Bill > HB1267

This bill requires school boards and chartered public schools to develop and adopt a policy that protects minor students from being questioned by non-school employees (such as attorneys, paralegals, and law enforcement personnel) without prior written parental or guardian permission. The policy mandates that these individuals cannot be present during questioning of a minor student by school employees without explicit written consent from parents or guardians. For adult students, the policy stipulates that they must be asked if they want their parents or guardians notified and given the opportunity to be present during questioning. Parents and guardians have the right to be present and to bring their own attorney. If a school violates these provisions, parents and guardians may petition the superior court for relief. The bill includes an important exception for child welfare investigations by the division of children, youth and family services or law enforcement, which can proceed without parental notification if it is part of a legitimate child welfare inquiry. The new policy will take effect on January 1, 2027, giving schools ample time to develop and implement the required procedures.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1707&inflect=2