Bill > HB324

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for prohibiting materials deemed harmful to minors in New Hampshire schools, creating a detailed process for reviewing and potentially removing such materials. The legislation defines "harmful materials" as content that predominantly appeals to prurient interests of minors, depicts nudity or sexual conduct in a patently offensive manner, lacks serious educational or artistic value, and is inappropriate for the age of students. Schools and school districts are prohibited from providing such materials to minor students, and must establish a formal complaint resolution process by November 1, 2026, allowing parents or guardians to submit written complaints about potentially inappropriate materials. When a complaint is received, school principals must investigate within 14 calendar days, determine whether the material is harmful to minors, and decide whether to remove or restrict access to the material. Parents can appeal initial decisions to the local school board and then to the state board of education. The bill allows for civil actions to be initiated by the attorney general, department of education, or aggrieved parents, with potential damages of at least $1,000 per violation, and includes provisions for potential disciplinary action against educators who knowingly provide harmful materials to students. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to protect students from materials considered inappropriate or sexually explicit.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0411&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB324