This bill is vague in defining abuse. It is vague on who can petition. This bill needs more definition in its terms. As it is now, a person, any person, who thinks certain books or activities are ‘abusive’ can petition for a restraint. Someone who does not agree how a child is being brought up (without definition of abuse) could be restrained. This is a bad bill unless this is the point of the bill.
HB187
House · 2025 sessionRepublicanSigned into lawRestraining orders for minor children
AIExpands the persons against whom a parent or guardian may seek a restraining order on behalf of a minor child where abuse is alleged.
relative to restraining orders sought by a parent on behalf of a minor child.
Status
Signed into law · June 25, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓Law
Division of testimony
105 submissionsI feel this bill would benefit people to obtain restraining orders against anyone threatening them.
I am testifying in support of HB187 to support life-saving and life-changing protections for youth experiencing abuse. If the family is causing the abuse, children can be trapped: unable to submit their own paperwork and limited by their own agency, forced to stay in situations that can be dangerous. By allowing someone other than a family member to apply for an order on behalf of a child, we would provide protections to these children, making it easier for them to seek help.
Parents should be able to protect their children, no matter the childs age. Should not even be a question or an issue at all. Common sense seems to be very limited these days!
I agree this bill should expand against whom a parent or guardian may seek a restraining order on behalf of a minor child where abuse is alleged
We need to protect children from perpetrators outside the home, not just family members. They deserve to feel protected from anyone that threatens their safety, well being and innocence.
I support HB187 to allow parents to file for a restraining order on behalf of their child, when the abuser is a NOT a family or household member.
This bill.is necessary to keep our children safe.
Parents expect to be able to protect their children to the reasonable extent of the law. Being able to file a restraining order against a predator, of any kind, on behalf of their child is crucial to that.
Seems like sn oversight in the Law that you cannot get a Restraining Order against someone if they don't live in the same house or are not related to the person looking to acquire the Order!
Fully support this Bill.
In the United States, households are composed of individuals unrelated to each other more than ever before. Therefore, the need for restraining orders for children must meet this demand, extending beyond households and family members.
Restraining orders to protect minors should not only be effective for family or household members. If a neighbor or someone within the town, or school, or any other public space needs to be kept away from a child for safety - then it should be granted regardless of where the accused lives.
I believe this bill will close a loophole which has been detrimental for families dealing with this horrific situation. Please consider the ramifications and pass this bill. Thank you.
As someone who has needed protective services I am in favor of this bill. Everyone deserves to be protected by those who have posed as a threat in their life despite their age. Minors are especially vulnerable and should have the ability to obtain protective orders against more than just whom they live. Bullying and mental illness is no stranger to our community. We owe it to our kids to have basic protections.
Please support HB187, to do otherwise seems very foolish. Thank you for protecting the children.
I support this bill and I support the children of NH.
This is absolutely necessary to keep children safe
My nephew was sexually assaulted and groomed by his friends father and my brother was not able to legally protect his son from this pedolphile. Please change this law!!
This change is so important for parents to be able to protect their children. I can’t imagine being in a situation where my child needed an order for protection and I am unable to get it for them.
I support this bill because children need advocates to protect them from predatory behavior that can traumatize them for life. I have a daughter, as well as a son with intellectual and physical disabilities, and would like to know that I have legal power to protect them from harm.
A parent or guardian should have full authority to take all actions to protect an injured child.
A parent or guardian should have full authority to take all actions to protect an injured child.
Parents should be able to protect their children by getting restraining orders or other legal help on behalf of their children if necessary.
This bill is an important step in protecting minors from perpetrators of violence when they are unrelated to the minor. I am in favor of expanding the rights of parents and guardians to seek protective orders on behalf miners, as outlined in this bill.