HB1185
House · 2026 sessionRepublicanKilled in HouseRedefining child endangerment penalties
AI-generatedRepeals and reenacts the crime of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent, redefining the offense and setting revised penalties ranging from a misdemeanor to a class A felony depending on the resulting harm and intent.
relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. Official record
Division of testimonyComputed by this site
88 submissionsHatched = form letter ··
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · March 9, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Argument digest
AI-generatedfrom 4 of 85 written submissionsHB1185 concerns the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. Written opposition, dominated by a form-letter campaign, centers on concerns that the bill infringes on parental rights and invites government overreach into family decision-making, while a couple of individually-written submissions raise separate, more specific objections about mandated health-education requirements and hearing procedure. The only documented support comes from a disability-advocacy organization citing potential benefits for the disability community.
- Potential positive impact on the disability communitySupport1 of 4 reviewed
A disability-advocacy organization states the bill could have a positive impact on New Hampshire's disability community, without elaborating further.
- Bill infringes on parental rights, invites overreachOppose1 of 4 reviewed · 82 via form letter
Submitters argue the bill would infringe on parental rights and family decision-making, create vague standards enabling government overreach, and undermine the principle that parents know what is best for their children.
“New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children.”
— form letter, submitted 82 times · #547704 — read full submission →
“I am concerned that this is similar to last years defeted SB23 and may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach”
— David Wheeler, Milford · #548831 — read full submission →
- Objections to mandated health/sexuality education provisionsOppose1 of 4 reviewed
One submitter argues related provisions amount to an unfunded mandate, wrongly assume only nurses can teach health and sexuality education, and conflict with existing anti-discrimination law by penalizing educators for answering questions about gender identity.
“First off this is yet again another unfunded mandate. The premise that only a nurse can teach health and sexuality is absurd.”
— Karen Burnett-Kurie, Wolfeboro · #547372 — read full submission →
“the law would punish a nurse/educator for evening answering a question related to gender identity along with a whole list of other forbidden states of being. It absolutely conflicts with existing. law.”
— Karen Burnett-Kurie, Wolfeboro · #547372 — read full submission →
- Complaint about hearing being recessed rather than continuedNeutral1 of 4 reviewed
A submitter objects to the committee recessing the hearing to wait for a sponsor who may not appear, calling it unfair and less transparent than recessing to a specific future time.
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
Form-letter campaigns
82 of 85 written submissions (96%)82 submissions match a shared template; 3 are individually written.
- Opposition to Child Welfare BillAI-generatedOppose82 submissions on this bill
The template argues that the bill infringes on parental rights and represents government overreach into family decision-making.
The letter · submitted 82 times I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Joseph Shepard Nashua, NH
Detected by text-similarity clustering — that part is arithmetic. The name describing each template is written by a model.
The record · every submission as filed
88 submissions| Expand | |||||
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Daniel Stripes for Myself Manchester Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Daniel Stripes Manchester, NH | Manchester | OpposeForm letter | 792 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Shaun Kelly for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Shaun Kelly Hollis, NH | Hollis | OpposeForm letter | 785 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Donald Smith for Myself Pelham Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Donald Smith Pelham, NH | Pelham | OpposeForm letter | 786 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Stuart Harnden for Myself Bedford Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Stuart B. Harnden | Bedford | OpposeForm letter | 782 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
DANIEL NICKERSON for Myself MILAN Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, DANIEL NICKERSON MILAN, NH | MILAN | OpposeForm letter | 789 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Scott Porter for Myself Nashua Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Scott Porter Nashua, NH | Nashua | OpposeForm letter | 786 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Robert Wilkonski for Myself Newbury Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Robert Wilkonski Newbury, NH | Newbury | OpposeForm letter | 791 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
John Haefele for Myself NASHUA Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, John Haefele NASHUA, NH | NASHUA | OpposeForm letter | 786 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
William Seifert for Myself Hebron Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, William Seifert Hebron, NH | Hebron | OpposeForm letter | 789 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Kirk Stepanian for Myself Hudson Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Kirk Stepanian | Hudson | OpposeForm letter | 777 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Scott Smith for Myself Concord Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Scott Smith Concord, NH | Concord | OpposeForm letter | 786 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Susan LaPointe for Myself Epping Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Susan LaPointe Epping, NH | Epping | OpposeForm letter | 788 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Darryl Delaney for Myself Manchester Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Darryl Delaney Manchester, NH | Manchester | OpposeForm letter | 792 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Daniel Swain for Myself Tilton Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Daniel Swain Tilton, NH | Tilton | OpposeForm letter | 786 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Brad Louth for Myself Hampton Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Brad Louth Hampton, NH | Hampton | OpposeForm letter | 785 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Doug Southard for Myself Bradford Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Doug Southard Bradford, NH | Bradford | OpposeForm letter | 789 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Elizabeth Smart for Myself Meredith Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Elizabeth Smart Meredith, NH | Meredith | OpposeForm letter | 791 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
David Wheeler for Myself Milford Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this is similar to last years defeted SB23 and may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. I think it is unethical and unfair to recess this hearing while waiting for the sponsor-er who may or may not show up. Recessing to a time certain is a much more fair and transparent process. Making the public sit by their computer for potentially hours to listen to this hearing is just not right. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, The Honorable David Wheeler | Milford | Oppose | 1,128 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Roy Schwemin for Myself Loudon Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Roy Schwemin Loudon, NH | Loudon | OpposeForm letter | 786 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
William Hebert for Myself Windsor Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, William Hebert Windsor, NH | Windsor | OpposeForm letter | 789 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Robert Henry for Myself Claremont Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Robert Henry Claremont, NH | Claremont | OpposeForm letter | 789 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Edward Hayes for Myself Hollis Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Edward Hayes Hollis, NH | Hollis | OpposeForm letter | 786 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Robert Walsh for Myself Brookline Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Robert Walsh Brookline, NH | Brookline | OpposeForm letter | 789 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Brian Hood for Myself New Ipswich Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Brian Hood New Ipswich, NH | New Ipswich | OpposeForm letter | 789 | Jan 20, 2026 | |
Tina Hood for Myself New Ipswich Honorable Committee Members, I am writing to express my opposition to HB 1185, relative to the offense of endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent. As a New Hampshire resident, I am concerned that this bill may: - Infringe upon parental rights and family decision-making - Create vague standards that could lead to government overreach - Undermine the fundamental principle that parents know what's best for their children New Hampshire has always stood for individual liberty and limited government interference in family matters. This bill appears to expand government authority in ways that could harm families rather than protect children. I urge you to vote INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE on HB 1185. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Tina Hood New Ipswich, NH | New Ipswich | OpposeForm letter | 788 | Jan 20, 2026 |