Revision: Jan. 6, 2025, 9:31 p.m.
HB 187-FN - AS INTRODUCED
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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.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:
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].
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2026.
25-0231
12/26/24
HB 187-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT relative to restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child.
FISCAL IMPACT: This bill does not provide funding.
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Estimated State Impact | ||||||
| FY 2025 | FY 2026 | FY 2027 | FY 2028 | ||
Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Revenue Fund(s) | None | |||||
Expenditures* | $0 | Indeterminable Increase $10,000 to $100,000 | Indeterminable Increase $10,000 to $100,000 | Indeterminable Increase $10,000 to $100,000 | ||
Funding Source(s) | General Fund | |||||
Appropriations* | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Funding Source(s) | None | |||||
*Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill | ||||||
METHODOLOGY:
This bill expands against whom a parent or guardian may seek a restraining order on behalf of a minor child where abuse is alleged.
The Judicial Branch states the fiscal impact of the expansion of minor restraining orders is indeterminable, but it is estimated to result in an increase ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 starting in fiscal year 2026. This estimate reflects the uncertainty surrounding how frequently parents might seek restraining orders against individuals outside the family or household context.
While the majority of restraining orders traditionally arise from issues within the home or family, the proposed expansion could lead to an increase in petitions targeting individuals such as other students (e.g., bullies, ex-boyfriends, or ex-girlfriends), teachers, or coaches. The extent to which this will occur is unclear. It is possible that the courts will experience a significant increase in litigation related to these cases, or the increase could be minimal if the expansion remains infrequently utilized.
The financial impact depends heavily on the volume of new cases filed and the associated administrative and judicial costs. Should there be a substantial rise in filings, costs could approach the upper end of the estimate ($100,000). Conversely, if new cases remain infrequent, costs might remain closer to the lower end of the estimate ($10,000).
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Judicial Branch