Ayotte Vetoes Social-Issue Bills, But Signals Support for a Path Forward

Concord, NH — In a move that disappointed many conservatives but left the door open for future action, Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed several high-profile social-issue bills passed by the Republican-led Legislature. While the Governor cited concerns over enforcement, litigation, and state overreach, her statements repeatedly affirmed the core values behind the legislation — suggesting a willingness to work with lawmakers on more targeted versions next session.

Among the vetoed bills were measures addressing student privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms, fairness in women’s sports, parental rights in education, and exposure to explicit school library content. Though all were struck down, Ayotte’s language made clear that she shares many of the cultural concerns that drove the legislation.

HB 148 – Protecting Privacy in Bathrooms and Fairness in Women’s Sports

The most sweeping of the proposals, HB 148, aimed to restrict biological males from entering female-designated spaces like locker rooms and correctional facilities, while reinforcing protections for girls' athletics. Ayotte acknowledged the need for such protections, saying she has “serious concerns about fairness and safety” when biological males compete in women’s sports. She also cited her own daughter’s experience as a female athlete.

But the Governor said the bill was “overly broad,” “impractical to enforce,” and could invite lawsuits against schools and businesses. She added that the sports protections in the bill were weaker than current law, referencing existing statutes (RSA 193:41 and 193:42) that already prohibit biological males from participating in girls’ sports in K-12 schools.

Still, Ayotte didn’t dismiss the issue. “The legislature should address this serious issue,” she wrote, “in a thoughtful and narrow way.” That statement offers a clear opportunity: with more focused language, a revised bill could earn her support next year.

HB 324 – Library Content and Parental Oversight

HB 324 sought to empower parents to challenge school and library content deemed sexually inappropriate, establishing a process for complaints and penalties. Ayotte acknowledged the “concerns parents have about their children being exposed to age-inappropriate or objectionable materials” and reaffirmed that current state law already gives parents the ability to opt out of such content (RSA 186:11:IX-c).

However, she criticized HB 324’s penalty provisions and warned it could spark costly litigation driven by “subjective standards.” She encouraged lawmakers to strengthen the existing law if it’s not being implemented properly, rather than layering new enforcement mechanisms on top.

That framing gives lawmakers a concrete alternative: amend the current statute with more accountability measures, instead of building a new one from scratch.

HB 446 – Student Surveys and Opt-In Parental Consent

HB 446 would have changed how schools administer the Youth Risk Behavior Survey — requiring parents to opt their children in, rather than opt them out. Supporters argued the change would strengthen parental control over exposure to questions involving drugs, sex, and mental health.

But Ayotte, citing concerns from public health professionals, said the opt-in model could “undermine the reliability of the data collected” and hurt access to federal funding for youth programs. While her statement was focused on the data implications, she acknowledged parents already have the ability to remove their child from the survey — potentially leaving the issue to be revisited if compliance or transparency concerns arise.

HB 667 – Fetal Development Education in Classrooms

This bill would have required health classes to show students high-quality computer-generated or ultrasound videos of fetal development. Ayotte rejected it as state overreach, writing, “That is not an appropriate role for the State to be mandating such requirements.”

Unlike her other vetoes, this one offered no suggested path forward, indicating a firmer line on curriculum mandates. However, public debate over abortion-related education is likely to continue, particularly if national politics elevate the issue in 2025.

A Strategic Setback, Not a Dead End

Governor Ayotte’s vetoes mark a setback for Republicans aiming to enact a more assertive social agenda. But her statements don’t close the door — in fact, they chart a course for legislation that avoids legal pitfalls while still addressing the cultural priorities shared by many in her party.

By next session, conservatives may come back with tighter, smarter bills. If they do, they may find a Governor ready to sign them.