The legislative session is in full swing, and several bills making their way through the State House could have big impacts on children’s behavioral health here in the Granite State. Families, educators, providers, and advocates are so important to the legislative process, and your voices are essential for lawmakers to hear. Here’s a quick rundown of key legislation and potential impacts.
NH Rapid Response (988 Lifeline) Funding
Why It Matters: Did you know that in 2024, crisis counselors assisted individuals in crisis over 46,000 times via phone, text, or online chat? When a child is in crisis, having somewhere to turn can make all the difference. A stable, well-funded crisis care system ensures families can access the right type of care at the right time and prevents unnecessary hospitalizations.
About the Bill: Senate Bill 255 would permanently fund the NH Rapid Response Access Point, which is part of the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline system, using the same model that has worked for our 911 system for decades.
Bill Status:
- February 19: After hearing from advocates at a public hearing, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee recommended 5-0 that the full Senate pass the bill.
- March 6: The full NH State Senate passed the bill and sent it to a second committee, as it involves state finances.
- Next: The Senate Finance Committee will consider SB 255 next.
Take Action: Learn more, contact lawmakers, and share your story.
Insurance Coverage for Care Coordination
Why It Matters: Enhanced care coordination, or “wraparound” programs empower families as they navigate complex systems and help children with significant behavioral health support needs remain in their homes and communities. Wraparound programs in NH include Families And Systems Together (FAST) Forward, early childhood wraparound, and Transitional Enhanced Care Coordination (TrECC). Unfortunately, wraparound is not covered by private insurance carriers, meaning many families cannot access these critical services.
About the Bill: Senate Bill 128 would require private insurance carriers to help cover these vital services, creating a partnership between public and private insurers so ALL New Hampshire children can get the care they need, no matter what kind of insurance they have.
Bill Status: After hearing from advocates at a public hearing, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee recommended 5-0 that the full Senate pass the bill, which they did. The bill was then considered by the Senate Finance Committee since there is a fiscal component. They recommended the bill for passage by the full Senate. However, they did not place the bill on the consent calendar, likely because they intend for the bill to be tabled so it can be included in the Senate’s version of the state budget.
Take Action: Learn more, contact lawmakers, and share your story.
Protecting Teen Voices and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Why It Matters: The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is a completely anonymous and voluntary survey that allows teens to share their real-life experiences with mental health, substance use, risky sexual behaviors, and more. The YRBS helps parents, schools, and communities prevent young people from engaging in unsafe or unhealthy behaviors.
About the Bill: The original language of House Bill 446 would add a requirement that schools share survey questions with families via email before students take the survey. However, a concerning amendment would require families to opt-in, which could significantly reduce participation and make it impossible to collect the insights needed to effectively direct prevention resources.
Bill Status: This bill has actually had two public hearings before the House Education Policy and Administration Committee due to the amendment. The committee will soon make a decision about whether to recommend the bill and/or amendment to the full House of Representatives.
Take Action: Learn more, contact lawmakers, and share your story.
Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
Why It Matters: Research clearly shows that LGBTQ+ youth experience better mental health outcomes when they feel supported in their homes, schools, and communities. LGBTQ+ youth who have access to affirming spaces report lower rates of suicide attempts than those who do not.
About the Bills:
- House Bill 148, Senate Bill 38, and Senate Bill 268 would target the trans community, removing bipartisan anti-discrimination protections signed into law by Governor Sununu in 2018.
- SB 96 would require schools to “out” students to their parents when requested, creating the sense that educators are no longer trusted adults.
- HB 377 and HB 712 would restrict access to medically necessary care for transgender youth.
Take Action: Learn more, contact lawmakers, and share your story on the New Futures website. Our friends at 603 Equality and the ACLU of NH have additional resources on this topic.
Make Your Voice Heard
Each bill in New Hampshire gets a hearing, which is a chance for lawmakers to hear public input. That’s where you come in! You can weigh in by signing in virtually to support or oppose the bill, submit a written statement, or even testify in person. And no matter where in the legislative process a bill is, you can always contact lawmakers via phone or email on issues you care about.
It’s hard to keep up with all the bills that could impact children’s behavioral health, but New Futures provides important resources to help folks like you make a difference! Our friends at NAMI NH also have a webpage with advocacy opportunities and a weekly newsletter you can sign up for.
Stay in the loop on the latest advocacy opportunities by:
- Signing up for email action alerts.
- Joining our Facebook group, and following us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Threads.
