Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that restricts learning materials authorized for use by students in public school districts in New Hampshire.

Highlights:

• Defines “material” as any of the following provided by a school district or individual representing a school (Sec. 2):

• Books;

• Magazines;

• Films or videos;

• Pamphlets;

• Phonographic records;

• Pictures;

• Drawings;

• Photographs;

• Figures or statues;

• Plays;

• Dances; or

• Other similar representations.

• Specifies that material is considered harmful to minors when the following apply (Sec. 2):

• It predominantly appeals to the sexual, shameful, or morbid interest of minors;

• It depicts or describes nudity, sexual conduct, excitement, or abuse in a manner that is patently offensive;

• It lacks serious literary, scientific, medical, artistic, or political value to minors; and

• It is inappropriate to the age of the minors to whom it is presented.

• Requires all local school boards to adopt a policy by September 1, 2026 describing the materials that are prohibited for use and/or access by students in the local school district (Sec. 2).

• Requires all local school boards to adopt a procedure by September 1, 2026 to address complaints submitted by parents or guardians alleging that material is harmful, age-inappropriate, or otherwise offensive (Sec. 2).

• Requires school principals or designees to make a decision regarding material that is the subject of a complaint that determines whether it will remain accessible to students or be removed or modified (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes a complainant to appeal a decision made by a principal or designee, and requires the local school board to hear the complaining parent or guardian at the next scheduled board meeting, and make a decision on the appeal within 15 days of the meeting (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that restricts learning materials authorized for use by students in public school districts in New Hampshire.

Highlights:

• Defines “material” as any of the following provided by a school district or individual representing a school (Sec. 2):

• Books;

• Magazines;

• Films or videos;

• Pamphlets;

• Phonographic records;

• Pictures;

• Drawings;

• Photographs;

• Figures or statues;

• Plays;

• Dances; or

• Other similar representations.

• Specifies that material is considered harmful to minors when the following apply (Sec. 2):

• It predominantly appeals to the sexual, shameful, or morbid interest of minors;

• It depicts or describes nudity, sexual conduct, excitement, or abuse in a manner that is patently offensive;

• It lacks serious literary, scientific, medical, artistic, or political value to minors; and

• It is inappropriate to the age of the minors to whom it is presented.

• Requires all local school boards to adopt a policy by September 1, 2026 describing the materials that are prohibited for use and/or access by students in the local school district (Sec. 2).

• Requires all local school boards to adopt a procedure by September 1, 2026 to address complaints submitted by parents or guardians alleging that material is harmful, age-inappropriate, or otherwise offensive (Sec. 2).

• Requires school principals or designees to make a decision regarding material that is the subject of a complaint that determines whether it will remain accessible to students or be removed or modified (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes a complainant to appeal a decision made by a principal or designee, and requires the local school board to hear the complaining parent or guardian at the next scheduled board meeting, and make a decision on the appeal within 15 days of the meeting (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text