and spending programs for the purpose of financing public infrastructure improvements necessary to serve new development. 162-V:2 Improvements Authorized. I. Infrastructure improvements eligible for financing under this chapter shall include: (a) Roads, sidewalks, street lighting, and traffic control devices; (b) Water mains, sewer lines, stormwater management facilities, and related appurtenances; (c) Utility extensions directly serving the district; and (d) Streetscape or parking improvements incidental to development. II. General government buildings, schools, or facilities that do not directly and specially benefit parcels within the district shall not be financed under this chapter. 162-V:3 Apportionment of Costs. I. Assessments shall be levied only against properties that receive a direct and ascertainable benefit from the improvements. II. The governing body shall determine the method of apportionment, which may include frontage, lot size, number of units, assessed value, or other reasonable metric. III. No parcel shall be assessed in an amount greater than the special benefit conferred upon it. 162-V:4 Financing. I. Municipalities may issue bonds to finance improvements within the district, to be repaid solely from assessments levied under this chapter. II. Assessments may be collected in annual installments over a period not to exceed 20 years. III. Assessments shall constitute a lien on the property with the same priority and enforcement as property taxes. 162-V:5 Procedure. I. Establishment of a district shall require the governing body of any city or town to enter into special assessment memorandums of understanding with 60 percent of properties' owners. II. Notice of the proposed district shall be mailed to each affected property owner and published in a newspaper of general circulation at least 14 days prior to the hearing. 162-V:6 Appeals. Any property owner subject to an assessment may appeal the apportionment of costs to the governing body within 30 days of notice, and thereafter to the superior court pursuant to RSA 677. 162-V:7 Dissolution. A district shall dissolve upon repayment of all obligations or earlier by vote of the governing body, provided all costs have been satisfied. 329:4 Department of Business and Economic Affairs; Expansion of Housing Infrastructure Municipal Grant Program. The department of business and economic affairs shall expand its housing infrastructure municipal grant program to allow for sewer, water, and road upgrades for new housing units. 329:5 Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Appropriation. The sum of $1 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027 is hereby appropriated to the department of business and economic affairs for the purpose of providing grants for sewer, water, and road upgrades for new housing units under its housing infrastructure municipal grant program. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for said sums out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. 329:6 Multi-Family Residential Development on Commercially Zoned Land; Amendment to Zoning Regulations; Conversion of Multi-Family Dwelling Units Permitted. Amend RSA 674:80, V to read as follows: V. [] Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter municipal authority under RSA 674:43, I to require site plan review for multi-family dwelling units. Consistent with the purpose of this section, for multi-family dwelling units proposed in commercial districts existing, created, or expanded after July 1, 2026, municipalities may impose frontage, setbacks, and height requirements; provided that such requirements shall not differ from what is allowed for commercial development. Multi-family dwelling units shall be allowed as a matter of right, and municipalities shall not enforce additional requirements unless expressly authorized by this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit enforcement of applicable state fire, building, and other requirements under RSA 153, RSA 155-A, and RSA 485-A. VI. A municipality shall allow pre-existing nonconforming structures to be converted to multi-family dwelling units or mixed use provided that the structure’s envelope is not altered to further violate zoning district dimensional requirements. VII. Any owner of commercially-zoned property improperly denied an application for multi-family housing, or who is subjected to requirements beyond those allowed in this section, and who is thereby required to file suit against the municipality in order to exercise the property rights thus recognized, shall be entitled to be reimbursed reasonable attorney's fees incurred as a direct result. 329:7 Contingency. If HB 1010 of the 2026 regular legislative session becomes law, section 2 of this act shall not take effect and section 6 of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage. If HB 1010 of the 2026 regular legislative session does not become law, section 2 of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage and section 6 of this act shall not take effect. 329:8 Contingent Renumbering. If HB 1433 of the 2026 regular legislative session becomes law: RSA 162-V as inserted by section 3 of this act shall be renumbered as RSA 162-X. If HB 1433 of the 2026 regular legislative session does not become law: RSA 162-V as inserted by section 3 of this act shall be renumbered as RSA 162-W. 329:9 Effective Date. I. Sections 2 and 6 of this act shall take effect as provided in section 7 of this act. II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

The FBI violent-crime measure includes aggravated assault. Serious-injury assaults and federal criminal-defense rules concern components of violent crime; simple assault and every offense within the bills are not automatically included in the FBI measure. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained New Hampshire evidence context: Reported violent-crime rate. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

277:1 Assault and Related Offenses; First Degree Assault. Amend RSA 631:1, I(e) to read as follows: (e) Knowingly causes serious bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, a paid firefighter, volunteer firefighter, on-call firefighter, or licensed emergency medical care provider as defined in RSA 153-A:2, V, acting in the line of duty; or commits such an act against a law enforcement officer whether or not the officer is on duty, where the purpose was to harm the officer because of his or her present or previous employment as a law enforcement officer[]; or (f) Knowingly causes serious bodily injury to any emergency room personnel acting in the line of duty. For purposes of this subparagraph, "emergency room personnel" means a person in a hospital emergency department who, in the course and scope of their employment or as a volunteer, provides services or medical care, or who assists in the providing of services or medical care, for the benefit of the general public, including, but not limited to, any health care professional, emergency department clerk, emergency department technician, student, and emergency department volunteer working in the hospital emergency department. 277:2 Assault and Related Offenses; Second Degree Assault. Amend RSA 631:2, I(g) to read as follows: (g) Knowingly causes bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, a paid firefighter, volunteer firefighter, on-call firefighter, or licensed emergency medical care provider as defined in RSA 153-A:2, V, acting in the line of duty; or commits such an act against a law enforcement officer whether or not the officer is on duty, where the purpose was to harm the officer because of his or her present or previous employment as a law enforcement officer[]; or (h) Knowingly causes bodily injury to any emergency room personnel acting in the line of duty. For purposes of this subparagraph, "emergency room personnel" means a person in a hospital emergency department who, in the course and scope of their employment or as a volunteer, provides services or medical care, or who assists in the providing of services or medical care, for the benefit of the general public, including, but not limited to, any health care professional, emergency department clerk, emergency department technician, student, and emergency department volunteer working in the hospital emergency department. 277:3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.

The FBI violent-crime measure includes aggravated assault. Serious-injury assaults and federal criminal-defense rules concern components of violent crime; simple assault and every offense within the bills are not automatically included in the FBI measure. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained New Hampshire evidence context: Reported violent-crime rate. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

277:1 Assault and Related Offenses; First Degree Assault. Amend RSA 631:1, I(e) to read as follows: (e) Knowingly causes serious bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, a paid firefighter, volunteer firefighter, on-call firefighter, or licensed emergency medical care provider as defined in RSA 153-A:2, V, acting in the line of duty; or commits such an act against a law enforcement officer whether or not the officer is on duty, where the purpose was to harm the officer because of his or her present or previous employment as a law enforcement officer[]; or (f) Knowingly causes serious bodily injury to any emergency room personnel acting in the line of duty. For purposes of this subparagraph, "emergency room personnel" means a person in a hospital emergency department who, in the course and scope of their employment or as a volunteer, provides services or medical care, or who assists in the providing of services or medical care, for the benefit of the general public, including, but not limited to, any health care professional, emergency department clerk, emergency department technician, student, and emergency department volunteer working in the hospital emergency department. 277:2 Assault and Related Offenses; Second Degree Assault. Amend RSA 631:2, I(g) to read as follows: (g) Knowingly causes bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, a paid firefighter, volunteer firefighter, on-call firefighter, or licensed emergency medical care provider as defined in RSA 153-A:2, V, acting in the line of duty; or commits such an act against a law enforcement officer whether or not the officer is on duty, where the purpose was to harm the officer because of his or her present or previous employment as a law enforcement officer[]; or (h) Knowingly causes bodily injury to any emergency room personnel acting in the line of duty. For purposes of this subparagraph, "emergency room personnel" means a person in a hospital emergency department who, in the course and scope of their employment or as a volunteer, provides services or medical care, or who assists in the providing of services or medical care, for the benefit of the general public, including, but not limited to, any health care professional, emergency department clerk, emergency department technician, student, and emergency department volunteer working in the hospital emergency department. 277:3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2027.

The fact measures live births to New Hampshire residents per 1,000 females ages 15–44. Contraception concerns the timing or prevention of pregnancy for the narrow subset with Medicare, including younger beneficiaries with disabilities. This is a family-planning policy connection, not a measure of contraceptive access, infertility, abortions or a demonstrated effect on births. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained New Hampshire evidence context: Fertility rate. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

2.Providing coverage of contraceptive items and services at no cost-sharing under the Medicare program(a)Part B coverage(1)In generalSection 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x) is amended—(A)in subsection (s)(2)—(i)in subparagraph (JJ), by inserting and after the semicolon at the end; and(ii)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(KK)contraceptive items and services (as defined in subsection (nnn)) furnished to individuals on or after January 1, 2027;; and(B)by adding at the end the following new subsection:(nnn)Contraceptive items and services(1)In generalThe term contraceptive items and services means items and services furnished by a physician or practitioner (as defined in section 1842(b)(18)(C))—(A)that—(i)align with guidance as of January 12, 2022, issued in accordance with in section 2713(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act (including patient-centered counseling services); and(ii)may be furnished for the purpose of contraception; or(B)that are ancillary clinical services.(2)Ancillary clinical servicesFor purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the term ancillary clinical services means—(A)clinical services that are related to the items and services described in paragraph (1)(A), including consultations, examinations, procedures, device insertion, ultrasound, pain management, patient education, referrals, and counseling; and(B)follow-up services related to the provision or use of the items and services described in paragraph (1)(A), including management of side effects, counseling for continued adherence, and device removal.(3)ClarificationThe term contraceptive items and services includes items and services described in paragraph (1) regardless of whether such items and services are actually furnished for purposes of contraception.(4)Patient-centered counseling servicesFor purposes of paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall issue guidance regarding the coverage of patient-centered counseling. Such guidance shall—(A)align with guidance as of January 12, 2022, issued in accordance with section 2713(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act.; and(B)include the coverage of counseling to all patients on the full range of contraceptive items and services described in paragraph (1)..(2)PaymentSection 1833 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l) is amended—(A)in subsection (a)(1)—(i)by striking and before (HH); and(ii)by inserting the following before the semicolon: and (II) with respect to contraceptive items and services (as defined in section 1861(nnn)), the amount paid shall be an amount equal to 100 percent of the lesser of the actual charge for the items and services or the amount determined under a payment basis determined appropriate by the Secretary; and(B)in subsection (b), in the first sentence—(i)by striking , and (13) and inserting (13); and(ii)by striking 1861(n).. and inserting 1861(n), and (14) such deductible shall not apply with respect to contraceptive items and services (as defined in section 1861(nnn))..(3)Exclusion modificationSection 1862(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)(1)) is amended—(A)in subparagraph (O), by striking and at the end;(B)in subparagraph (P), by striking the semicolon and inserting , and; and(C)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(Q)in the case of contraceptive items and services (as defined in section 1861(nnn)), which are not furnished or ordered by a physician or practitioner (as defined in section 1842(b)(18)(C));.(4)Quality measuresThe Secretary of Health and Human Services may, for the purposes of ensuring quality in services, develop measures of contraceptive counseling, care, and access, including but not limited to validated survey instruments.(b)Part C cost-Sharing for contraceptive items and services(1)In generalSection 1852(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–22(a)(1)(B)) is amended—(A)in clause (iv)—(i)by redesignating subclause (VIII) as subclause (IX); and(ii)by inserting after subclause (VII) the following new subclause:(VIII)Contraceptive items and services (as defined in section 1861(nnn)).; and(B)in clause (v), by striking and (VI) and inserting (VI), and (VIII).(2)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.(c)Part D coverage and cost-Sharing for contraceptive drugs(1)CoverageSection 1860D–4(b)(3)(G) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–104(b)(3)(G)) is amended—(A)in clause (ii)(I), by adding at the end the following new sentence: Such identification shall include the drugs described in clause (iv)(VII).; and(B)in clause (iv), by adding at the end the following new subclause:(VII)Covered part D drugs described in guidelines issued pursuant to section 2713(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act and that may be furnished for purposes of contraception (regardless of whether such drugs are actually furnished for purposes of contraception)..(2)Cost-sharingSection 1860D–2 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–102) is amended—(A)in subsection (b)—(i)in paragraph (1)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking and (9) and inserting , (9), and (10);(ii)in paragraph (2)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking and (9) and inserting , (9), and (10); and(iii)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(10)Treatment of cost-sharing for contraceptive drugsFor plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, with respect to a covered part D drug that is described in guidelines issued pursuant to section 2713(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act and that may be furnished for purposes of contraception (regardless of whether such drug is actually furnished for purposes of contraception)—(A)the deductible under paragraph (1) shall not apply; and(B)there shall be no coinsurance or other cost-sharing under this part with respect to such drug.; and(B)in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(7)Treatment of cost-sharing for contraceptive drugsThe coverage is provided in accordance with subsection (b)(10)..(3)Conforming amendments to cost-sharing for low-income individualsSection 1860D–14(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–114(a)) is amended—(A)in paragraph (1)(D), in each of clauses (ii) and (iii), by striking paragraph (6) and inserting paragraphs (6) and (7); and(B)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(7)No application of cost-sharing or deductible for contraceptive drugsFor plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, with respect to a covered part D drug that is described in guidelines issued pursuant to section 2713(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act and that is furnished for purposes of contraception—(A)the deductible under section 1860D–2(b)(1) shall not apply; and(B)there shall be no cost-sharing under this section with respect to such drug..(4)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027. (d) Ensuring comparable coverage for dual eligible individuals In implementing the amendments made by this section, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall ensure that the coverage of contraceptive items and services (as defined in section 1861(nnn)) of the Social Security Act (as added by subsection (a)) and covered part D drugs described in section 1860D–4(b)(3)(G)(VII) of such Act (as added by subsection (c)(1)) with respect to individuals who are dually eligible for benefits under the Medicare program under title XVIII of such Act and for medical assistance under a State plan under title XIX of such Act (or a waiver of such plan) is at least as comprehensive as the coverage of such items and services and drugs for such individuals under such State plans (or waivers of such plans), as determined by the Secretary based on an annual review of such State plans (and waivers of such plans).

The fact measures diploma-or-higher attainment among adults 25 and older. Proposed high school graduation pathways concern future entry into that population; college credits alone are not high school completion and the proposal cannot explain the earlier adult attainment rate. This relationship does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain its earlier value.

Retained New Hampshire evidence context: Adults with at least a high school diploma. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

(7)Early high school graduation policyThe term early high school graduation policy means a statewide policy adopted by all local educational agencies in a State that—(A)allows students the opportunity to earn a regular high school diploma in not more than 3 years;(B)is based in whole or in part on student performance on valid and reliable assessments aligned with the challenging State academic standards required under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which may include a nationally recognized high school academic assessment;(C)may permit students to earn required credit hours for a regular high school diploma through a demonstration of competency; and(D)includes support for students to ensure a successful matriculation to postsecondary education. […] (f)Application(1)In generalIn order to receive a grant under subsection (b) for any fiscal year, the Governor of a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.(2)ContentsEach application submitted by a Governor under this subsection shall include the following:(A)The vision of the eligible entity for aligning high school and higher education.(B)Signatures from the Governor, chief State school officer, and State higher education executive officer.(C)Evidence for each State within the eligible entity demonstrating adoption of—(i)an early high school graduation policy; and(ii)uniform statewide criteria for the receipt of postsecondary, nonelective credit at all public institutions of higher education in the eligible entity based on performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate course examinations, and, at the discretion of the eligible entity, other assessments.(D)A description of how the eligible entity will, not later than 2 years after the date of the initial receipt of funds under this section, implement policies and activities to align high school education with postsecondary education in each State within the eligible entity, which shall include—(i)updating State requirements for a student to receive a regular high school diploma, including students who graduate high school early consistent with subparagraph (C), to align with the challenging State academic standards and entrance requirements for credit-bearing coursework as described in section 1111(b)(1)(D) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which may include alignment with entrance requirements for credit-bearing coursework at the State’s system of 4-year institutions of higher education;(ii)verification of the alignment described in clause (i) that is signified by the signature of the Governor of the State, chief State school officer, and State higher education executive officer;