New Hampshire SB 432: authorizing the application of sunscreen in schools and camps without a licensed health care provider's note or prescription and establishing a skin cancer prevention education program.

Bill Text

SB 432-FN - AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

02/19/2026 0508s

2026 SESSION

 26-2015

 12/09

SENATE BILL 432-FN

AN ACT authorizing the application of sunscreen in schools and camps without a licensed health care provider's note or prescription and establishing a skin cancer prevention education program.

SPONSORS: Sen. Ward, Dist 8; Sen. Innis, Dist 7; Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Rosenwald, Dist 13; Sen. Murphy, Dist 16; Sen. Birdsell, Dist 19; Sen. McGough, Dist 11; Sen. Fenton, Dist 10; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. Pearl, Dist 17; Sen. Sullivan, Dist 18; Sen. Gannon, Dist 23; Sen. Carson, Dist 14; Sen. Abbas, Dist 22; Sen. Altschiller, Dist 24; Rep. Kuttab, Rock. 17; Rep. Mandelbaum, Rock. 21; Rep. Miles, Hills. 12; Rep. Long, Hills. 26

COMMITTEE: Education

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AMENDED ANALYSIS

 This bill permits the self-application of sunscreen by children in schools and camps without the requirement of a prescription or a licensed health care provider's note. The bill authorizes specific school and camp personnel to apply sunscreen to a child with permission of the child's parent or guardian. The bill also establishes a skin cancer prevention education program in public schools.

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 Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

02/19/2026 0508s 26-2015

 12/09

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

AN ACT authorizing the application of sunscreen in schools and camps without a licensed health care provider's note or prescription and establishing a skin cancer prevention education program.

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

 1 Findings and Purpose. The general court finds that:

 I. Many children are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to suboptimal sunscreen use and high rates of sunburning, and therefore at risk of excessive UV exposure which could lead to skin cancer development. It is a high priority to ensure that children can use sunscreen and sun-protective clothing when outdoors.

 II. News outlets have reported that some schools do not allow children to bring or use sunscreen without a prescription due to “medication bans” and fears of legal ramifications.

 III. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes that school policies that prohibit hats or student possession of sunscreen can create barriers to the use of important sun protection methods.

 IV. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends educating children, adolescents, and young adults on the dangers of sun exposure to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

 V. It is in public interest that schools set policies that include education on sun exposure and encourage our youth to use sun protection, including sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.

 2 New Subdivision; Pupil Use of Sunscreen for Skin Cancer Prevention. Amend RSA 200 by inserting after section 47 the following new subdivision:

Pupil Use of Sunscreen for Skin Cancer Prevention

 200:47-a Application.

 I. A pupil may possess and use a topical sunscreen product while on school property or at a school-sponsored event or activity without a licensed health care provider’s note or prescription if the product is regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use for the purpose of limiting ultraviolet light-induced skin damage.

 II. Any pupil who is unable to self-apply sunscreen in accordance with this section may have assistance provided in applying a topical sunscreen product. This assistance shall be provided by appropriate school personnel only with the permission of a pupil's parent or guardian.

 III. School personnel shall not be held liable in a criminal action or for civil damages for application of a topical sunscreen product if the topical sunscreen product is available to and used by the pupil in accordance with this section.

 IV. Each school shall allow for outdoor use articles of sun-protective clothing, including, but not limited to, hats and sunglasses. Schools may set a policy related to the type of sun-protective clothing, including, but not limited to, hats, and sunglasses that will be allowed to be used outdoors pursuant to paragraph IV. Specific clothing, hats and sunglasses, determined by school personnel to be inappropriate apparel may be prohibited by the dress code policy.

 200:47-b Sun-Safe Education. All public schools may incorporate instruction in the common school grades utilizing existing, free resources on skin cancer prevention as approved by the state board of education. The instruction shall be provided in an age ap