The New Hampshire House and Senate passed three parental rights bills Thursday, with House Bill 10 now headed to Gov. Kelly Ayotte. Republicans say the measures affirm that parents, not schools, should direct their children’s upbringing.
House Bill 10 and Senate Bill 72 allow parents to demand access to school materials, communications, and classroom discussions involving their children. Senate Bill 96, also passed by the House, would require school staff to respond to parents’ inquiries and penalize teachers who “willfully” refuse, including a mandatory one-year suspension.
Democrats warn the laws could endanger students, especially LGBTQ+ youth, by compelling teachers to disclose sensitive information against students’ wishes. Rep. Peter Petrigno (D-Milford) said the bills could erode trust and leave vulnerable kids with no safe outlet.
While HB 10 and SB 72 let teachers withhold information only with “clear and convincing” evidence of potential abuse, SB 96 uses a less stringent “reasonably prudent person” standard—but only in cases of physical harm.
Rep. Debra DeSimone (R-Atkinson) argued most parents are more trustworthy than teachers, citing the infamous Pamela Smart case. Democrats said the high legal threshold could override teachers’ ethical obligations to protect students from psychological harm.
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