Senate tables bills on education position and alternative treatment centers, advances children’s data-privacy bill

On March 26 the Senate handled several additional measures: it tabled a proposal to create an academic research and performance data analyst in the Department of Education, tabled a measure concerning alternative treatment centers, and advanced an amended children’s data‑privacy bill to third reading.

The Finance Committee recommended House Bill 1808 FNA 'ought to pass' (7–0) and the bill included a $160,000 general fund appropriation for fiscal year 2027 to fund a position in the Department of Education. Senator Waters expressed support for reorganizing departmental data functions but Senator Gray moved to table the bill; the motion to lay on the table was adopted without debate.

The Committee on Judiciary recommended House Bill 54 be referred to interim study (3–2); proponents noted the potential consequences for Granite Staters who rely on alternative treatment centers. Senator Abbis moved to table the bill and the motion carried.

In children and family law, the committee recommended House Bill 1460FN 'ought to pass' (3–0). The bill would expand the state Data Privacy Act to distinguish data used to provide services from data sold as a product and prohibit sale of location and other sensitive data for children under age 13. Senator Abbis offered floor amendment 1273S, which was adopted; the bill as amended was ordered to third reading.

Also during the session Senators recognized guests, observed Tartan Day, and recessed to the call of the chair for administrative business.