This bill amends the Child Protection Act to broaden the scope of individuals against whom a parent or guardian can seek a restraining order on behalf of a minor child alleging abuse. Specifically, it removes the limitation that such petitions can only be filed against members of the minor's family or household, allowing for restraining orders to be sought against individuals outside of these categories. The bill also clarifies that a minor plaintiff does not need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive relief or services under this chapter. Additionally, it maintains that any order issued under this chapter can be in conjunction with orders issued under RSA 173-B.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have an indeterminable fiscal impact, with estimates suggesting an increase in expenditures ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 starting in fiscal year 2026. This potential increase in costs is attributed to the uncertainty surrounding the frequency of new restraining order petitions filed by parents against individuals outside the family or household context, such as peers or educators. The financial implications will largely depend on the volume of new cases filed and the associated administrative and judicial costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 169-C:7-a