HB187: relative to restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.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