New Hampshire passes universal school choice, parental bill of rights

June 12, 2025

New Hampshire’s governor has signed into law a universal school choice bill and a parental bill of rights allowing parents to opt their children out of sex education lessons.

The Christian Post reports that Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 10 into law on Tuesday, establishing a parental bill of rights.

That law reads, in part: “No school may infringe on the fundamental rights of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of his or her minor child without demonstrating that such action is necessary to achieve a compelling state interest, that such action is narrowly tailored, and that such interest is not otherwise served by less restrictive means. 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.”

School districts are now required to publish the parental bill of rights in their school handbook or on their school website.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 295 increases the eligibility for education freedom accounts that enable parents to cover costs associated with sending their children to non-public schools.

Gov. Ayotte, in a statement about Senate Bill 295, said the law allows, “parents the freedom to choose the education setting that best fits their child’s needs will help every student in our state reach their full potential. I’m proud to sign this into law today along with the Parental Bill of Rights, which ensures parents are the central voice in their children’s education.”

According to the Christian Post, New Hampshire is the latest state to pass school choice legislation in recent years with Texas enacting what Gov. Gregg Abbott claimed would make the “largest day-one” school choice program launch in the nation.

Idaho also passed a $50 million school choice program in March, allowing private schoolers and home-schoolers to claim a refundable tax credit worth $5000. 

Photo: top, Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Rantemario