Revision: Feb. 18, 2026, 5:44 p.m.
Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19
February 13, 2026
2026-0719s
08/05
Floor Amendment to HB 266
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to structural changes to the department of energy and creating a limited exemption from parental consent required for certain recordings under the parental bill of rights.
Amend the bill by replacing all after section 4 with the following:
5 New Paragraph; Parental Bill of Rights; Definitions Added. Amend RSA 189-B:2 by inserting after paragraph VI the following new paragraphs:
VII. “Open to the general public” means an event that is generally open to parents, guardians, family, and members of the community, including events for which attendance may require registration, ticketing, or invitation for admission due to space, security, or other concerns.
VIII. “Required assessment” means any standardized assessment that is required by state or federal statute or regulation.
6 Parental Rights; Consent to Recording; Limited Exemption for Required Assessments and Events Open to the General Public. Amend RSA 189-B:4, I(p) to read as follows:
(p) To consent in writing before the state or any of its political subdivisions, including, without limitation, any school pursuant also to the provisions of RSA 189:68, III-V, makes a video or voice recording, unless such recording is made during or as part of a court proceeding or part of a forensic interview in a criminal or other investigation by the bureau of child protective services or it is to be used solely for the purpose of a safety demonstration, including the maintenance of order and discipline in the common areas of a school or on student transportation vehicles, or such recording is made as a component of the administration of a required assessment or is made during a school-sponsored event that is open to the general public.
7 Repeal. RSA 12-P:2, III, relative to certain duties of the department of energy, is repealed.
I. Sections 5 and 6 of this act shall take effect upon its passage.
II. The remainder of this act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
2026-0719s
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill:
I. Ensures the department's full party status in proceedings before the public utilities commission.
II. Requires the department to support the public utilities commission, site evaluation committee, office of the consumer advocate, and any related entities.
III. Allow the department to demand documents and specific answers from public utilities or related entities.
IV. Creates a limited exemption from the consent requirement under the parental bill of rights for required assessments and school-sponsored events open to the general public.