NH Governor Ayotte Vetoes GOP Book, Bathroom Bills

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed several high-profile Republican-backed bills, notably House Bill 324, which would have banned books and educational materials deemed 'harmful to minors' from public schools. Ayotte argued existing parental rights and state laws already allow parents to address concerns about school materials and that the bill would create subjective and litigious standards. Educators and teachers unions praised the veto, calling it a win for freedom to read and representation in curriculum, while Republican supporters lamented the decision and acknowledged limited chances of overriding the veto. Ayotte also vetoed a bill to separate public facilities by biological sex, describing it as overly broad and likely to spur litigation. The vetoes underscore Ayotte's break from her party on divisive cultural issues, emphasizing local control and existing protections. Overriding the vetoes would require a two-thirds legislative majority, considered unlikely.