SB272 underscores parents’ fundamental rights in guiding the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children. It establishes a chapter defining these rights, including the authority to direct moral and religious training, choose educational paths, access information, and consent to matters like medical procedures and data sharing. The bill provides clear definitions, comprehensive parental rights, and alignment with federal laws on parent involvement in education. It emphasizes that any infringement on parental rights must be justified by clear and convincing evidence and narrowly tailored to address compelling state interests.
The New Hampshire State Senate passed SB272 on March 16, 2023 by a vote of 14 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because a student’s upbringing, education, and health care — including their mental or emotional well-being — is the responsibility and fundamental right of parents, not the government. Parental rights, as with all other fundamental rights, are protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.