This bill establishes a new section in the New Hampshire Revised Statutes (RSA 189) that prohibits public schools and public charter schools from displaying any flags or banners, except for the flag of the United States, the New Hampshire state flag, and the POW/MIA flag. The bill outlines specific exemptions for flags and banners used in educational contexts, such as those representing foreign languages, geography, and military branches, as well as flags representing the school itself. Violations of this prohibition will lead to a formal complaint process, with escalating penalties for repeated offenses, including warnings for the first violation, disciplinary actions for the second, and potential monetary penalties for third or subsequent violations.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 21-N:11 to grant the state board of education the authority to impose monetary penalties of up to $1,000 for violations related to the display of prohibited flags and banners. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2026. The new legal language inserted into the statutes includes the specific prohibitions and exemptions regarding flag displays, as well as the provisions for penalties, while no deletions from current law are noted in the summary provided.

Statutes affected:
HB1132 text: 21-N:11