This bill mandates that school boards and charter school trustees create a policy to regulate the questioning of minor students by non-school employees and certain school employees. The new policy will prohibit such questioning without prior written consent from the parents or guardians of the minor. Additionally, it requires that adult students be asked if they wish for their parents or guardians to be notified before any questioning occurs. The bill emphasizes the right of parents and guardians to be present during any questioning of their minor or consenting adult students, and they may also have their own attorney present.

The bill also includes provisions for parents and guardians to seek legal recourse through the superior court if they believe their rights have been violated under this new policy. However, it clarifies that personnel from the division of children, youth, and family services or law enforcement may question a minor without parental notice if it pertains to a legitimate child welfare inquiry. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:1-a
HB1267 text: 189:1-a