Relative to the determination of parental rights and responsibilities based on shared parenting and requiring all municipalities and school governing bodies to post on their official website the amount of funds received by the state either by allocation or grant.
Impact
The bill seeks to amend existing state laws concerning parental rights, introducing new mandates for courts regarding the presumption of equal parenting time. As a result, legal resources related to parental rights litigation could experience an upward strain in terms of case volumes and court proceedings. Additionally, by enhancing disability benefits for public safety employees, the bill aims to create more supportive measures for those harmed while serving the public, possibly leading to an increased financial commitment from the state's retirement system.
Summary
House Bill 185 aims to establish state policies regarding shared parenting and enhance disability benefits for public safety employees injured in violent acts. The legislation proposes that shared parenting time between custodial parents should be approximately equal, unless such an arrangement is deemed detrimental to the child's best interests. This aims to promote a stable involvement of both parents in a child’s life, reflecting a shift in how parental responsibilities are determined in the court system. HB185 also addresses the financial and structural implications of such cases on the state's judicial resources.
Sentiment
The discussions around HB185 have elicited a mix of support and concerns. Advocates for the bill argue that it promotes the welfare of children by encouraging continuous involvement from both parents, while supporters of enhanced benefits for public safety employees highlight the need for justice for those harmed in the line of duty. However, some critics worry that the shift towards equal parenting presumption could overlook uniquely detrimental circumstances of certain cases, creating potential risks for children's safety in specifics of custody determinations.
Contention
The contention surrounding HB185 primarily hinges on the balance between the rights of parents and the best interests of children. Opponents express concern that mandating approximately equal parenting could complicate cases where one parent may be unfit. Discussions also scrutinize the budget implications of increased disability benefits for public safety employees, as it may significantly impact state fiscal resources. This law could usher in essential shifts in judicial practices, depending on how courts implement the nuances of shared parenting and the evaluation of children's safety.
Prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors, relative to sex and gender in public schools, and relative to the definition of conversion therapy.
Relative to funds of the education freedom accounts program after termination of a student's participation and responsibilities of the scholarship organization.
Repealing the chapter relative to cash dispensing machines, relative to disability pensions for public safety employees who are victims of violence, and relative toestablishing the New Hampshire Canadian trade council fund.
Relative to the state 10-year transportation improvement plan; relative to adding a speed limit of 45 miles per hour on rural highways; relative to disability pensions for public safety employees who are victims of violence; and making a capital appropriation to the department of corrections toward the replacement of the New Hampshire state prison for men.