This bill establishes a framework to prohibit the distribution of obscene or harmful materials to minors in schools, amending RSA 650:4, I by inserting the term "higher" to clarify the types of institutions that may possess obscene material under certain justifications. It introduces a new subdivision to RSA 189, defining harmful materials and outlining a complaint process for parents or guardians who believe their child has been exposed to such materials. The bill specifies definitions for terms such as "educator," "material," "nudity," and "sexual conduct," and sets criteria for what constitutes harmful material to minors.

Additionally, the bill mandates that local school boards adopt a complaint resolution policy by November 1, 2026, detailing the steps for submitting complaints, the investigation process, and timelines for notifying parents of outcomes. It allows for appeals to the local school board and the state board of education, and includes enforcement provisions enabling the attorney general or aggrieved individuals to initiate civil actions against non-compliant schools, with potential damages awarded for violations. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and while it does not project any revenue changes for the state or local governments, it may lead to increased litigation costs for the Department of Justice. No specific deletions from current law are noted in the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 650:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 650:4