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HB 187 · 2025 · House · Children and Family Law Committee

Restraining orders for minor children

AI-generated

relative to restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child.

Expands the persons against whom a parent or guardian may seek a restraining order on behalf of a minor child where abuse is alleged.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · June 25, 2025
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill expands against whom a parent or guardian may seek a restraining order on behalf of a minor child where abuse is alleged.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Mike BelcherRPrime

Rep. Len TurcotteR

Public testimony

105 signed in online · 25 wrote testimony

95% support5% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

This bill is an important step in protecting minors from perpetrators of violence when they are unrelated to the minor. I am in favor of expanding the rights of parents and guardians to seek protective orders on behalf miners, as outlined in this bill.
Gwynne Pollard, Sanbornvillesupports
Parents should be able to protect their children by getting restraining orders or other legal help on behalf of their children if necessary.
Aryanna Davis, Barringtonsupports
A parent or guardian should have full authority to take all actions to protect an injured child.
Angelicq Murphy, Warrensupports
We need to protect children from perpetrators outside the home, not just family members. They deserve to feel protected from anyone that threatens their safety, well being and innocence.
Suzanne Small, Tiltonopposes
This bill is vague in defining abuse. It is vague on who can petition. This bill needs more definition in its terms. As it is now, a person, any person, who thinks certain books or activities are ‘abusive’ can petition for a restraint.
Linda Tanner, sunapeeopposes

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2025-02-1110:00 amHouse Children and Family LawLOB 206-208Public hearing
  • 2025-03-1410:00 amHouse Finance - Division ILOB 212Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2025-04-0110:00 amHouse FinanceLOB 210-211Public hearing
  • 2025-05-082:00 pmSenate Children and Family LawSH 103Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 8, 2025HouseIntroduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Children and Family Law HJ 2 P. 9
  2. Feb 11, 2025HousePublic Hearing: 02/11/2025 10:20 am LOB 206-208
  3. Feb 11, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 02/11/2025 10:20 am LOB 206-208
  4. Feb 11, 2025House: Ought to Pass 02/11/2025 (Vote 14-0; RC) HC 14 P. 17
  5. Mar 6, 2025HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 03/06/2025 HJ 7 P. 25
  6. Mar 6, 2025HouseReferred to Finance 03/06/2025 HJ 7 P. 25
  7. Mar 14, 2025HouseDivision I Work Session: 03/14/2025 10:00 am LOB 212
  8. Apr 1, 2025HouseExecutive Session: 04/01/2025 10:00 am LOB 210-211
  9. Apr 2, 2025House: Ought to Pass 04/02/2025 (Vote 25-0; CC) HC 19 P. 11
  10. Apr 10, 2025HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 04/10/2025 HJ 12 P. 4
  11. Mar 27, 2025SenIntroduced 03/27/2025 and Referred to Children and Family Law; SJ 10
  12. May 8, 2025SenHearing: 05/08/2025, Room 103, SH, 02:00 pm; SC 20
  13. May 8, 2025SenThe Committee will meet at 2:00 p.m. or 15 minutes following the end of Session, 05/08/2025; SC 20
  14. May 15, 2025Sen: Ought to Pass, 05/15/2025; Vote 3-0; CC; SC 21A
  15. May 15, 2025SenOught to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2025; SJ 13
  16. Jun 12, 2025SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/12/2025); SJ 17
  17. Jun 12, 2025HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/12/2025 HJ 17 P. 24
  18. Jun 23, 2025HouseSigned by Governor Ayotte 06/23/2025; Chapter 125; eff. 01/01/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.