New Hampshire Republicans Passes Parental Bill of Rights Amid Debate

CONCORD, NH – In a significant step toward reinforcing parental authority, both chambers of the New Hampshire Legislature have passed measures ensuring that parents have a central role in their children's education, medical decisions, and overall well-being.

The Senate approved SB 72-FN, sponsored by Sen. Tim Lang (R-Sanbornton), which establishes a Parents’ Bill of Rights in Education. The bill clearly defines parental rights, outlines what constitutes a violation, and provides a process to notify parents of their legal protections.

"Granite State parents know best when it comes to directing their children's upbringing, education, and care," Sen. Lang said following the Senate vote. "Parents should have more of a say in their child’s education, not less. If parents have questions about what their child is learning or being exposed to, they deserve to know what is happening in the classroom."

Meanwhile, the House passed HB 10, a broader Parental Bill of Rights, which requires schools and government agencies to maintain transparency and involve parents in decisions affecting their children’s education and health.

House Speaker Applauds Passage of HB 10

Following the House’s 212-161 vote, House Speaker Sherman Packard (R-Londonderry) praised the bill’s passage as a fulfillment of a key Republican commitment.

"Promises made, promises kept. House Republicans delivered upon the mandate to protect parental rights and give families the voice they deserve," Packard stated. "The passage of HB 10 is a victory for parents who have been demanding transparency in education and respect for their natural rights in the care and upbringing of their own children."

Packard further emphasized the legislation’s role in reaffirming parental primacy in decision-making:

"This bill reaffirms that parents, not the government, hold the primary responsibility for their children’s well-being. I applaud my colleagues for standing up for parental rights and the future of our children. This is a win for families across New Hampshire."

Supporters Say the Bill Restores Parental Oversight

Rep. Deb DeSimone (R-Atkinson), Vice Chairman of the Committee on Children & Family Law and a co-sponsor of HB 10, described the legislation as a necessary measure to ensure parents remain involved in key aspects of their children’s lives.

"HB 10 establishes clear legal protections for parents, affirming their right to access information about their children’s education, health, and development. Schools and government agencies will now be required to involve parents in key decisions, ensuring transparency and reinforcing the fundamental role of families in raising children."

House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn) echoed this sentiment, calling the bill a long-overdue correction to what he described as excessive government influence.

"For too long, parents have been left in the dark about what happens in the classroom. With HB 10, we are putting an end to government secrecy and reaffirming that parents—not bureaucrats—are responsible for their children," Osborne stated. "This is a critical step in restoring parental rights and ensuring families, not the state, have the final say in raising their kids."

Concerns from Some Educators

While the bill’s supporters view it as a restoration of parental oversight, some education officials have expressed reservations.

The New Hampshire Association of School Principals (NHASP) raised strong concerns about HB 10’s potential impact on student-educator relationships and student privacy.

"It is essential that every child has access to a secure school environment conducive to their growth, learning, and overall development," wrote NHASP Executive Director Bridey Bellemare in a statement to lawmakers. "The unclear language in HB 10 could hinder the essential relationships between students and teachers, who frequently act as important support figures beyond the home. This dynamic is critical for students, especially those facing challenging circumstances."

NHASP further warned that the bill could create a breakdown of trust between parents, educators, and students.

"It is crucial for students to feel comfortable seeking help from adults outside their families, particularly if they are in harmful situations. If this bill discourages such interactions, it could leave at-risk children without the necessary assistance," Bellemare added​.

A Turning Point for Parental Rights

Despite opposition from some school employeesNew Hampshire Legislature Passes Parental Bill of Rights Amid Debate, Republican lawmakers and supporters maintain that these bills are about restoring parental oversight and ensuring that families—not state agencies—are making critical decisions about their children’s lives.

As the legislation moves forward, the debate over where the balance should lie between parental rights and student privacy will continue. However, with both bills successfully passing their respective chambers, New Hampshire has taken a decisive step toward reaffirming the primacy of parental involvement in education and healthcare decisions.