New Hampshire’s Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed two measures into law Tuesday. One establishes a parental bill of rights, while the other increases the eligibility for education freedom accounts that enable parents to cover costs associated with sending their children to non-public schools.
The list of parental rights now protected under state law includes the right “to opt out of health or sex education and any other objectionable material.”
In addition to containing an extensive list of rights for parents, the legislation directs school districts in the state to develop “procedures for a parent to object to instructional materials and other materials used in the classroom” and “procedures for a parent to withdraw his or her child from classes.”
School districts are also directed to publish the parental bill of rights on their school website or in their school handbook. The measure includes a right of action for any parent who feels their rights have been violated by a school district to seek judicial relief.
The universal school choice bill attempts to make it easier for parents to choose alternative education options for their children. The measure removes restrictions limiting education freedom accounts making them available to all students. It also caps total enrollment in the education freedom accounts at 10,000 per fiscal year.