Committee Summary for House Children and Family Law (02/10/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1036 00:06:22.880 - 9:04:58 AM	Executive Session	relative to the maximum duration of term alimony.	Vose, Michael(R)[A-]2025
HB1225 2024-0599h 00:12:59.839 - 9:11:35 AM	Executive Session	relative to the definition of adjusted gross income with respect to child support guidelines.	Markell, Jay(R)[B]2025
HB1228 00:26:36.640 - 9:25:12 AM	Executive Session	relative to the enforcement of alimony orders.	Markell, Jay(R)[B]2025
HB1229 2024-0552h 00:29:32.320 - 9:28:08 AM	Executive Session	relative to waivers of alimony.	Markell, Jay(R)[B]2025
HB1779 2024-0590h 00:34:19.040 - 9:32:55 AM	General Working Session	supporting the cultural background of children placed in foster care.	Georges, Mary(D)[D-]2025
HB1779 2024-0590h 00:45:05.760 - 9:43:41 AM	Executive Session	supporting the cultural background of children placed in foster care.	Georges, Mary(D)[D-]2025
HB652 01:11:24.320 - 10:10:00 AM	Executive Session	abolishing the family division, creating the office of family mediation, and reassigning the jurisdiction of the family division.	Bernardy, JD(R)[B+]2025
HB1376 03:01:35.200 - 12:00:11 PM	Public Hearing	relative to a parent's ability to raise their child in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex.	Korzen, Lori(R)[B+]2025

HB1036: Representative Coren Oppose00:06:22.880 - 9:04:58 AM; Moved to vote ITL on HB 1036, stating that while the bill has good intentions, it disadvantages those in longer marriages or who are older, as eight years of alimony after 30 years is unfair.
HB1036: Representative Georgees Support00:07:09.840 - 9:05:45 AM; Argued that eight years of alimony is appropriate, especially considering situations where a spouse, such as a wife, may be left struggling after a long marriage.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative (unspecified) Information Only00:12:59.839 - 9:11:35 AM; Moved to adopt amendment 2024-0599h to HB 1225, which clarifies language from the prior bill regarding what deductions are allowed.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative Markeel Information Only00:13:49.839 - 9:12:25 AM; Explains the amendment's provisions for self-employed and employee obligors, detailing how self-employment taxes (50%) and federal OASDI/Medicare taxes (100%) are factored into adjusted gross income for child support. Requests adoption of the amendment.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative Pearson Information Only00:13:49.839 - 9:12:25 AM; Asks for clarification on 'old age' in the context of taxation, learning it refers to the official name of the Social Security Act from the alimony statute reform in 2019. Expresses confusion as a law student.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative Raymond Information Only00:16:15.199 - 9:14:51 AM; Inquires if the amendment prevents double deduction of federal taxes in child support calculations through the system, noting prior testimony on gross income deductions.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative Markeel (reply) Information Only00:16:15.199 - 9:14:51 AM; Clarifies that the child support worksheet does not evidently include these deductions, no comment from BCCS attorney, no credible evidence from opponents of double deduction, and estimates a 3.8-4% difference in calculations without it.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative Gray Oppose00:18:58.080 - 9:17:34 AM; States the amendment creates a double-dipping issue since the calculator already deducts federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare from gross income. Notes absence of child support testimony and mentions potential expert Mary Krueger.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative Markeel (reply) Information Only00:19:59.760 - 9:18:35 AM; Argues withholding is discretionary, adjustments don't reveal exact withholdings, and federal requirements ensure taxes are paid regardless, preventing true double deduction unless cheating occurs.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative Gray (reply) Oppose00:20:57.360 - 9:19:33 AM; Maintains it calculates double dipping as deductions aren't input, and questions where the Bureau of Child Support indicates it's already factored.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Committee Chair Vote00:21:53.520 - 9:20:29 AM; Calls for vote on amendment 2024-0599h, resulting in unanimous yes (15-0).
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative Markeel Support00:22:57.200 - 9:21:33 AM; Moves for Ought to Pass as Amended (OTPA).
HB1225 2024-0599h: Committee Vote00:23:45.600 - 9:22:21 AM; Votes on OTPA: 8 yes, 7 no.
HB1225 2024-0599h: Representative Gray Information Only00:25:24.480 - 9:24:00 AM; Offers to provide minority report.
HB1228: Representative Markeel Support00:26:36.640 - 9:25:12 AM; Moves for Ought to Pass (OTP).
HB1228: Committee Vote00:26:36.640 - 9:25:12 AM; Unanimous yes (15-0), placed on consent.
HB1229 2024-0552h: Representative Markeel Support00:29:32.320 - 9:28:08 AM; Moves to amend with 2024-0552h.
HB1229 2024-0552h: Representative Sher Information Only00:30:18.240 - 9:28:54 AM; Explains the amendment adds a third factor from a 1989 NH Supreme Court opinion to lines 9-10 after 'unconscionable' for complete consideration.
HB1229 2024-0552h: Representative Pearson Information Only00:30:18.240 - 9:28:54 AM; Notes no effective date on amendment, confirmed it retains section two from original bill.
HB1229 2024-0552h: Committee Vote00:31:31.679 - 9:30:07 AM; Unanimous yes on amendment (15-0).
HB1229 2024-0552h: Representative Markeel Support00:32:36.880 - 9:31:12 AM; Moves for Ought to Pass as Amended (OTPA).
HB1229 2024-0552h: Committee Vote00:32:36.880 - 9:31:12 AM; Unanimous yes (15-0), placed on consent.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Rice Information Only00:34:19.040 - 9:32:55 AM; Recommends subcommittee over summer to refine the bill due to large fiscal note preventing passage; emphasizes importance but need to get it right for fall.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Sher Support00:35:19.440 - 9:33:55 AM; Agrees on importance; describes amendment 2024-0590h to remove fiscal impact by making cultural advocates voluntary, removing 'specialized' language, and conditioning fund on funding.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Rice (reply) Information Only00:35:19.440 - 9:33:55 AM; Suggests passing whole bill in fall during budget year with funding.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Greg Support00:36:39.440 - 9:35:15 AM; Proposes amendment to remove fiscal note, assign to child oversight or foster care subcommittee to hold and work without rushing; notes importance to avoid ITL.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Rice Information Only00:37:35.119 - 9:36:11 AM; Proposes ad hoc committee over summer with members including Rice, Georgees, Sher, Malone, and others.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Raymond Information Only00:38:31.760 - 9:37:07 AM; Asks procedural questions on floor tabling, consent calendar, and early bill status with fiscal note.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Petrino Information Only00:39:44.800 - 9:38:20 AM; Asks if early bills can be tabled in committee (no, but on floor).
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Sher Information Only00:39:44.800 - 9:38:20 AM; Questions if adopting amendment removes fiscal note and early bill status, allowing flexibility; notes need for LBA determination.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Pearson Information Only00:41:01.200 - 9:39:37 AM; Suggests consulting clerk on procedural possibilities due to lack of consensus.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Corsen Oppose00:41:01.200 - 9:39:37 AM; Expresses concerns about adding cultural background right to foster care bill of rights, noting difficulty in north country to find matches and potential lawsuits; worries about codifying cultural placement without sufficient homes.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Pearson Information Only00:45:05.760 - 9:43:41 AM; Moves to consider amendment 0590H.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Shear Support00:46:05.200 - 9:44:41 AM; Explains that the amendment removes language requiring specialized services and makes cultural advocates voluntary, reducing costs for DCYF. Supports the amendment as a first step and plans to support an interim study motion afterward.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Katrina Information Only00:46:05.200 - 9:44:41 AM; Clarifies that adopting the amendment and potentially voting ITL does not prevent forming an ad hoc committee or studying the bill over the summer to introduce legislation next year.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:47:22.480 - 9:45:58 AM; Notes the current motions under consideration are OTPA, ITL, or interim study, and offers time to discuss with caucus.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Katrina Support00:47:22.480 - 9:45:58 AM; Agrees to discuss with caucus and assures Representative Georgees that the Republican caucus intends to work over the summer on the bill, regardless of the motion today, as it is an important subject.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Unnamed Speaker Oppose00:49:58.000 - 9:48:34 AM; Expresses worry about the bill being politicized on the floor and distrust in what will happen.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Georgees Support01:00:10.160 - 9:58:46 AM; Makes a personal statement as a woman of God, emphasizing her work is for children and family law, and her commitment to the cause in her first year in the state legislature.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Unnamed Speaker Support01:00:56.000 - 9:59:32 AM; The speaker emphasizes that decisions should prioritize the best interests of children, especially those suffering without choices, urging the committee to act for the children's benefit regardless of partisanship.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Corsen Support01:02:11.040 - 10:00:47 AM; Representative Corsen shares a personal story about fostering and adopting Puerto Rican sons, highlighting cultural differences like gender roles in driving. She supports the bill's intentions to preserve cultural backgrounds but notes areas needing refinement to avoid unintended restrictions.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Lebec Support01:03:13.920 - 10:01:49 AM; Representative Lebec supports the bill's premise of teaching children about their cultural backgrounds, especially in foster care where they may lose touch with their heritage. She recommends consulting experts to refine the bill and avoid rushing into legislation.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Chair (Unnamed) Information Only01:04:21.119 - 10:02:57 AM; The Chair agrees on the importance of children maintaining pride in their cultural backgrounds despite separation from biological parents. She stresses the need to perfect the bill to protect children and opens for motions.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Petrino Vote01:05:20.160 - 10:03:56 AM; Moves for interim study on the bill as amended.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Greg Support01:06:14.720 - 10:04:50 AM; Supports interim study, noting the committee's shared concern for children and the need to address loopholes and definitions in good faith to improve the bill.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Sher Information Only01:07:18.160 - 10:05:54 AM; Encourages forming a subcommittee promptly to discuss the bill and consult experts during interim study.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Unnamed Representative (question on subcommittee) Information Only01:07:18.160 - 10:05:54 AM; Inquires about procedure to add the topic to the foster care oversight subcommittee's agenda for input.
HB1779 2024-0590h: Representative Petrino Vote01:08:32.640 - 10:07:08 AM; Moves interim study, which passes unanimously.
HB652: Representative Pearson Oppose01:11:24.320 - 10:10:00 AM; Explains historical context of equity courts evolving from rigid systems to address family issues flexibly. Argues against dismantling family court, as it would misplace cases into unsuitable rigid courts, citing research and prior committee work.
HB652: Representative Rice Oppose01:14:17.360 - 10:12:53 AM; Plans to discuss evidence issues with judges over summer. Supports incremental improvements to family court rather than dissolving it.
HB652: Representative Greg Oppose01:15:35.199 - 10:14:11 AM; Highlights the fraught nature of family dissolutions and the need for due process, pro se accommodations, and fixing issues without abolishing the constitutional family court, which could worsen problems.
HB652: Unnamed Representative (32 years experience) Information Only01:17:24.719 - 10:16:00 AM; Expresses concern over reports of judges not allowing evidence presentation, offers to join discussions with judges on the topic.
HB652: Representative Nelson Oppose01:18:26.480 - 10:17:02 AM; Warns that combining courts would prioritize criminal cases, increasing delays in family matters which already face backlogs.
HB652: Representative Corsen Support01:19:31.600 - 10:18:07 AM; Shares anecdote of a mother in the North Country denied evidence in a Munchausen by proxy case, emphasizing systemic injustices in family court that the bill aims to address.
HB652: Chair (Unnamed) Oppose01:20:42.560 - 10:19:18 AM; Acknowledges family court issues but states the bill fails to address them viably, as mediation isn't suitable for contentious cases and would overload superior courts. Suggests working with sponsor on better language.
HB652: Representative Pearson Oppose01:21:55.199 - 10:20:31 AM; Has discussed with judges who oppose handling family cases; advocates for judge reviews and remedial education to address complaints without structural changes.
HB652: Representative Georgees Support01:24:01.360 - 10:22:37 AM; Shares personal experience of evidence mishandling in her divorce, supports reviewing judges to ensure fairness and proper legal adherence in New Hampshire.
HB652: Representative Pearson Vote01:25:16.320 - 10:23:52 AM; Moves ITL, which passes unanimously.
HB1376: Representative Corsen Information Only03:01:35.200 - 12:00:11 PM; Introduces the bill by posing a rhetorical question about whether the state should demand renouncing beliefs to retain child custody, setting the stage for discussion.
HB1376: Representative Corson Support03:02:20.479 - 12:00:56 PM; Representative Corson explains that HB 1376 protects parents from losing custody solely for not affirming a child's gender identity conflicting with biological sex, emphasizing that disagreement is not abuse. He highlights cases in other states where parents lost custody due to this issue and stresses the bill prevents coercion by the state. The bill also ensures fit families are not excluded from foster or adoptive roles based on beliefs about sex and gender. It does not alter abuse laws, dictate family beliefs, or deny services, but prevents using child custody threats to force belief surrender. He notes bipartisan support in North Carolina and urges an 'ought to pass' vote.
HB1376: Representative Petrino Information Only03:05:44.160 - 12:04:20 PM; Representative Petrino questions whether the bill addresses a non-existent problem since gender-affirming care and conversion therapy are already outlawed in NH. He asks if it provides cover for parents who reject their LGBTQ+ children, leading to issues like family rejection and high rates of unhoused LGBTQ+ youth. He follows up on parental duty to address a child's emotional turmoil through counseling, not gender-affirming care, and whether neglecting this could be seen as abusive.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:07:03.520 - 12:05:39 PM; In response, Representative Corson notes similar issues in other states like New York and California where parents lose custody over gender ideology disagreements. He clarifies the bill reins in the state, not parents, asserting that mere disagreement isn't abuse, and parents must still help children in mental health crises through various means, not just affirmation.
HB1376: Representative Greg Information Only03:11:27.680 - 12:10:03 PM; Representative Greg asks if the bill differentiates between young children (e.g., 5-year-old) and older teens (e.g., 17-year-old) in decision-making. He follows up on the North Carolina bill, noting it excludes raising a child consistent with biological sex from constituting serious mental injury, questioning why HB 1376 omits the mental injury part.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:12:29.120 - 12:11:05 PM; Representative Corson states the bill treats all minors under 18 the same, citing recent plastic surgeons' recommendations against transitions before 19. He defers on the mental injury omission to an expert like Lance.
HB1376: Representative Shar Oppose03:13:31.920 - 12:12:07 PM; Representative Shar expresses concern that the bill goes beyond protecting parents from child removal, making it illegal for DCYF to avoid placing a gender-struggling 15-year-old with parents who insist on raising them by biological sex, potentially forcing unsuitable placements.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:14:53.120 - 12:13:29 PM; Representative Corson counters that the bill prevents DCYF from removing children from fit, loving homes solely over gender disagreement, not dictating placements. He views affirmation as reductionist and advocates comprehensive assessments.
HB1376: Representative Raymond Information Only03:17:08.960 - 12:15:44 PM; Representative Raymond asks about current RSA 169C allowing child removal for declining gender identity services and concerns over foster child rights to identity respect. He follows up on whether biological parents' wishes for identity-affirming services in foster care would override foster parents' beliefs under the bill.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:18:17.200 - 12:16:53 PM; Representative Corson states no NH cases yet, but the bill is proactive against trends in other states. He clarifies the bill doesn't grant foster parents new rights or override biological parents' expectations.
HB1376: Representative Nelson Information Only03:20:41.760 - 12:19:17 PM; Representative Nelson asks if DCYF typically matches foster children to comfortable homes, avoiding mismatches on gender identity.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:21:30.720 - 12:20:06 PM; Representative Corson confirms DCYF seeks comfortable placements and the bill doesn't change that.
HB1376: Representative Greg (second) Information Only03:21:30.720 - 12:20:06 PM; Representative Greg references Wisconsin v. Yoder, noting parental rights limits when child health/safety is at risk, questioning why biological sex beliefs get more protection than religious freedom without limits in the bill.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:22:22.960 - 12:20:58 PM; Representative Corson emphasizes biological sex is objectively verifiable, unlike other beliefs.
HB1376: Representative Freeman Information Only03:22:22.960 - 12:20:58 PM; Representative Freeman questions page 2, line 3, on not considering adoptive parents' refusal to support gender transition in suitability assessments, and how it aligns with continuing transitions in placement. Follows up on whether it impacts adolescents' right to refuse unsuitable homes.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:23:33.600 - 12:22:09 PM; Representative Corson explains DCYF seeks best placements amid shortages, preferring family homes over group homes; the bill doesn't dictate placements or override child refusal rights.
HB1376: Representative (unidentified) Information Only03:24:45.600 - 12:23:21 PM; The representative commends case citations and questions amending RSA 461-A on best interest of the child in non-intact families, reconciling with parens patriae doctrine from cases like In re Marriage of Eneyburg.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:26:26.239 - 12:25:02 PM; Representative Corson reiterates the bill limits state power over fit families, not mandating court custody decisions or restricting parental advocacy in divorce/parenting plans.
HB1376: Representative Sher (second) Oppose03:27:35.200 - 12:26:11 PM; Representative Sher follows up on lines 24-30, asking if the bill prevents courts from considering biological identity in custody decisions between parents with differing views.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:29:04.800 - 12:27:40 PM; Representative Corson confirms it prevents such consideration.
HB1376: Representative Georgees Information Only03:29:04.800 - 12:27:40 PM; Representative Georgees asks if the bill protects the child or the parent.
HB1376: Representative Corson (response) Support03:29:04.800 - 12:27:40 PM; Representative Corson says it protects the child by preserving their relationship with fit parents, as one disagreement shouldn't cause separation.
HB1376: Representative Katherine Prud'homme O'Brien, Rockingham 13 Derry Support03:29:55.200 - 12:28:31 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien shares personal foster care experience and co-sponsorship due to a Massachusetts case where foster parents lost license for not affirming gender over biology. She argues the bill protects foster resources while honoring NH Constitution's rights to conscience, religious liberty, equality, free speech, and government deriving from the people. It prevents compelled belief or speech for civic participation like fostering. Citing unsettled science on gender dysphoria treatments and recent surgeon/AMA recommendations against surgeries before 19, she urges protecting cautious parents/guardians. Fewer ideological barriers mean more safe homes for children in crisis.
HB1376: Representative Petrino (second) Oppose03:33:26.160 - 12:32:02 PM; Representative Petrino reiterates gender-affirming care is outlawed, asking if non-affirming homes are safe for gender-struggling children.
HB1376: Representative Prud'homme O'Brien (response) Support03:34:34.239 - 12:33:10 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien says placements aim for comfort aligning with biological parents' wishes.
HB1376: Representative Sher (third) Oppose03:34:34.239 - 12:33:10 PM; Representative Sher asks if a 15-year-old's gender identity struggle is ideological.
HB1376: Representative Prud'homme O'Brien (response) Support03:35:36.640 - 12:34:12 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien says it can be, citing shifts in medical views, UK clinic closures due to ideological pressure stifling questions.
HB1376: Representative Gray Information Only03:36:39.760 - 12:35:15 PM; Representative Gray asks how the bill balances parental vs. children's constitutional rights.
HB1376: Representative Prud'homme O'Brien (response) Support03:36:39.760 - 12:35:15 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien says adults guide children, and parents/foster parents have rights to direct upbringing.
HB1376: Representative Petrino (third) Oppose03:36:39.760 - 12:35:15 PM; Representative Petrino asks if loving parents must acknowledge gender struggles and seek professional help, or risk being neglectful.
HB1376: Representative Prud'homme O'Brien (response) Support03:37:28.560 - 12:36:04 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien notes evolving science, citing a NY lawsuit win by a detransitioner and high autism/trauma rates in gender dysphoria cases. Parents should explore comprehensive help, not rush to affirmation; gender-affirming care is illegal in NH.
HB1376: Representative Nelson (second) Information Only03:40:30.720 - 12:39:06 PM; Representative Nelson asks if parents can disagree yet still seek help for the child.
HB1376: Representative Prud'homme O'Brien (response) Support03:40:30.720 - 12:39:06 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien agrees both can be true: concern and caution amid new AMA findings on poor long-term outcomes.
HB1376: Representative Gray (second) Oppose03:40:30.720 - 12:39:06 PM; Representative Gray warns of slippery slope creating exemptions for one belief system, questioning limits on considering harm from other beliefs like religion.
HB1376: Representative Prud'homme O'Brien (response) Support03:41:24.640 - 12:40:00 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien contrasts: religious attendance ends at 18 intact, but transitions can cause permanent harm like sterility; parents' caution against social transition leading to medical paths should not be deemed abuse.
HB1376: Representative Chair Oppose03:41:51.200 - 12:40:27 PM; The Chair references science on increased risks (cutting, suicide, running away, mental health worsening) for non-recognized gender turmoil, questioning awareness.
HB1376: Representative Prud'homme O'Brien (response) Support03:43:10.160 - 12:41:46 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien urges caution on that science, citing clinic closures and whistleblower concerns like Jamie Reed's on poor outcomes.
HB1376: Representative Raymond (second) Information Only03:44:22.160 - 12:42:58 PM; Representative Raymond asks if current NH law allows DCYF to remove a child for parental refusal of transition.
HB1376: Representative Prud'homme O'Brien (response) Support03:44:22.160 - 12:42:58 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien shares foster care struggles, emphasizes social worker efforts for fit amid privacy. Cites MA case of delicensing infant foster parents over affirmation pledge as concerning trend; supports protecting science-following parents.
HB1376: Representative Petrino (fourth) Oppose03:46:37.920 - 12:45:13 PM; Representative Petrino asks if any NH instances exist of child removal for non-affirmation, noting no past issues and high LGBTQ+ homelessness from parental rejection.
HB1376: Representative Prud'homme O'Brien (response) Support03:47:49.279 - 12:46:25 PM; Representative Prud'homme O'Brien notes privacy prevents public knowledge; parents with trans kids often stay silent to remain involved and help healthily. Homelessness has many causes, including abuse reporting.
HB1376: Representative Lisa Maer, Hillsboro District 44 (Goshen and Weare) Support03:49:13.760 - 12:47:49 PM; Representative Maer supports HB 1376 because it provides clarity in laws by stating that raising a child consistent with their biological sex, including how parents speak to and guide them, cannot be grounds for removal, termination of rights, or denial of adoption. It protects families from unwarranted government intervention and ensures the state only intervenes when a child is truly at risk.
HB1376: Representative Timothy Han, Strafford County District 10 (Durham) Oppose03:51:11.520 - 12:49:47 PM; Representative Han opposes the bill due to poor timing amid fear-mongering about the trans community. He criticizes the drafting for potentially creating loopholes for abusive parents and lacking a definition of biological sex, noting sex and gender identity are complex and intertwined, especially with brain biology. He urges finding the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB1376: Lance Ker, First Amendment Partnership Support03:54:54.479 - 12:53:30 PM; Lance Ker addresses prior questions, clarifying the bill does not strike affirmative language but responds to broad definitions of abuse used elsewhere to remove children over gender affirmation disagreements. It includes psychological injury and clarifies that non-affirming actions like using biological sex pronouns or seeking appropriate mental health care are not abuse. The bill does not alter bans on gender-affirming care or conversion therapy. For foster and adoption, it prevents disqualification based solely on non-affirmation, allowing other factors like religious background to be considered in placements. It aims to protect parents and children by limiting state overreach without creating loopholes for neglect in cases like self-harm.
HB1376: Claire Abernathy Support04:11:03.040 - 1:09:39 PM; Claire Abernathy, a 21-year-old detransitioner from Texas, shares her experience of identifying as transgender from ages 12-17, undergoing testosterone and mastectomy, resulting in permanent issues. She describes harm from social transition, including physical pain from binders, isolation, stunted development, and reframing normal adolescent issues as needing medical intervention. She supports the bill as it protects parents from state punishment for not affirming, allowing them to guide children without fear, preventing collusion in self-hatred and promoting curiosity over hasty affirmation.
HB1376: Simon Amaya Price Support04:21:56.479 - 1:20:32 PM; Simon Amaya Price, a former transgender individual, testified in support of HB 1376. He shared his personal experience of identifying as transgender at age 14 after bullying and sexual assault, attributing it to misinformation from school and medical professionals rather than true gender dysphoria. He praised his father's refusal to affirm his identity, viewing it as protective love against irreversible treatments. Price argued that the bill empowers parents to raise children based on reality without state coercion, and criticized social transitioning as harmful psychological intervention that increases risks of surgeries and medications. He described gender ideology as a cult-like religion incompatible with society and noted that current NH law could interpret non-affirmation as abuse.
HB1376: Nora Meckley, Boston Support04:26:13.199 - 1:24:49 PM; Nora Meckley, a mother of a transgender child, physician, and long-time foster parent from Boston, spoke in support of HB 1376. She cited studies showing that most children with gender dysphoria desist, with 64% in a large German study changing their minds, arguing that affirmation is not beneficial long-term. She explained elevated suicidality in transgender youth stems from underlying conditions like ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety, not gender identity itself, and noted gender dysphoria was rare 20 years ago, viewing it as a new expression of old mental health issues. As a foster parent, she emphasized the need for proactive laws to prevent future issues in placements, as social workers' biases could influence decisions, and advocated for rules to protect children from harm.
HB1376: Donald Gilbert Support04:30:00.560 - 1:28:36 PM; Donald Gilbert, compelled to testify while waiting for another meeting, supported HB 1376 by sharing his experience with his son in residential treatment under juvenile justice in 2024. He described facility policies that treated non-affirmation of gender identity as abusive or neglectful, leading to systematic issues and denial of proper medical and mental health care for children with gender dysphoria. Gilbert worked with the attorney general's office and child advocate to address these policies, noting many children struggled due to staff propagating transgender ideologies. He believed the bill would provide guidelines to prevent such cultural overreach and policy failures in DCYF and similar systems.
HB1376: Shirley Haranto Support04:33:37.600 - 1:32:13 PM; Shirley Haranto, with an ongoing DCYF case involving termination of her parental rights, testified in support of HB 1376. She expressed concern over DCYF forcing her four-year-old son to be treated and dressed as a girl, which she opposed as he is too young to understand. As a Christian parent, she would support her child if they chose to be transgender at an appropriate age but felt current actions were inappropriate. She urged that the bill should not separate parents from children over gender issues unless there is clear evidence of harm, neglect, or abuse like bruising or hospitalization, emphasizing the importance of keeping biological parents involved.

DeSimone, Debra(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Nelson, Jodi(Clerk)(R)[B]2025	Rice, Kimberly(V Chairman)(R)[B-]2025
McMahon, Charles(R)[B+]2025	Love, David(R)[B+]2025	Pearson, Mark(R)[B]2025
Korzen, Lori(R)[B+]2025	Georges, Mary(D)[D-]2025	Raymond, Heather(D)[CT]2025
Gregg, Alicia(D)[D-]2025	Petrigno, Peter(D)[F]2025	Grossman, Gaby(D)[IN]2025
Levesque, Cassandra (D)[D-]2025	Malone, Amy(D)[D-]2025	Markell, Jay(R)[B]2025