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 that defines harmful materials and outlines a complaint process for parents or guardians who believe their child has been exposed to such materials. The definitions include terms such as "educator," "material," "nudity," and "sexual conduct," and specify criteria for what constitutes harmful material to minors.

Local school boards are required to adopt a complaint resolution policy by November 1, 2026, to address allegations of harmful materials, detailing the steps for submitting complaints, the investigation process, and timelines for notifying parents about outcomes. The bill allows for appeals to the local school board and the state board of education, and it includes enforcement provisions enabling the attorney general or any aggrieved person to initiate civil actions against schools for non-compliance, with potential damages awarded for violations. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and while the fiscal impact is indeterminable, it may lead to increased litigation costs for the Department of Justice.

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