(New Title) establishing a parental bill of rights.
Sponsored By: Sherman A. Packard (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Stronger rights for parents raising children
Beginning January 1, 2026, the law protects parents' rights to direct their children's upbringing, education, and care, including health care. These rights apply to people with legal custody of children under 18. Government bodies and other institutions can interfere only when reasonable and necessary to serve a compelling state interest. Their actions must be narrowly focused, with no less restrictive way to meet that need. The listed rights do not limit parents' broader rights.
Parental rights violations bring new penalties
Beginning January 1, 2026, violations are Class A misdemeanors, and parents can sue for damages and court orders stopping violations. Parents who win are eligible for attorney's fees and appeal costs. Teachers and administrators face at least a one-year credential suspension for a first offense and termination for multiple offenses. Medical and mental health professionals face at least a one-year license suspension, then permanent revocation for multiple offenses. Non-teaching school employees face unpaid leave for a first offense and termination for additional offenses. Contractors and third parties face a $2,500 fine and one-year school-access restriction for a first offense. Additional offenses bring a $5,000 fine and permanent school-access restriction.
Parents can appeal withheld school information
Beginning January 1, 2026, parents can request school district information from the superintendent under the state's right-to-know law. If the district fails to disclose requested information, parents can appeal first to the school board. They can then appeal to Superior Court.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Sherman A. Packard
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Debra L DeSimone
Republican • House
Jason M. Osborne
Republican • House
Jim A Kofalt
Republican • House
Lisa C.M. Post
Republican • House
Paul A Terry
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor Ayotte 06/10/2025; Chapter 74; eff. 07/01/2025
6/11/2025HouseEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/05/2025); SJ 16
6/6/2025SenateEnrolled (in recess of) 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 167
6/6/2025HouseSpecial Order to beginning of regular calendar, Without Objection, MA; 06/05/2025; SJ 15
6/5/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendments #2025-2150s and #2025-2646s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 06/05/2025; SJ 15
6/5/2025SenateSen. Birdsell Floor Amendment # 2025-2646s, AA, VV; 06/05/2025; SJ 15
6/5/2025SenateCommittee Amendment # 2025-2150s, AA, VV; 06/05/2025; SJ 15
6/5/2025SenateReconsider Concur (Rep. Osborne): MF VV 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 73
6/5/2025HouseHouse Concurs with Senate Amendment 2025-2150s (Rep. DeSimone): MA RC 210-160 06/05/2025 HJ 16 P. 71
6/5/2025HouseWithout Objection, the Clerk is authorized to make technical and administrative corrections which are necessary to reflect the intent of the Senate, MA; 06/05/2025; SJ 15
6/5/2025SenateCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-2150s, 06/05/2025, Vote 3-2; SC 24
5/19/2025SenateHearing: 04/01/2025, Room 101, LOB, 09:15 am; SC 15
3/26/2025SenateIntroduced 03/20/2025 and Referred to Education; SJ 9
3/24/2025SenateOught to Pass with Amendment 2025-0695h: MA RC 212-161 03/20/2025 HJ 9 P. 28
3/20/2025HouseLay HB 10 on Table (Rep. Petrigno): MF RC 162-211 03/20/2025 HJ 9 P. 26
3/20/2025HouseFLAM # 2025-1152h (Rep. Raymond): AF DV 163-209 03/20/2025 HJ 9 P. 23
3/20/2025HouseAmendment # 2025-0695h: AA DV 210-162 03/20/2025 HJ 9 P. 20
3/20/2025HouseMinority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
3/10/2025HouseMajority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0695h 03/04/2025 (Vote 9-7; RC)
3/10/2025HouseExecutive Session: 03/04/2025 11:00 am LOB 206-208
2/12/2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/18/2025 01:00 pm LOB 206-208
2/5/2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Children and Family Law HJ 2 P. 3
12/23/2024House
Bill Text
Enrolled
6/6/2025
Introduced
12/23/2024
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
Version adopted by both bodies
Related Bills
HB2026, (New Title) relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to toll rate adjustments and periodic toll reviews for the New Hampshire turnpike system to support the 2027-2036 ten-year transportation plan; and relative to reconstruction of the Gregg Mill Road Bridge in the town of New Boston.
HB1002, repealing the solar energy systems tax exemption.
HB1834, relative to the education freedom account enrollment cap.
SB101, (Second New Title) authorizing parents to enroll their children in any public school in the state.
CACR22, relating to the compensation of the legislature. Providing that the present compensation per elected term for legislators is hereby abolished.
HB1786, relative to creating a state assessment on non-homestead luxury second homes to fund statewide housing development programs and address housing shortages and making appropriations therefor.