relative to regulation of public school materials.

The definition of covered 'material' was narrowed. The Senate version included materials provided by the school district OR by school employees, volunteers, guests, or speakers. The House version removed the latter, limiting coverage to only materials provided by the school district itself.

A new three-part definition of 'Material considered harmful to minors' was added, requiring that material: (1) predominantly appeals to the prurient interest of minors in sex, (2) depicts or describes sexual conduct in a manner patently offensive to contemporary adult standards in the county where the district resides, and (3) lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. This replaces the Senate version's cross-reference to RSA 571-B:1, I.

A new policy requirement was added (RSA 189:74-a, II) requiring each local school board to adopt by November 1, 2026 a policy addressing complaints that material is 'obscene and harmful to minors.' The policy must be posted on the district website and must include the new definition. This is separate from and in addition to the existing complaint resolution process.

The new policy requirement has a deadline of November 1, 2026, which is one year earlier than the November 1, 2027 deadline for the broader complaint resolution procedure.

Complaints must now be submitted to the superintendent or designee of the school district (rather than the principal of the specific school where the student is enrolled).

The superintendent or designee (rather than the school principal or designee) is now responsible for investigating complaints, making determinations on whether material is harmful or inappropriate, issuing written responses to complainants, and deciding whether to remove, restrict, modify, or maintain access to the challenged material.

Appeals are now directed from the superintendent's determination to the school board (previously from the principal's determination), and the school board's decision may affirm, reverse, or modify the superintendent's decision rather than the principal's.