HB 1184 – AS INTRODUCED

2008 SESSION

08-2162

05/10

HOUSE BILL 1184

AN ACT relative to religious practices of children placed outside the home pursuant to RSA 169-C.

SPONSORS: Rep. Itse, Rock 9; Rep. Bedrick, Rock 4

COMMITTEE: Children and Family Law

ANALYSIS

This bill provides that, if a child is placed outside the home in an abuse or neglect proceeding, the court shall arrange for the child to continue the child’s religious practice or that of the child’s family, including any related education, dietary requirements, and medical treatment, unless such practices present an imminent danger to the life of the child.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

08-2162

05/10

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight

AN ACT relative to religious practices of children placed outside the home pursuant to RSA 169-C.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Section; Child Protection Act; Religious Practice. Amend RSA 169-C by inserting after section 19-e the following new section:

169-C:19-f Religious Practice. If a child is placed in a court-ordered placement, including a foster home or group home, the court order shall provide arrangements for the child to continue the child’s religious practice or that of the child’s family, including any related education, dietary requirements, and medical treatment, unless such practices present an imminent danger to the life of the child. No child in state custody shall be denied the free exercise of the child’s religion or the religion of the child’s parents.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.