CHAPTER 125

HB 187-FN - FINAL VERSION

 

 

2025 SESSION

25-0231

09/11

 

HOUSE BILL 187-FN

 

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

 

SPONSORS: Rep. Belcher, Carr. 4; Rep. Turcotte, Straf. 4

 

COMMITTEE: Children and Family Law

 

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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.

 

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

25-0231

09/11

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five

 

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

 

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 

125:1  Child Protection Act; Petition for Protective Order Filed on Behalf of Minor.  Amend RSA 169-C:7-a, I and II to read as follows:

I.(a) A parent or guardian may file a petition for a protective order on behalf of a minor, alleging abuse of the minor [by a member of the minor's family or household]. The court shall not accept a petition under this section that is filed by a child's parent against the other parent. Any order issued under this chapter may be in addition to an order issued under RSA 173-B and any proceeding initiated under this chapter may be consolidated with a proceeding under RSA 173-B.

(b) Any minor plaintiff who seeks a protective order under this chapter need not be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive relief or services under this chapter.

II. A guardian may file a petition for a protective order on behalf of his or her ward, alleging abuse of the ward [by a member of the ward's family or household].

125:2  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.

 

Approved: June 24, 2025

Effective Date: January 01, 2026