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Bill > SB515
NH SB515
NH SB515Relative to judicial determinations related to children placed in a qualified residential treatment program in certain juvenile matters and appointment of counsel in certain circumstances.
summary
Introduced
11/21/2025
11/21/2025
In Committee
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill revises juvenile statutes relative to placements in qualified residential treatment programs to align with federal requirements. The bill directs the department of health and human services to have a qualified assessment of the child conducted within 30 days of placement and the court to review the assessment and placement within 60 days of placement. This bill further allows litigation to continue if despite a diligent search, counsel has not yet been secured for a child in certain proceedings under the child protection act. The bill is a request of the department of health and human services.
AI Summary
This bill updates juvenile statutes to comply with federal requirements, specifically the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2017, concerning children placed in qualified residential treatment programs, which are specialized facilities for youth. It mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services arrange for a qualified assessment of the child within 30 days of placement, and the court must then review this assessment and either approve the placement or order a change within 60 days of the child entering the program. Additionally, in certain child protection cases, if an attorney cannot be secured for a child despite diligent efforts, the legal proceedings can continue until counsel is available, with the court prioritizing legal issues that do not directly impact the child's immediate interests in the interim.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (10)
Patrick Long (D)*,
Debra Altschiller (D),
Kevin Avard (R),
Regina Birdsell (R),
Donovan Fenton (D),
Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D),
Sue Prentiss (D),
Cindy Rosenwald (D),
Victoria Sullivan (R),
David Watters (D),
Last Action
Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-0129s, Motion Adopted, Voice Vote; OT3rdg; 01/29/2026; Senate Journal 2 (on 01/29/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1257&inflect=2 |
| BillText | https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2026&txtFormat=html&v=SA&id=1257 |
| BillText | https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2026&id=1257&txtFormat=html |
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