Bill > HB10

This bill establishes a comprehensive Parental Bill of Rights in New Hampshire, affirming parents' fundamental liberty interest in raising and making decisions about their minor children's education, health care, and overall development. The bill defines key terms, such as "parent" (legal guardian), "minor" (under 18), and "school" (public educational institutions), and outlines a wide range of parental rights, including the right to direct their child's upbringing, moral and religious training, education choices, and access to school-related information. Schools are prohibited from infringing on these rights unless they can demonstrate a compelling state interest, such as preventing child abuse, and show that their actions are narrowly tailored and necessary. The bill requires school boards to develop policies promoting parental involvement, including procedures for parents to learn about course materials, withdraw children from certain classes, and understand school activities. Parents are granted specific rights like accessing educational and medical records, receiving information about their child's academic performance, and opting out of surveys or assessments. Importantly, the bill provides a private right of action, allowing parents to sue schools for violations and potentially recover attorneys' fees if they prevail, with the legislation set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education, Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=42&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB10