Bill > SB72

This bill establishes a comprehensive Parents' Bill of Rights in Education, affirming parents' fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children. The legislation defines a wide range of parental rights, including the ability to direct a child's moral and religious training, choose educational settings (such as public schools, charter schools, or home education), inspect instructional materials, access educational and medical records, opt out of certain surveys and educational programs, and receive prompt notifications about significant school-related events. The bill specifies that schools and school personnel cannot withhold information from parents except in cases of a compelling state interest, which is narrowly defined as preventing child abuse. Parents are granted the right to take legal action and seek attorney's fees if their rights are violated, and school boards must annually notify parents of these rights. The legislation includes important caveats that protect student confidentiality, allow for mandatory reporting of abuse, and do not authorize parents to engage in unlawful conduct. Importantly, the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to create a consistent mechanism for parental involvement and transparency in their children's education.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1091&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB72