Bill > SB100

This bill modifies the existing law regarding the prohibition on teaching discrimination in New Hampshire public schools by adding specific mental state requirements. The bill amends the language to stipulate that no pupil shall be "intentionally or knowingly" taught, instructed, inculcated, or compelled to express belief in or support for certain (unspecified) concepts. By introducing the terms "intentionally" and "knowingly" (legal terms describing a person's mental state or mens rea), the bill appears to require that any potential violations of the teaching prohibition must involve a deliberate and conscious effort to teach prohibited content, rather than accidental or unintentional actions. This change could potentially make it more difficult to prove a violation of the existing prohibition, as it now requires demonstrating the educator's specific intent. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while the fiscal note indicates no immediate financial impact, the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant notes they are still awaiting complete information from the Department of Education to fully assess the potential administrative or budgetary implications of the proposed change.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1125&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB100