Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the process for banning books in New Hampshire schools by creating a procedure for removal and cause of action.

Highlights:

• Amends and establishes a procedure for banning books in New Hampshire schools to prohibit obscene or harmful sexual materials from being present in schools (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that inappropriate content for students includes, but is not limited to, nudity, sexual conduct, or any subject that is offensive and lacks educational value (Sec. 2).

• Requires schools to respond to all parent complaints regarding inappropriate content in books within 10 school days and requires that this complaint resolution policy be implemented no later than November 1, 2026 (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes parents of students to appeal decisions made regarding book bans to the State Board of Education (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes the 7-member State Board of Education to make the ultimate decision about which books should be banned for students based on inappropriate content (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect January 1, 2026 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the process for banning books in New Hampshire schools by creating a procedure for removal and cause of action.

Highlights:

• Amends and establishes a procedure for banning books in New Hampshire schools to prohibit obscene or harmful sexual materials from being present in schools (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that inappropriate content for students includes, but is not limited to, nudity, sexual conduct, or any subject that is offensive and lacks educational value (Sec. 2).

• Requires schools to respond to all parent complaints regarding inappropriate content in books within 10 school days and requires that this complaint resolution policy be implemented no later than November 1, 2026 (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes parents of students to appeal decisions made regarding book bans to the State Board of Education (Sec. 2). 

• Authorizes the 7-member State Board of Education to make the ultimate decision about which books should be banned for students based on inappropriate content (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect January 1, 2026 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text