New Hampshire Expands Education Freedom and Parental Rights with New Legislation
CONCORD, NH — Governor Kelly Ayotte solidified her commitment to parental empowerment this Tuesday by signing a Parental Bill of Rights and broadening eligibility for education choice to encompass all families in New Hampshire.
“Parents deserve the autonomy to select the educational environment that best suits their children’s needs,” Ayotte stated. “This legislation reinforces the pivotal role of parents in shaping their children’s education.”
New Hampshire has historically championed educational freedom, being one of the first states to introduce Education Freedom Accounts. These accounts allow families to allocate funds towards various educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, and homeschooling resources. Previously, less than half of K–12 students qualified for these accounts, but with the passage of SB 295, all students are now eligible—positioning New Hampshire as the 17th state to implement universal education choice.
According to the Josiah Bartlett Center, this expansion is projected to minimally impact state expenditures, increasing costs by only 0.1% while potentially saving local taxpayers over $20 million by the second year. The average public school expenditure per student stands at $26,320, significantly higher than the average Education Freedom Account award of around $5,200.
Alongside education choice, the Parental Bill of Rights, HB 10, safeguards a series of fundamental parental rights. These include directing moral and religious education, receiving complete disclosure about school-related matters, inspecting instructional materials, and opting out of specific educational content.
By enacting these reforms, Ayotte has reinforced her status as a staunch advocate for parental rights and educational choice, furthering New Hampshire’s reputation as a leader in educational freedom. This legislation serves as a model for other states aiming to boost parental involvement in education.
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