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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.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
| Date | Body | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 11, 2025 | House | Hearing |
| Feb. 11, 2025 | House | Exec Session |
| Feb. 11, 2025 | House | Floor Vote |
| April 1, 2025 | House | Exec Session |
| April 2, 2025 | House | Floor Vote |
| May 8, 2025 | Senate | Hearing |
| May 15, 2025 | Senate | Floor Vote |
June 25, 2025: Signed by Governor Ayotte 06/23/2025; Chapter 125; eff. 01/01/2026
June 16, 2025: Enrolled (in recess of) 06/12/2025 HJ 17
June 16, 2025: Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/12/2025); SJ 17
May 15, 2025: Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2025; SJ 13
May 13, 2025: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/15/2025; Vote 3-0; CC; SC 21A
May 1, 2025: The Committee will meet at 2:00 p.m. or 15 minutes following the end of Session, 05/08/2025; SC 20
April 30, 2025: Hearing: 05/08/2025, Room 103, SH, 02:00 pm; SC 20
April 11, 2025: Introduced 03/27/2025 and Referred to Children and Family Law; SJ 10
April 10, 2025: Ought to Pass: MA VV 04/10/2025 HJ 12 P. 4
April 2, 2025: Committee Report: Ought to Pass 04/02/2025 (Vote 25-0; CC) HC 19 P. 11
March 26, 2025: Executive Session: 04/01/2025 10:00 am LOB 210-211
March 12, 2025: Division I Work Session: 03/14/2025 10:00 am LOB 212
March 6, 2025: Referred to Finance 03/06/2025 HJ 7 P. 25
March 6, 2025: Ought to Pass: MA VV 03/06/2025 HJ 7 P. 25
Feb. 12, 2025: Committee Report: Ought to Pass 02/11/2025 (Vote 14-0; RC) HC 14 P. 17
Feb. 12, 2025: Executive Session: 02/11/2025 10:20 am LOB 206-208
Jan. 27, 2025: Public Hearing: 02/11/2025 10:20 am LOB 206-208
Jan. 7, 2025: Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Children and Family Law HJ 2 P. 9