This bill, known as SB 72-FN, establishes a "Parents' Bill of Rights in Education," which affirms the fundamental rights of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children. It introduces a new chapter, RSA 189-B, that outlines specific parental rights, including the right to direct a child's moral and religious training, choose educational options, access instructional materials, and receive information about their child's academic progress and safety incidents. The bill mandates that educational institutions cannot withhold information regarding a child's health or behavior from parents unless there is a compelling government interest, defined as a situation where withholding is necessary to prevent child abuse.

Additionally, the bill specifies what constitutes an infringement of parental rights, such as withholding truthful information or providing misleading information to parents. It clarifies that certain actions, like developing school curricula, do not infringe on parental rights as long as required disclosures are made. The bill also includes provisions for civil and criminal remedies for violations, including mandatory suspensions for educators found guilty of infringing on parental rights. It ensures that the new statute does not interfere with law enforcement investigations or existing confidentiality protections, and it requires school boards to provide annual written notices to parents about their rights. The effective date for the bill is set for September 1, 2025, and while the fiscal impact is indeterminable, it is noted that the bill primarily codifies existing regulations without imposing additional costs on school districts.