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Lawmakers debate bill that allows families to challenge learning materials in public schools

First grade teacher Sharon Parsons, back left, checks on students working in the classroom at the Winter Garden Christian Academy Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Winter Garden, Fla. Photo: Associated Press/AP Photo/John Raoux


CONCORD, N.H.- Lawmakers are debating a bill that would give families in the Granite State the ability to challenge materials including books used in public schools.

Under Senate Bill 434, also known as the “Right to Challenge Act” efforts would be put place to regulate materials in the classroom, and offer steps that would allow parents to file complains related to materials that they believe would be harmful to children.

Supports say it would create a statewide standard and help parents, while critics say every version of this bill encompasses more material, and broad language that could be considered “harmful” to children.

This marks the third year lawmakers have tried to pass this type of legilsation as Governor Kelly Ayottee vetoed a different version of this type of bill last year.

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