Relative to parental notice for non-academic surveys in public schools.
Summary
HB 1191 would require New Hampshire school districts to notify parents or legal guardians about non-academic surveys or questionnaires given to students, explain the purpose of the survey, and make the materials available for review at school and on district websites. The bill also requires districts to email the survey to parents at least 10 days before it is distributed to students and allows participation only with written parental consent, unless the student is an adult or emancipated minor.
The bill specifically removes the current exception for the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Under the proposal, that survey would no longer be treated differently from other non-academic surveys and would instead require affirmative parental opt-in before a student could participate. The bill defines non-academic surveys broadly to include questions about social behavior, family life, religion, politics, sexual orientation, sexual activity, drug use, and other non-academic topics.
Impact
HB 1191 would amend RSA 186:11, IX-d, changing the state’s requirements for how school districts administer non-academic surveys and questionnaires. It would replace the existing framework that included a special exception for the Youth Risk Behavior Survey with a stricter parental consent model, increasing district notice obligations and limiting student participation without written permission. The bill would directly affect school districts, parents and guardians, and students, especially in relation to health and behavior surveys used in public schools.
Sentiment
The bill’s apparent sentiment is supportive of stronger parental control and transparency in schools, as reflected by its sponsors and the bill’s emphasis on notice, review, and written consent. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no documented opposition or floor debate in the available materials. On its face, the proposal appears framed as a parental rights measure rather than a controversial education-policy overhaul, though it touches on sensitive student-information topics.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the removal of the exception for the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which could affect public health and student wellness data collection in schools. Supporters would likely view the change as necessary to ensure parents are informed and can control participation in surveys addressing sensitive subjects, while opponents may argue that requiring opt-in consent could reduce participation rates and undermine the usefulness of data collected for student health and safety purposes. The broad definition of non-academic surveys, including questions about sexual orientation and sexual activity, may also draw concern from those worried about student privacy or, conversely, from those concerned about parental access to sensitive information.
Relative to the composition and responsibilities of the parent and education service provider advisory commission, and establishing education freedom account impact and parent satisfaction surveys.
Relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents and relative to enforcement of parental rights against school districts and school employees.