Signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with House amendments and pass a bill that requires educators to honestly disclose student information upon request by a parent or guardian in New Hampshire.

Highlights:

• Requires credentialed educators to respond to written inquiries from parents or legal guardians regarding material information about their child enrolled in that educator's school (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that responses must be sent within 10 business days and be answered completely and honestly to the extent permitted by state or federal law (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes educators to withhold information only if they determine in good faith that disclosure would put the student at imminent risk of physical harm, abuse, or neglect (Sec. 2). 

• Requires educators who withhold information due to safety risks to file a report with the Department of Health and Human Services within 48 hours (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that a violation of these requirements constitutes a violation of the educator code of conduct and is subject to investigation and disciplinary action (Sec. 2). 

• Requires the state board of education to adopt rules amending the code of ethics and code of conduct for New Hampshire educators to reflect these requirements by June 30, 2027 (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that this act takes effect January 1, 2027 (Sec. 3). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that requires educators to honestly disclose student information upon request by a parent or guardian in New Hampshire.

Highlights:

• Requires credentialed educators to respond to written inquiries from parents or legal guardians regarding material information about their child enrolled in that educator's school (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that responses must be sent within 10 business days and be answered completely and honestly to the extent permitted by state or federal law (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes educators to withhold information only if they determine in good faith that disclosure would put the student at imminent risk of physical harm, abuse, or neglect (Sec. 2). 

• Requires educators who withhold information due to safety risks to file a report with the Department of Health and Human Services within 48 hours (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that a violation of these requirements constitutes a violation of the educator code of conduct and is subject to investigation and disciplinary action (Sec. 2). 

• Requires the state board of education to adopt rules amending the code of ethics and code of conduct for New Hampshire educators to reflect these requirements by June 30, 2027 (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that this act takes effect January 1, 2027 (Sec. 3). 

Full Bill Text